CEBU MD.COM

Why we should support She Matters Cervical Cancer Foundation, Inc.

2013-04-27T04:22:00.001-07:00

It has been months that I last attended an event but I thought that a cervical cancer awareness-related event was really worth supporting so I carried my feet to Choi City to learn more about She Matters Cervical Cancer Foundation, Incorporated (SMCCFI), a Cebu-based foundation.

Reaching the venue, I was glad to see that the group was able to successfully invite a good number of young bloggers who hopefully can spread the message that cervical cancer is preventable and something can be done about it.

It was my first time to meet their founder, Ms. Emee Y. Aquino. Nope, she is not a relative of Kris Aquino but like Kris, she is a good communicator. Her presentation conveyed to the young audience all the basic things one should know about cervical cancer, especially the prevention aspect. Miss Emee is a sister of a patient who succumbed to cervical cancer at age 41. Listening to Miss Emee, you can feel that she is really passionate about her advocacy. And what she's doing is not actually easy, mind you.

Ms. Emee Aquino addressing the young audience

Most of the attention when it comes to cancer awareness among women appears to be on breast cancer awareness where many OB-HYN doctors are already very actively involved. There is actually local support also for cervical cancer awareness among various groups but it is not yet as big as breast cancer's.

For one, it is hard to let cervical cancer survivors to talk as there perhaps for fear of being talked about falsely as having multiple sex partners. But one has to remember that anyone who has ever had sex may be at risk, even if one had only one sexual partner in his or her lifetime.

In Cebu, SMCCFI (to my knowledge) is the only foundation specifically for cervical cancer awareness. It is still a young foundation and it needs everyone's support -- from doctors, mothers, students and the community. Their page enumerates ways on how you can help SMCCFI.

So why should we care? Why should we support SMCCFI?

Because cervical cancer, next to breast cancer is the most common cancer among women between age 15 to 44 claiming 12 Filipina's lives everyday.
Because cervical cancer is often detected in the later stages when little can be done and mortality rate is high so that spreading awareness for prevention and means for early detection (Pap smear, HPV test) can greatly help lower the number of cases.
Because cervical cancer may affect you and your loved ones directly or indirectly.
Because cervical cancer which has an infectious etiology can be prevented and the means are available(example: vaccines).
Because SMCCFI with its dynamic and passionate core group can accomplish more things with your support.

For more information about SMCCFI, visit their website and Facebook account.

For more info about human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of cervical cancer, visit the CDC HPV website.

Read more about the basics of cervical cancer here.

Philippine Elections 2013: Some sites to help you decide who to vote for as senator

2013-04-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

In this edition of my blog, let me talk Philippine elections. Physicians and medical students are so busy with their profession or studies that they find little time to research for candidates' backgrounds. In this post I will provide some links to sites that may be good resource for knowing more the senatorial candidates at least.

In this elections, there are familiar names because the candidate is a relative of a current senator or major government official past or present. Well, you might decide to vote for them because of the winnability factor - because they are popular in the surveys, because they belong to a prominent family, because they are already famous, etc. But I say why not vote who you feel will best contribute to the betterment of the country even if you feel others will not vote for him or her. Let not surveys dictate who you will vote for. Nevermind if he or she is winnable or not. If everybody thinks this way (vote not according to popularity or winnability) then perhaps we will get the right people in power, don't you think?

So here is a site to acquaint yourself with lesser known candidates in Facebook.

You might want to vote candidates based on qualifications and experience, not popularity. There was a time that senators were selected among the most qualified. See for yourself this list of previous senators the likes of Jovito Salonga.

You might want to see their previous record in lawmaking or simply their attendance. There might be candidates who were known absentees in Congress so what will you expect from them in the Senate? Here is one news item about the absentees in Congress. Check the names of the absentees.

There might be candidates who are hiding something.

Some have been linked to offshore accounts and the possession of such are considered by some as "turn-offs" for voting a certain candidate.

A lot of candidates avoid discussing issues, debates, TV or media guestings or forums. They fear perhaps that their ignorance in certain issues will be revealed or they might encounter a "slip in the tongue" and their true selves will be revealed. Speaking of TV guestings, here is one that early on before the election campaign period started, invited senatorial candidates to their programs. Questions from panelists coming from the TV network, the audience and social media were asked these candidates and perhaps their answers will help you decide if you will vote for them. Just search "GMA Hiritan" in Google or go here.

There are other TV interviews and programs that you might want to watch. You might want to visit ABS-CBN or Rappler Election websites for example.

So there you have it. My simple election-related post to help physicians and busy persons know their candidates. Vote according to your conscience. Vote for who you really want. Vote NOT based on popularity and winnability. Vote wisely this coming election.

Lose Weight, Get Active, Fight Diabetes

2013-02-15T05:21:00.000-08:00

Diabetes is here and now. Many are affected by it. There is no need to deny it. It is better to battle it head on.

The Philippine Diabetic Athletes (PDAT), a non-stock, non-profit organization seeks to inspire, educate, and encourage Filipino diabetics to manage their disease through a healthy and active lifestyle with a series of events entitled "Lose Weight, Get Active... Fight Diabetes where they bring in notable doctors, nutritionists and coaches.

On February 23, 2013, the second leg of this series will be at the Ayala Mall Activity Center from 10 AM to 5 PM. Diabetics, those at risk for diabetes, and their families are invited to take part in this event.

This event is free to the public.

Program:

10:30 am. - 11:30 a.m. Early Detection and Prevention of Diabetes Through Active Living

Dr. Marian K. Denopol – Diabetologist.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. Proper Nutrition for Diabetics who Want to Lose Weight.

Dr. Marissa Garcia – Endocrinologist.

1:30 a.m. - 2:30 a.m. What Diabetics Need to Know when Getting into Sports or Weight Loss

Dr. Albert L. Chu – Doctor for Internal Medicine – Endocrinology.

2:30 a.m. - 3:30 a.m. Running Basics

Coach Noy Jopson - Running Coach.

3:30 a.m. - 4:30 a.m. Sports Related Injuries and Precautions for Diabetics

Dr. Joefrey Arbatin - Orthopedic Surgeon.

4:30 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. Starting a Commitment to an Active Lifestyle.

Dr. Raymund "Reel" Bontol – Internist Physician in Adult Pulmonology, Founding Member of Team Reborn.

For more information you may email triabetics@gmail.com and look for Ms. Alisa Cruz, PDAT Secretariat.

Free, Discreet, Confidential HIV Testing in Cebu City

2013-02-04T19:59:00.000-08:00

On February 23, 2013, there will be free, discrete and very confidential HIV testing in Cebu City. If you feel you are at risk for HIV and want to make sure, check-in and register online at http://go.loveyourself.ph/cebu. In that link you will also learn more details.

This event is brought to you by Love Yourself, Inc.

CebuMD supports activities promoting health including HIV awareness, diagnosis and treatment.

Sponsor a child thru World Vision Philippines

2012-12-17T02:19:00.000-08:00

No child should ever suffer due to poverty and sickness. They should be able to enjoy their childhood. They should be able to smile and play and not worry about what they will eat for tonight.

World Vision is an international partnership of Christians whose call is to serve others and whose vision for every child is life in all its fullness. Their prayer, the will to make it so.

World Vision is a global organization which serve the poorest children helping transform their lives in nearly 100 countries including the Philippines. In the country, they help more than 120,000 children in 33 provinces and 44 cities nationwide.

You too can help one of these children thru World Vision Philippines.

For P20 a day or P600 a month or P7,200 a year, you can sponsor a child to make sure they are in good health and can go to school. They can also be better equipped for life's challenges through skills training and livelihood assistance. With your support, the child is taught value formation, provided with proper nutrition and safe water. Your sponsorship can change the kids' lives and even yours forever.

To learn more about World Vision and its child sponsorship program, visit their website at http://worldvision.org.ph/sponsor-a-child/know-more-about-child-sponsorship.

You can also visit their Facebook page. There you will notice that they are also helping in relief efforts due to Typhoon Pablo.

For this coming Christmas, you can also give the poor children a Noche Buena gift thru World Vision.

Let us support World Vision and share what you have to the less fortunate.

This blog supports World Blogathon 2012, an initiative of Cebu Bloggers Society with the help of Andy's Hotel and Smart.

MIND7, Nutrition Advocates among media practitioners in Region 7

2012-12-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

You don't need to look far in order to see that malnutrition does exist in our communities. When you go out on the streets, you see street children which appear very thin. On the other hand, entering a fastfood chain, you will see obese persons. Both are forms of malnutrition -- undernourished and overnourished. And a certain group is not content doing nothing. This group does not wait for the government to convince them to act on the problem of nutrition. And they are battling malnutrition by doing what they do best.

MIND7 which stands for Media Information Network for Nutrition and Development for Region 7 is a group which consists of legitimate media practitioners from TV, radio, print and even the social media or blogging community which aims to "serve as a vehicle to strengthen the flow of food and nutrition information" something which is much needed. They help the National Nutrition Council, local government units and other government agencies in this aspect.

Their past activities included promoting breast feeding, information campaigns on handwashing, establishment of home gardens and many more.

I just hope more and more media personalities and even bloggers will have nutrition as one of their advocacies for believe it or not, the country's future is affected by nutrition.

You can follow MIND7 via the NutritionAdvocates PH Facebook page or via their Twitter @NutriAdvocates.

Worldblogathon supports MIND7. This post was made during the Worldblogathon brought to you by the Cebu Bloggers Society, Smart and Andy Hotel.

Loveyourself Cebu, helping in the battle to prevent HIV

2012-12-09T06:07:00.000-08:00

Image courtesy of: Loveyourself.ph

Among those with the highest risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS are those men having sex with men (MSM) so that the MSM group is a very important group to target also with regards to education, counseling and awareness. And peers can be the best teachers in this case.

Loveyourself may just have the people to best connect to MSMs as many members may be considered peers. According to their website, "Love Yourself Inc. (for the Youth & LGBT-MSM) is a non-stock, non-profit SEC organization that aims to reach out to the community to propagate ideas, attitudes, and practices that encourage loving oneself -- to DARE to be oneself, to CARE for oneself, and to SHARE oneself as a way to multiplying joy."

Loveyourself gives assistance to those who want to be tested for HIV and they assure your anonymity and confidentiality. They are partners with the Department of Health (DOH). They have trained HIV educators and counselors that can be approached by anyone who has certain concerns related to HIV. They organize activities that help promote HIV awareness and provide support to high-risk groups like the youth and MSMs which the DOH might have difficulty reaching or connecting.

A Loveyourself Cebu Team has just been established quite recently and during World Aids Day (WAD), they organized a WAD Parade. This is a welcome development as Cebu is one of the HIV concern areas in the country and the group's entry could boost efforts to lower HIV incidence here. Perhaps if you have patients (for doctors) or if you have friends or relatives who want somebody to talk to regarding their condition, a HIV support group of sorts, you may want to refer them to The Loveyourself Cebu Team.

The Loveyourself team also accepts volunteers and contributions.

You can connect with them also thru Twitter by the way.

Worldblogathon supports Loveyourself Cebu. This post was made during the Worldblogathon brought to you by the Cebu Bloggers Society, Smart and Andy Hotel.

Reflections during the Digital Influencers Marketing Summit in Cebu

2012-11-29T15:12:00.000-08:00

The Digital Influencers Marketing Summit in Cebu was really a very fruitful event. It inspired a lot of people to be more passionate about their advocacies. It also made me reflect on many things which I will share to you today. It gathered bloggers (including aspiring and rejuvenated ones), technopreneurs and internet marketers among many others.

The first talk on Bloggers as Influencers and Brand Advocates made me reflect on my organization, the Cebu Bloggers Society (CBSi). The talk featured advocates who also happen to be from CBSi. The talk including the questions in that particular segment made me think that Cebu Blogegrs Society is in the right path in being advocates and not lootbaggers. Many in CBSi like Ruben Licera Jr, Fleire Castro and Bjorn Bernales are becoming known for their advocacies without asking money in return.

How Influencers and Brand Advocates are Shaping Search Engine Results reminded me of being conscious on what links I put on my blog and inspired me to really provide better content in my blogs.

The topic "Building Relationships with Influencers and Brand Advocates" made me realize even more the value of interactions and engagement especially with readers and followers as well as fellow bloggers in various platforms. Perhaps I should visit other blogs and forums more often. I should make my Facebook pages more dynamic with content to engage the visitors.

Listening to the speakers telling their story on their Transformation as an Influencer made me recall also my own transformation from one who just has his students as audience to having now a wider reach. 3 years ago when I was not a serious blogger, I was just teaching in the classroom. But little by little I am able to reach more as I see my Twitter followers increase which include colleagues from other countries. Now I am having public speaking opportunities as well as offline writing opportunities. As I learn more from others, I am able to improve myself knowing things beyond what I studied formally for.

Only then that I realize that my transformation brought about by being active in the blogging and social media scene has after all left an impact to some people I thought I did not have influence over. This is evident in my current Kidney Transplant Fund efforts. I have cash donors who come from parents of my students and some whom I am not personally acquainted with.

Khoa Bui's advices were spot on. I am now determined to write books as my next project. I now want to be an inspirational speaker when my kidney transplant hopefully becomes successful. I will write more often. I will follow Ben Francia's lead of not giving up and treating challenges as "happy problems". Being initially "non-techy" like Alan Choachuy of METAfit Cebu should not be a hindrance to reaching other people effectively.

The elections are coming next year and Ms. Janette Toral is right in pointing out the possible role of Social Media in the elections. It made me recall Uncle Ben's (of Spiderman) message to Peter Parker which could be applicable to social media influencers for this coming elections -- "With great power, comes great responsibility."

With so much things triggered by the said summit and with many people left inspired, I would say it was really successful. Thank you Ms. Janette Toral and the organizers led by Fleire Castro for bringing the Digital Influencers Marketing Summit to Cebu. It was refreshing to see the participants sharing the same passion for their advocacies. I do hope to continue mine as I start my journey for a kidney transplant.

If you want to help me in my journey, just visit my Polycystic Kidney Disease blog. In there is my story and a Paypal donate button on the left sidebar. See you again next year!

Raise your Hands so more Children will Survive Five

2012-11-05T06:37:00.001-08:00

Around 21,000 children under age five die worldwide mostly DUE TO PREVENTABLE CAUSES and a resounding majority of the deaths come from developing countries. According to the World Health organization, three-quarters of all child deaths are mainly due to causes such as pneumonia, diarrhea, neonatal conditions, malaria and measles -- all preventable and all may be present in our country.

According also to the WHO, coverage of key child health interventions are low and unequally distributed between and within countries. And this problem must be brought to the attention of everyone including our world leaders and the influential people. This is the wish of World Vision,
a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. For them all children should have a chance to be happy and healthy.

And so they are inviting us to join thousands of people in over 60 countries worldwide in raising our hands for health, especially the health of those under age five so that more children Survive Five.

What we can do? Simple.

Take a photo with your hands raised and show the world by pasting the particular photo on the wall of http://www.childhealthnow.org and perhaps also on your Facebook wall to show support for Survive Five. I invite especially the medical students as well as the students of other health professions, and the pediatricians to show the way. Urge your friends, your barkada to have a group picture with your arms raised. Have fun while helping raise awareness and perhaps the world will take heed and pay attention.

Cebu MD and Cebu Bloggers Society shows you how in the picture below:

Photo credit: Red Yumang of CookMyGarden

Make sure your pictures are up before November 13-20, the first Global Week of Action when World Vision seeks to bring people together across the globe to show support for the children at risk of illness or death from preventable causes.

For more information about the Global Week of Action, just go to the ChildHealthNow website.

Count yourself in and TAKE AND UPLOAD THOSE PICS NOW!

Cebu-based cancer center urges proper education on HPV vaccines

2012-10-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

Many women are still unaware about the connection of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and the development of cervical cancer, let alone HPV vaccination. This according to Mr. Ronald de los Reyes, the program coordinator of the Cebu-based Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI). HPV is the same virus that causes genital warts by the way.

Importance of education

I agree with Mr. Reyes. The perception of some is that cancers are not caused by infectious organisms. In reality, there are viruses that are associated with cancers and HPV is one of them. We need to educate people regarding this especially that cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among Cebu's women according to EJACC's Metro Cebu Population-based Cancer Registry. To note, in 2003-2007, there are 162 deaths out of the 311 cervical cancer cases recorded.

“By educating women, we are helping them overcome their reservations on issues related to cervical cancer. Public education and awareness requires multi-sectoral support from policy makers, healthcare professionals, and the general public to successfully introduce HPV vaccines,” he explained.

“Since HPV vaccine is a relatively new concept, many Filipinos are unfamiliar that there are two HPV vaccines in the market that are classified as preventive measures against cervical cancer. We need to make it clear that HPV vaccines can only prevent and not treat HPV infections,” Delos Reyes said.

The HPV vaccines

Approved by the Philippine Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) last 2006, quadrivalent and bivalent vaccines prevent HPV type infections. Both vaccines protect against initial infections of HPV types 16 and 18, which cause most of the HPV-associated cancer cases. Quadrivalent vaccine also protects against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause ninety percent of genital warts.

Vaccine recommendations

To be most effective, HPV vaccines should be given before a person has any type of sexual debut, when HPV infection risk is at its lowest. The recommendation is to get vaccinated between the ages of 9 and 27. Pregnant women should not get the vaccine. “Women who are sexually active may also benefit from vaccination, but they may get less benefit. This is because they may have already been exposed to one or more of HPV types targeted by the vaccines,” Delos Reyes said.

He added that the cost of the cost of the vaccines puts it out of reach of many women. Currently, the three doses (via injection) of the vaccine cost a total of Php 6,000. The vaccine is given in three shots over a six-month period (day 1, month 2, and month 6). Another challenge is the accessibility of the vaccines.

He said that the vaccine is a cost-effective answer to the plea for women to fight cervical
cancer. The vaccination for each patient should always be determined by a doctor, he stressed
out.

“If we will look at it, the HPV vaccine is a lifetime opportunity. The cost of the vaccination is less compared to the burdens of medical expenses caused by HPV diseases or infections that might come in the long run. Many people could even spend thousands of pesos for gadgets that become out-dated over time, so why not spend on HPV vaccination?” Delos Reyes stressed.

Worldwide, cervical cancer death toll remains high. He lamented that women only come for treatment when the disease has reached a critical stage.

“Women should do in all possible preventive measures that could possibly lower the risks of cervical cancer,” he said. He added that it is important for adult women to still get cervical cancer screening even if they have completed the HPV vaccine series. Other preventive measures include regular
cervical screening (pap smear) annually or as advised by the obstetrician-gynecologist, and HPV testing.

He also said that vaccines do not provide 100 percent protection against cancer but it can help women prevent cervical cancer before it starts to grow. “The development of HPV infections is due to risky sexual practices that include having sex at an early age and having multiple sexual partners of both men and women,” he said.

Original article courtesy of Chrisley Ann Hinayas of RAFI.

Cebu MD among the finalists in the 1st Cebu Media Excellence Awards

2012-09-12T02:00:00.000-07:00

Good news! Cebu MD is one of the blogger finalists in Globe Telecom's 1st Cebu Media Excellence Awards for the special award, Blogger of the Year. The awarding ceremonies will be on September 18, coinciding with the Press Freedom Week celebration at the Salon de Espana, Casino Espanol, V, Ranudo Street. Program starts at 10 AM.

Other awards to be given that day are the best Print, Radio and Television Reporter of the Year, Feature Story of the Year for the various media, Column of the Year, Radio Broadcaster of the Year and Television Broadcaster of the Year. These awards are given to recognize both traditional and online media who are "breaking new grounds in news dissemination and showing exemplary communication skills and creativity."

Velez College Medtech Grad Tops Again

2012-09-05T09:03:00.002-07:00

Prior to today's results, a Velez College graduate had the feeling that someone from her school will top the Medical Technology Board Exams. Her basis? The recent earthquake that rocked the country.

She noted in the recent two board Exams (where somebody from Velez College topped the Medtech Boards), there was a preceding earthquake a few days before the exam. In this recent exam, there was an earthquake a day prior.

Turns out her hunch was right.

Another Velezian graduate got the number one spot in the September 2012 Medical Technology Board Exams. Matthew Joseph Tan Po from Velez College got a score of 91.70 which put him on top of 1,865 total examinees. His individual accomplishment was the icing in the cake for Velez College College of Medical Technology led by its dean Ms. Perla Vinarta, as the school got a 100% passing rate as all 84 examinees passed.

As news of the results came out, Facebook walls of the boardpassers were flooded with congratulatory as well as thank you messages.

"Top 1 + 100% again! Congrats Velez MedTechs! Lord kami nasad next year ha!"
"Maka hilak lagi ang akong newsfeed. Mygosh guys. Amazing. Thank you, Lord! VC-MT 2012, WOW! :)"
"Lord, thank u kaayo..we made it!! 100% mi..:))"
"thanks to all my friends, my relatives, and to daddy ko, to my family and above all to the most powerful LORD JESUS CHRIST."

It was actually a good day for Cebu as Cebu Doctors' University (also with a 100% passing rate with all 29 examinees passing) had 3 graduates in the top 10:

No. 4. Thara Jill Sy Anasco
No. 5. Kelvin Jay Toledo Buensalida , and
No. 7. Efren John Oledan Misagal

It is everyone's wish that next year will likewise be a good year for all examinees. Here's to more topnotchers from Cebu BUT NO MORE EARTHQUAKE PLEASE!

To the board passers, congratulations! To their teachers and those working behind the scenes, good job and congratulations too!

Blogger Relations Talk During the Unilab Social Media Summit

2012-08-12T00:48:00.000-07:00

More and more brands are recognizing the importance of bloggers. Why not? Bloggers are also consumers which can be a good source of feedback as well as content. Their blog posts are practically word-of-mouth. Many people research on the brands by reading blogs. And the message is multiplied from their blog posts to their social media accounts and bookmarks.

One of the social media adapting brands who recognize the importance of bloggers is Unilab, the biggest pharmaceutical company in the Philippines. One afternoon, I got the chance to be among the panelists for a talk on Blogger Relations together with OC MominManila and Liz of Project Vanity during the Unilab Social Media Summit held at the Unilab Bayanihan Center last July 26.

We shared our experiences about meeting with people from different brands and we appear to share the same views regarding blogger relations especially frowning upon brands that initially approach bloggers with frank brand or product speak.

Brands should realize that bloggers are not robots that are programmed to produce content. They are people too who appreciate friendships and a conversation over a cup of coffee. They have advocacies that they support. They have interests and activities that they are passionate about. Knowing these can help brands maintain good blogger relations.

There are several brands that have good blogger relations but there are also brands that do not have a relationship with bloggers at all. These are probably brands that have not hopped into social media yet which is a surprise considering that the Philippines is among the top countries using social media like Facebook and Twitter.

Speaking of starting or maintaining blogger relations...Want to make friends with bloggers in Cebu? Then why not pay Cebu Bloggers Society a visit. Perhaps we could share each others stories over dinner.

Cebu Centre for Dance, Not Just an ordinary Dance school

2012-07-13T08:31:00.001-07:00

Doctors are human beings too who want to pursue their passion for other things outside their medical profession. I know of doctors who send their little kids to music schools for piano and violin lessions. In the same manner, many also send their children to dance schools to learn ballet and other dances like hiphop.

I even know of one doctor who continues to pursue her passion for dance as a part-time teacher of ballet in Cebu -- Dr. Mary Poblete-Chan, an obstetric-gynecologist. And where does she teach ballet? At Cebu Centre for Dance.

My interest for the culture and arts has brought me to visit the Cebu Centre for Dance (CCD), the newest dance school providing world-class dance training established by a group of individuals who are passionate about ballet and dance and who are very willing to share their experience and expertise.

The dance studio

CCD opened last April 12, 2012. The dance floor area according to the operations manager I interviewed is about 110 square dance meters divided into Studio A and B, with A being the larger studio. The 2 studios can be combined also to form a larger dance floor. CCD also has proper sprung floors made of Taraflex which makes injuries a lesser probability for ballet dancers and other dance students who often jump and bounce among other maneuvers.

There are mirrors all throughout and fixed smooth wooden hand rails which is preferred more by some ballet dancers and most especially ballroom dancers.

Speakers are built around the room to immerse the dancers fully into the music as they dance.

CCD also has its own toilet and 3 dressing rooms as well as lockers. Since many ballet accessories are not readily available, CCD sells tights, leotards, pointe shoes, toe pads among others for convenience.

Not just ballet

The school offers regular lessons (mainly the Vaganova method) in ballet divided into pre-ballet 1 and 2 for little kids, Ballet 1A and B, Ballet 2 and Advanced ballet. Scholarships are offered also to deserving students.

But the teachers there do not just teach ballet. In relation to ballet, French terminologies related to ballet are introduced to their wards to facilitate ballet instruction.

They also teach Contemporary (an expressive form of dance combining modern dance and ballet), Social Dance (Latin and Ballroom), Hip Hop, Jazz, Yoga and Pilates. All of these are taught by certified and experienced dance instructors in the person of couples Chris and Shiela Lendio-Manlunas, veteran Baby Cabaero (which is also a certified Pilates mat teacher), Johanna Mangubat and ably supported by Dr. Mary Poblete-Chan and Thea Pala. Zumba sessions are also offered with Emma Satchell, certified Zumba instructor, on board.

"We believe exposure to different artists is important to kids," says Johanna Mangubat who manages the operations of the CCD. She adds (referring to the trainings that they give), "We are very particular to the kind of quality we give to the students."

The Pilates by the way is incorporated in the ballet program as a strength and conditioning measure, an important aspect of dancing.

Not just a dance school

CCD is not just a dance school. It is also a fitness studio as groups can rent the place for aikido, taichi and wingchun classes. The place is also open for those who want to rent it for dance practices. Some doctors practicing for convention or party production numbers have already utilized the studio for their practices.

I happened to arrive at CCD at the time some adult students are coming out from a session. Seeing them come out smiling after a session is a good indication that perhaps CCD is indeed a nice school to learn dancing aside from their impressive lineup of dance faculty.

So why not send your kids to learn dancing from this school. Or if not, register yourself in one of the classes. Doctors out there in Cebu, join the other doctors who are already taking classes or having dancing sessions in CCD. Or you could practice as a group here. Remember, dancing also promotes fitness.

Cebu Centre for Dance is located at Door 4, Tango Plaza Bldg., Queen's Road, Cebu City, within the vicinity of the building at the back of C and E Publishing near Redemptorist Parish. They can be contacted at telephone numbers (032) 514-4283. Visit their Facebook page and website for more information or if you want to contact them through online means.

Dr. Raymund Cagape: A Real Physician with a Heart

2012-07-10T06:48:00.004-07:00

Dr. Raymund Cagape or Dr. Roel recently visited his alma mater, Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM) for their batch Nexus's Silver Jubillee. Today he was asked to share his story to his colleagues and the current CIM students. His story is definitely one that should be shared to current and future doctors. Very inspirational...

Below is a feature by Jessica Soho last year of this humble and selfless CIM graduate who dedicated himself to the service of those in far flung and impoverished areas. He is the embodiment of a Physician with a Heart.

I thought that this will illustrate best his story in the blogosphere...

Social Media Day Cebu with Cebu Bloggers Society

2012-07-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

Last June 30. Cebu MD celebrated Social Media day with his fellow bloggers and some journalists. Social has been very kind to this blogger. It has been helpful in spreading information and educating his readers on many things.

The Social Media Day Cebu event was held in Mactan Isla Resort, a nice venue for gatherings between close friends and family.

Highlights of the event were talks on Elancing, ethics, social media influence and having quality content on blogs. It was nice to see journalists helping to educate bloggers on ethics in journalism and writing good quality content.

There were several take home messages. One that stood out is that bloggers should not allow themselves to be dictated mainly by algorithms when they write.

Reflecting on social media, I look forward for bloggers to lead the way in advocating for responsible social media use.

Congratulations to Cebu Bloggers Society President Ruben Licera for a job well done in organizing the event and Vice President Bjorn Bernales. Thanks also to the sponsors and partners as indicated in the poster above.

Let us all put social media in to good use especially here in Cebu.

Swish Breath Spray: Product Review

2012-06-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

Swish comes in two 10-ml preparations: The (blue) Arctic Chill and the (green) Peppermint Fresh.

After a week of trying both variants, here is what I have to say.

What I know about the Swish product is its Mouthwash line. When I learned about the Breath spray line, I thought this was a good move by the manufacturer. It will be nice to have the benefits of the Mouthwash in this more handy breath spray line which can be carried anywhere.

The 10 ml breath spray is just the right size. It can be placed conveniently whether in the pocket or in one's work bag for ease of access when the need for a quick breath fix arises.

Spraying 1 to 2 pumps into the mouth, one can feel freshness in about 10 seconds without the sting of alcohol preparations of other mouthwashes or breath sprays. True enough, reading the product label, it says, "alcohol-free and sugar-free." Sugar-free is important since it is known that bacteria thrive in environments rich in sugars.

I actually like both variants and I won't mind using either of the two.

The spray delivers a fine stream of breath freshness that I can imagine that one can use it good for about 100 sprays.

Swish Breath spray is said to act by killing bacteria in the mouth to eliminate bad breath caused by eating, drinking and smoking. Using the product for about a week already, I believe that the spray indeed does this as I observed that my breath remains fresh for several hours.

I think one important use of the product is in the hospital setting by patients with the tendency to have bad breath especially when the mouth is kept close for a long period of time. I recommend Swish breath spray for these patients to keep their breath fresh.

Swish Breath spray is worth trying and using for its convenience and reliability.

Swish breath spray is a part of a line of products of Unilab or United Laboratories, Inc.

Unilab Ideas Positive finalists from Cebu to be announced

2012-05-22T22:54:00.002-07:00

On May 23, the regional finalists teams who will be chosen to join Unilab Ideas Positive exclusive 3-day social marketing boot camp will be announced at the www.unilabideaspositive.com. (For live and frequent updates about the teams and the program, subscribe to their Facebook page at Facebook.com/Unilab.IdeasPositive or follow IdeasPositive on Twitter at @ideaspositive.)

To recall, from a total of 82 entries received nationwide, 30 came from the Visayas. 6 teams came from Cebu and they had their presentations last May 16, 2012 for the Cebu leg of the Screening at the Cebu Parklane Hotel.

I was there to witness the presentations along with my colleagues at the Cebu Bloggers Society.

It was nice to see the youth participating in this advocacy of Unilab for the various communities in the country.

“We believe in the collective power of the youth to be catalysts of positive change in our communities that is why Unilab Ideas Positive came into fruition. The growing number of entries every year prompted us to go nationwide this 2012 and we are immensely humbled by the support our Cebuano youth have given us,” shared Unilab Ideas Positive program lead Barry Barrientos.

Barrientos added, "This is one of the bayanihan practices at its finest. We want the Filipino youth to start young in having that consciousness on the health concerns around them and to work together in addressing them, which is the backbone of this program. We are looking forward to award the deserving teams and their promising ideas. This would definitely be a tough choice to make!”

Cebu had the most number of youth delegate teams that advanced to the program’s live screening phase—they are now up against 22 other groups from Metro Manila, North & South Luzon and Mindanao for a chance to win PHP 100,000 seed money for them to jumpstart their projects.

Aside from the funding, the chosen teams will also be flown to Manila this June, with free hotel accommodation, meals and transportation, to attend a 3-day social marketing boot camp.

Among the Cebu teams that presented, there was the Team NSC’s "Basura Ko, Kalusugan Ko" project which aims to encourage the residents of Brgy. Alaska, Mambaling to trade their recyclable waste with basic commodities to promote proper waste management.

Another team almost have a similar focus, Team CodeName Neon's "Token Junk Store" for Brgy. San Jose where the residents can exchange recyclable waste for a usable metal token.

Meanwhile, two teams gave focus on access to potable and safe water sources. Team Bang’s “Catch Rain, We Can” project proposes a rainwater catchment system using ferro-cement jars at Gitbingil Island in Medellin.

Wherein some seek water from the sky, Team Transit’s “ A Bicycle For Water” looks down low and seeks to address a similar need through a bicycle water-pumping system from the deep wells of St. Arnold Janssen Village in Lapu-Lapu City.

I just read recently about an article regarding the selling and consumption of Pawikan meat as food in Pasil. In an effort to save the Pawikans (an endangered species of turtles) Team H5O has the timely Oplan Sagip Pawikan Para sa Kalusugan at Kapaligiran proposing an information and awareness campaign to stop the capturing, selling and eating of pawikan meat.

Lastly, through Team Vanguards’ “AQ/UA LAB Project: Aquaponics / Urban Agriculture – Lihok Alang sa Baranggay Project” aquaponics and urban agriculture will be introduced as an alternative source of livelihood to the people of Brgy. Agus.

Judges during the Cebu screening were as follows:

Tonton Mapa - Assistant Vice President for Unilab Corporate Affairs and Unilab Foundation
Barry Barrientos - Unilab Ideas Positive Project Lead
Melinda Bandalaria - Dean, Faculty of Communication Studies, UP Open University
Ma. Christine Reyes - social marketing consultant, former faculty member of Ateneo De Manila University's Development Studies Department
Annie Lim - Owner, Anthill Fabric; Social Entrepreneur
Joe Castillo - Owner, JoeGreen Bags; Social Entrepreneur

I just hope local medical schools also will initiate something like this related to the Family and Preventive Medicine field or rotation perhaps in the third years. We have to remind doctors, that ultimately, physicians are not just there for individual patients, but also they should be thinking about the health of the community.

It's Time for Coach Jim Saret's FITFIL Fitness Boot Camp

2012-05-10T20:50:00.001-07:00

It is really worthwhile to devote time in taking care of one's health and fitness. However, getting in a gym and enrolling in fitness programs can be too expensive on the pocket for some since the figures are just too much for the budget.

Others have second thoughts on enrolling in fitness programs since they feel intimidated by the more experienced clients already showing big muscles as they lift weights.

But these should still not stop one from being fit.

Coach Jim Saret's FitFil Fitness Bootcamp is welcome news I tell you. As I learn more about it, I became convinced it is very different from the usual fitness programs out there. Thus I said to myself that I should grab this chance. Now is the time.

Coach Jim Saret's FitFil (Fit Filipino) Fitness Bootcamp will be in Cebu from May 15 to June 16, 2012 (Tuesday and Thursday from 6 pm to 8 pm. On Saturdays from 6 am to 8 am) at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City.

Why I decided to join and why you should join? Why not?

The exercise environment is unique, yet it's perfect if you want to breathe fresh air as you sweat out. You are surrounded by the trees instead of walls. A very natural environment. Afterall we are people not machines.
There is no reason for beginners like me to be shy as beginners will be grouped together. Goodbye to intimidation.
The workouts will vary and therefore will not be boring. Routine is boring and when it becomes boring then participants tend to dropout resulting to program failure.
Top fitness experts will be around along with people who have success weight loss stories (Think BIGGEST LOSER). These equals better motivation.
Easy on the budget. Where can you get this type of one-month program for a price of around P1,000 and below?
Is this just a fitness bootcamp? No. Nestle Wellness is on board on this complete with nutritionists and dieticians giving advice making this a Health and Wellness Bootcamp also. "Asa pa ka ana?" (Saan ka pa?)
Of course, health should be of primary importance and therefore all of the above things I mentioned is just a bonus.

Convinced?
Then register here now. There are only limited slots (100) so if I were you, I will register right away.

You may also visit FitFil Cebu's Facebook page and be part of the community there.

See you and together let us become Fit Filipinos (Fit Fil)!

The GTUG/GDG Pre Startup Weekend Cebu Bootcamp

2012-05-08T00:50:00.000-07:00

In my continued quest to hopefully join or even establish my own startup company out of my startup ideas as well as to help me with a possible business startup plan, I also joined Google Users Group in Cebu in their Pre Startup Weekend Bootcamp help in the University of the Philippines Cebu last May 5, 2012.

As expected, majority of the audience is made up of developers and web designers but that did not stop me from attending. I learned about wireframing and prototyping, which are also steps in coming up with a startup product. It definitely triggered me to read more in the web.

I am definitely excited for Friday, May 11, the start of the actual Startup Weekend.

Below are scenes from the Pre Startup Weekend Cebu Bootcamp which I personally attended:

See you at Startup Weekend!

My Crazy Pre-Startup Weekend Cebu Workshop Experience

2012-04-24T23:07:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday, I joined about 40 participants in a Pre-Startup Weekend Cebu Workshop, a great precursor to the Startup Weekend Cebu this May 11-13. It was held at the Cebu Institute of Technology University, Cebu City.

There I met programmers, game developers, app developers, businessmen and internet marketing specialists among others who will participate in Startup Weekend Cebu as volunteer/organizer or delegate/participant. Most of them are in their 20s.

I was the only physician among the group.

The experience was a unique one for me. Each one of us simulated the Startup Weekend pitching of ideas. Each one of us did spontaneous mock pitches using a collection of nouns and adjectives joined together to form a adjective-noun.com mock website.

It was crazy. Some of the mock websites' names are FunFish.com, StrongGame.com, StrongDog.com, PowerfulShirt.com, AwesomeTV.com to name a few.

After individual pitches, groups were formed and my group choose StrongDog.com as our website to pitch in. I was chosen as the presenter/speaker for my group composed of individuals who are younger than me.

I did not expect myself to do a mock pitch for StrongDog.com which we presented as a website which sells cute toy dogs like chihuahua, poodle, Shih Tzu, etc. which was injected with radioactive spider serum and adamantium enabling them to sense danger with their spider sense and making them impervious to bullets. It can be pre-programmed to bite a target and needs little food and water as it remains strong for a long time.

The workshop was a nice exercise. We all had a good laugh. We now have an idea how to make a pitch for our ideas in just a minute come Startup Weekend Cebu. We hope to get new partners for these ideas and new friends.

Hopefully, this will be a start of big things to come. Who knows, I may be able to make a new medical app or a social media tool for students or doctors. I can't wait. You should join to as there are many reasons to do so.

Parties interested in Startup Weekend Cebu can register via http://cebu.startupweekend.org until May 11 or while slots are available. To know more about Startup Weekend Cebu, visit www.cebu.startupweekend.org.

Startup Weekend Cebu: Why you should attend

2012-04-16T19:18:00.001-07:00

I am not an information technology graduate nor a businessman. I just began reading about startups but somehow the launch of Startup Weekend Cebu last week in Ching Palace, Lahug got me excited to attend the event.

CebuMD (That's me!) is attending Startup Weekend and is inspired to share his idea and hopefully come up with a team or join a team with an idea he finds interesting to support. Who knows, I may come up with a new medical software or a new medical app with the help of the people I meet there?

So why am I excited and why should you attend the Startup Weekend Cebu? It is because:

You will get to meet people who might possibly help you with your idea. I am not a programmer or a graphic designer or a software engineer but it does not mean I do not have an idea. You too may have that idea that could come up with the next Facebook, the next Pinterest or the like. The idea can even be related to social entrepreneurship. Startup Weekend Cebu will have programmers, designers, marketers, entrepreneurs, mentors and investors to help you with your idea. Who knows your idea can become a million dollar business?
The same people mentioned in number one may help you in your future ideas or projects. These people can become your partners for a business or a company. They can become your friends whom you can approach. And vice versa, you can help these people someday.
You will learn many things.Startup Weekend is like a speed dating session wherein you make a pitch with your idea for a minute and people who like your idea might decide to join you in your team. If your idea is not voted among the popular ones, you may decide to join another team with an idea that appeals to you. And in Startup Weekend, you get first hand experience on how to sell your idea to other people and to investors. If your idea reaches the finals, this will be presented to a group of judges and investors who may decide to support you with funding. During Startup Weekend, you learn to work as a team with others.
It will be fun applying what you learned from life experiences to the development of the idea into something that can become a real product.

And all of these will take place from May 11-13, Friday at the University of the Philippines-Cebu in a span of 54 hours. Registration is P1,000 which covers the use of the venue and the meals.

For more information on the event, the organizers, mentors, judges, partners and for registration, visit Startup Weekend Cebu.

Wanted: Positive Ideas to tackle Problems like HIV-AIDS, Childhood Obesity

2012-03-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

HIV-AIDS is really a problem of great concern in the country especially Cebu.

Records of the City Health Department’s (CHD) HIV/AIDS Detection Unit showed that in 2011 (as posted in Sunstar Cebu, January 31, 2012), there were 140 reported cases. About 8 out of 10 reported HIV/AIDS cases were contracted by guess what? ----- through sharing of needles by injection drug users.

The remaining 21% was acquired through sexual intercourse, more between homosexuals than between heterosexuals. It is believed that this "dangerous" sexual practices are facilitated by social media networking sites where "meetups" are arranged.

It is my belief (I may be wrong) that HIV/AIDS patients are also becoming younger.

HIV is a problem that needs action right away as the number of cases in the country are projected to rise by 14,000 this year with Cebu City as one of the major areas of concern. With the knowledge that drug abuse and social media play a role in its transmission, education and perhaps social media can be made part of the strategy to combat this problem. Combat bad social media by good social media. Combat ignorance and unawareness by education.

What better way also to combat this problem than to empower the youth like college students to help solve it. Social media is something a lot of young people are good at. Harness their creativity and enthusiasm to counter misplaced curiosity and immaturity that may lead some of them to stray in the HIV trap.

Like HIV, Childhood Obesity is another problem that needs attention.

Many would love to pinch an obese child's cheeks. They think making children obese is making them "cute" and actually healthy. Fact is, children's health are endangered when they become obese. And it becomes difficult to convince people that it is not okay for someone to become obese even if he or she is still a child.

Unilab through its Unilab Ideas Positive program (a social marketing congress and competition) invites the country's college students (nationwide) to come up with ideas to improve the health and wellness of their communities with their social marketing ideas.

Health issues like HIV and Childhood Obesity are just examples of health problems in communities which may be addressed by these college students. Ideas to combat these problems are very much welcomed.

15 youth teams will eventually be selected in this contest that fosters teamwork among the youth. The teams are to be given P100,000 seed money for the implementation of their ideas to 15 chosen communities in the country to produce positive change.

The teams will be flown to Manila where they will undergo a 3-day boot camp training with free transportation, accommodation and meals to learn social marketing approaches from experts through case studies and workshops. This way also, the Bayanihan spirit is cultivated by Unilab among the youth participants.

Last year, the winners were from UP Diliman. They won for their Tuberculosis Detection and Prevention Program for a community in Quezon City which they are currently implementing.

Unlike the previous years, Unilab Ideas Positive now expands to include students from Visayas and Mindanao with more focus on outcomes in rewarding the winning teams.

Interested college students can join by teaming up and registering at www.unilabideaspositive.com. Deadline for submission of entries is on April 16.

You may also get more information from https://www.facebook.com/Unilab.IdeasPositive.

Cebuanos should take Colorectal Cancer seriously

2012-03-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

Based on the Cancer Registry of the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Cebuanos.

EJACC recorded 653 cases from year 1998-2002 with 364 dying from it in Metro Cebu.

In the year 2002-2007, there were 862 reported cases with 489 deaths related to colorectal cancer in Metro Cebu. An estimated 944,717 cases were identified worldwide in 2000.

The incidence and mortality rates of this cancer is slightly higher in males than in females. The incidence increases with increasing age, rising rapidly after age 50 but it doesn't mean colorectal cancer cannot occur in younger ages.

Colorectal cancer appears to have a multi-factorial cause with a genetic component. Diet high in fat and low fiber content has been implicated in its development along with alcohol and smoking.

Simply put by EJACC, "Individuals age 40 and above, who have a sedentary lifestyle, who are eating high fatand low fiber diet, who have family and medical history of the disease, and who have polyps and

ulcerative colitis, face high risk of acquiring colorectal cancer.

Bleeding is the most common symptom. However may of these patients exhibit no symptoms and are discovered during digital rectal exam or proctoscopic screening examinations.

Colorectal cancer is characterized by a change in bowel movements, blood in the stools,
abdominal discomforts, unexplained appetite and weight loss, fatigue, and pelvic pain in the later
stage.

With the above information, one can see that colorectal cancer is not to be taken lightly. Thus this blogger supports EJACC in its call for the public to be health conscious and to undergo regular screening to discover cancers while in their early stage.

Diagnostic procedures in detecting colorectal cancer include fecal occult blood test, rectosigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, fecal DNA test, and double contrast barium enema. The disease may be treated through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

For more information about colorectal cancer in Cebu, please contact EJACC at 254-6351 and look for Gina Mariquit.

CIM graduate top 2 in February 2012 Medical Board Exams

2012-03-01T02:17:00.001-08:00

CIM is again 100% and one of its graduates is in the top 10. Congrats to all of the Medical Board Exam takers especially to our good friend Fr. Alfonso Suico or should I say Rev, Fr. Dr. Alfonso Suico.

Names of those who passed are here.

Names of those who topped the boards are here.

This is the link showing the performance of schools for this particular physician board exams.