Setting sights on a clearer future: Navigating the challenges of childhood Myopia

 

August is National Eye Health Awareness Month, and Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) is shining a focus on pediatric myopia, which has arisen as a major public health concern.

Myopia is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a refractive error in which light rays entering the eye parallel to the optic axis are brought to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurred images.

I am myopic myself which means I am as blind as a bat or nearsighted. So I can relate well to this issue and I'm sure most of you will also be able to feel the same way especially if you're in your 40's. You see, when one gets older, we become nearsighted. 

 Dr. Kimberly Cotaoco, a Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus expert at Cardinal Santos, explains it as seeing close items clearly but distant objects fuzzy.

While myopia affects both adults and children, she emphasizes the importance of being diagnosed at an early age. “Due to their highly developing eyes, the progression of myopia in children can lead to long-term consequences such as lazy eye, strabismus, and a range of ocular diseases.”

Childhood myopia is becoming more common, impacting 85-90% of young people in some Asian countries. Dr. Cotaoco emphasizes the importance of genetics and environmental variables in the development of myopia. that children with myopic parents are more likely to develop it themselves. She also cites early gadget exposure, decreased outdoor time, and increasingly exacting academic expectations for children as contributors.

Early detection, lifelong medications and a nutritious diet can help save patients' hearts

 

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a hereditary ailment that can lead to heart disease, is no longer an unlivable condition or a death sentence in this day and age.

FH is a silent killer infiltrating our arteries, early detection and treatments will prevent the formation of heart disease, particularly coronary atherosclerosis, or a blocked artery caused by bad cholesterol accumulation. This can result in a heart attack.

Halt FH right on its tracks. Test yourself and your entire family. After being diagnosed with FH, there is still hope.

During the August 30, 2023, online Usapang Puso sa Puso forum, three health experts - Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Director Dr. Lourdes Ella Santos, a cardiologist-lipidologist; Dr. Maria Concepcion Sison, a pediatric cardiologist; and Dr. Susan Sioksoan Cua, a pediatric endocrinologist - co-managed FH patients.

The US Family Heart Foundation observes September 24 as Familial Hypercholesterolemia Day, an event that the PHA and the Philippine Lipid & Atherosclerosis Society have adopted as an Advocacy to raise awareness about FH care in order to prevent complications.

James Reid, Gino Padilla & Gigi De Lana wow the Ilagueños at Mammangi Festival 2023

 

Mammangi Festival 2023 is a grand festival like no other replete with colorful, joyous thanksgiving activities for a good harvest of corn and honoring the corn farmers who have been the real foundation of the City of Ilagan’s economy through the years.

James Reid with the Bb. Ilagan candidates.

 

A grand comeback this year after a three-year hiatus due to the health pandemic, the 2023 edition which was also held in time for the city’s 11^th cityhood anniversary, featured various activities such as the showcase of agri-ecotourism booths by the city’s 91 barangays which were divided into 4 clusters, namely Centro Poblacion Cluster, Northeastern Cluster, San Antonio Cluster, and Western Cluster.

It was followed by the highly- anticipated Binibining Ilagan 2023 Grand Finals and Coronation Night held at the City of Ilagan Sports Complex hosted by Miss Universe Philippines 2021/Miss Universe 2021 Top 5 winner Beatrice Luigi Gomez who did a remarkable job as pageant host together with GMA talent Carlo “Kaloy” Tingcungco. Amid the sound and shouts from spectators rooting for their candidates, the night was livened up by a mini-concert by popular singer performer James Reid.

Singer Gino Padilla is joined by fans on the stage

Another exciting night for the Ilagueños was the Barangay Night and Awarding of Sikan Na Ilagan and Outstanding Ilagueños 2023 held at Ilagan Community Center. The night was capped by a modern dance competition with five contingents joining the merry-go-round. Singer-actress Geneva Cruz and the comedic duo of MC and Lassy provided entertainment and laughter throughout the program.

Finally, the festival’s highlight, the Mammangi Festival Street Dance and Showdown Competition was also held at the city’s massive Sports Complex. It was capped by a grand concert featuring Manila and local artists led by Celeste Legaspi, Dulce, Gino Padilla, and Gigi De Lana, together with the Whiplash Dance Company, Top 5 Choral Winners, and the Street Dance and Showdown winners.

Celeste Legaspi and Dulce (first row, 2^nd and 3^rd from left) joins the Ilagan Chorale and other performers. 

Another grand display, this time the fireworks, that could rival the beauty and excellence of international pyrotechnics, immediately followed.

Meaningful celebrations

Mammangi translates to corn farmer in Isabela’s local language which is Ibanag. The festival therefore is pushing for corn farming to further put the province’s hold as the Corn Capital of the Philippines.

Internet sensation Gigi de Lana happily receives a portrait of her drawn by PWD foot artist Mark Agcaoili after the night’s grand concert which had her for the finale.  

This year, the City of Ilagan put up its vision on a higher level with the tagline, “The Liveable City of Ilagan 2030: Adhikain ng Bawat Ilagueño.” To jumpstart this, Mayor Diaz and his team, together with Senator Mark Villar, formally launched the I-Corn Complex in Barangay Marana 1^st.

 

“From a struggling municipality back in 2016 we are now recognized as the best LGU (local government unit) in the entire Cagayan Valley Region. As such, we are in the forefront of economic progress." Diaz said during the groundbreaking ceremony.

The innovative facility, which is expected to be operational starting February 2024, aims to serve not just corn growers in the city but also the entire Isabela Province in the processing of their corn harvest. It will cater to the needs of the farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders. Its goal is to be a one-stop shop for all produce. 

Mammangi Eco-tourism Booths

A grand comeback this year after a three-year hiatus due to the health pandemic, the Mammangi Festival officially started with the opening ceremonies of Tienda Ilagan on August 1 featuring agri-ecotourism booths at the City of Ilagan Promenade followed by a Thanksgiving Mass at the city’s St. Ferdinand Parish Church on August 7. The festival was originally set in the last week of May 2023 but due to weather disturbances then it was rescheduled from August 1-13, 2023. 

The Agri Eco-Tourism Village offered visitors a close look at “Understanding the Liveable City of Ilagan 2030 Vision,” with each participant highlighting their products and services. The booths also serve as a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products, promote local trade, and invigorate the city's economy.

For Category A (Barangay booths), Western 1 was adjudged champion and won a cash prize of P100,000. Poblacion came in as first runner-up and pocketed P70,000. Chosen second runner-up was North Eastern 1 which got the P50,000 cash prize.

For the government agencies who joined (Category B), Iselco 2 was hailed the champ with a P50,000 cash prize followed by Isabela State Campus and Tesda which received P40,000 and P30,000, respectively. Meanwhile, all non-winning booths received a consolation prize of P10,000 each.

 

Binibining Ilagan 2023

The Monday festivity of August 7 was capped by the highly anticipated Binibining Ilagan 2023 Grand Finals and Coronation Night held at the City of Ilagan Sports Complex hosted by Miss Universe Philippines 2021 and Miss Universe 2021 Top 5 winner Beatrice Luigi Gomez and GMA talent Carlo “Kaloy” Tingcungco.

After a colorful presentation -- costume, swimsuit, gown and casual wear – and the grueling Q & A, a towering beauty from Marana 1st, Kristine Joy D. Guzman, 20, was proclaimed Binibining Ilagan 2023.

Her court included Bb. Turismo, Sining at Kultura Kristine Kay Bautista, 21, from Bliss Village; Bb. Agrikultura Justine Denielle Morillo, 22, from San Andres; 1st Runner Up Kris Chellsy Villar, 18, from Nagullian Sur; and 2nd Runner Up Frances Alteia Leaño, 21, from San Vicente.

 

Barangay Night and Awarding of Sikan Na Ilagan and Outstanding Ilagueños 2023

August 8 was another exciting night for the Ilagueños with the Barangay Night and Awarding of Sikan Na Ilagan and Outstanding Ilagueños 2023 held at Ilagan Community Center.

City Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz, Vice-Mayor Kiryll S. Bello, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod officials led the awarding rites, which gathered representatives from the City of Ilagan’s 91 barangays. No less than Isabela Gov. Rodito Albano III and Vice Gov. Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III honored the awardees with their presence.

 

Street Dance and Showdown Competition

August 9 was a night to remember with the festival’s highlight, the Mammangi Festival Street Dance and Showdown Competition at the City of Ilagan Sports Complex.

Braving the scorching heat of the sun in the mid afternoon’s parade, and still dancing gleefully and gracefully in their colorful props and costumes bearing the corn harvest, NorthEastern 1 emerged as the champion followed by Poblacion 1 and San Antonio 1 each receiving P100,000, P70,000, and P50,000, respectively, as prizes.

Meanwhile, the showdown competition winners were as follows: NorthEastern 2, Poblacion 1, and  NorthEastern 1, receiving the same amount respectively, of the street dance contest.

Like the grandiose Bambanti Festival 2023 in January this year, the comeback Mammangi was executed under the expertise of Festival Consultant and Overall Director Nilo Agustin.

What a way to celebrate! Congratulations, the City of Ilagan for the grandiose twin celebrations. We look forward to the city’s robust development in the many Mammangi Festivals to come.

 

Come home to Regala SkyCity Hotel: HK's 2023 Best New Hotel

Planning a trip to Hong Kong? Look no further! Regala SkyCity Hotel, nestled in SKYCITY at Hong Kong International Airport, offers the perfect blend of convenience and luxury for all tourists. 

Recently awarded the Best New Hotel by TTG China Travel Awards 2023, it is just a 15-minute ride to the enchanting Hong Kong Disneyland and a mere 2-minute walk to the vibrant AsiaWorld-Expo, its location makes exploring the best of Hong Kong a breeze! 

The Regala SkyCity Hotel is a world-class four-star hotel located in SKYCITY, Chep Lap Kok. It provides access to shopping malls, convention centers, tourist attractions and all local amenities:

♦ Offers FREE shuttle service to Citygate outlet in Lantau for shopping trips

♦ Free shuttle service to/from Airport from 6 AM to 11:45 PM

♦ Directly connected to AsiaWorld-Expo and 11 SKIES 

(AsiaWorld-Expo is the usual venue for K-pop concerts and other international concerts, while the upcoming 11 SKIES is Hong Kong's largest hub for retail, dining, and entertainment.)

♦ A shuttle from Citygate and MTR ride away to Disneyland and Ngong Ping 360 

♦ A short ride away from the Hong Kong-Macau Mega Bridge, providing easy access to Macau

♦ Short walk from MTR station to the city

New Frozen Treats from Papa Diddi's to Beat the Heat

Ice Cream

I noticed how Filipinos love eating ice cream. Maybe because of our warm weather or my laid-back lifestyle, but nobody eats ice cream like we do! When you look around, you’ll discover delicious homemade ice cream which we refer to as “dirty ice cream." These ice cream aren't really 'dirty" but since they are peddled on the street, hence, it's called as such. Add a trip to one of my favorite frozen treat spots in Quezon City to your bucket list. 

Papa Diddi's Handcrafted Ice Cream

Treat your tastebuds to handmade artisanal gelato made with old-world traditions and recipes that have been passed down through the generations with Papa Diddi's. Don't forget to ask about their new flavors concocted by Sir Peter Paul Perez, the proprietor himself. He's such an ice cream fan that he created a brand of handcrafted ice cream using only the best local ingredients and carabao milk and named them after his late dad, a lawyer by profession who's fond to be called "Papa Diddi." 

Are you ready for a taste explosion that will transport you straight to dessert paradise? Look no further than the marvelous creation known as artisanal ice cream, Papa Diddi had just created Funfetti Ice Cream! Brace yourself for a whirlwind of delightful flavors and a carnival of colors that will leave you craving more.