Prostate cancer 9th highest in numberof cancer-related deaths among Filipino males

PUA, DOH, Cancer Warriors Foundation, PSUO and J&J lead fight against prostate cancer

November 2021 – Prostate cancer is one of the top 5 cancers in the Philippines and the ninth highest in number of cancer-related deaths among Filipino males according to GLOBOCAN. Despite the statistics, awareness on the disease is very low.

 

The Philippine Urological Association (PUA), together with the Department of Health (DOH), Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc., the Philippine Society of Uro-Oncologists (PSUO), and Johnson and Johnson (Philippines), Inc., led the observance of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month with a series of activities that aimed to generate greater awareness for the disease. With the unified theme Prostate Cancer Sama-Samang Labanan, Tamang Impormasyon Kailangan, efforts were focused on educating the public on the importance of early detection and treatment to slow the progression of prostate cancer.

 

A lay forum entitled Usapang Prostate Cancer was live streamed via the PUA Prostate Cancer Awareness Facebook page on September 11 to underline truths about the disease. Representatives from the the Department of Health Cancer Control Division and Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. also joined the discussion to share what support the government and privately funded organizations can provide patients and their families. This was followed by free teleconsultations by members of the Philippine Urological Association and the Philippine Urology Residents Association last September 18. More than 300 Filipino males signed up for the free teleconsultation service.

 

Fighting prostate cancer with information

Awareness on prostate cancer is very low as men do not talk about it in the open and often confuse its early symptoms as signs of aging. These include frequent urination, a weak urine stream, and pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis. The only bigger warning signs are blood in the urine or semen and pain or burning sensation when urinating.

 

The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, especially after 50. It can also run in the family, developed through a combination of genes and poor lifestyle. There is no proven prevention strategy for prostate cancer, which is why early diagnosis is important.

 

“Information is the most important weapon against prostate cancer,” said Dr. Clarito Cairo, program manager of the National Integrated Cancer Control Program, Disease Prevention and Control Bureau of the Department of Health. “The more people know about its early symptoms, the earlier they can get screened. Even in advanced stages, there are treatments available that still allow patients to live a long life.”

 

“While mostly indolent, prostate cancer needs to be addressed immediately to stop the cancer cells from spreading to other areas of the body,” explained Dr. Ernesto Gerial, president of the Philippine Urological Association. “Disseminating information about who are at risk of the disease and what its symptoms are can save many lives.”

 

He added: “The lack of noise around prostate cancer has resulted to unequal support for the disease as compared to breast and cervical cancer. While we at the Philippine Urological Association have been hard at work for many years for prostate cancer to finally take the spotlight, we know that we cannot do it alone. That is why we are happy to be partnering with other medical associations, the government, and Johnson & Johnson in creating greater awareness for the disease and extending help to patients.”

 

“There is hope in prostate cancer,” said Dr. Erwin Benedicto, head of Medical Affairs of Johnson & Johnson’s (Philippines), Inc. “It is a hard fact that most people should know but don’t—not yet.”

 

“Doctors are our partners in maintaining good health. Supporting them in the fight against prostate cancer is crucial, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic posing several limitations. By working together, information, proper diagnosis, and appropriate treatment for the disease can be made available for all.”  

 

 

# # #

 

 

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.

 

About Philippine Urological Association

The Philippine Urological Association is the official organization of urologists in the Philippines. As initiated by our founders, we are committed to: (1) promote the art and science of urology to enhance the professional growth of members and provide wholesome fellowship, (2) provide residents of urology with comprehensive education and training to render patients competent, compassionate and quality care, (3) act as professional partners to our colleagues in other medical specialties, and (4) share time, talent, resources in the service of the community by providing undergraduate urology education.

Source: Johnson & Johnson Philippines

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:The Secret Sauce to a Better Workplace

A work environment where you can be open, proud, and out. 

Employees that thrive in their professional environment directly contribute to the success of a company—and it isthese three workplace characteristics that are key to achieving that goal, says leading multinational corporation Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. (J&J Philippines), an organization that has been consistently recognized for its inclusive workplace philosophy across its commercial and Global Services teams in the country.

 

When J&J Philippines won HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia Award in 2018, 2019 and 2020, and earned a place at the Asia CEO Awards’ Center of Excellence for Diversity & Inclusion in 2019, the company’s active and sincere role in driving Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) was cited as animportant driver alongside employee programs to help navigate the pandemic’s effect on the workforce, its strong wellness culture, and efforts to integrate work and family life successfully.  

 

According to J&J Philippines DEI Council head and Asia Pacific head of Total Rewards Mary Grace Gervacio, the key to their consistent success and recognition as an ideal employer is their focus on bringing to life the employee-focused statement in Johnson & Johnson’s Credo, the company’s corporate code that governs the way they work.   

 

“Our Credo is our moral compass to guide us in doing what is right for the people we serve and that includes our own employees. Since my early days in HR at J&J, a clear mandate had been impressed upon me – to bring the Credo to life, engaging employees, and encouraging them to find out what it could mean for them. We follow this purpose as we evolve our employee programs and as we build a strong total health culture within the company, and in sincere efforts to advance Diversity, Equity & Inclusion across the J&J community,” says Grace Gervacio.

 

Related to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in particular, the Credo states that: “we must provide an inclusive work environment where each person must be considered as an individual.  We must respect their diversity and dignity and recognize their merit. They must have a sense of security, fulfilment and purpose in their jobs.”

 

Over the last few years, J&J has been proactively developingEmployee Resource Groups or ERGs such as Women’s Leadership and Inclusion, Generation Now, Alliance for Diverse Abilities, and Open & Out that are advancing the J&J culture of inclusion and innovation, enhancing business performance and reputation, and building a diverse workforce for the future.

 

Open & Out, in particular, began its story in the Philippines in 2018 in a roomful of open-minded people who took a chance to go out and make a difference. They introduced themselves to each other beginning with the words “I identify as...”. 

 

And the rest, as they say, is history. Through a beautiful launch campaign where they used the hashtag #ProudAko (I am proud), O&O empowered employees to share their journey as a LGBTQ+ member. In June 2019, a combined headcount of 150 LGBTQ+ and allies held their first-ever J&J Manila campus Pride March to celebrate employees of distinct sexual orientation and gender background. To cap the colourful celebration, the Rainbow flag was raised alongside the Philippine flag for the first time in the company’s then 63-year history in the country.

 

Beyond these ERGs, however, are sustainable employee programs and policies that comprehensively and sustainably incorporate Diversity and Inclusion into the company’s culture. These include:

 

● Mandatory “managing unconscious bias” training

● Company-supported employee groups championingwomen leadership, generational diversity, the LGBTQ+community, and persons with disabilities

● Ensuring gender balance in leadership roles (women in atleast 50% of leadership roles)

● Mentorship programs for female and early-career talents

● Partnership with universities to expose young talents to J&J careers

● Gender-neutral restrooms

● Employee benefits that cover same sex partners

● Mental Health coverage through its health insurance plan and Employee Assistance Program

● Programs and policies for the advancement of women in the workplace, e.g. on-site child care center, lactation rooms

 

“The DE&I agenda has always been a key priority of the global J&J organization,” says Raghu Krishnan, president and managing director of J&J Philippines. “Through our mission—to allow our employees to be themselves—we are encouraging them to see the workplace as a safe space, where they can be their authentic selves without fear of bias and discrimination.”

 

 

# # #

 

 

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

My Happiest Day

My happiest day was when my first book, Speak Blog Live, was released. It was on October 7, 2021, when I finally realized my lifelong dream of becoming a published author. I had no expectations, other than to set my book free into the wild.

I celebrated with a cake that had my ISBN on it and my family with me. My partner and editor, Lorenz, spent the day with me. Since the pandemic was still raging on, we opted to stay at my house to talk about publishing the book with my mother. It was a lovely day.

When I became an author, I realized that it was possible to make my dreams come true. I did not need to do big, risky things in order to prove to myself that I can do it. It was not easy to become an author, but it was possible after sacrificing my time and putting in the effort to write a book. At the end of the day, my book was finished. It was ready to be read by the world.

When I will think of this day in the future, I will remember the exhilaration of becoming a published author. I will also recall all the hard work that got me here. To buy a copy of my book, please click here. I hope that you will support my dream by buying a copy.

The Craft of Writing Exercise 4

You should have ordered another beer. So what if people judge you for drinking when you know that you do so in moderation? So what if you laugh out loud and wear the clothes that make you feel pretty? So what if you have better things than your cousins? So what if your Titas think that you should be married by now or that you should wear nail polish and makeup? What you do is none of their business. Stop overthinking. You are already too tired as it is. Someday, there will be a time when a pandemic will force you to stay home and do everything at home. You will have less work but more time for your music, crafts, and writing. Write your books. Post your song covers. Send your gifts to frontliners. Give blood, then get your piercing and tattoos. You should live life with no regrets.

As you know, cancer runs in the family. While your recent checkup has confirmed that you are in your best health condition so far, you should live life to the fullest because it is still too short. Workout like you always do. Eat healthy and lessen those street food binges. Have a beer, but eat a salad too. It’s all about balance.

Your life is your own. Do not listen to people who limit your beliefs. Nothing’s gonna change your world. And since you enjoyed writing your last book, why don’t you write another one? Your story is still being written. Now go drink that beer. Cheers!

raven puts a refreshing spin on ‘90s indie rock with catchy new single “Lika Na”

The track is co-produced by Rico Blanco and mixed/mastered by Emil dela Rosa 

In a music landscape populated by personalities who turn familiar music trends into sleek new forms, raven seems to be ahead of the pack. The young singer-songwriter/producer has built a reputation for experimenting with various music genres, from hip-hop to bedroom pop, from lo-fi to acoustic, from R&B to ‘90s indie rock. But what sets him apart from his contemporaries is his ability to tap into the zeitgeist without compromising his vision as an artist, making considerable amounts of artistic leap in less than two years after being signed to Sony Music Philippines and being taken under the management wing of Rico Blanco and Balcony Entertainment.

On the commercial front, raven has attained some level of success with the crossover performance of his previous singles “Paraluman” and “S.U.K.I.” To date, the multi-faceted artist has amassed more than 7 million streams and an average of 294,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone, opening a new lane for breakthrough solo artists whose material appeals to the streaming public and casual music fans.

This year, raven continues to channel his passion and energy into accessible but well-crafted earworms. His latest single “Lika Na” puts a refreshing spin on ‘90s alternative rock and early 2000s power-pop, and turns little thrills of romantic adolescence into an inspiration. Confiding romantic earnestness over an explosive chorus and melodic, punch-drunk guitars, the talented newcomer embraces the touchstones of the past while carving a special place for his own kind to thrive. 

According to raven, “Lika Na” serves as a love letter to a ‘girl’ who has endured several heartbreaks in life, but is deserving of genuine happiness and love. “It’s hard for someone to trust and believe in second chances, especially after experiencing pain after pain. This song wants to bring light into someone’s darkness, hoping to dry those tears away with new memories.”

The track’s feel-good message not only helps in tuning out distractions and unnecessary stress, but also motivates listeners to embrace the brighter side of life. Its enduring positivity makes sense in an era that badly needs both break and reprieve, especially with listeners turning to lighter, more inspiring songs for comfort.

The song is written and produced by raven himself, with guidance from music mentor and co-producer Rico Blanco and sound engineer Emil dela Rosa, who has mixed and mastered critically acclaimed albums by UDD and other artists. “I was heavily into Beabadoobee and ‘90s-influenced indie rock when I wrote this song,” raven shares. “I’m thankful to sir Rico and sir Emil for helping me turn this music vision into a reality. It’s one of the most memorable tunes that I’ve worked on so far.”

As for the track’s instrumentation, raven and Rico Blanco played the guitars, with the latter also doing bass duties, and Luke Sigua manning the drums.

The euphoric tune is accompanied with a music video directed by Daniel Aguilar. Shot with nostalgic glow and warmer colors, the visual narrative takes you back to the days when life was simpler, and spending time with your loved one is enough to complete the day. 

“The concept is built around teenage romance, with scenes inspired by prom nights, talent shows, and late-night dates,” raven explains.

“Lika Na” is also the title of raven’s upcoming debut EP, which contains familiar hits and two new songs. It will be released soon via Sony Music Philippines.

raven’s latest single “Lika Na” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide. Watch the music video here.

 

 Source: Nyou

Milky Chance Share Trip Tape Ahead Of North American Tour

Check It Out HERE https://milky-chance.lnk.to/triptape 

New Single “Colorado” Is Top 5 On Triple A Radio, Top 10 On Alternative Radio

Milky Chance — the 5+ billion-streaming German duo known for their global hits and inventive, chameleonic approach to pop songwriting — share Trip Tape, an official collection of the covers and remixes originally featured as part of the soundtrack to Milky Chance’s Road Tripping Radio series. In these videos, Phillipp Dausch and Clemens Rehbein drive through cities like Berlin and San Francisco while listening to an alternate world radio where every song is performed by Milky Chance. Not only does this include Milky Chance originals, but knockout covers of smash hits like Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love,” Dua Lipa’s “Levitating,” and The Weeknd’s “Save Your Tears,” as well as remixes and demos. Another standout track is a stirring cover of Bad Bunny and Rosalía’s reggaeton hit, La Noche De Anoche – marking the duo’s first time singing in Spanish, their third language behind German and English.

 

Listen to Trip Tape here. https://milky-chance.lnk.to/triptape

 

Dausch and Rehbein continued their dedicated work ethic through the pandemic, even over long distances. In August of 2020, when things began kicking into overdrive, Rehbein decided he needed to be closer to Dausch and ended up moving to Berlin, where the latter had been living for the past few years. Once united, the pair began going into the studio together daily, really pushing themselves musically. “The studio became this escape, this hideaway for us,” says Rehbein. “It was a place where anything was possible.”  They eventually began playing with covers of other artists, expanding their sound in bold and new directions and sharing the results on TikTok. When fans heard the new material the guys were working on, they rushed to social media and began asking them to release full versions. After seeing this outpour from their supporters, a mixtape felt like the right way to give them to people.

 

Says the band ––

“We spent so much time in the studio the past couple of years working on new music and ‘Colorado’ was the big kick-off. But in lockdown two things happened - next to ‘Colorado’ we found ourselves with so many new songs we love and we also got into making our own versions of other artists’ songs we enjoy. On top of that Icarus made a remix of ‘Colorado’ that we’re absolutely buzzing about! So how can we bring all of these different things out?.. A TRIP TAPE.”

 

Milky Chance’s latest single “Colorado” is making a big impact both on radio and streaming. Colorado peaked at #2 on the Triple A Radio charts and just hit the Top 10 at Alternative Radio. The song also has more than 50 million global streams, helping the group place among Spotify’s 500 Most Streamed Artists. 

 

Watch the surreal, Lynchian video for “Colorado” here.

 

Trip Tape and “Colorado” follow the 2019 release of their acclaimed album Mind The Moon (which NPR Music said introduced “new twists on the old concept of world music,” while American Songwriter said it “takes great leaps and lands in completely unexpected, but creatively rich, territory”) and their 2020 Jack Johnson collaboration “Don’t Let Me Down.” Watch their performance of “Don’t Let Me Down” for The Late Show With Stephen Colbert here.

 

Milky Chance are preparing for a headlining North American tour beginning November 18, see full dates below.

 

Trip Tape Tracklist

Colorado

Tainted Love

Cold Summer Breeze

Love Again

La Noche De Anoche

Levitating

Save Your Tears

Butterfly (Demo)

Lights Out (Demo)

Lately (Demo)

Addicted (Demo)

Colorado (Icarus Remix)

 

Tour Dates

Nov. 18 — Missoula, MT @ The Wilma // SOLD OUT

Nov. 19 — Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory // SOLD OUT

Nov. 20 — Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory // SOLD OUT

Nov. 22 — Vancouver, BC @ Orpheum Theatre

Nov. 23 — Calgary, AB @ The Grey Eagle Event Centre

Nov. 25 — Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings Theatre

Nov. 26 — Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore Minneapolis

Nov. 27 — Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre

Nov. 28 — Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom

Nov. 30 — Boston, MA @ House Of Blues // SOLD OUT

Dec. 1 — Toronto, ON @ Rebel

Dec. 2 — Montreal, QC @ MTelus // SOLD OUT

Dec. 4 — Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz

Dec. 5 — Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte

Dec. 6 — Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle Atlanta

Dec. 8 — Tampa, FL @ The Ritz Ybor

Dec. 10 — Houston, TX @ House Of Blues

Dec. 11 — Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues

Dec. 13 — Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren

Dec. 14 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern // SOLD OUT

Dec. 16 — Seattle, WA @ The Moore Theatre

Dec. 17 — Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom // SOLD OUT

Dec. 19 — Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom // SOLD OUT

 

Follow Milky Chance

Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Source: Blackstar