Student Catholic Action of the Philippines Celebrates its 75 Years with the 10th National Leadership Conference

Cheers to one of the pioneer student organization in the Philippines that formed so many great leaders and also molded student from all over the country. This year,  we are now celebrating the 75th year since 1936, which endured wars, martial law and revolutions that shaped the country. If you are an SCAn from your school days, we invite you to join us in the 10th National Conference that is happening at St. Paul University Manila.
here are the schedules for the 5 day conference.







And also get more details and news from the SCA facebook page and website.

GAMMA KNIFE: Surgery Without The Knife, Saving More Lives



An NRC (nuclear regulatory commission)
diagram of how GAMMA KNIFE works to reach its target cells.
Ailments in the brain is probably the most complicated and the most risky surgical procedure foe the human body. Brain tumors would be the worst nightmare in reality for anyone. And according to statistics, the Philippines is second to to most number of Brain cancer cases in South East Asia. And mostly, tumors are lately diagnosed which is either in its critical stages and removal would be the only option for survival.

However, to remove these tumors open surgery is the only option. However ELEKTA AB, a company from Sweden have came up with the LEKSELL GAMMA KNIFE, by Dr. Lars Leksell, of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholma,   a treatment that uses high-intensity radiation that is coordinately concentrated to the target volume, destroying the tumor cells from the inside. GAMMA KNIFE usually contains 201 colbalt-60 sources with approximately 30 curies passed to a specially designed helmet fixed to the skull, this give precision in targeting the cells without affecting the other normal cells.


You may think that this treatment would only be available in industrialized countries but surprizingly we have this facility available here in the Philippines exclusively at the Cardinal Santos Memorial Medical Center. It was established in 1998 to provide the Filipino patient access to neurosurgical technology that was difficult to access. It was created to become a center of excellence for Stereotactic Neurosurgery and Radiosurgery.

For its facility, it is headed by highly trained medical professionals and with its noninvasive procedure, it guarantees quick recovery time and high performance that leads patients to recovery faster.

GAMMA KNIFE facility found in Cardinal Santos Medical Center, one of the country's top hospitals
Here is also a video from the the  Gamma Knife website to show us how this modern marvel works.
Quick recovery time

The Head Frame
Gamma Knife minimizes the possibility of developing complications. Following the patient’s admission, a stereotactic frame is attached to the patient’s head, then, neuroimaging such as MRI, CT Scan or cerebral angiography is performed. A marker on the stereotactic frame allows the Gamma Knife team to localize the tumor or vascular malformation with exact precision on a state of the art computer work station. When the plan is complete, actual treatment will follow which usually last a single day.


Specially designed helmet
“Compared to conventional open surgery, Gamma Knife allows the patients to return to his daily activities quickly and cost effectively. Because the Gamma Knife requires no incisions, and in most cases requires local anesthesia, many of the risk associated with conventional surgery such as infection, hemorrhage, adverse reaction to anesthesia and death are actually eliminated.

The procedure is accomplished within a very brief time frame. It is usually performed as an out patient basis with no associated convalescence. Most patients resume their normal activities after discharge from the center.

Safer and more effective
But more than quick recovery time, what is being commended by doctors and Gamma Knife patients alike is the accuracy with which Gamma Knife treats a brain disorder. In fact, there is no other procedure that can claim to have greater acceptance among the world’s leading hospitals and medical practitioners when it comes to the non-invasive treatment of brain disorders than Gamma Knife.
Here, no scalpels are required and no blood is shed. Patients undergoing the Gamma Knife procedure will have their brain disorders treated, instead, through the delivery of a high single dose of radiation to that area that is affected. That makes it safer as surrounding tissues will not be affected during or after the procedure.

Patients whose lives have been changed after a Gamma Knife treatment also number in hundreds of thousands around the world. The technology involved in this procedure ensures its precision in treating a brain disorder. It has been proven to be one of the most successful radiosurgery weapons in the fight against brain disorders such as Arteriovenous malformation, benign intracranial tumors including acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, pineal tumors, malignant tumors such as metastatic carcinoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Other candidates for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery include patients with residual lesions left unresected by previous open neurosurgical procedure, patients at high risk for surgical complications due to age or underlying medical problems, and patient who refuse craniotomy. This is why it is preferred by the experts. Morbidity is low and mortality is none.

Expertise
Since its clinical start-up in 1998, the Philippine Gamma Knife Center has performed over 1700 radiosurgical and open stereotactic procedures. The safety and effectiveness of the Gamma Knife procedure is ensured by a multi disciplinary team of medical professionals which are all trained in Stockholm, Sweden.
The team is composed of Neurosurgeons, headed by Dr. Vesagas who currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Asian Leksell Gamma Knife Society, Radiation Oncologist, Medical Physicist, Anesthesiologist and Neurosurgical Nurse with years of experience behind them. Averaging 130 cases a year, the Stereotactic Neurosurgery team at the Philippine Gamma Knife Center is the most experienced in the country, bar none.

With these innovation and the care of our Pinoy medical professionals, we may not need to go abroad to undergo this treatment which saves a lot of lives with less the risks but better success and recovery. 

Need to know more about how Gamma Knife can help you? Just visit the PGKC at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center or visit their website at www.gammaknife.com.ph or call 7259254 ; 7237575.

 

Manual To Lyf's Eventology Report APRIL 2011

Just to organize about the places I have been to and the link of the blog post of each on of them, I have now the Manual to Lyf's Eventology report! Just to give you a brief description on what, when, where, who, and how was I doing during the past few days and better to start of this one for APRIL! This hopefully will help me be more organized and also let you know what going on the metro! I'm not Tim Yap nor Bruno Mars, but you can say I could be both! Let the events begin!


APRIL 1
 iBlog 7, UP Dliman - my 2nd iBlog so far, unfortunately I was not able to attend the 2nd day :-(
Magnolia Ice Cream Bloggers' Party - I felt a winner for this night as we enjoyed great food, entertainment and of course ICE CREAM! I also won as one of the best in summer wear :-D
APRIL4
PNR trip - personal blog experience for Lyf's guide to comuting
APRIL 5
Kris Aquino's My Hearts Journey Launch- my first time to ask Kris Aquino in a press con
TOMS Day without Shoes - Trinoma,  first time to walk barefoot inside the mall
APRIL 6
Gamma Knife Center, Cardinal Santos Hospital
Craft Bar and Grill Food Blogging - a new bar in the Fort Complex, Bonifacio Global City, a good place to chill!
COMING SOON!
April 16
KOMIKON SUMMER BAYANIHAN - Bayanihan Center, Pasig City, will sell comics there!

More places and events to blog and enjoy, also since my birthday will fall on the 30th, so I am excited if this will also be a major event. Looking at these makes me wonder I was able to do all this, hmm...

well there more to come, enjoy LYF!



MUSIC LYF: Kris Aquino's New Album My Heart's Journey


Kris Aquino's life is not exclusive to a single song, that is why she launches her own albums that include songs close to her heart, especially for healing and reflection. Kris Aquino, despite being the presidential sister and a top media celebrity. Also with all her relationships were not that all blooming and rainbows, she still would stand strong for her family and her kids. Thus another song in the pages in her biography.

She launched her 5th album under Universal Records (first being "Songs of Love and Healing," which reached double platinum in sales; second, "Love and Inspiration" which reached gold in sales; third, "The Greatest Love" which reached platinum in sales; and fouth is "Blessings of Love") entitled "My Heart's Journey."

My Heart's Journey is a spoken word, special collector's edition CD that features 15 tracks chronicling seven inspiring phases from Kris Aquino's journey in her colorful life, with love in all its many forms at the center being the unifying element.

The first segment in the CD is MY Journey: The Broken Road. Contrary to what the title may seem to suggest, this chapter documents the paradoxical nature of Kris' life which is characterized by the right blend of trials and triumphs which essentially fuels here immense love for life. Here Toni Gonzaga performs GOD BLESS THE BROKEN ROAD and KC Concepcion delivers a soulful rendition of WHAT ABOUT LOVE.

In My Journey: The Road Of Love Kris Opens up her heart as she narrates the strong interconnection between love ballads and her romantic experiences in the past six years. Kris valiantly attempts to uncover the mysteries of falling in and out of love. In the process, she eventually emerges victorious by accepting both the pains and joys of falling in love. Christian Bautista gives a masculine twist to LOVE MOVES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS while Jed Madela dishes out a chilling interpretation of ONLY LOVE and TO WHERE YOU ARE. Karylle re-interpreted and breathed life to the seminal classic IT MUST HAVE BEEN LOVE.

My Journey: The Road To God expresses Kris' spiritual, almost transcendental  journey  as she completely surrenders her life to the infinite love of God. Similar to her current Petron endorsement, Kris professes that the example of her being a segurista is her absolute faith in God. Here, Kris Gail Blanco performs I WILL BE HERE and IN YOUR EYES while the inimitable tandem of Regine Velasquez and Lani Misalucha shines in their rendition of WHEN YOU BELIEVE.

Kris demystifies the misconceived notion that she  has everything anyonce could dream of by baring her deepest hopes and aspirations. My Journey: The Road of Expectations clearly proves that first and foremost, Kris is human, and a woman whose sincerest desire is to be loved, valued and respected for who she is and nothing else. Zsa Zsa Padilla gives a divinely soothing rendition of I'D REALLY LOVE TO SEE YOU TONIGHT.

Kris' emotional maturity and wisdom which is fulfilling result of many years of heartbreak and heartache is communicated in My Journey: The Road to Understanding as Nina belts out I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS.

Kris' celebrates the healing power of letting go and moving on in My Journey: The Road of Forgiveness as Jed Madela performs HEALING. Jed Madela's rendition of BEAUTIFUL IN MY EYES sums-up the great possibility of Kris to fall in love and accept romance once again in My Journey: The Road of Redemption. Christian Bautista performs a bonus tracj dedicated by Goldilocks to Kris for her birthday entitled ARAW MO.

And here is a little treat, as I present to you Christian Bautista's Live performace at the media launch that happened April 5, 2011 at Anabele's Tomas Morato. Amidst the controversies that is happening to her life, this album serves as her affirmation that she is still loved and also as a refuge for her to make her a better person.

My Heart's Journey is available in all leading record bars nationwide and it also comes with a special journal containing inspiring life-changing quotes written by Kris herself.

Wacky Boys Night Out DJs get serious about oral care

Despite their wacky comments and funny, naughty boy antics on-air, the Boys Night Out DJs Slick Rick, Tony Toni, and Sam YG get serious when it comes to their grooming and hygiene habits.

Since it began airing four years ago, Boys Night Out (BNO) has become one of the most popular shows on local nighttime FM radio. Its DJs—the threesome of Tony Toni, Slick Rick, and Sam YG—have entertained thousands of listeners with their playful and often naughty banter. They’re a testament to the adage that, indeed, boys will be boys.

"With OraCare I can use it on a daily basis without wondering whether it would hurt my mouth or something, kasi hindi siya matapang. I said to myself, finally, they came up with something that does not give you the sting yet gives you fresh breath," Boys Night Out DJ Sam YG says.
Despite their wacky comments and funny, naughty boy antics on-air, however, the BNO dudes get serious about their grooming and hygiene habits. Being sloppy about their appearance and getting careless about their oral hygiene, for example, is neither cool nor funny for Boys Night Out.

“Being a radio personality and a media professional puts you in close contact with lots of people. They could be fans. They could be colleagues, friends, or potential clients. It would be very embarrassing and, in a way, even disrespectful, for a media personality to be less than presentable in public.
On the importance of having clean, fresh breath in their line of work: "That's part of the job: you're just going to be talking and talking, and you don’t want your bad breath to slow you down. It's important because you don't want to leave the impression of having bad breath," says Boys Night Out DJ Slick Rick.

“As media personalities, we can’t avoid relating to people. It would be a major blunder to be sloppy in our appearance, but it’s even worse if we have poor oral hygiene—that would give a really negative impression when we start talks and conversations with others,” says Slick Rick.

For these beloved jocks, there's no denying the importance of having clean, fresh breath in their line of work.
"For us, our ‘breath’ is our livelihood. It affects how people perceive us," says Tony Toni, who often plays the role of the naughty, racy fellow among the three.

No matter how good-looking and handsome you are, if you have strong, unpleasant mouth odor, you can say goodbye to your chances of getting a kiss after a date,” says Boys Night Out DJ Tony Toni.
"That's part of the job: you're just going to be talking and talking, and you don’t want your bad breath to slow you down. Plus you never know when you're going to meet a girl you like. It's important because you don't want to leave the impression of having bad breath," says Slick Rick, BNO’s undisputed ‘ladies’ man’.”

"We talk to people everyday. It's our business; it's our job. And in dealing with people, you always want to make sure you leave a good impression," Sam YG, the self-described nerd of the group, explains.

Having strong mouth odor, as far as these 3 are concerned, is a sure recipe for social disaster.
"When you know that your breath smells good, it gives you confidence, which I think is the most important thing," says Boys Night Out DJ Sam YG.
"You could be this hunk, but if you have bad breath that's what people will always remember you for," Slick Rick adds.

"It's a big turn-off for women. No matter how good-looking and handsome you are, if you have strong, unpleasant mouth odor, you can say goodbye to your chances of getting a kiss after a date,” says Tony Toni.

"If you have bad breath, people will say you have low standards of personal hygiene, then it's a domino effect na," he adds.

The same goes for women, according to Sam YG.

"How can you even think of moving on with that person if right from the start you're turned-off by her bad breath? That's minus sexy points," he says.

This makes their oral hygiene regimen of paramount importance to their everyday lives.

Their oral hygiene regimen

"Right after waking up, I have to brush my teeth to ensure I have fresh breath even though I don't have anyone with me at home. After I eat, I brush again, then floss. Then I take a shower and after that, mouthwash before I leave the house," shares Slick Rick. "I'm kind of praning about keeping my teeth and my mouth clean. " he adds.

"I brush my teeth after every meal, then floss about twice a day. I use mouthwash three times a day," shares Sam YG

The three DJs
For the DJs of Boys Night Out, their 'breath' is their livelihood. That's why among their stock of hygiene products, Slick Rick, Tony Toni, and Sam YG rank their mouthwash right near the top.
Which is why, among their stock of hygiene products, the boys rank their mouthwash right near the top. Knowing the importance of using a mouthwash, the BNO DJs literally took pains to find the right brand for them.

"When I was younger, the strong and stingy flavor of the mouthwash I used made me almost want to cry. Even now, there are still some mouthwashes like that. It's like, there has to be some pain for it to be effective. Alright, after that your breath is ok, but then you have to deal with pain to some extent," Sam YG says.

"Other brands, however, don't really eliminate the odor, they just mask it with its strong flavors. Especially when you've eaten something like shawarma that has a lasting effect even after you've brushed your teeth," he adds.

"There are other brands naman that are effective. But it's really the stinging effect na ayaw ko e, it's very strong and it comes to a point na you have to dilute it. Yung iba may bad aftertaste pa. So much so that you can even taste it even when you are already eating. I used to think na kung walang alcohol or wala yung stinging effect, it's not as potent," Tony Toni chimes in.

Then they tried OraCare.

On using OraCare

"At first, I was curious because of the "no sting" claim. I was like, ok, let's see how the product will get the job done without giving me the sting. I wanted to see if it really works that way. It sounded too good to be true," Sam YG recalls. "But since I’ve used it, I”ve never looked back."

"Since I started using OraCare regularly, I haven’t been as conscious about my breath. I'm more confident when talking to people. You're not shy. Like when you’re in a club and the music is loud, you can bring your face closer to other people’s faces to talk without feeling worried," says Tony Toni.
"Since I started using OraCare regularly, I haven’t been as conscious about my breath. I'm more confident when talking to people. You're not shy. Like when you’re in a club and the music is loud, you can bring your face closer to other people’s faces to talk without feeling worried," says Boys Night Out DJ Tony Toni.
"With OraCare I can use it on a daily basis without wondering whether it would hurt my mouth or something, kasi hindi siya matapang. I said to myself, finally, they came up with something that does not give you the sting yet gives you fresh breath," Sam YG adds.

"It makes you wonder also that if the mouthwash is very harsh, what does that do to my teeth, gums, tongue? If there's much pain, couldn't it have some damaging effect?," Sam YG observes.

And because this trio is Boys Night Out, they won't miss out on the benefits of having nice-smelling breath on the ladies.

"It makes a guy more attractive to women. It says that the guy knows how to take care of himself. And girls like a guy who's well-groomed. Well-groomed, with good hygiene, then with style to match, how can you lose? Those are sure pogi points if a guys know how to take care of his breath," Tony Toni.
"And I notice that more women kiss me when I have fresh breath," he adds.
"When you know that your breath smells good, it gives you confidence, which I think is the most important thing. When you're confident about something, di ba it's easier for you to project yourself well? Because you have nothing to hide and nothing to be shy about, it’s like ‘I'm confident, I can go up and talk to anybody’ and confidence leads to pogi points. If you feel good, people are going to be attracted to you," concludes Sam YG.

"I'm kind of praning about keeping my teeth and my mouth clean," Boys Night Out DJ Slick Rick shares.
Good oral hygiene spells success at work, in romance and any social situation. As Boys Night Out found out, OraCare is clearly the smarter choice for fresh breath and healthy teeth and gums. OraCare Mouthrinse (in Regular and Cool flavors) and OraCare Toothpaste are available in leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide.

DISCOVER TRADITIONAL MATERIALS/NEW DIRECTIONS AT THE APRIL 2011 MANILA FAME INTERNATIONAL

The 2011 April and October Editions of the Manila FAME International is the longest–running design and lifestyle fair in Asia and the only Union des Foires International (UFI) recognized trade fair in the Philippine. April 2011 and October 2011 editions will be held on April 16-19 and October 16-19, respectively.


TM*/New Directions, the theme for 2011, is a reprise of time-tested materials abundantly sourced in the Philippines-wood, shell and fibre. Haute Designer and Curator Maja Olivares-Co deftly executes these into an array of beguiling eye-catchers, once more firmly claiming for the Philippines a prize slot as one of the world’s design and lifestyle resource hubs.

Discover design concepts created with passion and touch of human hands. Come to Manila F.A.M.E. International and experience a creation of handmade products for home and fashion from leading designers and Filipino artisans!

Make it to Manila F.A.M.E. International and make it a visit that truly matters.
For more information and registration assistance, please contact the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Silicon Valley at (415) 773-2336 or email us at pdtisf@aol.com and ptic-sv@philippinecentersf.com  or visit Manila FAME’s website at www.manilafame.com

MUSIC LYF: Jaco Benin launch debut album AKO NAMAN

JACO BENIN
Ako Naman

Music Newcomer JACO BENIN is fresh name but actually hails from a musical family. Son of SIDE A's JOEY BENIN, he is already been exposed with his fathers music and also know how competitive the industry would be, now 20 years old, is now ready to jump in to the music scene and also have a share of the limelight. And we do know that there are a lot of artists that are also the children of musicians. A challenge that he must prove to be worthy to keep his career.

  He’s written several songs, some of which played over the youth-oriented sequel “Your Song presents: Gimik 2010” on ABS-CBN where he also was one of the cast.

Today, Jaco is part of the all-male, young group called “ASAP A-Pop” and has a weekly segment in ASAP ROCKS called "Acoustic Republic". His recent works were being part of a weekly sitcom in TV5 called "Inday Wanda" which is lead by the talented comedian, Ms. Eugene Domingo and ABS-CBN's Youth entertainment show "Shout Out".  

Under Polyeast Records, this acoustic singer is ready to give more of his passionate vocals and capture the listener’s attention that will probably make them want to hear more. From his debut CD lite album called AKO NAMAN, Jaco’s first single is TORETE and a remake of Moonstar88’s hit soft-rock piece exhibits him with a trademark of the guitar playing and vocals lock tightly together, with a groovy rhythmic feel.

“I like the album title mainly because I wanted to show that from my dad’s generation (Side A), it’s our generation’s turn to showcase our music” Jaco shares.

The album continues with the laid back theme as Jaco’s poetical approach to songwriting makes each song connect with the listener. His style works well on the album and his approach makes it seem more personal. “When I write a song, it’s mostly not personal. I actually base it on other people’s lives or even just a picture or a dream that’s inside my head. And it just comes out naturally both the lyrics and the melody.”
 
While the album has quite a few potential hit singles to spare-- six tracks of acoustic finger picking style but also created a newer sound with the addition of drums, bass guitar and piano to some of the tracks-- the collection includes remakes of “Torete;” “Sa Puso Ko” originally by Truefaith and Teeth’s “Prinsesa”; and three original tracks like “Salamin,” “Sa Aking Alaala” and “Luningning.”

Jaco, aside from his dad, considers his musical influences like Switchfoot, The Script, Relient K, Hillsong, Goo Goo Dolls, Boyce Avenue, One Republic, David Archuleta and Vertical Horizon.

“The biggest challenge for me is to have a name of my own. With all respect to my dad, I don’t want to be known as the son of Joey Benin of Side A. I wanna be known as Jaco and be known for my own songs and arrangements” Jaco admitted.

Jaco is part of the latest batch of Star Circle and appeared in ABS-CBN's reprised youth oriented youth "Gimik". He also performs for ASAP ROCKS for their segment "Full Circle" and “Acoustic Republic“. “AKO NAMAN” is now available in the market nationwide at Php 199.00 under PolyEast Records. Special thanks to Agave Mexican Cantina and Mossimo.


Catch JACO’s “AKO NAMAN” mall tour on:

April 16 – Robinsons Imus, Cavite
April 17 – Robinsons Metro East
April 29 – Robinsons Manila
May 1 – Robinsons Sta. Rosa, Laguna
May 8 – Robinsons Starmills, Pampanga
May 14 – Robinsons Novaliches

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Toyota welcomes two new athletes to its Toyota Asia Team in the race to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024

Toyota stands committed in its support for 11 Asian athletes on their journey towards taking center stage, at the Olympic and Paralympic Gam...