PAL RAINE

I was invited to attend the 7th anniversary of the first in-vitro fertilization (IVF) facility in Mindanao, which was hosted by In-Vitro Fertilization Davao, Inc. (IVF Davao), held on Sunday, October 23, at Lumpini Ballroom, Dusit D2 Hotel.

IVF Davao continues to celebrate life and help infertile parents realize dreams of parenthood. That's why, a mass and a reunion of children conceived through the IVF facility was one of the centerpieces of the daylong anniversary celebration held at the Waterfront Hotel.

Photo credit to Mr. Eli Villagonzalo of Elifestylemanila.com

Some parents talked about how IVF Davao helped them become parents, in addition to doing fun things with their families.

Welcome Message from Dr. JeanMarie Cabrera-Salvador
PRESIDENT - IVF DAVAO INC.

Photo credit to Mr. Eli Villagonzalo of Elifestylemanila.com

As of the year 2020, a total of 122 IVF babies, including twins, have been born.

Photo credit to Mr. Eli Villagonzalo of Elifestylemanila.com

I did not attend the event at the Waterfront Hotel, but I did attend the press conference at Dusit D2 Davao.

After the press conference, a lay discussion was held to talk about what causes infertility and bust some common myths about it. Speakers from IVF Davao and Merck Philippines were there to help.

Dr. Lourdes Cabling
IVF Davao Medical Director

"We are fulfilled to have been helping many families realize their dreams of having their own children through IVF technology," said Lourdes Cabling. "Throughout our seven-year history, we have welcomed many couples and helped them go through the parenthood journey with comfort, care, and utmost guidance."

IVF for Couples

Mr. Jomel Esperat and Dra. Dessa Marie Esperat, IVF Couple with their IVF Baby

IVF is a medical process in which egg and sperm cells collected from a couple are joined in a laboratory for fertilization. After about two weeks, the fertilized egg or embryo is put into the uterus of the woman to start a pregnancy.

IVF Davao was the very first in vitro fertilization center to open anywhere on the island of Mindanao. Before it opened in 2015, the majority of the country's in vitro fertilization facilities were located in Metro Manila and Cebu. IVF Davao has been offering fertility treatments, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and other forms of assisted reproductive technology not only to couples living in Davao and Mindanao, but also to would-be parents coming all the way from the Sulawesi region in Indonesia.

Egg freezing, sperm freezing, embryo freezing, testicular sperm extraction, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and fertility counseling are some of the assisted reproductive technology treatments that may be obtained through IVF Davao. It offers treatment and care that is oriented toward the patient, and it is available to people of all ages. The facility has made various investments in various pieces of machinery in order to adopt the most recent fertility technology.

Mr. and Mrs. Esperat's accounts of IVF procedures and their ability to manage everything physically, emotionally, and financially have been enlightening. Given Dra. Esperat's comorbidity, the timeline they've traversed is incredibly remarkable. I am speechless after hearing about the suffering they have endured and how they have overcome it.

Reproductive expertise support

Mr. Henry Wilson
Managing Director and General Manager of Merck, Inc (MERCK)

"Merck is happy to support IVF Davao, which we consider as a milestone in itself in terms of making the technology available to more Filipino families. This is in line with our company's commitment to building families amd enabling many couples to achieve their dreams of becoming parents, " said Henry Wilson.

Merck Inc. is the Philippine affiliate of the global pharmaceutical firm Merck KGaA, a global market leader in fertility treatments. It has actively supported fertility health in the country by participating in lay discussions and dissiminating disease-related information. Through its JOURNEY TO PINOY PARENTHOOD page on Facebook, Merck helps increase public awareness about infertility and its related health issues.

Apart from infertility, Merck offers a variety of treatment options to challenge difficult diseases in the areas of immunology, oncology, and cardio metabolism, among other therapeutic areas.

During the panel questioning, I ask Mr. Wilson, "What Merck doing for patients and the public in the area of fertility?"

Here's an excerpt from his answer:

Infertility in Philippines

According to a 2011 study conducted by the market research firm Synovate, around 10% of Filipino couples are infertile. In 2004, the United Nations Development Program said that about 8 percent of couples in the Philippines were unable to have children.

Infertility is defined by the World Health Organization as not being able to get pregnant after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual activity.

According to medical professionals, infertility is caused by various variables, including genetics, lifestyle, age, and a couple's overall health.

For more information, you may visit IVF Davao located at Brokenshire Women's Center Building, Brokenshire Hospital, Madapo Hills, Davao City. Or contact these numbers 082 298 0311 or 0927 2019568.

During the past few days, most malls across the country have been launching their Christmas trees and getting their holiday season promotions underway. However, leave it to the renowned mall, NCCC Malls in Davao, to do things quite differently, delivering the ONE NCCC slogan with Christmas trees within the mall centerpiece in every branch. Today, October 22, the NCCC Mall Buhangin led a ceremony to light its branch Christmas tree with a children's toy theme.

NCCC Buhangin, officially lit there 30 meters high Christmas tree. The grandeur tree can be found at the ground floor as you enter the said premises. They took days to install it, and its marvellous result is that you can view from the second or third levels, as you look down to the base of the tree. It’s literally a Joyful Toyland Christmas Tree!

The TOY FAIR, which features the most popular toys such as plush, action figures, car and radio controlled, educational, and so much more displayed strategically within the mall, provides perfect IG moments for all of the mall visitors – regardless of age – and has all of the young children jumping and squealing with delight.

Adults who frequent NCCC Malls on a regular basis are likely curious about the raffle, since we're discussing tradition. Yes, shoppers will receive a brand-new motorcycle as the main prize in this year's "A JOYFUL TREAT OF CHRISTMAS RAFFLE". You need only one receipt to be eligible to participate in the raffle.

"Truly the Christmas season is a wonderful time of the year because it is a time of giving, sharing, and helping other people by exerting effort to spread love to one another and to our loved ones, especially in these trying time." ~Mr. Lafayette A. Lim, CEO of NCCC Group of Companies

Have a selfie picture at the Joyful Toyland Christmas Tree and post it publicly in your Facebook profile and use the hashtag #ajoyfulcelebrationthischristmasseasonwithncccmalls and tag NCCC MALL BUHANGIN

Visit NCCC Malls' Facebook and Instagram accounts to discover more about their Christmas delights, and don't forget to enter their raffle for a brand-new motorcycle. Who knows? Maybe this is the year you finally win the ultimate prize!

The SM Supermalls restore the thrill of each visit, the delight of each sight, and the special connection of each experience, all of which will make Christmas better and brighter for every Filipino.

EXPERIENCE A JOYFUL SPLENDOR AT SM LANANG PREMIER

On October 21, SM Lanang Premier held a celebration called Joyful Splendor 2022 at the Atrium. This event marked the beginning of the holiday shopping season with a surge of joyful energy.

The enormous Christmas tree at the shopping center is a conversation starter with its 55-foot height, big burst, arches, and lanterns with over 100,000 lights, which were ignited to mark the beginning of SM's nationwide Happy Christmas promotion. About 800 Christmas balls in different colors and materials, such as gold, red, champagne, and crystals, are used to decorate it.

Starting on October 21 and going through December, shoppers at SM Lanang Premier will be able to enjoy the happy brilliance of its beautiful Christmas centerpiece, which makes them feel good.

Even if you were unable to make it to the SM Lanang Premier Christmas event, there are still plenty of other opportunities to get into the holiday spirit. The SM Supermalls have a variety of thrilling and joyous activities planned specifically for you and the people you care about. Have a look at the information that follows:

More SM Mall Christmas Tree lightings!

Other top SM malls, in addition to SM Megamall, will be lighting up their enormous Christmas trees that are at least 50 feet tall to offer hope, joy, and love with every consumer at SM. Take a look at the calendar below to see when you will be able to visit your preferred SM mall and witness the lighting of its magnificent trees that are decorated with lights, stars, and colorful decorations.

SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, The Podium - October 22
SM Southmall and SM Cagayan de Oro Downtown Premier - October 23
S Maison - October 25

Santa-approved Christmas Playpark

Watch as the Christmas Playpark at your favorite SM mall opens up a whole new world of Christmas with towering centerpieces, practical spaces, and expansive activities for children and adults alike. Explore the Christmas markets and play areas, and keep an eye out for appearances by Santa Claus, meet-and-greets with your favorite characters, and other surprises! The playpark's light and sound shows, festive eats and holiday treats, and a whole lot more scents and feels that will envelop you in holiday warmth and ambience are all part of the multisensory experience that you get to have when you visit the playpark. In addition to this, you also get the chance to have a multisensory experience when you visit the playpark.

Sparkling lights to brighten up your holidays

Without lights, Christmas just won't feel like Christmas. When you walk through corridors that are decorated with blinking lights, illuminated tunnels, gleaming driveways, and well-lit parking spaces, you will be astounded by how brilliantly they shine.

Dining out al fresco style at the Super Spots decked with lights

In addition, SM Supermalls have developed outdoor attractions that offer picture-perfect and spectacular shopping, dining, and leisure activities for the whole family to enjoy together. Shoppers at The Podium are in for a Joie de Vivre with its Holiday Night Cap on October 21-23 and 28-30 at the ADB Al Fresco and the Food Lab on October 24-30 at the Atrium East Level 2 so that everyone can discover new food specials this Christmas. You can also get special treats, deals, and one-of-a-kind offers from your favorite restaurants and food shops at the SM mall near you.

Turn Christmas a Reality at SM

Augmented reality will be used to celebrate the holiday season at SM, so make sure you don't miss out on the opportunity to have a phygital Christmas experience. There are now four augmented reality filters that can be used at SM Megamall. These filters include Sparkle, Santa Claus, Reindeer, and Snowman. To witness the Christmas centerpiece and other beautiful areas come to life at the SM mall that is most convenient for you, all you need to do is scan the QR code.

Check out the Happiness Stations

SM has created a number of pleasure stations in which individuals can make memories with their families and friends that will last a lifetime. At your preferred shopping center, keep an eye out for the enormous bears decked up in lights at the Bears of Joy area, the happiness photo wall, the Christmas tree decorations with your family photos, and the enormous TV screen on which you can see your most recent Tiktok or Instagram video.

Make your furbabies feel the happiness and love

The holidays are for everyone in the family, including the furry ones! Participating in the Holiday Paw Play Dates and Costume PAWty will make them merry and give them the feeling of being appreciated. You can also show off your skills at the Christmas photo contest and compete for incredible prizes, or you can shop for them at local Christmas markets. Also, SM Supermalls will once again work with local groups to hold pet adoption drives around the holidays. This will give you the chance to help stray or abandoned animals find loving homes.

Unlock a bigger, better, brighter Virtual Christmas Village

SM will reopen its online Christmas Village to provide Filipinos with an experience that is interesting, engaging, and rewarding during the holiday season. For a fantastic augmented reality shopping, dining, and leisure experience, check out https://gosm.link/ChristmasVillage2022 as soon as it goes live on October 28 and continue doing so until January 5. You can make your own avatar, e-meet other customers and SM ambassadors, and spend quality time with your family and friends while enjoying exciting games in the immersive virtual Christmas zones that have been designed specifically for you.

Create circles of happiness by buying products for cause-oriented programs

Since it is the season of giving, you can support the cause-oriented advocacy efforts of individuals and organizations by purchasing items that provide opportunities and a means of subsistence to underprivileged groups. SM worked with bag designer Zarah Juan, Spark PH, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists of the Philippines, and the Quezon City LGU for its Vote to Tote effort during this year's 100 Days campaign.

"This Christmas, we are sending every Filipino a message of joy. As we celebrate this year's holiday festivities, we hope that all of our activities will encourage everyone to spread joy across their homes and communities, "said SM Supermalls president Steven T. Tan.

This holiday season, SM Supermalls will generate more amazing moments and possibilities to improve the lives of others, shining a new light of experience on every Filipino and bringing them joy and generosity. Visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms to remain up-to-date on holiday-related events.

Again, GCash will be celebrating its birthday, and it promises to be a huge one! From October 17 to 23, you can join the #ReadySetGBirthday celebrations. GCash Birthday will be back with bigger prizes and discounts every day.

This year's #GBirthday2022 celebration will be voucher-tastic, rewarding everyone with seven days of exciting vouchers worth over 240 million pounds to maximize every purchase!

The #GBirthday2022 celebration provides interesting coupons that can be redeemed on a daily basis to make each transaction extra memorable. And don't forget to keep an eye out for birthday-week-only freebies and limited-time incentives from GCash's top partners.

Here's an early peek at all the great bargains you can expect during this year's GCash Birthday:

1. Citibank Credit Card – Discount for the whole month of October!
Apply for a Citi Credit Card and get 8% discount on an iPhone 14 purchase plus get Php 1,000 GCash eGC via giftaway, as long as you make your first spend within 60 days.

2. Citibank Personal Loan Card – Freebies
Avail a Citi Personal Loan and get as much as Php 5,000 GCash eGC via giftaway.

3. Zalora – Voucher Discounts when you Pay Online via GCash
Zalora is giving away vouchers up to 2.5M worth! For a minimum spend of Php 2,000, enjoy 25% off when you pay online via GCash.

4. Globe at Home Broadband – Load Voucher when you Buy Load via GCash
Get P15 Load Voucher when you buy GoEXTRA129 Load via GCash. Valid until January 31, 2023.

5. Globe at Home Broadband – Voucher Discounts when you Purchase a Globe Home Prepaid Wifi Device on GLife
Purchase a Home Prepaid Wifi device via GLife, get a voucher worth Php 150!

6. Globe Prepaid – Voucher Discount when you Buy Load on the GCash app
Get P15 Load Voucher when you buy GoEXTRA129 Load via GCash. Voucher is valid until January 31, 2023.

7. TM – Voucher Discount when you Buy Load on the GCash app
Buy Load EZ90 Doble Freebie and receive P10 Buy Load voucher, daily cap of 15k vouchers.

8. Smart – Voucher Discount when you Buy Load on the GCash app
Get P10 or P15 Load Voucher when you load PowerAll 99 and 149!

9. Pancake House – Buy One, Take One Freebie when you Pay with GCash
Buy One, Get One on 2pcs. Classic Pancakes when you pay using GCash.

10. Bo’s Coffee – Buy One, Take One Freebie when you Scan to Pay with GCash
Buy 1 any Large Beverage from Espresso and Froccino Category and get (1) small drip coffee for Free when you pay via GCash QR code.

11. Zing – Get additional points when you Scan to Pay or Pay Online
a. Get 100 Zing Points, minimum spend Php 1,000, one time. For succeeding transactions, get 10 Zing Points, minimum spend Php 1,000 when you Pay with GCash with Linked Zing Account to GCash in Ayala Malls.
b. Get Ayala Mall GC worth 100 pesos, with a minimum spend of Php 1,000 when you check out with GCash on ZingMall.

When you participate in the GCash Referral Program during birthday week, you will be eligible for additional birthday delights from GCash! If you refer at least one person every day, you will automatically be rewarded with a coupon of PHP 70. When your referral successfully registers their mobile number to GCash, you will get PHP 200 and they will also receive the same amount.

Every new user will also receive a PHP 200 coupon for their first Scan to Pay transaction, in addition to another PHP 200 voucher for their first online purchase paid for with GCash.

GCash takes ease to a new level with its multitude of uses that enable you to advance financially and achieve your financial objectives. Using GCash to send money, purchase items, pay bills, or shop within the GLife app can earn you immediate rewards! Additionally, you may use the A+ Incentives mini app on GCash to get daily bargains, special offers, and unique freebies and rewards.

Additionally, you may find a variety of financial services on the GCash app that provide pay-later alternatives and earn you additional credits as you use them! GCredit is a line of credit that gives people who qualify an extra way to pay for things that can be paid back later.

GCash also has a lending feature called GLoans, which lets users get loans that can be used to pay bills or buy things online. GGives offers light, flexible payment plans that can be used for online payments, online purchases, and even offline payments using Pay QR.

Visit the GCash website between the 17th and 23rd of October for additional amazing deals. Download the GCash app from the AppStore or Google Play Store now.

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About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, 69M registered users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 5.2M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines.

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) and by the IDC in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs.

SM Prime Holdings, together with SM Cares and SM By the Bay once again took part in the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), bringing together thousands of volunteers into an event that underscored the importance of protecting the world's seas, oceans, and other bodies of water. The event took place last September 17 at Pasay City's SM By the Bay Central Park and SM Mall of Asia Complex.

This year, 2,438 volunteers, including students, professionals, and others from various private and public organizations, participated in the ICC. An estimated 12,158 kg of rubbish, equivalent to 1,613 filled trash bags, was successfully collected at the conclusion of the exercise.

Among those who graced the event were Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson Sec. Robert Borje, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) Regional Executive Director Jacqueline A. Caancan, DENR-NCR Regional Executive Director for Technical Services Engr. Ignacio R. Almira, DENR-NCR Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group Head Chris Villarin, DENR-NCR Communication Development Officer II Ariz Abad, SM Investments President and CEO and 2GO Group President and CEO Frederic DyBuncio, SM Prime Holdings Inc. SVP Glenn Ang, SM Supermalls SAVP for Operations Perkin So, SM By the Bay Mall Manager Marie Charlene Claire K. Canoy-Narvasa and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Philippines’ Markets and Assurance Executive Director Allan Cao.

SM By The Bay and SM Cares’ ICC event for this year was done in collaboration with different private and government agencies

The ICC is a yearly global event that encourages individuals to be part of the movement for cleaner seas and oceans. Every year, thousands of Filipinos from different backgrounds and communities volunteer to help keep the country's beaches and waterways clean.

"The International Coastal Clean Up is a component of the SM Green Movement as a whole. SM Prime's many Sustainability programs across its malls, apartments, hotels, and leisure assets promote resource conservation and environmental protection to enhance the quality of life in the communities it serves, "said Perkin So, SVP of Operations for SM Supermalls.

This year's event was made possible by SM Offices, 2GO, PwC, Maynilad, and International Coastal Clean Up Philippines. The DENR-NCR, the Climate Change Commission, and the Philippine Coast Guard were also present to provide their support.

Aside from the annual observance of ICC, other sustainability projects of SM Cares include the Trash-To-Cash Recycling Market where individuals can drop off their recyclable waste in exchange for cash; the Plastic Waste and Electronic Waste Collection Programs, which promote responsible plastic and electronic waste management affecting our seas, just to name a few.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community. SM Cares’ advocacies include programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its programs on the environment.

For more information, go to www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

Davao residents are expected to benefit from a new and sustainable water source by the first quarter of 2023, with Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua) taking over and ramping up work on the P12-billion Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP).

The DCBWSP, which is run by the Davao City Water District (DCWD), is the first program of its kind in the entire country. It is planned to adhere to the water-energy nexus idea, wherein renewable energy will be created through the use of a hydroelectric power plant that is integrated into the overall system. Because of this cutting-edge and historically significant construction project, the city of Davao will soon be able to draw water from the Tamugan river as well as the ground wells it uses at present.

During the pandemic, the DCBWSP suffered challenges that were exacerbated by internal contributing factors. Still, Apo Agua had to quickly step in and take control of the construction projects to make up for their effects.

"The project has begun construction throughout civil, mechanical, and electrical works in all regions, including road rehabilitation along the Treated Water Pipeline, in spite of ongoing challenges in the transition. These difficulties affect the transition as a whole. The past month has been devoted to the completion of the handover of the works from our former contractor, acquiring ownership of essential materials and equipment, and mobilizing important construction contractors on site, "said Apo Agua President Anna Lu.

Apo Agua has recruited a large number of seasoned contractors, and it is anticipated that work will be operating at full capacity by the end of the year 2022. "The timeline of the project has been compressed thanks to the recruitment of an experienced team of construction management professionals. In addition to this, a number of different contractors who have established track records in the construction of bulk water facilities and large-scale complicated projects have been hired in order to carry out as many tasks simultaneously as is practically possible, "Lu stated.

To further expedite the completion of the project and guarantee that the water quality is maintained, the testing and commissioning procedures will be carried out concurrently with the construction activities. It is necessary to perform exhaustive testing on each individual piece of machinery in order to guarantee its durability and longevity in the delivery of clean drinking water over the course of its anticipated operational life of approximately 30 years.

The DCBWSP will transport more than two-thirds of its production to DCWD reservoirs in the area, which will result in a large increase in the amount of water that is available for use in District II. If they consent to the proposal, it is anticipated that DCWD will begin receiving water deliveries in Tugbok around the first quarter of 2023. By the second quarter of 2023, it will be in Cabantian, Mandug, Calinan, Talandang, Indangan, Panacan, and Dumoy.

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