AFP Medical Center celebrates Global Handwashing Day

In celebration of Global Handwashing Day, medical practitioners showed the proper techniques of handwashing through an energetic dance and workout session at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in Quezon City.

Hands are the main pathways of germ transmission among humans. Handwashing might be one of the basic things people do on a daily basis, but this simple practice, whether done with soap, alcohol, or sanitizers, can create a positive impact on a person’s well-being.

AFP Medical Center encouraged the practice of proper hygiene among people, especially in healthcare settings. A total of 161 participants rose early in the morning to promote hand hygiene.

The World Health Organization deems hand hygiene as the most important measure in avoiding the transmission of diseases. Any healthcare worker, caregiver, or person involved in direct or indirect patient care needs to be concerned about their hand hygiene and should be able to perform it anytime following the correct procedure.

According to Fatima Claire Navarro, Head of Hospital of Infection Control Committee of AFP Medical Center, “The important thing today is to impart awareness on the proper techniques in maintaining hand hygiene because that’s the most efficient way to battle infections.”

Global Handwashing Day is a global advocacy dedicated to increasing understanding about the importance of handwashing as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases. Learn more about Global Handwashing Day, and access tools and materials, at www.globalhandwashingday.org.

Facts and fiction about wearing eyeglasses

Growing up we often encounter all kinds of misconceptions about wearing eyeglasses along with countless myths about vision problems. 

How can we differentiate fact from fiction?

Wearers become dependent on their eye glasses, they will never take them off. FICTION 

Prescription glasses correct your vision. Day-to-day tasks are easier because everything is clear. You constantly wear your glasses not out of dependence, but because all your visual difficulties disappear. 

Wearing eye glasses will not aggravate your vision problems. FICTION 

Eye glasses are aids to improve vision. They will not add to your sight problems. Our vision naturally deteriorates with age, so don’t fret because it is not the eye glasses’ fault. Regular eye check up will help identify the problem and the right prescription glasses can help you see clearly. 

Wearing someone else’s glasses will ruin your eyes. FACT 

This is so true. Wearing the wrong prescription glasses for a long period can cause headache and nausea. Go for an eye check-up and determine the right prescription for you. 

Ready-made reading glasses may not address your vision problems. FICTION 

Store bought reading glasses are not customized for the wearer mainly because the prescription grade is the same for both right and left lenses. Most people with vision problems have different prescription grades for each eye. Headache, eye strain and even nausea can result from wearing reading glasses that are not your actual prescription. Best to visit you eye doctor for a customized reading glasses prescription. 

It is important that we take the necessary precautions in taking care of our eyes but we have to be aware of what’s true and what is not. 

For the ultimate in eye care, Essilor, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company recommends Varilux® the optimum solution to achieve natural, sharper vision at any distance. 

Don’t let myths keep you from proper eye care. Be confident and wear glasses with Varilux®. For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph, and follow @EssilorPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Animate Your Life’ this Halloween with Cartoon Network and Ayala Malls

The biggest festival of fun is coming this October

Cartoon Network, in partnership with Ayala Malls, is organizing Animate Your Life, the biggest celebration of fun, fans and fans of fun.

For the whole month of October, Cartoon Network will be transforming your favorite Ayala mall into a world of cartoons with larger-than-life installations and inflatables of your favorite characters from The Powerpuff Girls, We Bare Bears, Ben 10 and Adventure Time! There are tons of activities in store for you to enjoy.

                  

WATCH THIS.

                         

Get a chance to see your favorite friends from Cartoon Network and take “groufies” or even “bear-fies” with them as they tour around the country. Did we mention that we’re giving away loads of prizes? Just make sure to take a lot of photos. There’s a special treasure hunt in store for those fans willing to mall-hop on the metro, so stay tuned on social for more details. 

And from October 27 to 31, Cartoon Network and Ayala Malls will be hosting several fang-tastic Halloween parties. Go trick-or-treating with your friends and family at a mall near you to join. It’s more about treats than tricks, though, so dress up as your favorite Cartoon Network character for a chance to win awesome prizes.

Keep an eye out for event dates and schedules here: www.facebook.com/CartoonNetworkAsia/ and http://www.facebook.com/AyalaMalls360. Tune in to Cartoon Network on Cignal Digital TV Channel 220 (HD), Sky Direct Channel 15 (HD), SkyCable Channel 178 (HD) and Destiny Cable Channel 178 (HD Digital) to get more news and updates.

Bell Hotel Bacolod Ready to Bring Smiles on its Grand Opening on October 21

Bell Hotel in Bacolod City, a gem in the City of Smiles, will hold its Grand Opening on Sunday, October 21. 

Bell Hotel was recently awarded as the Best Standard Hotel in the Bacolod City Tourism and Hospitality Awards 2018 held in September. It has also received praise for its contribution in helping local tourism. The hotel is colorful and modern but is teeming with history and is steeped deeply in the city’s heritage. 

Appealing to young, budget-conscious travelers, Bell Hotel has 54, brightly painted rooms which makes it a unique hotel in Bacolod City. Each is guaranteed clean, cozy, and secure to make you feel right at home. 

“We want to make travel affordable and accessible to discerning guests,” says Laurence Peña, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Global Comfort Group, adding, “We’ve opened Bell Hotel to offer affordable rates and exciting tour packages to entice travelers to visit Bacolod again and again. We have an abundance of heritage and cultural sites that speak of our city’s rich history.” 

Bell Hotel is managed by ICON HOTEL, owned and managed by the Global Comfort Group Corp (GCGC). They run the historic Apo View Hotel in Davao as well as the chain of EUROTEL HOTELS across the country, and ICON HOTELS in Metro Manila. 

Modern Facilities Meet Old World Charm 

This is an assurance that Bell Hotel follows only the best industry standards and practices. Besides the 54 well-appointed rooms, Bell Hotel also has a dining area and function room which can accommodate up to 100 guests. 

Bell Hotel is also an ideal choice for functions, conventions, or events because of its accessibility. Conveniently located at San Juan St., Barangay 13, Bell Hotel is easy to get to from the airport. Besides public transport, guests can also arrange for a shuttle pick up to and from the airport. 

Bell Hotel is excited to welcome the public to its doors and showcase its remarkable hospitality service. This boutique hotel has all the modest yet necessary comforts every traveler is looking for. There’s complimentary wireless Internet access and cable programming. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries. 

There’s also a restaurant with room service for guests who want to sleep in and relax. 

Make your stay at Bell Hotel the highlight of your Bacolod getaway! 

For inquiries and reservations, please call Manila Central Reservations: (+632) 353-6000, Bacolod City Reservations: (034) 704-2756 or (+63) 977-414-1458 or check out the FB page Bell Hotel Managed by ICON HOTEL. 

Understanding age-related vision problems

Be more productive by learning about age-related vision problems. Essilor, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, shares common age-related vision changes and tips on how to minimize the risks:

Blurred vision. Reading printed materials can become less clear, in part because the lens in your eyes becomes less flexible as you age. Objects can also appear hazy or out of focus at certain distances. When this happens, take time to rest your eyes for a few seconds. It also helps to exercise your eye muscles by regularly blinking.

Dry eyes. Aging also causes our bodies to produce fewer tears. Some people experience a burning sensation, stinging or eye discomfort related to dry eyes. Use artificial tears as needed throughout the day for comfort or best consult your eye doctor for prescription dry eyes medication.

Sensitivity to bright lights. When driving, you may notice additional glare from other cars, street lights or sun reflecting off windshields. This is because, as you age, the light entering your eyes tend to scatter rather than be focused precisely on the retina. It is important to be more cautious when driving and if possible, avoid driving at night.

Decreased color vision. While aging, normal colors can also decline in sensitivity, causing things around you to become less bright and contrast between different colors becomes less noticeable. 

Correct age-related vision problems with Varilux® X seriesTM, a new premium progressive lens designed to help people 40 years old and above achieve clearer, better vision. 

Manufactured by Essilor, this latest innovation progressive lens is developed using Xtend™, a new revolutionary technology which provides seamless vision between distances – near, mid or far. It also eliminates eye constraints, reduces glare and vividly brings out colors for wearers to enjoy edge-to-edge clarity.

Celebrate National Sight Saving Month by understanding age-related vision problems and achieving clearer, better eyesight. See life more clearly with the Varilux® X seriesTM progressive lenses.

For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph, and follow @EssilorPH on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

All-natural pampering at Club Paradise Palawan’s Glow Spa

Nothing beats the soothing and gentle care that nature-based products bring, along with the benefits they provide to the body. For centuries, coconut oil has been the beauty and skin secret— a true jewel of nature—used by Asians with its proven benefits and nourishing qualities. And now, the West has also discovered the outstanding benefits it brings—as restorative, healing, and anti-inflammatory oil. 

Also, it has many uses too: as a hair conditioner, a face cleanser, a body scrub, a detox bath and an over-all moisturizer that can penetrate the skin better than synthetic products can!

At the Glow Spa of Club Paradise Palawan, an oasis of serenity in a tropical island, you can enjoy natural pampering while protecting the environment as only 100 percent natural coconut oil is used in its rejuvenating treatment selections, instead of synthetic scented oils that can harm the environment or even irritate the skin. You can choose from among different infusions - lemongrass, turmeric, ginger, or local herbs for an even 

more potent, invigorating and luxuriating experience.

Pure oil is extracted from the coconut by carefully cooking it for at least three hours. The coconut is sourced from women of Barangay Cheey in Coron, Palawan, who rely on coconut for their livelihood and additional income. The arrangement also helps their community.

Other spa treatments also use organic ingredients like yogurt, carrots, cucumber, papaya, oatmeal, fresh milk and honey. Some of the produce is grown at Club Paradise’s own Taranuman Farm and are completely pesticide and chemical-free!

Among the treatments available are Body Massage, Body Scrub and Natural Body Scrub, Natural Scrub, Luxurious Indulgence or Tropical Hot Pack with Holistic Massage.

So relax and savor the pampering you deserve at the Glow Spa while doing your share in protecting the environment and helping the local community.

For more information, visit https://www.clubparadisepalawan.com/recreation/coron-spa/.

Citi gives back to community

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed (center) with Citi volunteers at the Upper Bicutan Elementary School in Taguig

More than 5,000 Citi Philippines employees, with their families and friends, marked recently the bank’s annual Global Community Day (GCD) by doing various service activities in their local communities. 

“Citi is committed to making a positive difference in the Philippines. Participation in our Global Community Day continues to grow every year and I’m proud to volunteer alongside more than 

5,000 of my colleagues and members of their families,” said Citi Philippines chief executive 

officer Aftab Ahmed.

Citi Philippines chief finance officer Martin McLeod (left) at the Sto. Nino Elementary School in Marikina

This year, GCD volunteers took part in Brigada Eskwela, an annual project of the Department 

of Education to prepare public schools for a new school year. In five days, Citi volunteers painted classroom desks and chairs, cleaned schools, brought plants and refurbished textbooks. They also helped build and paint 10 homes and prepare for planting lots in Cavite; conducted workshops on career readiness, finance and legal matters; donated clothes and toys and showed a movie for street children; and took part in the Freedom Walk to raise awareness of and respect for people with disabilities.

. (L-R) Pasig City vice mayor Iyo Bernardo, Philippine Federation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD)

This year’s GCD partners were the Philippine Business for Social Progress, Gawad Kalinga, Bayan Academy, ChildHope Philippines, Habitat for Humanity, GMA Kapuso Foundation, World Vision Foundation and the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled.

Globally, more than 100,000 Citi volunteers from over 450 cities across 90 countries and territories participated in 1,400 service projects helping to address a range of community needs. Citi has contributed nearly four million hours of service to GCD projects in hundreds of cities since the initiative was launched in 2006.

To learn more about Citi’s citizenship efforts across the globe and to review the 2017 Global Citizenship Report, visit http://citizenship.citigroup.com.