November 27, 2018- GRAVITY INTERACTIVE, an online and mobile games publisher based in North America, revealed today the launch of a Closed Beta Test event for an upcoming release of Ragnarok Online 2 PH in the Philippines and additional regions within South East Asia.
Details regarding the ongoing Closed Beta Test can be found at http://playragnarok2ph.com/
Ragnarok Online 2 transports players back to the familiar yet dangerous world of Rune-Midgard. Players can play as familiar classic RO classes such as Swordsman, Wizard, Thief, Priest and more. Choose between Humans or the cute but cursed Noels and begin exploring the depths of Rune-Midgard! Players can brave the journey on their own or choose to team up with allies or a guild to take on the challenges together!
Ragnarok Online 2 features areas made famous by its predecessor including Prontera and Morroc as well as all new maps and dungeons! Ragnarok Online 2 PH also includes unique features not previously available in Ragnarok Online 2 such as a revamped Pet System and updated MVP World Bosses! Additionally, characters have access to even further customization with the all new Kafra Surgeon and Costume Rune Exchange along with new costumes and accessories!
Players who participate in the Closed Beta Test will be credited with 5000 Kafra Points as well as other rewards that can be used during the Closed Beta Test!
SM Kids celebrates the holidays with key fashion trends put together with a lot of attitude.
At SM Kids, the holidays are all about fashion fun! And this means putting pieces from key trends together and letting young imaginations work.
Julia Concio is energized wearing her ruffled knitted top with denim jumper pants.
With celebrity children and young Royals like Harper Beckham, North West, Blue Ivy, Prince George and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge leading the way, fashion for kids has never been more exciting. And they’ve influenced young fashion not only in trends, but in attitude.
Love that layering. Gummy Carlos looks radiant in a red sleeveless dress worn over a blue long sleeved top with colorful polka dots; while Dara Rubin wears an oversized denim jacket over a plaid dress.
There is a return to classicism, traditional children’s clothes that are elegant and timeless as influenced by Prince George and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge. For girls, there are romantic details, delicate floral prints, and full voluminous skirts, as well as fun and festive ruffles that add volume and dimension, and have a dramatic flair. For boys, there are checkered fabrics, corduroy making a comeback, and classic shirts.
Color and pattern overload. Danielle Krystina in a tricolor metallic pleated skirt, t-shirt with pompoms, and a floral jacket; Dara Rubin matches a pink bomber jacket with a white sleeveless top, and blue pinstripe culottes; while Talia Concio is all feminine in a tutu skirt, pink t-shirt with pompoms, and a dark jacket
And this is where the fashion fun begins with layering, which takes young style to a whole new level, while being functional and fashionable. The look is slightly mismatched, delightfully over the top, but strong on young independent style.
Let the little missy wear an oversized denim jacket, corduroy or coat over a statement tee or a printed top with a metallic skirt or a denim bottoms. Little guys, on the other hand, can layer sleeveless hoodie over a chambray polo and knit jogger or match an oversized hoodie over a printed polo and a colored trouser.
Over the top style. Ethan Suyo wears a black and white jacket with neon green details over a fatigue green shirt and dark denim pants; Talia Concio in a borrowed from the boys denim jacket, statement tee, and two-tone metallic pleated skirt, and Noah Alcaraz in a color play with his multi-color jacket, yellow statement shirt and black tone jeans.
Joining in the fashion fun are celebrity kids Noah Lamar Alcaraz, Gummy Carlos and the Concio sisters Julia and Talia together with young fashion influencer Danielle Krystina and the winners of SM Kids Casting Call 2018 Dara Rubin, Raven Nielson and Ethan Suyo.
Visit SM City San Jose del Monte, SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag and check out the holiday fashion for kids available at the SM Kids section of The SM Store.
The newest episode of Jollibee’s 14/29 Petsa de Peligro JolliSerye Series brings these two iconic performers together for a special holiday episode
‘Tis the season for Christmas parties—and impressive production numbers to liven up the festivities.
In the latest episode of 14/29 Petsa de Peligro JolliSerye—Jollibee’s pioneering digital web series—the Happy Calendar House barkada is faced with another challenge that’s seemingly impossible to conquer during Petsa de Peligro. With VIP guests coming to the company’s Christmas party, and with all the party’s budget spent on decorations and lights and sounds, it got the barkada scrambling to find the best performers for the night’s entertainment.
Good thing that Nina, the “kikay-diva ng Accounting” and the person in charge of planning the party, knows two singers who fit the bill: Christina Aguilar and Britney Fierce, friends from her college singing group. Played by Sarah Geronimo and Anne Curtis respectively, these two characters bring next-level star power through memorable comedic and musical performances to Jollibee’s first-of-its-kind branded digital series.
“Sobrang nakakaaliw ang characters namin ni Anne dito sa JolliSerye,” shared Sarah. “First time ‘to na we got to work together, and I’m so thankful na sa ganitong project na very light, positive, and masaya.”
“Ang tagal ko nang gusto ma-invite as a guest star in JolliSerye! After seeing so many icons like Janno Gibbs, Jolina Magdangal, Gary Valenciano., Eugene Domingo, Cherie Gil, and James Reid play such hilarious characters that’s super well-written talaga, at the back of my mind I was wishing na sana ako naman,” Anne, who had a couple of hit online videos with Jollibee for her Linamnam Burger Steak endorsement, said. “And super swerte ko pa that I got to share an episode with the one and only Sarah Geronimo!”
From ads to longer-form content that expands brand stories
The 14/29 Petsa de Peligro JolliSerye is the first branded content series that the fast-food giant introduced online. With a sitcom structure, this series features various storylines that get resolved with the help of special guest stars and Jollibee’s delicious and value-for-money offering, JolliSavers.
From iconic TV ads featuring some of the nation’s brightest celebrities, Jollibee has embraced the digital revolution with longer-form content that tells compelling, heartwarming stories. Its newest digital content arm, Jollibee Studios, was recently launched officially with the promise of innovative storytelling delivered online.
“Masayang maging bahagi ng Jollibee family,” Sarah said. “Through the years, masarap sa puso na marami akong napapasaya kasama si Jollibee. At ngayon naman na may Jollibee Studios na, kasali pa rin ang mga endorsers tulad namin ni Anne.”
“It’s such a wonderful experience to film a music-related episode with Sarah, who’s really my idol pagdating sa kantahan. But not only that, the whole crew and the cast made it super fun!” Anne said.
“We’re so happy that both Sarah and Anne have been very enthusiastic about our last episode for Season 2 and gave their 100% best,” said Cathleen Capati, Jollibee’s AVP for Flagship Category. “Guest stars like these two icons and beloved Jollibee family members truly empower us to create and bring entertaining, relatable digital content to Pinoy netizens.”
Sarap ng Payday, sa Presyong Everyday
At the heart of every 14/29 Petsa de Peligro JolliSerye episode is the strong friendship of the Happy Calendar House barkada and the undeniable value delivered by their favorite JolliSavers.
With JolliSavers, enjoying the satisfyingly delicious meals you love is possible every day even when it’s Petsa de Peligro! For only P50.00* or less, indulge in your favorite Jollibee best-sellers such as the Cheesiest, Meatiest, Sweet-Sarap Jolly Spaghetti (P50.00*), the beefy-saucy Linamnam Ulam Burger Steak (P50.00*), the extra beefy and extra cheesy Jolly Hotdog (P50.00*) and ang nag-iisang Langhap-Sarap Yumburger (P35.00*).
Catch the latest episode of 14/29 Petsa de Peligro JolliSerye by subscribing to Jollibee Studios (youtube.com/JollibeeStudios), liking Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, and following @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.
Pia Wurtzbach shares her Priceless Gift as she #Spreads100Hugs with Downy
Watch this video diary and discover how the power of hugs can be more meaningful than the usual material gifts
Christmas is a festive celebration for Filipinos because it is a time to reconnect with the people that matter the most. And of course, what are celebrations without spending on traditional gifts? But do we always have to spend much on gifts to make it valuable? Pia Wurtzbach and Downy redefines gift-giving this Christmas with a simple yet meaningful gift idea — a hug.
Most people underestimate the power of a hug. A hug has the ability to affect us all, and facts attest to their incredible power on how it can make us feel warm and special. Renowned family therapist Virginia Satir famously stated, “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”
A study from Pennsylvania State University showed increased happiness among students who were asked to give or receive genuine, warm hugs at least five times a day over the course of four weeks. Similarly, a study from Carnegie Mellon University showed that adults who hugged more often were less likely to come down with a cold.
To let people discover the undeniable power of hugs, Downy, the leading global fabric softener launched their #Spread100Hugs campaign with Miss Universe 2015 and hug ambassadress, Pia Wurtzbach in the first ever hug-activated, Downy Scented Christmas Tree, which stands majestically at Eastwood Mall’s open park in Quezon City. Decked with red LED lights, the sea of red roses inside the 50 feet Scented Christmas Tree lights up when people inside hug each other inside the perfume-scented chamber.
The main inspiration of this Christmas tree takes from the luxurious fragrance of Downy. It takes essence from the smell of an endless field of flowers, to which is exactly what this tree is made of and something we recreated in a mirror room that’s right in the heart of this beautiful structure, and the opulent feel of velvet, a fabric which embodies softness, both wonderful elements to inspire a loving, hugging emotion.
To further show how hugs can bring about a spirit of positivity and make people happier, Downy has also released a video diary that showcased a variety of heart-warming stories of appreciation, reconciliation and reunion. It featured Pia Wurtzbach in a hugging tour around the Metro, showing her affection and appreciation to friends who have stood by her throughout the years, including her glam team, former classmates, fans, and her mentor, Tito Nad Bronce. And of course, her last hug, a special and meaningful embrace for her boyfriend, Marlon Stockinger.
The culmination of Pia’s hugging tour was joined by other celebrities such as Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, Melissa Ricks, Say Alonzo, Helga Krapf, and Princess Velasco.
The video also showcased real and inspiring stories of Filipinos—Diane, a deaf and mute mother of two, and breadwinner to the family, who showed how a hug can be able to say how much you care and love a person even without uttering a word; Dhorie, an OFW who needs to leave her children this coming December once again, showed how she can hug as long as she can (even up to 45 seconds or more), even during the times you need to say goodbye; Kenjie and JJ, and Catherine and Robi, who are same sex couples who never feared showing their affection to the public, and how a hug can show that they can power through any obstacle together; and, Fernanda Baky, a retired teacher, and David Baky, Head of Security for the US World Relief Corporation, about to celebrate their 51st anniversary, showed how a hug can truly be long-lasting.
These hugs are not the brief, half-armed hugs or just pats on the back, but heartfelt embraces that we long for. And because hugging means getting real close to people that we care for, Downy Parfum Collection™ gives everyone the confidence to spread hugs.
The Downy Parfum Collection™ is a premium fabric enhancer line that offers softness and long lasting scent from wash to wear. Each variant contains a carefully curated formula that enhances the scent and longevity of the fragrances.
“What can be a more powerful way to express your affection and love to others than with a warm, meaningful hug? Through Downy’s #Spread100Hugs campaign, we want to let people realize that hugs are a wonderful way to connect with the people that truly matter to them. And with Downy Parfum Collection’s long-lasting scent, every hug will smell fresh, from the first until the very last hug.” said Louie Morante, Regional Brand Communications for Fabric Care P&G Asia Pacific.
Get into the spirit of hugging and make your holidays extra special this Christmas with the Downy Parfum Collection™.
Learn more about #Spread100Hugs and watch Downy’s heart-warming #Spread100Hugs video here:
Visit the hug-activated Downy Scented Christmas Tree located in Eastwood Mall’s open park (near the fountain area) from November 20, 2018 to December 19, 2018, and #Spread100Hugs starting today, and every day, to experience a hug’s undeniable power.
Living and Dining Areas – Signature One Bedroom Suite Bedroom – Signature Two Bedroom Suite
Following an extended hiatus brought about by the closure and rehabilitation of Boracay Island, Discovery Shores Boracay, the award-winning resort that offers the finest in island hospitality, is raring to reopen its doors once more this October. Waiting in the wings is a warm homecoming for our dear friends and guests—with a special treat in store!
Enjoy a special and irresistible homecoming rate—valid until 31 December 2018, with a stay period of 30 October 2018 to 31 March 2019—of PHP 11,000++ per night in a Junior Suite inclusive of breakfast buffet at Sands Restaurant and round trip Caticlan Airport transfers for two.
Also, for the past couple of months, Discovery Shores Boracay has been quite busy sprucing up the property, with refurbishments done in all guest rooms for a fresher, modern, yet inviting look that is sure to delight guests. Similarly, the popular dining outlets of Discovery Shores Boracay—Sands and Indigo—were also given a makeover, along with the front office reception area.
Now if you think that that’s all there is to it, then you’re in for something extra special: the Signature Suites, offering new levels of luxury never before seen or experienced on the island, bringing unique services and unparalleled experiences to the island’s most discerning visitors.
And it does not end there. Discovery Shores Boracay is also thrilled to introduce an all-new dining outlet called Forno Osteria that serves scrumptious Italian fare in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere as well as a rooftop lounge that offers breathtaking views.
Return guests and loyal patrons will also be pleased to know that the warm, familiar, and attentive staff that has taken extra care of them each time will all be there upon reopening, after they were momentarily reassigned to other Discovery properties to allow them continuous employment. The Discovery Group is proud that no jobs were lost throughout the island’s closure, with staff all eager to be of service again.
Discovery Shores Boracay is accepting reservations for stays in November 2018 onwards. For more details, call the Manila Sales and Reservations Office at (632) 720.8888, 719.6692 to 6695 and 6697 or email reservations@dsb.discovery.com.ph.
KTM Philippines recently treated motorcycle riders of varying stripes—novice, advanced, and experienced—to KTM track day that allowed them to experience the ready-to-race DNA of the iconic Austrian bikes.
Held at the Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario, Batangas, a whole line of KTM demo bikes were made available to participants for a test ride, including the 390 Duke, the 690 Duke, the 790 Duke, and the 1290 Super Duke GT. Participants were able to feel the full power and performance of the bikes in a safe and controlled environment.
Aside from the test rides, Joey Rivero, a former Philippine Superbike Championship Factor Racer, shared his biking know-how and riding skills, participants. Rivero conducts precision riding training classes for every type of motorcycle rider – on the track, on tour or on the street.
KTM Asia Motorcycle Manufacturing, Inc. (KAMMI), the proud local manufacturer of KTM motorcycles in the country, is a joint-venture partnership between Adventure Cycle Philippines and KTM AG of Austria.
Mandaue City, Cebu – November 24, 2018 – Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI,) the number one motorcycle manufacturer in the Philippines, holds the third and final leg of the Honda Riders Convention 2018 at the Tent, Mandani Bay, F.E. Zuellig Avenue, Mandaue City, Cebu, where motorcycle riders and enthusiasts gathered for a day of fun-filled activities that celebrates the camaraderie and support of Honda riders to HPI. It is one of the many activities HPI holds under the ONE DREAM campaign, which imparts the accomplishment of the Filipino’s dreams through their products.
One of the highlights of the event is the launching of Honda’s latest models in various categories –such as the CRF150L and RS150R for the Sports category, the the New XRM125 Motard for the Cub category, and finally for the Scooters, the All-New PCX150, CLICK125i and CLICK150i. These have exciting new designs and features that are suited to the various Filipinos’ riding needs.
Thrill seekers looking for fearless outdoor adventures were excited with the unveiling of the New CRF150L’s newest color variant Black. It is built for maximum handling performance and powered by the same powerful 150cc engine, complete with a PGM-Fi system that delivers a high off-road performance.
For the sportier riders, Honda unveiled the new color variants of the RS150R— Valiant Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic—with refreshed sporty racing image. It maintains its body design that is agile at high speeds and easy to maneuver for daily commutes, as well as its MotoGP DNA, 6-speed, Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC,) 150cc, liquid-cooled, engine.
Fans of Honda’s XRM125 series—the legendary underbone model that has been a best seller through the years— were pleased with the refreshed stripes design of the XRM125 Motard type in both Fighting Red and Tangerine Orange color variants for more style on the streets.
HPI also boasts of the All-New PCX150, which exudes class and style while delivering a premium performance and having an economic fuel consumption of 51.3km/L. This high-end scooter was built to be sophisticated to the smallest details with its advanced features, such as the keyless ignition, Anti-Theft Alarm, and Answer Back System, Full LCD Dashboard, All-LED Lighting equipment with Hazard Lamp, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS,) ACG Starter and Idling Stop System, and more.
Finally, Honda unleashed the recently launched game changing scooters, starting with the All-New CLICK125i which is powered by a 125cc Liquid-Cooled, PGM-FI engine with Enhanced Smart Power and an ACG starter, making the model fuel efficient at 53 km/L. It also has the Combi Brake System (CBS)for added safety. Its new design makes a bold statement with its modern bold decals and All LED Lighting System. It comes at an affordable price of PHP74,900.
Following it is the All-New CLICK150i, powered by a 150cc, Liquid-cooled, PGM-FI engine with Enhanced Smart Power, ACG Starter and Idling Stop System, which gives the bike a fuel economy of 52km/L. Like the All-New CLICK125i, it also has the CBS. For more convenience and added security, the model also brims with advanced features namely the keyless ignition, Anti-Theft Alarm, and Answer Back System. This premium scooter is priced at PHP95,900.
“The support [of Honda Riders] reminds us that we must continue to create the best products and latest innovations to continuously support your lifestyle,” said Hervic Villa, Department Manager of Motorcycle Sales Office about the latest models launched during the convention. “It motivates us to bring you best products, services and events.
Other activities for the convention include test ride activity, Riders Skills Challenge, Motor Show, “Riders Got Talent” competition and the “Miss Honda Riders Con 2018” segment. With this, Honda concludes its series of Riders Conventions throughout the year, having previously held legs in Luzon and Mindanao which similarly gathered thousands of riders in celebration of the ever-growing Honda family.
For more updates, visit www.hondaph.com and stay updated with the latest in the world of Honda motorcycles by going to facebook.com/hondaph.
From November 29 to December 11, all proceeds from the sale of Jose Mari Chan’s Going Home to Christmas album will go towards the funding for San Juan Nepomuceno School
In line with Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, together with its Christmas Ambassador, Jose Mari Chan, invites everyone to join in giving back this Christmas season.
From November 29 to December 11, users can do their part for charity by purchasing Jose Mari Chan’s Going Home to Christmas album via the JMC Music Official Store on Shopee. All proceeds from the album sale will go towards funding the renovation and educational programs of the San Juan Nepomuceno School. In addition, as a token of appreciation for users’ contribution, those who purchase the album will also be in the running to win two roundtrip tickets to Macau, Brunei, or Cambodia.
Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer, Shopee, said, “Youth are key drivers of the Philippines’ digital economy, and it is important that we do our part to improve the quality of education they receive in the Philippines. In line with our Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, and together with our Christmas Ambassador, Jose Mari Chan, we hope to be able to make a difference and to give back to the community this festive season. We invite our users to join us in this meaningful cause.”
“I am thrilled to partner Shopee to raise funds for the San Juan Nepomuceno School which holds a special place in my heart. Christmas is a time for us to not only celebrate and spend time with our friends and family but to also give back to our fellow Filipinos. I hope that everyone will enjoy the brand-new Going Home to Christmas album and will join Shopee and I in doing something special this year-end holiday,” said Jose Mari Chan.
Ongoing till December 12, the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale features deals up to 99% off from leading brands including P&G, Maybelline, Vivo, SM Store, Silverworks, Unilever, Lactum, and Platinum Karaoke. Users can enjoy daily free shipping promotions, flash sales as low as ₱12, Shopee Shake worth 12 million, and the launch of a brand new in-app game, Shopee Quiz. Leading industry players including Smart, Viber, and Mini Stop, will also be joining in the celebrations with exciting promotions this Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale.
Purchase Jose Mari Chan’s Going Home to Christmas album from the JMC Music Official Store at https://shopee.ph/jmcmusic
For more information on the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, visit http://shopee.ph/12-12
Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.
MANILA, Philippines – FPG Insurance, a major player in the non-life insurance industry and leader in motor insurance coverage, inks a partnership agreement with I-Pay MYEG Philippines, Inc., a partnership of two fin-tech companies, I-Pay and MyEG, championing online automation for government services.
The partnership forms a gateway to bring insurance closer to the general public. With over 20,000 OTC payment channels and point-of-sale locations across the country, this secures I-Pay MYEG Philippines’ place in the market as one of the leading e-payment services provider.
“Expanding our distribution channels in the country is one of FPG Insurance’s strategic courses to empower and enable consumers towards safety and peace of mind. This partnership with MYEG Philippines will definitely provide a concrete support to contribute towards this goal,” said Ramon Yap Dimacali, FPG Insurance President and CEO.
In 2010, I-Pay has won the “Asia Pacific Best Newcomer”, and the “Asia Pacific Fastest Expanding Network” the year after. MyEG on the other hand is a publicly-listed company in Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) with over US$1.3 Billion in total market capitalization.
“We are very happy to have FPG Insurance Philippines as one of our insurance partners and to be able to provide the market with reliable insurance offerings fit according to their need,” said MYEG Philippines President Ronald Allan Aquino.
Also present during the contract signing are FPG Insurance Channels Marketing Group Vice President Michael Del Moral and MYEG Philippines Chief Technology Officer JC Principe.
MYEG Philippines has also been servicing key government clients such as the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, and Landbank of the Philippines among others.
FPG Insurance offers a comprehensive suite of insurance products from motor insurance, property insurance, to travel and personal accident coverages.
Breakthrough lung cancer pill Osimertinib shows promise at stopping disease progression and improving patient survival
The fight against lung cancer doesn’t have to be a solo battle.
To help Filipino patients and their loved ones rise above this challenging condition, biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has partnered with the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), along with local support groups such as the Cancer Coalition Philippines (CCP), and the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) to launch LVNG With Lung Cancer, an online resource portal for patients across all stages of the disease.
“Being diagnosed with lung cancer can make patients feel anxious and hopeless, which is why support is vital,” explains Dr. Donald Ray Josue, Medical Affairs Head of AstraZeneca Philippines. “LVNG With provides support by forming a community of patients and their loved ones so they can inspire one another and exchange helpful information about their treatment. Through the network, patients may realize that while lung cancer is not yet curable, it is very treatable. There’s still so much more for them to look forward to in their lives.”
Struggling with stigma
Lung cancer is the top cancer killer worldwide, with 2.09 million incidences and 1.76 million fatalities this year alone according to the GLOBOCAN 2018 report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).[1] But while a majority of lung cancer deaths involve tobacco use,[2] non-smokers are also at serious risk.
“‘Are you a smoker?’ Many lung cancer patients get this question, but the truth is, different factors cause the disease,” said Dr. Denky Shoji Dela Rosa, a medical oncologist from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center and St. Luke’s Medical Center . “Lack of awareness has been a source of stigma because people often put the blame on the individual. This makes it difficult for lung cancer patients to find support and form communities.”
A 2015 study on the European Respiratory Journal notes that about 25 percent of lung cancer incidences are not linked to smoking, and that the rate of never-smokers diagnosed with the disease has been increasing.[3] The American Cancer Society identifies several causes, such as exposure to second-hand smoke, diesel exhaust, asbestos, radioactive radon gas, and chemicals released by burning coal products.[4]
Adding to the stigma, new patients tend to think that their illness is a hopeless case. This leaves them with a sense of isolation that worsens their anxiety over their diagnosis.
LVNG With addresses these stigmas by dispelling myths that prevent lung cancer patients from seeking proper treatment and seeing hope in their condition. The community also empowers patients with information that enable them to reach out to medical professionals so they can learn more about treatment options.
Dr. Mary Claire Soliman, president of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology and member of Cancer Coalition Philippines also emphasizes that, “Standard evidence-based medicine is the way to go in treatment. I understand how the promise of alternative medicines (‘natural”, “herbal” or “nutraceutical medicine”) may be tempting, especially with their claims that they do not have side effects. The fact of the matter is that there is very little evidence to support these claims.
A recently published study by Skyler B Johnson at the Journal of the National Cancer Institute this January 2018 revealed that patients who initially chose alternative medicine over conventional lung cancer treatment had a more than twofold increase
risk of dying. At the end of the day, alternative treatments should not replace standard evidence-based medicine.”
From left: Dr. Mary Claire Vega-Soliman, President of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology and Head of the Tumor Clinic of East Avenue Medical Center; Carla Comendador Britanico, a patient living with Stage IV lung cancer for more than 6 years; Dr. Ma. Luisa T. Abesamis-Tiambeng, Director of the Cancer Center at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center; and Dr. Paolo dela Rosa, Medical Advisor and Medical Oncologist at AstraZeneca Philippines.
Breakthrough treatment
Chemotherapy—or the use of drugs to kill and stunt malignant tumors—is usually thought of as the only treatment for cancer. “The fact is, various options are now available depending on the patient’s diagnosis, preference, and recommendations from the healthcare team. Among these include surgery to remove affected lung tissues, radiation therapy that use high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells, and targeted drug therapy.”, Dr. Maria Luisa Abesamis-Tiambeng of Cardinal Santos Medical Center emphasized.
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Targeted drug therapy may be recommended based on biopsy findings. Through biomarker testing, the biopsy can reveal genetic mutations in cancer cells that can be targeted by drugs designed to zero in on those cellular abnormalities.
Therapeutic advances have made targeted drug therapy the standard of care for personalized medicine in the fight against certain lung cancers. One breakthrough is Tagrisso (Osimertinib), an oral tablet from a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) that target tumors with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations.
Tagrisso (Osimertinib) is a third-generation EGFR TKI that has shown better precision and power at stopping lung cancer growth and improving patient survival. A double-blind FLAURA study shows that Tagrisso delivers 18.9 months of median progression-free survival, nearly twice as long as older drugs that deliver a median of 10.2 months. Tagrisso (Osimertinib) also reduces the risk of lung cancer metastasis on the central nervous system by 52 percent, and lowers the risk of death by 37 percent based on its preliminary data.
“These results have made Tagrisso (Osimertinib) the recommended and preferred first-line treatment by international guidelines for advanced and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer—the most prevalent type of lung cancer—that tested positive for EGFR,” Dr. Josue adds.
EGFR biomarker testing is available across laboratories and hospitals nationwide including the Chong Hua Hospital, Hi-Precision Diagnostics, Lung Center of the Philippines, Manila HealthTek Inc., National Kidney and Transplant Institute, St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City, and The Medical City.
[5] Soria J-C, Ohe Y, Vansteenkiste J, et al; FLAURA Investigators. Osimertinib in untreated EGFR-mutated advanced non–small-cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med. 2018;378(2):113-125.
