Author: Press Release

Clinical Test Shows Real World Effectiveness of Difflam-C® vs COVID-19 Sore Throat

The in-vivo study focused on establishing whether the combination of Benzydamine HCl and Chlorhexidine gluconate in Difflam-C® are effective in a real-world setting and was conducted on 219 COVID-19 patients from November 2021 until February 2022. This combination of active ingredients found in Difflam-C® solution have been gaining popularity in the Philippines particularly among doctors and healthcare professionals, with the synergistic action of its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anesthetic, and antiseptic properties in relieving sore throat, as well as other symptoms of throat and mouth infection.

Dr. Jennifer Nailes, MD 9 (leftmost), and Dr. Roberto Salvino, MD, the doctors who spearheaded the recent study done to evaluate the effectivity of the Difflam-C gargle against COVID 19-related throat pain were at a media roundtable held recently in Makati City, to reveal their findings. iNova Pharma Philippines Inc. are the makers of the Difflam-C gargle.

Clinically-tested Efficacy in COVID-19 Patients

Lead investigators of the study have found that Difflam-C® significantly relieves the COVID-19 patients’ sore throat and alleviated throat discomfort associated with difficulty and/or pain in swallowing. Results also show that it helps shorten the duration of the said condition of COVID-19 patients, with the VAS scores of participants significantly decreased during course of treatment with Difflam-C®. “At specified time intervals, median VAS scores showed a decreasing trend from baseline until after 12 hours of Day 1 and is significantly different from baseline values (p<0.001). There were some participants whose sore throat pain were relieved within 30 minutes of first use of the solution which persisted even until after 12 hours,” said lead investigator Dr. Jennifer M. Nailes, MD, MSPH, Vice-President for Research of the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Inc.

Representatives from iNova Pharma Philippines Inc. (makers of Difflam-C gargle) together with Dr. Jennifer Nailes, MD, and Dr. Roberto Salvino, MD, the doctors who spearheaded the recent study on the effectivity of the Difflam-C gargle against COVID 19-related throat pain, recently held a media roundtable to reveal their study’s findings. Standing from left are: Michelle dela Cruz, Marketing Manager of iNova Pharma Philippines Inc., Ria Enriquez, Difflam Product Manager; Dr. Jennifer Nailes, vice president for research at University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center Inc, Dr. Roberto Salvino, Medical Director, iNova Pharma Philippines Inc., and Eric Yuson, Associate Medical Affairs Manager of iNova.

Gargle Against COVID-19 Sore Throat

“There was a noticeable shortening of the course of the sore throat in the study subjects, with their use of Difflam-C® during treatment. This gargle solution could be viewed as an effective treatment for patients with odynophagia (painful swallowing) or dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), conditions associated with severe sore throat among COVID-19 patients,” said Dr. Nailes.

Though yet to be published by Acta Medica Philippina, a peer-reviewed general medical and health science journal, these results are extremely encouraging and present a positive step in addressing the COVID-19 sore throat, using a widely available medicated gargle solution such as Difflam-C® in the study.

As cases rise and new Omicron variants are discovered, the results of this study could be valuable information in making the public more aware of clinically tested remedies to help address key symptoms like the COVID-19 sore throat. While Benzydamine HCl + Chlorhexidine gluconate (Difflam-C®) could be an effective treatment for COVID-19 sore throat, getting vaccinated with boosters, the observance of standard health protocols, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are the current mainstays for the prevention of COVID-19 infection.

August 11, 2022
Fiji Blue Coming To Manila on November 17 at the Samsung Hall

Fiji Blue will be bringing their Asia Tour ‘22 to Manila on November 17, 2022 at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier.

Through the combination of sad yet hopeful lyrics, Fiji Blue strives to guide the listener through their most vulnerable moments. Singer/songwriter Trevor Dering carries a unique writing style that touches on the inner conflicts between waves of sadness and ecstasy. The sound originated when Dering met producer Valentin Fritz at Berklee College of Music in 2017 where they developed the sonics that eventually blossomed into Fiji Blue’s first release in 2019.

Trevor was born & raised in Phoenix, Arizona where he found his love in songwriting & guitar. Drawing inspiration from artists like Stevie Ray Vaughn & John Mayer, Trevor creatively finds solitude in the mixture of guitar heavy storytelling.

Presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets to Fiji Blue’s concert in Manila go on-sale on Friday, August 19 at 10AM via SMTickets.com and all SM Ticket outlets nationwide.

August 11, 2022
Market! Market! Hosts I Am Possible – a PWD Entrepreneurs Fair

Show your support for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their initiatives. From today until Saturday, Market! Market! is hosting I AM POSSIBLE – a PWD Entrepreneurs Fair where talents, skills and products proudly crafted by the PWD community will be showcased.

During the three-day selling fair, workshops and sign language classes will likewise be held at the Market! Market! Activity Center. On Aug. 12, Friday, at 6pm, Atty. Mack Hale D. Bunagan, J.D. will also hold a seminar.

The event is brought to you by Market! Market! in partnership with Precious Works of Differently-abled Enterprise (PWDe), Alagang AyalaLand, and JCI Philippines and Paranaque Asinderas, Naturally, and P3PWD Partylist headed by Hon. Cong. Rowena Guanzon.

I AM POSSIBLE participants

The PWD Entrepreneurs Fair will have the following participants: ALKASAMOPI INC.; Ampie’s Café and Korean BBQ; Analie Leather Wallets; Arte Autismo Filipino; Bee Poe Lar; CLCruz Adventourista Travel; Dainty Love Shoppe; the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); Five Star Cleaning Service; Hand and Heart; Handcrafted by Harl’s; HealthCare Depot;. Herbs International; Herb’s Best International; Honey Made Boutique; Honeymade Enterprise; Humankind by La Mason B; ILLC; JNJ Personalized; Juliana Dela Cruz; Marlon Bautista; Numi Ph; R Bakery; Richard Noriega; Six Crew Café; SPACE: Crafting Beyond Limits; Special Hands by Nina; Tahanang Walang Hagdan; and Violet Starlight.

See you at the Activity Center!

For more information on mall activities, schedules, and promotions at #iLoveMarketMarket, like and follow Facebook.com/MarketMarket, @ilovemarketmarket on Instagram and TikTok, and @MarketMarketBGC on Twitter. You may also visit www.ayalamalls.com.

August 11, 2022
Razorback and Urbandub Sign Exclusive Deal with Anotoys Collectiverse

Two of the biggest names in modern Pinoy rock are making their way to the metaverse. Bands Razorback and Urbandub have signed a deal to create premium digital collectibles with Anotoys Collectiverse, the country’s leading marketplace for celebrity-approved NFTs. Through these works of digital art, the bands will be making their metaverse, where fans across the world will be able to connect with them in innovative ways.

Razorback was a fixture of the Pinoy hard rock scene in the 90s, playing sold-out gigs at the iconic Club Dredd, among other noteworthy venues. Their high-octane music earned them international renown, and the band had the privilege of opening for legendary acts like Metallica, Rage Against the Machine, and Silverchair. Singles like “Voodoo Who Do” and “Payaso” continue to be listed among some of the most influential OPM songs of the 90s.

Indie rockers Urbandub took control of Philippine airwaves in the mid-2000s to 2010s with the anthemic “First of Summer” and the emotionally raw “A New Tattoo”. The band was a constant presence at the NU Rock Awards, with 6 wins and an impressive 36 nominations. They’ve also made waves in the international scene, garnering attention throughout Southeast Asia with their Singapore tour, and winning “Best Group” at the 2008 Junk Magazine Regional Music Awards in Malaysia.

The bands’ freshly signed deals with Anotoys Collectiverse is their step towards developing a presence in the metaverse. The premium NFTs made through these partnerships will allow fans to not only own a valuable piece of memorabilia, but also to interact with the bands in never-before-seen ways. Collectiverse NFTs will give owners access to exclusive events and private gigs with the rockers, as well as unlock avatars and other items for metaverse-enabled games.

Being part of The Collectiverse’s Web3 fandom ecosystem also extends the bands’ reach to a more global audience. Razorback and Urbandub fans around the world will be able to interact with each other on the Collectiverse’s platform, and connect the bands to new fans abroad.

Razorback and Urbandub were—and continue to be—major forces in the Pinoy rock scene, with their music becoming pillars of the vibrant Filipino music industry. Through their new partnerships with Anotoys Collectiverse, they’ll soon be pioneers in bringing OPM to the metaverse.

August 11, 2022
“Seoul Vibe” Trailer Unveils this August’s Coolest Crew
A fresh new trailer and poster for Seoul Vibe were released showcasing the ensemble cast of Sanggye-dong Supreme Team – a crew of stylish drivers and mechanics to uncover some fishy business involving a VIP slush fund. Here is what to expect in the coolest drive this summer!
- With a rhythmic beat from a tape titled ‘Seoul Vibe mixtape 1988’, the trailer kicks off
- The stylish Sanggye-dong Supreme Team receives an irresistible offer from Prosecutor Ahn, jumping into an unofficial case revolving around the VIP slush fund.
- On fully customized hip vehicles the crew in disguise starts to deliver President Kang’s slush funds – unofficially the second most influential person in 1988 Korea.
- Numerous obstacles stand in their way, including the threat from Director Lee, who finds the crew’s actions to be fishy.
- With hip music and exhilarating car action on track, Seoul Vibe will deliver the coolest ride this August.
- The poster reveals the crew’s (aka “Bbagkku fam”) hip hideout.
- The poster lines up all five members along with the star ensemble cast – Yoo Ah-in (as Dong-wook, the supreme driver with perfect drifting skills), Ko Kyung-Pyo (as John Woo, the Club DJ), Lee Kyoo-hyung (as Bok-nam, the human navigator), Park Ju-hyun (as Yoon-hee, the talented motorcyclist) and Ong Seong-wu (as Joon-gi, the mechanic) will uncover the truth behind a massive money laundering ring.
- The stylish old-school props underscore the hip retro (Hip-tro) vibe – bold gold chains, retro boombox, chic bike, navy jumpsuits and more.
- Director Moon Hyun-sung said, “The first step of Seoul Vibe was hip hop,” attributing hip hop music and culture from the 80s as one of the movie’s motif. The stylish Sanggye-dong Supreme Team will reflect a combination of retro and hip hop (“hip-tro”) vibe.
- Cast Yoo Ah-in (from Hellbound), who will transform into a new image in Seoul Vibe said, “From start to finish, it was like being and hanging out with friends my age”, highlighting the chemistry within the crew.
- Cast Ong Seong-wu added, “The vibe on set was spectacular! It was as though ‘Bbangkku Fam’ was united in real life.”
With popping visuals and music to excite viewers’ eyes and ears, Seoul Vibe will release globally on August 26th only on Netflix.
August 10, 2022
YR9: Yellow Room Music 9th Anniversary

We’re celebrating our 9th anniversary this August! Get ready for YR Music’s BIGGEST show in 2022 as 11 artists from our roster come together on August 13, Saturday, LIVE at Alabang Town Center’s Town Plaza. Show starts at 3PM!

Make sure to save the date, check the mechanics, and keep your eyes peeled on our page and website for more announcements. We can’t wait to see you, YR fam!

August 10, 2022
Here are the Visual Art Exhibitions at this Year’s Cinemalaya

As the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival goes on-site, five (5) parallel exhibitions for Cinemalaya viewers are presented.

The exhibitions include the Cinemalaya 18 Competition Films Exhibit which showcases primarily memorabilia from the set and some behind-the-scenes’ images from the 11 full-length films and 12 short films. This exhibit can be found at the Bulwagang Carlos V. Francisco or the Little Theater Lobby located on the ground floor of CCP.

To showcase the roster of films for screening at this year’s festival, Cinemalaya 18 Festival Posters Exhibit at the Pasilyo Vicente Manansala or the Second Floor Hallway Gallery displays the film posters for the Cinemalaya 18 Main Competition (Full-Length and Short Films), Retrospective Shorts section, Tribute, and 34th Gawad Alternatibo. It also carries the poster of the opening film, Leonor Will Never Die, and the closing films — the documentaries Delikado followed by We Don’t Dance for Nothing. This is a first for the festival to close its run with documentary films to mark their importance in succeeding festivals.

An exhibition highlighting the recently conferred National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts at the Pasilyo Guillermo Tolentino or Third Floor Hallway Gallery is dedicated to Nora Aunor, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, and Ricardo “Ricky” Lee.

To provide a glimpse of their artistic practices, images from the films written by Lee namely Himala (1982) featuring Aunor, and the trilogy Brutal (1980), Moral (1982), and Karnal (1983) directed by Diaz-Abaya are featured on the exhibit.

Cinemalaya Filmmakers’ Images Exhibit presents filmmakers who have joined the competition since 2005, along with their award-winning film entries. Located at the Bulwagang Juan Luna or the Main Gallery on the third floor, Cinemalaya filmmakers in the past 18 years can leave their autographs on their photos while visitors can drop by at the Cinemalaya Lounge by Latitude.

Idan Cruz, better known as actor John Lloyd Cruz captures the Cinemalaya 18 Filmmakers’ Portraits displayed at the Main Theater Lobby on the first floor. Since 2017, Cruz has been working on art photography and videography. This year, Cinemalaya chose the renowned actor as its official exhibition photographer – a shift in roles as the actor once directed in front of the camera took the turn to guide the filmmakers behind the scene for their photoshoot. Cruz took portraits of 18 filmmakers among the 26 in competition.

These five exhibitions are part of the 18th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival ongoing at the CCP until August 14. You can visit them at the CCP from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

For more details about the exhibitions, visit the CCP and Cinemalaya websites. Follow the CCP and Cinemalaya official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

August 10, 2022
Look: These 5 Water-Friendly Shoes Will Get You Through The Rainy Season

With rain forecasts becoming the norm recently, we’ve picked out functional and trendy footwear that will have you looking and feeling your best despite the gloomy weather. Whether heading to school, the office or your next barkada trip, here are five pairs that made the top of our list!

THE MERRELL HYDRO MOC & HYDRO RUNNER

From its introduction late last year of a few mens colorways, we’re super excited that Merrell just dropped new Hydro Moc colors and ladies options. It’s garnered rave reviews from users in the city, trail and beach with its lightweight comfy clog design and strategically placed perforations draining water instantly, leaving your feet feeling fresh all day. What’s more, they’re now made with 10% BLOOM® algae making it more eco-friendly! Cop them at www.merrell.com.ph, Merrell concept stores, Complex Lifestyle Stores, and top department stores nationwide.

The Merrell Men’s Hydro Elements Earth (P2850). The Merrell Men’s Hydro Moc Elements Air (P2850).

For those seeking a more covered shoe that gives major sneakerhead vibes, Merrell’s new Hydro Runner is for you. Like the Hydro Moc, it features a perforated EVA shell for a lightweight and flexible fit, but this shoe is further equipped with breathable mesh lining and a grippy lugged outsole. Rain or shine, Merrell’s Hydro Runner is perfect for swagging your streetwear style while keeping cool. Find them at Merrell concept stores and department stores nationwide.

The Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc in Stonewash (P2750). The Merrell Women’s Hydro Moc Drift in Pine/Marron (P2850).

From Left: The Merrell Men’s Hydro Runner in Olive (P4295). The Merrell Men’s Hydro Runner in Oyster (P4295). The Merrell Men’s Hydro Runner in Black (P4295).

THE KEDS ROWAN RAIN BOOT

From Left: The Keds x Rifle Paper Co. Rowan Rain Boot Menagerie in Navy (P4590), The Keds x Rifle Paper Co. Rowan Rain Boot Menagerie in White (P4590), The Keds Rowan Rain Boot in Black (P3795). The Keds Rowan Rain Boot in Burgundy (P3795).

Best known for their fun and feminine sneakers, Keds is giving us a reason to love the rainy weather with its cute new rain boots. The Rowan is fashioned after the sleek Chelsea boot silhouette and has a waterproof rubber upper. For something a little playful, check out the Keds x Rifle Paper Co. versions featuring the latter’s signature floral prints and patterns. If you want a little rocker edge to your look, nothing beats solid black or burgundy. Check these out and more from www.keds.com.ph and retail stores nationwide.

The Keds Rowan Rain Boot in Black (P3795) worn by Kathryn Bernardo

Sperry is a brand that is best known for their boat shoes – which technically already count as rainy day essentials because of them being borne from the sea. The brand has since introduced two new water-friendly shoes made of EVA for all-day comfort. The A/O Float Boat Shoes and Water Striders drain water instantly with their perforated uppers, making them must-haves for any weather condition. Shop these and more at their official webstore www.sperry.com.ph and Sperry retail stores nationwide.

THE SPERRY A/O FLOAT & WATER STRIDER

Sperry is a brand that is best known for their boat shoes – which technically already count as rainy day essentials because of them being borne from the sea. The brand has since introduced two new water-friendly shoes made of EVA for all-day comfort. The A/O Float Boat Shoes and Water Striders drain water instantly with their perforated uppers, making them must-haves for any weather condition. Shop these and more at their official webstore www.sperry.com.ph and Sperry retail stores nationwide.

August 10, 2022
CCP to Conduct the Cinemalaya 2022 Konek

The Cultural Center of the Philippines, Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), present Cinemalaya Konek, a three-day event slated on August 10 and 12-13, at CCP.

Cinemalaya Konek provides a venue for filmmakers to interact, network and connect with film industry players.

Cinemalaya Konek has three (3) activities which are: Interaction/Panel Discussion, Networking + Filmmakers Night, and Business Matching.

The first activity, Interaction/Panel Discussion is divided into two (2) parts, Konek 1: Film Producing in Cinema and Streaming Platform wherein film producers – Alemberg Ang, Ida Del Mundo, and Daphne Chiu will do a discussion about their process, inspirations, and motivations in producing films, and Konek 2: Filmmaking and Film Programming for International Festivals where Cinemalaya Film Juries – Frederic Auburtin, Makiko Wakai, and Madonna Tarrayo will share their experiences in filmmaking, programming, and participation to international festivals.

Konek 1 and Konek 2 will be held on August 10, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm and 5:00 pm to 5:45 pm respectively at the CCP Cinemalaya Tent.

The second activity, Networking & Filmmakers Night will help different filmmakers and directors in networking with film producers, post-production companies, embassies, industry players, and stakeholders on August 10, 2022, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the CCP Cinemalaya Tent.

The last activity, Business Matching will take place on August 12, 2022, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and on August 13, 2022, from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm at CCP Cinemalaya Tent.

Cinemalaya Konek is a fringe activity of the Cinemalaya Film Festival that opened on August 5 at the CCP.

For more information on the 18th Cinemalaya Film Festival screening schedules and other offerings, check out the CCP website www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and Cinemalaya social media sites on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

August 10, 2022
‘Mars Ravelo’s Darna’: A Modern-Day Retelling Of Darna’s Heroism Premieres This August 15

Today’s generation of viewers will finally witness Darna come alive to manifest her superpowers, bare her humanity and love for family, and empower audiences with her bravery in ABS-CBN Entertainment’s “Mars Ravelo’s Darna” series that is set to premiere on Monday (August 15), 8 pm on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Jeepney TV, and TV5.

“Ito na po ang pagkakataon namin para ipakita sa buong mundo ang pinaghirapan ng production, lahat ng cast, mapa-staff and directors. Matagal na rin po itong hinintay ng sambayanang Pilipino,” said lead star Jane de Leon who plays Narda Custodio and her superhuman alter-ego Darna.

“Maraming-marami po kayong aabangan pagdating sa effects, costumes, villains, at syempre sa bagong istorya ng ‘Darna,’” she promised at the Darna Grand Media Conference held last Monday (August 8).

The Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos gave a surprise video message at the event. “Yung pagiging Darna, relevant yan, lalo na ngayon na napupuno tayo ng challenges sa buhay. Ang karakter niya ay nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa mga tao,” the multi-awarded actress, who starred in four Darna movies, said. “Jane, na sa’yo na ang bato! Pangalaan mo yang mabuti. Maging ehemplo ka ng henerasyon ngayon.”

The series will chronicle the life of Narda, an emergency medical technician (EMT) and a loving breadwinner to the Custodio family, who is destined to become the next protector of the powerful stone that enables her to transform into a superhero who has special abilities to help those in danger.

Joining Jane in this year’s most awaited program are Iza Calzado who plays Narda’s mother Leonor, the first Darna; Janella Salvador as vlogger and lawyer Regina and Darna’s mortal enemy Valentina; Joshua Garcia as a police officer named Brian; Zaijian Jaranilla as Narda’s geeky younger brother Ding.

Also part of the series are Paolo Gumabao, Rio Locsin, Richard Quan, Simon Ibarra, Jeffrey Santos, Eric Fructuoso, Levy Ignacio, and many more.

Darna’s modern-day TV adaptation, based on the creation of Pinoy comics legend Mars Ravelo, is directed by the Master Director Chito S. Roño, Avel Sunpongco, and Benedict Mique and produced by ABS-CBN’s JRB Creative Production unit.

Direk Chito shared good words about this generation’s Darna. “I’m very pleased not only that [Jane] she focused, not only that she concentrated, she has done very well as an actress for ‘Darna,’” complimenting Jane for how she has portrayed the role of the iconic superhero.

Viewers are eagerly awaiting the show’s premiere following several sightings of Darna’s character in various places culminating in the “DarnaCon” event last Saturday at Robinsons malls where the show’s cast got to meet and greet their fans. Its trailer, launched just last month, already earned almost 10 million views across ABS-CBN Entertainment’s social media platforms.

P-pop boy group BGYO was also announced to sing the official soundtrack of “Darna” titled “Patuloy Lang Ang Lipad” to be launched very soon.

The new series will air from Monday to Friday beginning August 15 at 8 pm on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Jeepney TV, and TV5 and will also be available on Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, and The Filipino Channel.

Don’t miss “Darna’s” maiden flight, follow JRB Creative Production on Facebook and Twitter @JRBcreativeprod and on Instagram @ JRBcreativeproduction. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

August 9, 2022