2013 Intel Holiday Gift Guide

For those of you who are still looking for an awesome gift to spend that big Christmas bonus on, you’re in luck! Thanks to Intel, technology is sweeter this season of giving! Now there are computing devices with Intel Inside to match every appetite and budget – from traditional laptops to tablets to 2-in-1 devices to portable All-in-Ones.

There’s a lot to choose from (and salivate over) this holiday season. In the spirit of Christmas, we invite you to take a look inside the 2013 Intel Holiday Gift Guide to see the latest tech eye candy available for purchase in the Philippines.

ASUS Transformer Book T100, SRP: PHP23,995

Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro, SRP: PHP74,995

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1, SRP: PHP16,995

Vets Speak: The Time is now for Preventive Pet Health

Companion animals are loyal friends that bring joy to every pet owner. It is the companionship and devotion of a pet that forges a deep bond with people. By providing shelter, food, veterinary care and safety, pet owners are able to return that special affection and fulfill their responsibilities as a pet owner. There are easy, preventative steps pet owners can take to help promote overall wellness and a long healthy life for their cats and dogs.

Proper pet nutrition and care promote a long and happy pet life.

Vets for Pets

A veterinarian is a crucial partner in the care of a pet. The quality of care that a pet receives in its earliest years can affect its health as it grows older. While some pet owners only seek veterinary advice upon noticing significant changes in their pet’s body, it is advised to bring a pet to a veterinarian regularly to minimize the chances of serious health condition.

Apart from recurring check-ups that cover the eyes to skin and fur, technology used by veterinarians can evaluate the complex aspects of health to aid the pet’s longevity. A visit to the local veterinarian can involve blood tests, oral exams, radiographs (X-rays), and urinalysis that can reveal what may be lacking or is being adequately provided to the pet.

Some diseases do not manifest physical symptoms immediately. If left untreated, pets may experience more pain once the illness has developed. For instance, many pet owners do not notice that their senior dog has osteoarthritis until it has become severe. Pets do not express their discomfort in the way that people do and some even mask their pain, which prevents early detection at home. Parasites, fleas, and ticks also pose dangers not only to pets but people as well. Contact with specific factors in the environment can bring about a risk to the overall fitness of the pet. However, regular veterinary care can shorten the treatment of potential problems, and even save on cost.

Vaccination

One of the cornerstones of responsible pet ownership is providing the pet with as much protection to aid its immune system as possible. Regular vaccination is an easy way to prevent serious illness in pets. Only veterinarians and trained practitioners can safely administer a vaccination after making a comprehensive assessment of age and health condition. There are several core vaccines that kittens and puppies need to receive as early as 6 weeks of age. For canines, veterinarians recommend vaccination for distemper, parvo, adenovirus, and rabies. On the other hand, felines are suggested to obtain panleukopenia or feline distemper, calici or respiratory infection, herpes, and rabies. Pet owners should seek professional veterinary opinion on the essential non-core vaccines to apply thereafter.

Among the many diseases that owners must keep their pets from contracting, rabies remains a principal concern. Although the country no longer belongs to the watch list of rabies incidents in the ASEAN region, there is still a need for pet owners to incorporate inoculation for rabies in their pet’s health maintenance schedule to ensure a happy and healthy life. Kittens and puppies are recommended to get one dose of rabies vaccine annually.

The Well-Fed Well-Nurtured campaign continues to guide the Philippine pet community to responsible pet ownership through education on proper pet nutrition and care.

Healthy Feeding

There is no specific feeding practice that perfectly suits all types of pets. A veterinarian can help determine the most suitable food to adequately sustain each pet’s weight, energy level for daily activities, and appearance.

Measuring the amount of food given of a particular diet is key to matching the unique metabolism and activity level of each pet. The feeding directions on the pet food label provide guidance on the quantity of pet food for each meal. A veterinarian can help a pet owner assess their pet’s weight and body condition. If the pet begins to gain or lose weight, the volume of food at each feeding should be adjusted. Treats should be provided in moderation to avoid packing extra weight. People foods must also be avoided as ingredients are not only potentially harmful to general pet health but also increases the opportunity for pets to exceed the allowed caloric intake and pack on the pounds. Pet owners should be vigilant of any rapid changes in the pet’s weight and energy level as it may indicate serious health condition such as malnutrition, diabetes, and even some cancers.

A wide range of commercial pet foods from the United States promote a well-balanced diet that is fully formulated for all stages of pet growth. Commercial U.S. pet food brands continue to bring the most regulated set of products in the animal food industry. Apart from research and safety procedures that ensure safe and nutritious pet food for cats and dogs, pet food makers aid consumers in understanding the product and its intended benefits.

No matter what risks are at play, by paying attention to and putting the nutritional needs of pets at the center of the daily routine, pet owners can help their furry companions experience a full and happy life. In an effort to educate Filipino pet owners about responsible pet ownership, the voice of the United States’ pet food industry, Pet Food Institute (PFI) and the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP) share their vision for a healthier Philippine pet community through the Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured campaign. The public awareness campaign recently led lectures in Makati City and Parañaque City, and continues to work with VPAP, pet groups, and PFI member companies to amplify proper pet care in the country.

About the Pet Food Institute

PFI is the voice of the U.S. pet food industry and represents the companies that make 98% of U.S. pet food. PFI is the industry's public education and media relations resource, representative before the U.S. Congress and state and federal agencies, organizer of seminars and educational programs, and liaison with other organizations. PFI represents the companies that make 98 percent of U.S. dog and cat food. PFI is dedicated to promoting the overall care and well-being of pets, and supporting initiatives to advance the quality nutrition for dogs and cats. For more information on PFI and proper pet nutrition, visit www.petfoodinstitute.org.

About the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines

The Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP) is the oldest and biggest multi-disciplinary Veterinary association in the country. Founded in 1972 by a small group of practitioners involved in the fields of small animal, equine, swine and industrial medicine practices, the VPAP has grown leaps and bounds ever since it's conception. The VPAP now cover a wider variety of disciplines namely swine, large animals, small ruminants, wildlife, research, laboratory animals and even the academe. As envisioned by its founding Fathers, the VPAP seeks to promote and enhance the practice of Veterinary Medicine in the Philippines; foster a stronger and more active fellowship and comradeship among government institutions in the eradication of animal diseases, and with the end in view of contributing to their health and general welfare of the people; standardize professional fees; and hold, own or lease properties of whatever nature and kind not prohibited by law as are necessary or incidental to the exercise of the purpose of the association. During the last decades, the VPAP has been active in pushing for laws that has benefited both man and animals such as the animal welfare act, and the revised Veterinary act. Also, numerous continuing professional education programs [CPE] have been organized to enable the practitioner to continuously update his professional skills.

4 Reasons Why MILO is Good for Kids

For 49 years, MILO has championed health and wellness for generations of Filipino families with quality products that boast of big flavors and wholesome energy-giving nutrients. According to the recent Kantar Worldpanel Brand Footprint 2013 study, MILO has consistently ranked in the top 5 brands in the Philippines for both rural and urban households, cementing its reputation as a trusted and well-loved brand by kids and adults alike.

Having established itself as a local favorite among the youth, MILO does more than just provide a healthy source of energy for kids, but also advocates holistic development through sports. As a testament to MILO’s invaluable commitment to serving Filipino households, the brand shares the top 4 reasons why MILO is good for kids.

Breakfast is always better with MILO

Taking a full and nutritious breakfast before heading to school is essential in replenishing a child’s body and mind after a long night without food. Studies have shown that starting the day with a good meal has a positive impact on alertness and concentration, and helps establish a positive attitude towards different activities.

Pairing a well-balanced breakfast with MILO can help ensure that kids are prepared both physically and mentally for a full day ahead. Not only does a glass of MILO with breakfast in the morning sustain the body with lasting energy, it also helps invigorate kids to start the day early and accomplish more.

MILO packs natural energy-giving goodness

Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, MILO is a reliable source of wholesome energy and nutrition for kids. MILO contains the malt extract PROTOMALT, a mixture of different types of carbohydrates that provide energy and nutrients that the body needs, and ACTIGEN-E, a combination of B vitamins and micronutrients and a source of Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, Vitamin C and Magnesium, to help optimize the release of energy from protein, carbohydrates and fat in food.

Nutritionally balanced and certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), MILO also has Protein, which is crucial for building and repairing body tissues, Calcium for strong bones and teeth, and Iron for red blood cell formation, to help provide the nutrients a growing child needs on a daily basis.

MILO is big on cocoa, big on taste

A winning combination in itself, MILO is not only a nutritious drink but a delicious one as well. Formulated with all-natural ingredients including cocoa, milk and malt, every serving of MILO packs the rich chocomaltee taste generations of Filipinos know and love.

“For over four decades, MILO has been and continues to be the preferred drink of kids, ages 7 to 12. It is actually the big chocomaltee taste that makes MILO such a hit among the kids of today, and so nostalgic for the kids of yesterday,” said Janice Yang, MILO Brand Manager, Nestle Philippines.

MILO inspires young athletes to pursue their dreams

Engaging kids in physical activities like sports builds physical stamina and strengthens their mental and social capacities. Kids can also develop character-forming values such as discipline and camaraderie from sports, helping them become champions on and off the playing field.

The MILO Summer Sports Clinics, MILO-sponsored Basketball Efficiency Scientific Training Center (BEST Center), National MILO Marathon and MILO Little Olympics all aim to develop young athletes and discover the next generation of champions. Many of today’s Filipino sports heroes are graduates of MILO-sponsored sports programs, including former SMART-Gilas Pilipinas team captain Chris Tiu, tae kwon do champion Japoy Lizardo, tennis pro Johnny Arcilla, WNCAA gold medalist MVP Princess Gaiser, and basketball phenomenon Kiefer Ravena, among others.

By providing an opportunity for the youth to showcase their athletic talent and skill, MILO comes full circle and reinforces its commitment to holistic youth development. “With the huge success of our youth sports events every year, MILO goes beyond being kids’ favorite chocolate beverage brand and becomes a platform through which young Filipinos aspire to achieve greatness,” added Yang.

“As we come closer to our 50th year serving the Philippines, we are very proud of the trust accorded to our brand and to our programs. We remain optimistic and hopeful towards the future of MILO and of our commitment to the youth.”

For more information, log on to the MILO Philippines Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/milo.ph) and follow MILO on Twitter (@MiloPH).

About MILO

The MILO brand is the world’s leading chocolate malt beverage that can be prepared with hot or cold milk or water. Given its popularity it is a “must have” product for food service operators particularly in Asia, Africa and Oceania.

MILO also promotes participation in sports through its Summer Sports Clinics, MILO-B.E.S.T. Center Training Program, MILO Marathon, and MILO Little Olympics. The leading beverage brand believes that these contribute to the holistic development of Filipino champions in sports and in life. 2013 marks MILO’s 49th year in the country.

About Nestle Philippines

Nearly a hundred years after it first started operations in the country, Nestle Philippines, Inc. (NPI) today is a robust and stable organization, proud of its role in bringing the best food and beverage throughout the stages of the Filipino consumers’ lives. The Company employs more than 3,200 men and women nationwide, and is now among the country’s Top 10 Corporations.

Driven by its mission to nurture generations of Filipino families, Nestle today produces and markets products under some of the country’s well known brands such as Nescafe, Nido, Milo, Nestea, Maggie, Bear Brand, Nestle and Purina, among others. Its product range has expanded to include coffee, milk, beverages, non-dairy creamer, food, infant nutrition, ice cream and chilled dairy, breakfast cereals, confectionery and pet care.

Blogger and Picasa to be renamed, not completely axed

The news from Huffington Post made me worry at first, because of its headline, but after reading the news and the Mashable article, I heaved a sigh of relief.

Just to be clear, Google is not removing or terminating Blogger and Picasa. Rather it's going to rename them into Google Blogs and Google Photos, respectively, to be in line with all the other Google products once Google+ will be open to the public.

Methinks that this effort means that Google plans that Blogger and Picasa (or what is soon to be the former Google Blogs and Google Photos) will be integrated into Google+, something similar to the pre-2011 Friendster wherein users can access blogs and photos from their page.

I just don't know if, by the time they get rebranded, blogs using the "blogspot.com" will retain their URLs or will be redirected to another.

Let's see where this will go. Mashable says that the rebranding may happen on or before July 31, when Google+ is officially launched, so we'll have to wait for a bit for any new announcement.

Japan and the devastating tsunami

After the destruction brought about by a strong earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, the world once again experienced the wrath of nature last Friday as an 8.9 magnitude earthquake shook Japan. Right after, a huge tsunami swept over Sendai in Japan's Miyagi Prefecture.

Up until now, footages of the quake and tsunami is being shown in news channels everywhere. Here is one video of the tsunami that destroyed properties and lives:


I wish I can do something to help, but all I can offer them are my prayers.

To our brothers and sisters in Japan, stay strong.

Photo of the Day: Villar and Legarda

I guess I just found this photo from Yahoo's Purple Thumb quite amusing. There's another word I wanted to use to describe it, but I can't think of it right now...

What's he eating anyways? Guyabano?

The Killers Asian Tour -- cancelled?

Just heard that The Killers aren't coming to town. And not just in Manila, but they've also decided to cancel the rest of their Asian tour, so fans in Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Seoul, and Tokyo would have to wait for another announcement when they'll be really coming over.

They've released a statement on their website, saying that one of the members' relative is suffering from a serious illness. Let's hope that family member will be on the road to recovery soon so that their fans in the Asian region would get to see and rock with them live.

Jason Ivler, the artista: Who knew...?

I did a search on Jason Ivler on Google because I wanted to watch a video of his capture and the shootout that happened.

Then I found a Tweet that said he was an actor -- a small-time one -- during his younger days. Said he was part of the show TGIS whose character's name was, incidentally, Bullet.

Spot.ph had a video featuring Ivler during his younger days and an interview with a shocked fellow TGIS actor, Polo Ravales. There's also another news vid about Ivler having an unreleased album and a music video, which I think was homemade... and is pretty much crap.

Wow, he could've been better. Wonder what happened along the way?

Brittany Murphy dies at 32

This was the news that greeted me this morning, the first news bit I saw upon opening my computer.

Actress Brittany Murphy died in her home due to cardiac arrest. She was found unconscious and was brought to the hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

It's so sad to hear news like these, especially when you feel like someone's gone too soon, at such a young age when she's enjoying her life.

May you rest in peace, girl.

Philippines now the most dangerous place for journalists, according to Inquirer

In just two days after the grim massacre in Maguindanao allegedly due to political rivalry, the Philippines has now overtaken Iraq as the most dangerous place for journalists, said the International Federation of Journalists. You can read about the article here.

All in one day, at least 12 media persons from local TV, print, and radio were killed, some were even buried in a shallow grave.

My heart bleeds for these people, who lost their loves just because they were doing their job. Until now, it's hard to stomach that this "for the movies" scenario does happen in real life.

There is also one account from one of the reporters spared from this grisly attack on human rights. He and other reporters detoured to a hotel to get some things and eventually was not included in the convoy that was attacked.

At his article, which you can read in this Inquirer website, you will learn that:

1. Esmael Mangadadatu requested for escorts from the police and military, but was turned down;

2. Mangadadatu allowed the women, including his wife, to file his certificate of candidacy because in their tradition, Muslim women were respected; and,

3. When his request was denied by the military and police, Mangadadatu asked for some journalists to accompany his wife and supporters thinking that no harm would come over them while the media is watching.

But no, no human life was respected during the mass killing in Maguindanao. Men, women, politicians, lawyers, journalists, supporters, innocent people -- these lives were taken away in one swift blow.

Now our nation is under the tight watch. I would want to see this issue have a closure.

Too bad the trend here is that controversies get overshadowed by other controversies until they are forgotten.

But this one, I hope not.

The Maguindanao massacre

I was riding a bus home when this news caught my attention.

A convoy of a politician from Maguindanao, some supporters, and journalists were kidnapped and killed en route to their filing of certification of candicacies.

The fatalities were the wife, sister, relatives, and lawyers of Esmael Mangudadatu, who is going to run for governor of the province, and mediamen including reporters from DZRH, Manila Bulletin, and others.

Reports from newscasts, broadsheets, and the Internet said that the killings were connected to their family's rivalry with the Ampatuans. The elder Ampatuan is currently the governor while the son, the present mayor, is running for the same position as Mangudadatu.

It saddens me that people would kill over power. No, for more power. It has been in the history of the Philippines that during elections, you'll hear potential candidates getting ambushed or killed in cold blood -- and fingers would point to their rivals as perpetrators. In the city I live in, a mayoral candidate who questioned the results of the elections (where the incumbent won by a landslide) was gunned down by unidentified men years ago.

Politics in the Philippines is getting scarier. What's worse is that it's becoming a trend, a culture. And no one can do anything about it, even the police.

This dark episode in Philippine politics seems to have no ending in sight.