Stay healthy, stay informed: Protecting yourself from prostate cancer

Compared to the staggering numbers of COVID-19 cases over the past year, over 8,000 newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients in 2020 hardly made any statistical buzz. However, it is possible that the actual number is over 8,000 but patients exhibiting symptoms have not sought professional help and were not counted. According to medical experts, more proactive disease awareness and education is key.

 

As part of its advocacy to make Filipinos more aware of their healthcare needs, Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. continually and strongly supports activities that would better spread the right information about prostate cancer across the country. Activities such as the recent Usapang Prostate Cancer lay forum and Libreng Patingin teleconsultations spearheaded by the Philippine Urological Association, in partnership with the Department of Health, Philippine Society of Uro-Oncologists, and Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. Both events were held on Prostate Cancer Awareness Month last September.

 

Led by the country’s top urologists, the Usapang Prostate Cancer webinar discussed how prostate cancer can be tricky to detect, as its more worrying symptoms only present themselves when it is already in its late stages, which makes it, ultimately, harder to treat. This characteristic is also why prostate cancer is responsible for the ninth highest number of cancer-related fatalities in the country, as reported by GLOBOCAN.

 

“Prostate cancer tends to affect older men, particularly those 50 years old and above,” shared Dr. Erwin Benedicto, head of Medical Affairs of Johnson & Johnson’s (Philippines), Inc.“There are cases of younger males getting diagnosed with prostate cancer, but it is extremely rare. Another problem with prostate cancer is that its symptoms are largely invisible, easily mistaken by many as signs of aging.”

 

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, there are usually no early warning signs for prostate cancer. However, in rare cases, these warning signs can include a need to urinate frequently and sometimes urgently, difficulty starting or holding back urination, weak or interrupted flow of urine, painful or burning urination, difficulty having an erection or painful ejaculation, and pressure or pain in the rectum.

 

It is also important to remember that urinary symptoms do notnecessarily mean a person has cancer. Prostatitis and Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, described as enlargement of the prostate, are diseases that can cause similar symptoms and are just as common as prostate cancer.

 

“The level of knowledge and awareness about prostate cancer in the Philippines is low despite the statistics,” said Raghu Krishnan, president of Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. “As a company in the business of caring, we have made it our mission to make information about the disease, including treatments and support, available to every Filipino family. Information alone can save many lives.” 

 

 

“While there is no known cure yet for prostate cancer, Johnson & Johnson Philippines is making great strides in fighting the disease. Our team of medical experts are continuously finding new ways to improve overall survival rate, prevent progression, and enhance the quality of life of patients. We are hopeful that one day, we can cure prostate cancer completely.”

 

 

# # #

 

 

About Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc.

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That’s why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world’s largest and most broadly-based healthcare company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science, and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJNews.

Source: Johnson & Johnson Philippines

Heroes For Children 2021

I joined @unicefphils’ #heroesforchildren2021 because I wanted to stay fit and healthy while a) releasing my first book and b) helping children in need! I enjoyed this challenge and I am grateful to have finished the race 💙 #fitspo @runrio_inc

SB19 addresses critics on the arcade game-inspired music video of “Bazinga”

The globally renowned pop group takes the visuals to the next level with themes of graffiti, gaming, and superhero noir 

Filipino pop supergroup SB19 has officially dropped the music video for “Bazinga,” the third single off their critically acclaimed EP, Pagsibol.

 

Set in an underground combat zone, the music video shows the multi-awarded quintet defeating their enemies in an Arcade combat game. In true SB19 fashion, it also doubles as an up-in-arms statement against the unwarranted criticisms hurled at the P-Pop group since the beginning of their music journey.

 

The song itself is written as a response to the hostility that is rapidly proliferating on the Internet, and a wakeup call for the band to focus their energy instead on meaningful expressions of art and music, and the love that they’ve been getting from fans all over the world. “One way to lighten the load is by writing a song that proves that we won’t back down to the negative comments and we’ll persevere,” the chart-topping boyband shares in a statement. “As it says from the lyrics, ‘Hate niyo’ygasolina’ - we continue to flourish and emerge as better individuals, despite the hostility.”

 

The “Bazinga” MV is directed by Jonathan Tal Placido, and co-directed by Chapters, the production team behind their post-apocalyptic “What?” video. SB19’s very own Justin de Dios also heavily contributed to the concept of the material, which blends themes of graffiti, gaming, and superhero noir against a chaotic but visually interesting anti-establishment backdrop.

 

The release of the music video comes off the heels of SB19’s nomination at the prestigious MTV Europe Music Awards for Best Southeast Asia act. According to SB19, being nominated alongside the region’s biggest names is already an achievement, and makes them work even harder to put the Filipino music on the international map.

 

“The BBMA nomination was a big, big thing for us already. Now being nominated for the EMAs, which is another prestigious and well-known award-giving body, has us so overjoyed,” SB19 says. â€œAnd being backed up by our loved ones, and A’TIN, further motivates us to keep pushing on. We hope to keep up the traction and to hit our goals of introducing Philippine music globally.” 

 

Aside from their notable achievements, the envelope-pushing pop ensemble and their label, Sony Music Philippines, will be releasing an exclusive line of merch slated to drop before Christmas. A representative from the label shares that the project stands out in terms of visuals, packaging, and presentation, and is aligned with the group’s global appeal and branding. â€œThis line of merch is different from those previously available, and it went through a lot of revisions and quality checks to ensure that the products are top-notch. The look and feel is premium, plus fans can’t get these items anywhere else.”

 

SB19 will also headline Our Zone 2021: Anniversary Concert, featuring performances, games, special guests, and surprises. The special event, which will stream live on 27 Nov 2021 (Sat) 5PM PHT and 28 Nov 2021 (Sun) 5PM PHT, marks the Pinoy boyband’s third anniversary celebration. Tickets are available at ktx.ph and www.sb19ozone.com.

 

The ”Bazinga” music video is out now. Watch the music video here.

Source: Nyou

Twisted at 25

Twisted 25th Anniversary Edition by Jessica Zafra was a source of joy. I was born in 1986, so when I was reading her column in 1994, I just realized now that I was quite precocious. Having said that, her book of articles from the 90’s was a blast from the past. It has been ages since I read the words beeper, biodata, cassette, videotape, fax, and many more. I love Jessica’s wit and sarcasm, and her sense of irony was pretty much how I learned context clues in grade school. Reading her stories again made me realize that the 90’s may sound like a faraway time, but in reality, it still remains relevant.

I am still making sense of the world we live in during the pandemic, but Jessica’s love letter to the 90’s helped me remember a simpler time when R.E.M ruled supreme and the Eraserheads (which Jessica has formerly managed) toured America. I remain to be her fan and avid reader. Her website, http://www.jessicarulestheuniverse.com/, is her writing depository, and I highly recommend it. Her writing workshop schedules are also posted there. I am planning to join her classes someday.

Filipino actor Piolo Pascual stars in the music video for Cheats’ new single “Hakbang”

Watch the official music video of Cheats’ “Hakbang.”

Award-winning actor Piolo Pascual stars in the music video for Cheats’ melancholic new single “Hakbang,” the first single off their upcoming third studio album.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Quark Henares, the black and white visuals find Pascual dealing with a nervous breakdown in his own apartment, while the band members of Cheats are in the background, trying to cope with the challenging times by acting relaxed and normal.

The music video ends with the Filipino actor joining Cheats in a dance sequence choreographed by PJ Rebullida.

“I think everything about this thing happened at the perfect time,” says lead vocalist and guitarist Jim Bacarro in a statement. “I’ve always wanted to work with Quark and Piolo. We’ve been long-time fans of their work, and I’m glad that they’re game to collaborate with us on this special project.”

Written in English during the onset of the pandemic last year, “Hakbang” was originally conceived as part of Bacarro’s solo album. But plans changed along the way, and Bacarro asked his friend, Ali Sangalang of Linya-Linyato translate the song into Filipino. 

“It fits because thematically, the song was meant to sound like Filipino pop bands in the ‘70s ala Cindrella,” says the Cheats frontman. “I think it finally feels right because of how we’re writing it. Ali and I have been writing a bunch of songs together in Tagalog.”

The track was recorded at Kodama Studios, with Mikey Amistoso as producer.

The music video of Cheats’ “Hakbang” is out now. Watch it here.

Follow Cheats on social media:

Facebook | Instagram

Source: Nyou

syd hartha reflects complicated attitude towards love and relationships on folk-pop single “kung nag-aatubili”

The Filipino singer-songwriter’s latest song will be part of her upcoming 2022 EP

Main Press Photo.jpg

Filipino singer-songwriter syd hartha returns to her roots on the stripped-down single “kung nag-aatubili.” 

The folk-pop tune will be part of her upcoming 5-track EP to be released in the first quarter of 2022, and serves as her first original material for 2021 after contributing vocals for Tokimeki Records’ city pop-inspired “Carnival” and participating in Coke Studio Season 4.

According to the 19-year-old artist, “kung nag-aatubili” reflects her complicated attitude towards romantic relationships and intimacy, which stemmed from the traumatic experiences that she endured during her younger years.

 

“I wrote this song a long time ago when I realized that I was starting to like someone, and I was already starting to let that person in my world, little by little,” syd admits. “Back then it just didn't feel right, and I feared the idea of getting to know me deeply and everything I’ve become. Looking at it in the present, I figured that these feelings are a by-product of the inner wounds, and my inability to move forward from the things that happened in the past. This also serves as an important lesson to me, that when I decide to commit to love someone, I should love them for who they are now, and accept them for what they’ve been through.”

Dialing back her sound to its bare essentials without sacrificing her newfound maturity in songwriting, sydhartha has penned another understatedly beautiful track that feels more introspective than her usual confessional entries. 

Marked by warm, laid-back guitar arrangements and soothing vocals, “kung nag-aatubili” starts restrained but assured of its exquisiteness, and builds into a musical wanderlust towards the end. In terms of production, her goal is to make it as raw and intimate as possible, arriving with the promise of a home—strong, unapologetic, but comfortable in her own shedding.

The song will be accompanied by a music video slated to be released in the coming weeks. The visual treatment is conceptualized by syd herself, who in turn, wants to make the storytelling mirror her personal truths. “For this music video, Swimming Pictures helped me execute my own ideas and it was amazing working with them,” says the folk-pop act.

“kung nag-aatubili” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines. The lyric video is available here.

Source: Sony Music Philippines

Buscalan Ink

8350D971-2E3B-4A2D-A045-5262C585953F.jpeg

I recently got inked by Grace Palicas, the grandniece of Apo Whang-Od. She was in Manila for a few days, and I caught one of her mambabatok sessions. I chose their design for prayer, as I wanted to symbolize that my faith is bigger than the sky, which is represented by my star tattoo.

It was not painful at all. It was rather uncomfortable but I would recommend it because Grace has a light and steady hand. She also inks quickly and efficiently. My tattoo was done in twenty minutes.

You may visit Grace Tattoo Buscalan on Facebook to follow her upcoming tours and schedules both in and out of her hometown. It was an honor to be inked by a true artist, and now, friend.

UE Jam Sessions encourage the youth to rock the vote with inspiring new anthem “Pinto”

Young artists COSINE, Shareena, and Autumn Tandogdeliver a bluesy tune with a compelling message about the upcoming 2022 elections

Promising newcomers COSINE, Shareena, and Autumn Tandog team up for a song that encourages the general public to vote for competent candidates who are willing to take a stand on important social issues and make a significant change.

On the rousing anthem “Pinto,” the artists from UE Jam Sessions call for effective leadership and urge their fellow countrymen, particularly the young ones, to exercise their right to vote. 

According to its main songwriter Shareena, who also lend her smooth and smoky vocals on the track, “Pinto” is penned from the perspective of someone convincing the youth to take complete ownership of their destiny and elect someone who cares about welfare of its people.

“By describing what the outside world looks like in a cruel reality, with the struggles of the people who are always overlooked, the character puts the kid in a dilemma of choosing between taking responsibility for making a change and having these people who have been knocking on his door forsaken and left behind,” the 17-year-old singer-songwriter shares the meaning behind their new track. "Hinihintay ka na nila," which means ‘they are waiting for you,’ serves as a reminder that their fate, like yours, is now completely in your control. It is your job to decide and select the finest alternative in this regard. That’s how Pinto was made to be remembered: a song that knocks on everyone’s doors of perceptions, obliging them to make a move.”

With its gothic, bluesy nature and brassy confidence, “Pinto” delivers an unconventional sound by pop standards. Shareena and Autumn Tandog put their ethereal spin on the material, singing as if they’re witnessing history unfold. Paolo Barrado and Marvin Cayosa’s intricate arrangements, on the other hand, turn the retro-inspired, musical motif into a modern torch tune inspired by the likes of Bita and the Botflies and Lana del Rey. 

COSINE’s Marvin Cayosa shares that despite limitations that took place during the pandemic, the producers were able to improvise, and the artists were able to record separately from their respective homes. “Given that we are in a pandemic, it’s been challenging for us to record because we are far apart. When I received the demo that Shareena gave to us, I started working on it right away. With the lack of equipment and hours of trial and error in recording my part, we still managed to pull it off.”

“Pinto” is one of the new music projects spearheaded by UE Jam Sessions, with 12 Stone Records’ Tommy Tanchanco and SSG President Nexie Joy Salvadorserving as Executive Producers, and Choi Felipe mixing and mastering the entire track. The music video for the track is edited by Cher Manulit.

“Pinto” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide such as Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer.

Source: Nyou

Mind your back: What may seem like yourusual back pain can be Axial Spondyloarthritis

A mysterious backache could mean a lot of things. It could simply be from overuse or a small injury, or it could also be a telltale sign of Axial Spondyloarthritis.

 

Axial Spondyloarthritis is an inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton and it can cause significant pain and, possibly, complete disability if not treated. It is also a highly heritable disease, so families with a history of arthritis are at higher risk.

 

Axial Spondyloarthritis typically starts in early adulthood, even referred to by some as the “disease of the young.” Global studies reveal that there is an average diagnostic delay of 7 years for most patients, primarily because Axial Spondyloarthritis presents itself only as persistent pain in the lower back during the first few years. During this time, however, the disease would have already progressed, leading to irreversible damage.

 

It is for this reason that Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. (J&J) has partnered with theDepartment of Health (DOH), Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA), and Axial Spondyloarthritis Association of the Philippines (ASAPh) to create greater awareness for Axial Spondyloarthritis, and encourage suspect patients to seek medical help.

 

The importance of catching the disease early

The lack of awareness among the public and the lack of familiarity with the disease among primary care providers have resulted in fewer referrals to specialists and delay in diagnosis of patients.

 

“Axial Spondyloarthritis is fairly common and so are its symptoms,” said Dr. Bernadette Manapat-Reyes, chair of the Philippine Rheumatology Association for Spondyloarthritis. “The most common symptom is prolonged pain in the lower back. Some people also experience pain in the hips, swelling of joints, episodes of eye inflammation, and even weight loss.”

 

“While there is no permanent cure for Axial Spondyloarthritis, its symptoms can be managed and the speed of its progression can be reduced with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.”

 

At best, Axial Spondyloarthritis can be managed with regular exercise and physical therapy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and injectable biologics can also be used to help stop inflammation in patients.

 

“Together with DOH, PRA, ASAPh, and J&J, we conducted a lay forum last July 22 entitled Inflammatory Back Pain: Ating Suriin, Ating Alamin! to educate more Filipinos about chronic and debilitating conditions such as Axial Spondyloarthritis. We frequently distribute reference materials too, so that more people would become aware of the complications that follow this chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease if not acted upon immediately. It is also PRA and ASAPh's plea to make medications more accessible to patients in need,” added Dr. Reyes.

 

“We know Axial Spondyloarthritis has an early onset, but life doesn’t have to stop when it happens,” said Dr. Erwin Benedicto, head of Medical Affairs at Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. “If you have been experiencing symptoms of Axial Spondyloarthritis, it is very important that you see a specialist immediately.You shouldn’t delay this because the disease can be crippling if left unchecked.”

 

“Axial Spondyloarthritis is a lifelong condition that may affect you differently at different times. Creating a treatment plan with your rheumatologist can greatly help in dealing with the challenges that come with living with Axial Spondyloarthritis.”

 

 

# # #

 

 

About Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc.

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That’s why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world’s largest and most broadly-based healthcare company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science, and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJNews.

Source: J&J Philippines