DWIZ 882

• In observance of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, experts from esteemed medical societies and patient organizations gathered to raise awareness on the prevention, screening, diagnosis, and management of lung cancer.

Expert groups that took part in the endeavor, from left to right: Dr. Karlos Aleta, President of the Philippine Association of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons; Dr. Josefina Lapena, President of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians; Dr. Joey Joson, Former President of The Philippine Society of Hospice and Palliative Medicine; Dr. Janeth Samson, president of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians; Dr. Ma. Teresa Benedicto, President of the Philippine Radiation Oncology Society; Dr. Josephine Tolentino, President of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology; Dr. Herdee Luna, President of The Philippine Society of Oncologists; and Emerito Rojas, founding board member of newly launched patient group Lung Health Alliance of the Philippine

MANILA – In the Philippines, lung cancer remains the second most common type of cancer— and the most prevalent and deadliest type of cancer among Filipino men.¹,³ Around 25% of Filipinos aged 15 years and up smoke tobacco. This places millions of the population at risk for developing lung cancer.² These staggering statistics emphasize the need for continuous and vigilant screening to make sure this, as with all types of cancer, is detected and subsequently treated as early as possible.

Lung and oncology experts from seven medical societies alongside patient advocacy groups gathered at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel recently to further raise awareness around prevention, screening, diagnosis, and management of lung cancer.

The well-attended event aimed to facilitate a multi-disciplinary discussion on the crucial role of each specialty in the lung cancer care continuum, focusing on lung cancer management.

Dr. Janeth Samson, president of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) opened the program by emphasizing the need for a unified approach among all key stakeholders to battle this condition, including committing due diligence to find the right diagnosis, optimal approach, and minimizing the number and invasiveness of procedures. “Hindi po lahat ng cancer pare-pareho ng treatment. We go to the procedure that will give us the best diagnosis.”

In 2022 alone, 23,728 people were diagnosed with lung cancer and many more remain under the radar.⁶ Mr.  Emerito Rojas of the Lung Health Alliance of the Philippines or LungHAP who has been advocated for everyone’s right to breathe cleaner air to preserve and protect lung health, also shed light on the experiences of lung cancer patients and their families, and the importance of a supportive community. “We need to push for early detection and lung screening. We need sustainable funding and we need to develop a strategy. Together with your support, we can make an impact.”

Experts then gathered for an informative and engaging panel to discuss the journey of the lung cancer patient. Dr. Josephine Lapena, President of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP), Dr. Karlos Aleta, President of the Philippine Association of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons (PATACSI), Dr. Josephine Tolentino, President of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), and  Dr. Herdee Luna, President of the Philippine Society of Oncologists Inc. (PSO) joined PCCP president Dr. Samson to discuss the how to execute the multidisciplinary team approach, which is highlighted by taking a deeper look into a patient’s lifestyle and situation.

“Importante na alam namin ang sitwasyon hindi lang ng pasyente, kundi pati ng pamilya. We need to know what the family is dealing with. What they do, where they live,” said Dr. Lapena.

Dr. Tolentino, alongside Dr. Ma. Teresa Benedicto of the Philippine Radiation Oncology Society and Dr. Joey Joson of the Philippine Society of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, discussed the importance of end-to-end care for lung cancer, taking note of holistic health, especially when in advanced stages. “We advise patients to continue with a healthy lifestyle and to take care of mental health,” said Dr. Tolentino.

“We address not only physical. We also address psychosocial, spiritual, and existential issues, and the family, too, na hindi na-address ng iba naming colleagues. ‘Yun po ‘yung puwede naming maitulong sa kanila,” elaborated Dr. Joson.

Dr. Cyril Tolosa, Medical Affairs Director of AstraZeneca Philippines, underscored how each accurate intervention can help make the healing journey easier for patients. “AstraZeneca is driven by its bold ambition to eliminate lung cancer as a leading cause of death worldwide, and that includes transforming the landscape of lung cancer care here in the Philippines through early intervention and innovative treatment options,” said Dr. Tolosa. “We’re positive that through this multidisciplinary collaboration with seven medical societies and lung cancer patient groups, we can create real world impact to further improve health outcomes of our lung cancer patients.”

He added, “Earlier this year, the collaboration of AstraZeneca and AC Health successfully integrated an AI-based chest x-ray tool into key hospitals within the AC Health network, allowing patients to undergo early screening for lung nodules and assess their risk of malignancy. This collaboration enhances the accessibility of advanced diagnostic technology and enables healthcare providers to offer timely and accurate evaluations potentially improving patient outcomes.”

Fr. Jerry Orbos, a lung cancer survivor and spiritual adviser of LungHAP, recalled his own journey to conquering lung cancer. He exhorted patients and advocates to bank on faith despite the challenges of the disease. “Don’t give up on hope. Hold on to discipline, take your medicine, follow your doctors, and be patient. It’s a journey. Have a joyful mindset, and of course, faith in God. The big C is nothing compared to the biggest C, who is Christ.”

Carmen Auste of Cancer Coalition Philippines (CCPH), Inc. was also in attendance. She called for stakeholders, specifically authorities, to put a bigger emphasis on the voice of lung cancer patients. “Kailangan natin palakasin ‘yung boses ng survivors. Ang paniniwala po natin, anumang guideline or standard na gagawin, ito ay mas magiging responsive at makabuluhan kung nandoon ang lived experiences ng ating mga pasyente,” said Auste.

All the medical societies and patient advocacy groups then gathered to engage in a commitment exercise, further solidifying their partnership in the fight against lung cancer.

Finally, PCCP’s Dr. Janeth Samson closed the program by facilitating the launch of the PCCP Lung Cancer registry, which will further provide a caring, efficient network for lung cancer patients and their families. “This registry represents a critical step towards enhancing the knowledge base and improving outcomes for individuals affected by lung cancer,” explained Dr. Samson.

MANILA, 12 November 2024 – The back-to-back onslaught of Typhoons Kristine and Leon caused widespread damage in the Philippines, leaving thousands of families and children without access to clean water and sanitation facilities and disrupting classes for 20 million learners.

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) and Super Typhoon Leon (Kong-rey), the 11th and 12th tropical cyclones to hit the country this year, devastated 13 regions and 29 provinces, affecting at least 4.2 million individuals – approximately 1.3 million children – and displacing more than 300,000.

With Tropical Storms Marce (Yinxing) and Nika (Toraji) affecting almost the same areas over the weekend, and Tropical Storms Ofel (Usagi) and Man-Yi entering the country, the Philippine Government has intensified its response. Communities are preparing for the impact of more extreme weather events, which are exacerbated by the climate crisis.

“We can’t emphasize enough the importance of lifesaving supplies during and after an emergency,” said Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov, UNICEF Philippines Representative. “We are working with our partners to provide water, sanitation and hygiene supplies to affected families and children to ensure their access to critical measures against the spread of diseases.”

The coverage of and access to basic water and sanitation services had been low in the affected areas even before the emergency. The impact of the severe typhoons has made the situation worse for communities, where instances of open defecation have been reported.

Since 31 October, UNICEF and partners have delivered 2,950 hygiene kits and water kits to 2,950

families, out of the target 3,300 families, in the most affected areas in the provinces of Camarines Sur and Albay in the Bicol Region. In partnership with Action Against Hunger and Plan International Pilipinas, an additional 350 hygiene kits and water kits will be delivered to 350 families in the coming days.

In partnership with the Department of Education Schools Divisions of Camarines Sur and Albay, UNICEF will distribute education supplies to 14,594 learners and 765 teachers in 25 schools and five Community Development Centers. The affected learners and teachers will receive 3,261 teacher and student kits, 32 early childhood care and development kits, and 38 recreation kits. They will also receive 25 UNICEF School-in-a-Box kits, each containing supplies and materials to support one teacher and 40 students.

The Department of Education estimates that at least 500 schools in the Bicol Region need assistance.

“Ensuring that children’s learning is not disrupted is a priority for UNICEF,” said Akihiro Fushimi, UNICEF Philippines Education Chief. “UNICEF strongly urges that schools remain dedicated to education and not used as evacuation centres, so that children continue to have a stable learning environment.”

Help children and families affected by emergencies by donating now at https://donate.unicef.ph/campaign/emergencies.

 SM Supermalls launched its 67th Cyberzone in J Mall, Mandaue, Cebu City. The tech hub is anticipated to complement the newly minted mall, adding an all-in-one shopping space for tech, gadgets, and accessories for mallgoers in the region.  

“This milestone of expanding our footprint in Cebu, further amplifies the commitment of Cyberzone as the largest and premier tech and lifestyle hub in the Philippines. Cyberzone taps on a wider market segment who continues to search for, utilize, and evolve with more tech and gaming experiences in every life stage”, says Mr. Patrick G. Pacla, Vice President – Operations and Marketing (Sponsorship and Cyberzone), SM Supermalls.   

SM J Mall is officially SM Supermalls’ 87th mall chain in the country.  Nestled in Mandaue, Cebu City, J Mall is built on the seamless convergence of nature and lifestyle—touting a prime selection of local and global brands, while boasting state-of-the-art eco-friendly technology, such as a rainwater catchment system.  

Like the rest of the J Mall, the 67th Cyberzone boasts a handpicked selection of the most trusted names in tech. The hub showcases top brands, such as Samsung, Oppo, realme, Huawei, and Apple via the Power Mac Center. When it comes to peripherals and accessories, mallgoers will find no shortage of options at specialty shops like Digital Walker, Gaming Grounds, and Tech101. With the Cyberzone’s array of stores, each one guarantees the latest in tech releases alongside reliable after-sales services.  

Now Open to Every Tech Aficionado in Cebu 

SM J Mall’s Cyberzone is now open for every tech want and need. When you go to Cyberzone, you can be sure to find world-renowned brands, exclusive deals to get the most out of your purchases, legitimate tech experts to guide you, and the latest flagship releases right as they drop. You’ve got them all at the country’s ultimate tech and gaming hotspot: Cyberzone. #GotITatCyberzone!  

Don’t forget to stay updated on the latest and greatest in tech deals by checking out Cyberzone at an SM Mall near you or through the SM Malls Online app. Make sure to also follow SM Cyberzone on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or by visiting www.smcyberzone.com for all your tech and gaming needs!  
 
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Catch it in SM Cinemas nationwide from Oct. 30-Nov. 5 for as low as P150 per movie. Tickets now on sale.

A spooky and spine-chilling week awaits movie fans as SM Cinema brings back Sine Sindak, its Halloween-themed film festival, in partnership with Viva Films and CrystalSky Entertainment from October 30 to November 5.

Now in its fifth year, Sine Sindak celebrates all things mysterious and creepy as it features a lineup of Filipino and foreign horror movies at low prices for maximum scare and fun at SM Cinemas nationwide. Moviegoers will only have to spend P150 per movie, while they can do a movie marathon with an all-day pass priced at P300.

Here are the participating movies for Sine Sindak:

From Viva Films

1. Nanay Tatay
   Three young girls are rescued by a loving couple who lost a daughter. What they did not know is that their new home houses a restless spirit that haunts anyone it encounters.

Cast:     Aubrey Caraan, Xia Vigor, Heart Ryan, Andrea del Rosario, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Elia Ilano, Billy Villeta

Director: Roni Benaid

Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTW1OI6tJkc

• Pasahero
  On a late-night train, seven passengers turn a blind eye to a crime. Now they get to know what being helpless feels like.

Cast:     Louise delos Reyes, Bea Binene, Andre Yllana, Mark Anthony Fernandez

Director: Roman Perez Jr.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-o8iuo9fQU

1. House of Sayuri
   Adapted from the popular horror manga series. A family moves into a house, but discovers that it is haunted by a murdered girl.

Cast:     Fusao Urabe, Zen Kajihara, Koko Morita

Director: Koji Shiraishi

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj0Kwr5E_JA

1. The Thorn: One Sacred Night

In Javanese culture, Sengkolo is a negative entity that often haunts humans, brings bad luck, and brings disaster. On the first night of Suro, Sengkolo moved to target several weton who were his prey.

Cast:     Donny Alamsyah, Fauzan Nasrul, Anantya Kirana

Director: Hanny R. Saputra

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB8DCB42w8E

 From CrystalSky Entertainment

1. My Mother’s Eyes
   

Both Hitomi and her daughter Eri are cellists who are involved in a traffic accident, leaving Hitomi without sight and Eri paralyzed. While Hitomi wears camera-equipped contact lenses and Eri wears VR goggles, the two share one vision.

Cast:     Hisashi, Kosuke Hoshi, Takuma Izumi

Director: Takeshi Kushida

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr08AD0XfGs

• Tenement 

Soriya goes back to Cambodia in a quest to find herself after her mother’s death, there she finds a family she has never known and an old building full of dark secrets.

Cast:     Yoshihiko Hosoda, Sahrah Pich Manika, Rous Mony

Director: Sokyou Chea, Inrasothythep Neth

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMoK0xuI8Zs

1. MADS

A teenager stops off to see his dealer to test a new drug before heading off for a night of partying. On the way home, he picks up an injured woman and the night takes a surreal turn.

Cast:     Lewkowski Yovel, Lucille Guillaume

Director: David Moreau

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vm6_MDnj3Hg 

1. V/H/S BEYOND 

Six bloodcurdling tapes unleash horror in a sci-fi inspired hell landscape, pushing the boundaries of fear and suspense.

Cast:     Phillip Andre Botello, Dane Diliegro, Jolene Andersen

Director: Kate Siegel, Justin Long, Jordan Downey, Virat Pal, Christian Long, Justin Martinez, Jay Cheel

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Md3ANwWG4

SM Cinema’s Sine Sindak will run from October 30 – November 5. 

Experience the fright. Get ready for Sine Sindak 5. Secure your seat for the scare of a lifetime by booking your tickets on www.smcinema.com, the SM Cinema app, or the SM Cinema ticket booths.

For more details, visit the official Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok accounts of SM Cinema. 

Thousands of SuperKids had a thrilling weekend as they experienced a day dedicated to all things K-Pop at the 8th SuperKids Day – the Happy SuperKids Day, which introduced the SuperKids K-Pop Group Dance Contest and the Monsterrific Halloween Costume Contest held at SM City North EDSA.

SuperKids lived out their K-Pop dreams as they got to try various activities such as a K-Pop Makeover Studio, Korean Photobooth by The Film, K-Pop Dance Workshop, and a Fashion Show where they flaunted their K-Style OOTDS and the best dressed SuperKids won exciting prizes.

SuperMoms who joined the Facebook pre-event promo (SuperMom & SuperKid Twinning on the SuperMoms Facebook Community) also took home prizes.

As a special treat, superkids and mallgoers were treated with electrifying performances from Cloud 7, a P-Pop group under Sparkle GMA Artist Center, and a dynamic K-Pop dance number from the NU Dance Company.

This year’s SM Little Stars Finalists also showcased their awesome dance skills, dancing to hit K-Pop songs.

Interactive games also wowed superkids as they experienced getting on a human claw machine filled with amazing gifts and played Nintendo Switch Games from Cyberzone and PC Express.

For more information on SM Supermalls and to stay updated, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM Supermalls on Facebook.