Author: Press Release

Philips Foundation partners with World Heart Federation to provide half a million children at risk of rheumatic heart disease with access to life-saving early detection

Philips Foundation, with its mission to provide access to quality healthcare for 100 million people a year in underserved communities by 2030, together with World Heart Federation (WHF), today announced a ground-breaking partnership to promote awareness, medical training as well as early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Asia Pacific (APAC).

The partnership, which kicks off in the Philippines, aims to provide over half a million at-risk children with access to healthcare facilities equipped with trained personnel to diagnose the disease. 190 Regional Health Units (RHUs) providing primary care to a population of over five million will have healthcare workers trained on the rheumatic fever/RHD clinical pathway. 6,000 children in the Philippines will also be screened for RHD using Philips’ innovative handheld point-of-care ultrasound device (POCUS). Additionally, around 200 teachers will be educated on RHD, leading to greater disease awareness that increasing the likelihood that children and young adults seek early diagnosis and treatment.

Launching this year and extending until June 2025, the pilot project in the Philippines targets a combination of challenges – low disease awareness, lack of healthcare access and treatment, inadequate diagnosis, and inadequate medical training – to drive a comprehensive approach to alleviating the burden of RHD. The project also has the support and cooperation of the Philippines Ministry of Health, which ensures alignment with the existing healthcare system, contributing to its long-term sustainability. The project builds on insights gained through a collaborative effort between Philips Foundation and Heart Healers International in Uganda, which looked at the pivotal role of penicillin in the early intervention and management of RHD. Over 100,000 children received echocardiographic screening through the program in 2018, out of which 1,000 have been enrolled in a penicillin treatment program, and five have received life-saving heart surgeries.

“Our partnership with the World Heart Federation aims to drive improved early detection and treatment of rheumatic heart disease, while demonstrating the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of this innovative approach in the Philippines,” said Margot Cooijmans, Director of the Philips Foundation. “Rheumatic heart disease remains a pressing issue in underserved regions across the globe, largely overlooked in the global health agenda. The lack of attention and resources in these settings prompts us to ensure that these communities are not left behind as they battle a disease that has already been eradicated elsewhere.”

Tackling the high burden of RHD in underserved communities across APAC

RHD is a life-threatening but preventable heart condition that affects an estimated 40 million people worldwide, primarily adolescents and children[1]. In the APAC region, the prevalence and mortality rates are particularly significant, with the largest estimated number of cases of RHD in 2015 in India at 13.17 million cases followed by Indonesia with a high prevalence of 1.18 million[2]. The Philippines is also among the higher-burden countries[3].

For effective diagnosis of RHD, POCUS, a handheld ultrasound solution offers a variety of benefits. This device has been shown to be far more sensitive in diagnosing RHD than traditional cardiac screening with a stethoscope that is used in most resource-stretched settings where ultrasound is not available at primary care sites. This device eliminates delays in traditional diagnosis and treatment, as well as additional expenses for patients who needed to travel to hospitals for proper diagnosis.

“In APAC, rheumatic heart disease represents a significant public health burden in underserved populations. By leveraging Philips’ innovative healthcare technology and solutions in meaningful partnerships like this, we contribute to improved healthcare access and drive better outcomes for patients. This project not only represents a significant opportunity for healthcare advancement but is also a crucial step to eliminate rheumatic heart disease,” said Caroline Clarke, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President, Philips APAC.

Strategic partnership to bridge the need gaps

Philips Foundation, together with the World Heart Federation, will be able to address this gap by having POCUS and trained healthcare workers in high-risk areas with limited resources. The first leg of the project will run in three high-prevalence areas of the Philippines: Taguig Global City, Iloilo, and Bicol, and includes intensive training and education for local healthcare workers on handheld echocardiographic screening, RHD clinical pathways, and benzathine penicillin administration. In the project, 20 RHUs providing primary care will be equipped with POCUS, allowing patients at risk to be referred to an RHU equipped with a POCUS for further detection. “The partnership showcases a strong commitment to education and training of healthcare workers, ensuring that they are equipped with cutting-edge technology for RHD detection,” says Professor Liesl Zuhlke, Vice-President of the South African Medical Research Council, Paediatric cardiologist and RHD researcher, and World Heart Federation Board Member. “Our goal is to set a precedent for the Asia-Pacific region and the world.”

The project’s innovative decentralized model of RHD care allows children diagnosed with RHD to receive follow-up treatment within their local community. This approach ensures that the treatment model is sustainable and respects existing healthcare infrastructure, a critical factor for the success of this model in other parts of the world.

Building the foundation for improved diagnosis of RHD

This partnership will provide further evidence of the benefits of POCUS use for RHD and an example that can be implemented elsewhere in the region. The World Heart Federation and Philips Foundation will share their preliminary findings of the Philippines project at the inaugural Global Congress on RHD in Abu Dhabi in November 2023 to facilitate discussions on further collaboration projects to advocate for the use of POCUS in the screening of RHD and drive targeted actions to support the implementation in primary care settings across highly prevalent countries in the APAC region.

“We are confident that the insights gleaned from this project will contribute significantly to the global understanding of Rheumatic Heart Disease and serve as a stepping-stone to further partnerships and initiatives,” adds Professor Liesl Zuhlke.

July 20, 2023
SM honored for efforts in empowering PWDs at this year’s Apolinario Mabini Awards

SM Prime was recently honored at this year’s the 2023 Apolinario Mabini Awards for its efforts in empowering and uplifting Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). The organization took home multiple awards, conferred to it by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD), at a special ceremony held at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang Palace, last 18 July 2023.

The awards bestowed include the Empowerment of Persons With Disabilities Award given to SM Cares, SM Supermalls’ corporate social responsibility arm, along with the Disability-Friendly Establishment Award given to several SM Malls and SM Offices. Special distinction was conferred to SM City Grand Central being the sole Gold winner, while SM City Urdaneta Central and SM City Telabastagan both received Bronze.

Special citations were also given to SM City Tanza, SM City Dasmariñas, SM City Iloilo, SM City Bacolod, and SM City Cagayan de Oro Uptown for partial compliance with Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, or An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices. SM Offices was also recognized under the Disability-Friendly Establishment category, with SM Cyber Two Makati receiving a Bronze award, and special honors awarded to One E-Com and Three E-Com Centers.

(L-R) Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, SM Supermalls SVP Engr. Bien Mateo and SM Offices VP Alexis Ortiga receiving SM Group’s Apolinario Mabini awards

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri graced the conferment with their presence. SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan was also in attendance, alongside SM Supermalls SVP for Operations and Director for SM Cares Program on Persons with Disabilities Engr. Bien C. Mateo and SM Prime VP for SM Offices Alexis L. Ortiga.

“It is indeed an honor for SM’s efforts to be recognized by the PFRD,” said Tan. “We work hard to ensure that our SM Malls cater to the needs of our fellow Filipinos who live with disabilities because we want to facilitate a safe and inclusive space for them. We are humbled to be consistent awardees at the Apolinario Mabini Awards because it only reassures us that we are fulfilling that goal.”

“SM believes in advocating for a more inclusive environment for the disabled community, which is clear through the initiatives we push forward,” said Mateo. “More than creating projects for the benefit of disabled persons, we also want to spread awareness and encourage compassion among those of us who are able-bodied. We believe that is what is needed to create a society that is truly inclusive of Persons With Disabilities.”

Established by the PFRD on its Silver Anniversary in 1974, the Apolinario Mabini Awards is a biennial program named after one of the country’s most well-known heroes. Also known as the Sublime Paralytic, Mabini’s disability did not hinder him from playing a major role in the Philippine revolution. Thus, the awards are given to professionals and organizations that have empowered and rendered outstanding services to persons with disabilities, and are considered to be the most prestigious prize for Persons with Disabilities-related organizations and programs in the country.

SM Supermalls representatives with Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Apolinario Mabini Awards 2023 officials, Mrs. Audrey Tan-Zubiri and Arch. Jaime Silva

SM Prime is a strong advocate for persons with disabilities, with many notable programs under SM Cares designed to uplift and empower this sector of society. Several initiatives for disabled persons include the award-winning Emergency Disaster Preparedness Forum, which aims to equip persons with disabilities with the knowledge and skills to become more resilient and better prepared during natural disasters, as well as The Blackout Zone, the first experiential exhibit that simulates blindness and encourages sighted individuals to develop a deeper understanding of the struggles and challenges faced by the those who are visually impaired community.

SM Cares’ initiatives also reflect the organization’s support for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly “SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities”. Other advocacies of SM Cares include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

July 20, 2023
Groove to Barbie the Album at this exclusive Dance Blowout Party!

Much anticipation has surrounded Barbie the Movie, and it’s no secret that the same can be said about its soundtrack. The songs featured throughout the film have been revealed one by one, from superstar Dua Lipa’s electrifying “Dance the Night” to rap queens Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice’s “Barbie World,” which is an iconic take on Aqua’s song “Barbie Girl.”

Another exciting addition to the Barbie the Album is the high-energy track from K-Pop group FIFTY FIFTY “Barbie Dreams,” which also features Atlanta bred rapper Kaliii. The track uses an interpolation of Janet Jackson’s “Together Again,” adding a hint of nostalgic appeal.

With such a diverse and talented set of artists, it’s no wonder that even its soundtrack is adding to the film’s hype. Luckily, Filipino fans who are excited to listen to the entire Barbie the Album are in for a treat – Warner Music Philippines is partnering with the Studio Dance Club for an exclusive album pre-release Dance Blowout Party! This event is set to happen on July 20th, 2023, 7 PM, a day ahead of Barbie’s world premiere.

Barbie’s night out

Attendees will have the chance to dance the night with five dance instructors who will teach all the Barbies and Kens to move to the album’s tracks. Everyone is invited to come in their best Barbiecore and Ken-ergy outfits – a perfect match to the venue’s Barbie-inspired décor.

Themed Barbie and Ken drinks will be available for all of the attendees, and dinner will be served on the house. A disco-themed photo area will also be set up inspired by Dua Lipa’s ‘Dance the Night’ music video.

To get an invitation to this dance-fueled night, interested attendees simply have to sign up through this form.

It’s a Barbie world!

Those who can’t attend the dance party can still catch other colorful, Barbie-fied activities. One of these is the BarbieLand set up on the SM Mall of Asia Atrium, where anyone will be able to step into Barbie’s world. This includes life-sized displays, Barbie-themed donuts and drinks, and a mirror-and-jukebox set-up to sing along to the album’s hottest pre-released tracks, and take fabulous photos in the process.

Additionally, an advanced screening for Barbie the Movie is set to happen, along with none other than the Divine Divas – Precious Paula Nicole, Viñas Deluxe, and Brigiding. This dazzling trio will be performing to the album’s pre-released tracks, further adding to the excitement that the Barbie movie already brings.

Barbie the Movie premiers worldwide on July 21, 2023, and premiers in the Philippines on July 19, 2023. The Barbie the Album deluxe version is set for release on July 28, 2023.

Ready to get your groove on? Listen to the Barbie the Album tracks here.

July 19, 2023
Countdown Begins: Brothers Burger’s 24th Anniversary Limited Edition Treats Await You!

Attention all gourmet burger lovers – the countdown is on! Brothers Burger is nearing the end of its delectable 24th-anniversary celebration, and if you haven’t tried their limited-edition burger delights yet, now is the time.

Since June 23, Brothers Burger has been treating its patrons to two exclusive creations: the Smashed-style Grilled Cheeseburger and the Classic Brothers Grilled Cheeseburger. But hurry, as these innovative treats will only be available until July 23, 2023 – that’s four days from today!

Savor the Classic… Before It’s Too Late

The Classic Brothers Grilled Cheeseburger is a cheese lover’s dream come true. Featuring four layers of cheese-infused smashed buns, with the iconic Brothers Burger patty in the middle, this burger is a gastronomic journey not to be missed.

Show some love for the other half of limited-edition Grilled Cheeseburger series – the Classic Brothers Grilled Cheeseburger
Image Source: Brother Burger FB

Embrace the Unique Smashed-style

For those craving something different, the Smashed-style Grilled Cheeseburger is your go-to option. This mirrors the same layered construction of its Classic counterpart but replaces the traditional patty with indulgent smashed ground beef.

Anniversary Bundle: Last Chance to Grab!

You have just four days left to grab the Brothers Burger’s Anniversary Bundle in select Brothers Burger branches. Priced at only Php 350, this bundle allows you to choose between the Smashed-style or Classic Grilled Cheeseburger, and also throws in a tasty onion rings sampler.

These grilled cheese series burgers are available in select Brothers Burger branches, but not for long. As we count down the final days, make your way to your nearest location to savor these limited-time gourmet treats.

Brothers Burger‘s 24th anniversary is a celebration of flavor and innovation. Don’t let this chance slip away. With just four days left, are you ready to join the countdown and give your taste buds the treat they deserve?

July 19, 2023
Soulful R&B Artist Mac Ayres to Mesmerize Fans in Manila on August 19

Insignia Presents is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated debut solo live performance of rising star Mac Ayres in Manila. With his mesmerizing vocals and soulful melodies, Mac Ayres is set to captivate audiences on Saturday, August 19.

Mac Ayres, a prodigious singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, has been selling out venues across the globe and making waves in the music industry with his unique blend of R&B, soul, and jazz influences. Hailing from Sea Cliff, New York, Mac Ayres has garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim with his soul-stirring performances and introspective songwriting.

Renowned for his velvety smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics, Mac Ayres has been hailed as a fresh and innovative voice in contemporary R&B. With influences ranging from Stevie Wonder to D’Angelo and John Mayer, Ayres seamlessly fuses elements from different eras to create a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

The upcoming concert at Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, promises to be an unforgettable experience, as Mac Ayres will perform his most beloved tracks along with new material from his latest album, Comfortable Enough. Fans can expect to be immersed in an evening of soulful vibes, groovy rhythms, and heartfelt storytelling.

Tickets for the concert are available for purchase starting July 15 at 11AM through www.InsigniaPresents.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness Mac Ayres’s incredible talent in person. Secure your tickets early as this event is expected to sell out quickly.

July 19, 2023
Disney+ Welcomes Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”

Disney+ announced today that Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” will begin streaming on Disney+ August 2. Watch the TV spot and get ready for our beloved heroes’ arrival on the streaming service.

In Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” our beloved band of misfits are settling into life on Knowhere. But it isn’t long before their lives are upended by the echoes of Rocket’s turbulent past. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him on a dangerous mission to save Rocket’s life—a mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

The film stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter and Maria Bakalova. James Gunn is the director and also wrote the screenplay. Kevin Feige produces with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nikolas Korda, Sara Smith, and Simon Hatt serving as executive producers.

Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” comes exclusively to Disney+ on August 2, joining the other two films of the trilogy, “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

July 19, 2023
Dare to speak her name and find out about her real story, “Mary Cherry Chua,” in cinemas July 19

The name Mary Cherry Chua became popular in the early 2000s. According to the urban legend, Mary is an intelligent young student who was raped and killed by the school janitor. Stories say that up to now, her spirit still wanders the school premises.

Get a new perspective about this famed school urban legend written and directed by 2018 CineFilipino finalist Roni S. Benaid. “I remember nung high school ako, sikat siya sa amin. Gusto kong ibalik siya at ipakilala sa younger generations, sa mga Gen-Z.” (I remember that it was a very famous story back when I was in high school. I wanted to introduce it to the younger generation, to Gen Z.) says the director on why he chose to bring this famous horror story into the big screen.

Mary Cherry Chua (Abby Bautista) was a student back in the 60s from a prestigious school. A cheerful young girl with long black hair, Mary Cherry Chua has it all – she’s beautiful, rich, and smart. She is adored and envied by many and is known as their school’s Miss Popular. But her seemingly perfect life is cut short when she is found lifeless on their campus grounds and declared to have been raped and murdered.

Joko Diaz

At present, Karen (Ashley Diaz), a high school student who enjoys reading horror stories and urban legends, is so intrigued about Mary Cherry Chua’s life that she decides to re-open the case to do a little investigation of her own and further strengthen the evidence about the crime. With the help of her friends and classmates, Karen gets new information about the case. But as she digs deeper, looking for the truth, it seems that she may have also been digging her own grave after she uncovers something that could endanger her own life.

Mary Cherry Chua is Ashley Diaz’s first lead role in a movie. Ashley shares how she managed to handle the pressure while working for this movie, “There will always be pressure naman sa bawat project pero iba po talaga kasi kapag first lead mo tapos solo ka pa, pero nasa sayo naman yon kung i-take mo yung pressure positively or negatively. Eh ngayon naman I’m taking it positively.” (There will always be pressure in every project, especially if it’s your first lead role and solo project, but it’s up to you if you will take the pressure positively or negatively. Right now, I’m taking it positively.)

Ashley Diaz

She also shares the biggest challenge she had to face in portraying her character, “Pinaka-challenging na ginawa ko for this role ay yung nagpagupit ako, kasi halos years bago ko napahaba yung buhok ko, pero for the role I cut it short. Worth it naman.” (The most challenging thing that I did for this role was cutting my hair. It took years for me to grow my hair and make it long, but for the role, I had to cut it short. Well, it was worth it.)

Ashley’s father, award-winning actor, Joko Diaz gives his all-out support as he plays Mr. Manzano, Karen’s term paper adviser. “Kay Ashley, I’m a proud papa, pero siyempre kailangan gina-guide mo pa rin siya.” (With Ashley, well I’m a proud papa, but of course, you still have to guide her for this movie.)

Mary Cherry Chua also stars young and promising stars: Kokoy De Santos as Paco (Karen’s coward research partner), Lyca Gairanod as Faith (Karen’s supportive best friend), Krissha Viaje as Lena (Karen’s protective sister) and Abby Bautista as Mary Cherry Chua. Playing a very important role in the film is Ms. Alma Moreno who will play Ms. Estrella, who will give crucial information about Mary Cherry Chua’s death. Direk Roni expresses his appreciation for the cast and their professionalism “Lahat sila cooperative, tinutulungan nila ako maituro ko sa kanila or masabi ko sa kanila yung intention ng character.” (All of them are very cooperative. They allow me to help them and guide them with the intention of their characters.)

July 19, 2023
Meet the cast of upcoming Netflix K-series: “The Trunk”

Netflix has announced the production of The Trunk, a mystery series featuring Korea’s A-list talents Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo. The story draws a whirlwind of unforeseen events and secrets after a mystifying trunk is found in the depths of a lake.

Seo Hyun-jin, known for her transformative performances in Another Miss Oh and The Beauty Inside, will play In-ji, an employee of an intriguing matchmaking organization, NM. Gong Yoo, celebrated for his roles in Guardian: The Lonely and Great God and Train to Busan, and Netflix’s Squid Game & The Silent Sea, is set to depict Jeong-won, a solitary music producer who finds himself in an unexpected marriage contract with In-ji.

Jeong-won ironically encounters his “second wife” In-ji through a contract-based marriage service arranged by his ex-wife Seo-yeon. However, their lives take a twist when a mysterious trunk found in the lake throws them into a whirlwind of secrets and events behind the matchmaking service.

Penned by Park Eun-young of Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth and directed by Kim Gyu-tae, famed for his work in Our Blues, The Trunk is set to attract attention for its unique storyline and the dream pairing of Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo. The Trunk will premiere exclusively on Netflix.

July 17, 2023
Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” Opens in Ph July 19, Granted Permit in Other Asian Countries

Greta Gerwig, who directed the highly anticipated “Barbie” movie. The best way to achieve this? Pink, and lots of it! “One of the first days I met with [production designer] Sarah Greenwood and the art team, we looked at all the different shades of pink to determine how they would interact,” adds Gerwig. “As a little girl, I liked the brightest pinks, but Barbie Land would incorporate the full spectrum of the color, so it was important to figure out where those bright pinks would live alongside our palest, pastel pink, and of course every tone of pink in between.”

Another unique thing about Barbie Land: “There’s no place for Newton’s laws in Barbie Land,” says Gerwig. “There is no wind, there is no sun, no gravity and no water, but as filmmakers we do live in a world of physics, so when dealing with the reality of Barbie Land, there were the rules of Barbie Land and then there were the rules we’ve set up for the filmmaking, and then how those two things interacted. I’m in love with 1950s soundstage musicals, those wonderfully artificial spaces, and because Barbie was invented in 1959, it felt like we could ground everything in that look and not be so beholden to it. I want everyone to feel like they can reach up to the screen and touch everything, because that’s the great thing about dolls and toys.”

Gerwig grew up with Barbie. She shares that when she was little, “I was always waiting for our neighbors’ children to grow tired of theirs so they would give me the hand-me-down Barbies. That was the big thing I was always looking forward to. I have a very vivid, visceral memory of Barbie and what it meant.”

Her own love for Barbie when she was a kid helped Gerwig understand Barbie the way she’s meant to be understood. “The idea of the multiplicity of the Barbies and then the Kens really did come out of my first meeting with Mattel, when I started talking about different characters and they said, ‘No, we don’t have different characters. All of these women are Barbie,’” shares Gerwig. “And I replied that if all of these women are Barbie then Barbie is all of these women, and they said, ‘Yes.’”

Greta Gerwig

Robbie Brenner, who runs the movie division of Mattel, and is one of the producers of “Barbie,” lauds Gerwig’s vision for the film. “It’s amazing how Barbie has evolved as something really wonderful to play with and also to dream with,” she says. “That said, there are people who aren’t fans of Barbie, and Greta and Noah [Baumbach] did what they do so brilliantly, which is to explore all sides of Barbie and of the conversation around Barbie. By laughing with and embracing all things about Barbie at the same time makes the movie complex, interesting and simply brilliant.”

Margot Robbie, who plays the titular doll in the film, gives high praise to Gerwig too: “Greta has this superpower in the vibe she creates on set, which is so in line with what we wanted Barbie Land to be: bright, happy and supportive. Greta is the happiest, loveliest, most supportive director and she’s also insanely talented. She’s literally got Barbie energy.”

The highly anticipated movie about the iconic doll has been rated PG without cuts by the Movie & Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), which means children below 13 years old and below will be allowed admission if they are accompanied by an adult.

“Barbie” has also been granted permits for exhibition without cuts in other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.

Michael Cera, America Ferrera, Greta Gerwig, Ryan Gosling, Margot Robbie, Issa Rae, and Kate McKinnon

“Barbie,” directed by Gerwig and starring Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, opens in Philippine cinemas July 19. Reserve your tickets now at https://www.barbiemovie.com.ph/

About “BARBIE”

To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.

From Oscar-nominated writer/director Greta Gerwig comes “Barbie,” starring Oscar-nominees Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Ariana Greenblatt, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman and Will Ferrell. The film also stars Ana Cruz Kayne, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef, Alexandra Shipp, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, Jamie Demetriou, Connor Swindells, Sharon Rooney, Nicola Coughlin and Oscar-winner Helen Mirren.

Gerwig directed “Barbie” from a screenplay by Gerwig & Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach, based on Barbie by Mattel. The film’s producers are Oscar nominee David Heyman, Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, with Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Ynon Kreiz, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams serving as executive producers.

In Philippine cinemas starting July 19, “Barbie” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #Barbie #BarbieTheMovie

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”}

July 17, 2023
Cetaphil’s Skin Awareness Global Campaign Makes a Bold Return for Year Two

Leading skincare brand, Cetaphil, makes a triumphant return with its second year of the Global Skin Awareness Month campaign. This worldwide initiative has one noble objective at heart – to raise awareness around the importance of skin-friendly, Dermatologist-approved solutions tailored for individuals graced with sensitive skin.

Combating Skin Sensitivity – A Global Concern

Affecting 70% of individuals globally, skin sensitivity is more than just a personal concern – it’s a worldwide phenomenon. Marked by discomforting skin sensations like stinging and burning, it can afflict various body parts, the face not being an exception.

Jade Silva-netto Ponoc, the Business Unit Head of Galderma Prescription, OTx & Consumer Care, sheds light on Cetaphil’s commitment, “We truly believe that those with sensitive skin shouldn’t have to compromise on the products and ingredients they use, which is why all our dermatologist-recommended products are formulated with a deep understanding of sensitive skin needs. We ensure that all our products hydrate and protect all types of sensitive skin – dry, dehydrated, combination, oily, acne-prone, eczema-prone, and everything in between.”

Every Skin Story Deserves the Best Care

Guided by the mantra that each skin story deserves nothing but the best care, Cetaphil offers an array of product lines catering to diverse skin conditions.

For the ones grappling with sensitive and dry skin, the Gentle Skin Cleanser and Moisturizing Lotion stand as their warriors. They are clinically proven to offer continuous hydration and protect the skin against dryness.

Cetaphil believes that every skin story deserves the best care, which is why the brand offers different product lines that cater to different skin conditions. For individuals with sensitive and dry skin, Gentle Skin Cleanser is clinically proven to provide continuous hydration to protect skin against dryness, while Moisturizing Lotion is clinically proven to soothe and provide lasting 48-hour hydration instantly.

For dull and uneven skin tone, the Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance line is recommended for consumers experiencing hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. The Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance line is clinically proven to visibly brighten skin without causing damage to the skin barrier. It is specifically designed for sensitive skin and is a proven regimen to diminish the appearance of dark spots and improve skin’s radiance in just as early as 14 days.

For a baby’s delicate skin, the Cetaphil Baby line is clinically proven to support and strengthen the natural development of babies’ sensitive skin with a range of daily care products specially designed to protect and nourish from birth onwards. The brand’s organic calendula line soothes and moisturizes the baby’s sensitive skin all day without irritation. All the products in the Cetaphil Baby range are hypoallergenic, paraben-free, tear-free, and alcohol-free.

While for those with Atopic Dermatitis, the brand offers the Cetaphil Pro line. Cetaphil Pro products are known for its patented Filaggrin Technology that helps restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier and soothes very dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin.

Empowering Skincare Education through YouTube

As part of its commitment to promoting skin health, Cetaphil has launched a YouTube channel in collaboration with board-certified Dermatologists. This platform shares valuable insights on proper skincare practices, making it easier for individuals to access derma-approved and quality skincare solutions that cater to their unique skin needs.

A Celebration of Skin Awareness

Cetaphil’s Skin Awareness Month initiative is an integral part of their “We Do Skin, You Do You” advocacy. The goal is simple – to empower individuals to take control of their skin health and focus on what truly matters in their lives.

Celebrate Skin Awareness Month with Cetaphil and discover the best skincare solutions tailored for your skin type. Always remember, every skin story deserves the best care!

Cetaphil is available in all leading drugstores, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms, Shopee and Lazada. For more information, see here.

July 15, 2023