Are you losing your balance?

 

Have you ever ridden a rollercoaster, had a bit too much to drink, or sailed over rough and choppy seas? Then you may have experienced a temporary loss of balance, that woozy, room-is-spinning feeling that leaves you staggering and holding on to support until you’ve regained your steadiness.

A loss of balance and its accompanying symptoms can also be the result of a medical issue. “Your ability to sit, stand, and walk without falling or swaying from side to side involves more than your muscles and bones,” says Franco Louie L.B. Abes, MD, of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “These actions also involve your eyes, inner ear, nerves, heart, brain, muscles, and blood vessels. Once one of these key organs doesn’t function as it should, it can impact your balance.”

According to MakatiMed, health-related balance problems can stem from one of three sources:

The vestibular system “is usually related to the inner ear. Certain medications, ear infections, calcium crystals that move to the wrong side of the inner ear, too much fluid in the inner ear (Meniere’s disease), or a benign tumor in the ear (acoustic neuroma) can affect your balance,” says Dr. Abes. “Common symptoms to look out for are dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, blurred vision, and even falling.”

The vascular system “controls the flow of blood to the brain. Poor circulation, standing up or sitting down too quickly (orthostatic hypotension), and stroke can manifest in the form of dizziness, lightheadedness, and the feeling of fainting,” Dr. Abes explains.

The nervous system, “which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and other nerves, can also be the cause of your imbalance issues,” Dr. Abes points out. “Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cervical spondylosis, multiple sclerosis, as well as the presence of an infarct or a concussion are conditions that can result in a loss of balance.”

A thorough clinical examination and further diagnostic tests aid a physician in getting to the bottom of your balance problem. “You should likely see an otolaryngologist, who specializes in diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, neck, and throat,” says Dr. Abes. “If your loss of balance is due to dislodged crystals in your inner ear, then the doctor may do the Epley maneuver, which moves the calcium crystals back into their proper place. Steroids and vestibular rehabilitation therapy can address an inner ear infection and Meniere’s disease.”

Proper vestibular evaluation and imaging tests of your head and brain are recommended if initial examinations and treatments do not resolve the problem.

“The point is not to delay a consultation,” advises Dr. Abes. “An unsteady gait doesn’t just interfere with your daily activities. It could lead to more problems like falls that could result in fractures or head trauma. By addressing your loss of balance issue early, you save yourself from complications that could be more detrimental to your health.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email

mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and

Twitter.

Philippine Marketing Association Announces 2024 Agora Youth Awards Finalists, Empowering the Next Generation of Filipino Marketers

 

PMA Executives and partners

The Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), in cooperation with the Philippine Junior Marketing Association (PJMA), co-presented with AGC Power Holdings Corp., have announced the finalists for the 32nd Agora Youth Awards. Honoring the next generation of Filipino marketers, the awards feature two categories: individual students and junior marketing associations or school organizations involved in marketing.

The Agora Youth Awards is an annual search for the country’s top marketing students, recognizing excellence in academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and performance in the marketing plan competition.

This year's finalists from various colleges and universities nationwide have demonstrated significant marketing skills through diverse initiatives that highlight their ability to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of the industry. These initiatives showcase their creativity, strategic thinking and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional marketing practices.

The finalists for the individual category came from Luzon, NCR, and Mindanao, namely Kristalyn Agustin from Central Luzon State University; Franco Gabrielle Delatina from Our Lady of Fatima University - Antipolo Campus; Ma. Alexandria Ogalinola from Bulacan State University-Main Campus; Kaye Liwag from Batangas State University - TNEU - Pablo Borbon; Xyrill Baltazar from National University-Fairview; Sharmaine Allen Bea, Mariel Flores, Raymart Mariano Jr. and Maica Stephamae Orenda from Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Manila &Taguig; Prince Olie Cacho from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila; Jarmila Cansancio from Colegio De San Juan De Letran- Manila; Mark Enriquez Cruz from San Beda University; Madelene Abapo from La Salle University - Ozamiz; Rayan Camid from Xavier University- Ateneo De Cagayan and Mike Ivan Siga from Mindanao State University - Main Campus, Marawi City.

Signing photo of PMA with Aseana City and Sequoia Hotel

The awards program, in cooperation with the PJMA also spotlights top student marketing associations with their programs and contributions to the advancement of their student marketing members.

In the Junior Marketing Association category, the finalists came from Luzon, NCR, Visayas, and Mindanao, including Cavite State University Junior Marketing Association; Central Luzon State University Junior Marketing Association; Bulacan State University Chamber of Young Business Leaders; Mariano Marcos State University Junior Marketing Advocates; De LaSalle University Manila Junior Entrepreneurs & Marketing Association; Polytechnic University of the Philippines Junior Marketing Executives; Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Taguig Junior Marketing Association; San Beda University Junior Marketing Association; Siliman University Junior Marketing Association and Xavier University Junior Marketing Association.

Leah Marie Ayeng, Director of Youth Academe at PMA, emphasized the broader impact of the awards. The Agora Youth Awards is a platform that looks at community impact beyond competence because that is what it takes to be a changemaker. Now in its 32nd year, PMA’s youth and academe initiatives will take on a new approach with more innovative and practical programs that will enrich our young marketers' experience and expose them to the pivotal changes in the industry.

The selection process involves multiple stages of assessment, including application reviews, academic record assessments, and evaluations of nominees; marketing plans and impacts. The judges for the individual category are Lea Aquino, Mikaela Manuel, Loise Jan Alvarado, and Bianca Cerdenia. For the JMA category, the judges are Donna Donato, Lloyd Genesiran, and Queen Dy Manly. All judges are past recipients of the Agora Youth Awards.

 The program focuses on five key areas: academic performance, extracurricular achievement, marketing acumen, values, and personality. Students demonstrate their capabilities by crafting real marketing plans that study real-life business cases, allowing them to apply marketing concepts and practices learned during their academic years. This thorough screening ensures transparency and fairness, subjecting each candidate to a comprehensive analysis to verify their accomplishments and assess their potential for future contributions.

Archie Carrasco, the CEO of AGC Power Holdings Corp. and a former recipient of the Agora Youth Award (formerly TOMAS Award) expressed his pride in being part of the awards again, this time as co-presenter and judge. "Being a part of the Agora Youth Awards is a full-circle moment for me. I was once a finalist in 2001, and now, two decades later, I have the honor of serving as a judge. This award has been a significant part of my career journey, and I’m honored to give back to this platform.”

The 32nd Agora Youth Awards is presented in partnership with Aseana Holdings Inc., Sequoia Hotel, AQAdvertising, and AIC Group of Companies Holdings Corporation. The Business Manual serves as the official media partner. Additionally, Shoppertainment Live, Zoe Broadcasting, Prestige Paper Products, Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, and Uniquecorn Strategies PR are supporting the event as creatives and PR partners. The awards ceremony will take place on July 31, 2024, at Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay in Parañaque City. During the press conference, the StratMark Student Conference was also announced, with representatives from the University of Santo Tomas, the venue partner, and Our Lady of Fatima University, the youth and academe partner, in attendance. StratMark is the annual convergence of marketing students, educators, and professionals, and is one of the flagship programs of the PMA.

CINEMALAYA BENTE: LOOB, LALIM, LAKAS’ EXPLORES THE DEPTHS OF PHILIPPINE CINEMATIC SOUL

 

Twenty years into navigating the cinematic imagination, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival sets sail once more from August 2 to 11, guided by the Filipino people’s inner constellation, imagery, and creativity.

Embracing the theme “Cinemalaya Bente: Loob Lalim Lakas,” the pioneering independent film

festival returns with 10 compelling full-length and 10 captivating short films in competition. For its 20th edition, Cinemalaya promises top-tier visual storytelling that ignites imaginations while amplifying diverse voices in cinema.

Competing for the Best Film Balanghai Trophy in the Full-Length Category are: ALIPATO AT MUOG by JL Burgos; AN ERRAND by Dominic Bekaert and Sarge Lacuesta; TUMANDOK by Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico; BALOTA by Kip Oebanda; GULAY LANG MANONG (NO MORE THAN VEGGIES) by BC Amparado; KANTIL (TRENCH) by Joshua Caesar Medroso; KONO BASHO by Jaime Pacena II; LOVE CHILD by Jonathan Jurilla; THE HEARING by Lawrence Fajardo and Honee Alipio; and THE WEDDING DANCE by Julius Lumiqued.

Short Feature films in competition include: ABOGBAYBAY by P.R. Monencillo Patindol; ALL THIS WASTED SPACE by Cris Bringas; AMBOT WALA KO KABALO UNSAY I-TITLE INI by Rey Anthony Villaverde; CROSS MY HEART AND HOPE TO DIE by Sam Manasca; I WAS WALKING ON THE STREETS OF CHINATOWN by Ryan Capili; MAMA by Alexandra Brizuela; MARIPOSA by Melanie Faye Tampos; PAMALANDONG SA DANOW (REFLECTION IN THE MARSH) by Breech Asher Harani; PRIMETIME MOTHER by Sonny Calvento; and THE RED TRAILS (AN BAGA SA DALAN) by Mariel Ritchie Jolejole and Roniño Dolim.

Amidst ongoing rehabilitation of the CCP Main Building, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. proudly bring this cinematic feast to Ayala Malls Manila Bay. For over two decades, Ayala Malls has steadfastly supported CCP and Cinemalaya as a valued partner.

During its 10-day run, Cinemalaya films in competition and exhibitions will be screened at Cinema 2, Cinema 8, Cinema 9, and Cinema 10. These screenings secure a safe space for independent filmmakers to tell their stories and share perspectives on issues shaping the nation, while propelling the Philippine cinema industry to new heights.

Festival fans and film enthusiasts continue to enjoy mainstays like: Retrospective, which brings back previous Cinemalaya winning films; Best of the Festivals, showcasing the best films from local festivals; Visions of Asia, featuring award-winning Asian and NETPAC films; Premieres, with never- before-screened films; Dokyu, showing award-winning documentaries; and Digital Classics, featuring newly-restored Filipino classic films.

Running concurrently is the 36th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, the longest- running independent film competition of its kind in Southeast Asia. Films compete in categories such as Short Feature/Narrative, Experimental, Documentary, and Animation. Pre-selected entries will be screened on August 3-6, 2024 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, with the awards ceremony on August 10 at Cinema 2.

Now in its 20th year of unfettered exploration of truthful storytelling and imagery, Cinemalaya continues to discover, encourage, and support the cinematic works of upcoming and veteran Filipino filmmakers who boldly articulate and freely interpret the Philippine experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.

Since 2005, Cinemalaya has supported and promoted the production of Filipino full-feature independent films and short films, many of which have won awards in local and I competitions and festivals. Through the annual festival, Cinemalaya has showcased over 1,000 works by independent filmmakers, including full-feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics, and art films.

For more information, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and the Cinemalaya

website (www.cinemalaya.org). Follow the official CCP and

Pizza Hut's Melt & Mix Combos: Solo Dining, Elevated

 

Sometimes, the best company you can keep is yourself. There’s something undeniably refreshing about spending quality time alone. It's a chance to recharge, reflect, and indulge in your own little world. And what better way to enhance your solo escapade than with a flavorful feast? Enter Pizza Hut's new Melts & Mix combos!

A Flavorful Solo Adventure

Pizza Hut has just leveled up solo dining with its exciting new Melts & Mix combos. Imagine this: crispy, cheesy Melts paired with your favorite Pizza Hut sides, all in one satisfying package. Starting at only P179, these combos are the perfect companions for your "me time."

Choose from four irresistible Melt flavors: Double Bacon, Meat Lovers, Hawaiian Supreme, or Four Cheese and Mushroom. Then, pick your preferred side from a tempting lineup: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Spaghetti Bolognese, Tater Tots, Regular Fries, Caesar Salad, Crab Salad Rolls, or WingStreet wings. And to quench your thirst, a refreshing glass of ice-cold Pepsi completes the combo.

Pizza Hut's Melts are a game-changer. With their perfectly thin and crispy outer crust and generous filling of cheese and toppings, they're a solo-snacking dream. Dip them in the provided marinara sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Indulge Solo, Every Day

Treat yourself to a Melts & Mix combo anytime, anywhere! These delectable offerings are available for dine-in all day, every day at Pizza Hut branches nationwide. So, the next time you crave some quality alone time, head to your nearest Pizza Hut and savor the perfect blend of flavor and solitude.

What's your favorite way to enjoy a solo dining experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Give Pizza Hut a like and a follow on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) so you won't miss out on the latest news, updates, and offers!

Kublai Millan Presents "Land of Premise" at The Art Gallery of The Manila Hotel

 

Acclaimed Filipino painter and sculptor Kublai Millan is set to unveil his latest exhibit, Land of Premise, at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery from August 1 to 31, 2024.

Born Rey Mudjahid Ponce Millan, Kublai Millan is a third-generation descendant of settlers from Ilocos, who grapples with this legacy through his art. Land of Premise seeks to reclaim the original promise of Mindanao—a land of peace, prosperity, and unity—while exploring the complex history and unfulfilled potential of the southernmost island of the Philippines.

"This exhibit is a call to action," says Kublai. "We must remember the premise on which Mindanao was built—its strengths, its unique identity, and its people. Words alone cannot build a future. Action and shared resources are what's needed."

Kublai Millan

Kublai emphasizes that this exhibit is about the entire Mindanao island and its unrealized potential. Land of Premise serves as a bridge, inviting viewers to learn about Mindanao, connect with its stories, and envision a future where the island lives up to its original promise. “I’m taking this chance as an artist to visualize Mindanao as a truly land of promise fulfilled. Inviting other people to learn, identify, connect, and commune with this blessed land. Words cannot build a future, only actions and resources can. Know the premise so we can conceive a fulfillable promise,” he added.

Land of Premise 1

Land of Premise, comprising a total of 14 paintings, promises to be a feast for the senses, featuring Millan’s signature blend of vibrant colors and intricate details that have captivated art enthusiasts worldwide. Known for his unique style that combines traditional Filipino motifs with contemporary techniques, Kublai 's work is a reflection of his deep connection to his cultural heritage and his relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. His paintings are not only visually stunning but also carry profound messages about identity, history, and social issues.

The exhibit will transport viewers to a captivating realm where imagination and reality converge. By delving into the sources of inspiration for his paintings, viewers can gain insight into the creative process that drives his work and the underlying messages he seeks to convey through his art.

Land of Premise 2

The Manila Hotel's Art Gallery provides the perfect backdrop for Kublai 's exhibit, offering a sophisticated and elegant setting that complements the beauty of his masterpieces. This collaboration between The Manila Hotel and Kublai Millan is sure to attract art enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Land of Premise will be showcased at the Art Gallery from August 1 to 31, 2024. Admission is free.

Private previews for collectors are available by appointment until July 30, 2024. To arrange, call Richard Lo at +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, or email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.