Glaucoma Awareness to Prevent Blindness

The Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) and the Philippine Glaucoma Society have recently organized a series of forums, screening tests and surgeries in selected hospitals and eye care centers in the country. These initiatives are part of a global awareness campaign that aims to address the alarming rise of Glaucoma cases in the Philippines and all over the world. 

According to the Philippine National Survey of Blindness, Glaucoma, an eye disease that can lead to progressive, irreversible vision loss, presently ranks as the number 1 cause of permanent blindness in both eyes among Filipinos. Alarmingly, glaucoma is also the leading cause of permanent blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). A study conducted by Prof. Harry Quigley and Aimee Broman of the Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute in Baltimore, Maryland reveals that by the year 2020, over 11.2 million individuals are estimated to suffer from this disease.

“Glaucoma is a serious and debilitating condition that can affect both infants and the elderly. 50% of afflicted individuals do not exhibit obvious symptoms. We encourage Filipinos to immediately visit an eye doctor if they feel that they are suffering from this condition. Through various activities that engage PAO doctors all over the Philippines, we are hoping to make a significant step in creating public awareness to eventually diminish the growing number of Filipinos who will lose their eye sight because of glaucoma,” shared Dr. Jose Ma. Martinez, President of the Philippine Glaucoma Society, a subspecialty affiliate society of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO).

The PAO is an internationally-recognized specialty society of ophthalmologists in the Philippines. It aims to ensure access to quality eye care for Filipinos. The PAO commits to continuously develop its members professionally through clinical education, research and practice management, in a collegial and harmonious environment, contributing to ethical, professional and compassionate practice. For more information about the PAO, please visit: www.pao.org.ph.

Dunkin’ Donuts Philippines gives back with blood donations

In 1981, Golden Donuts Inc. was founded as the exclusive licensee in the Philippines of the world’s most famous coffee and donut chain, Dunkin’ Donuts. For 32 years, Dunkin’ Donuts continued to serve Filipinos with mouthwatering donuts, freshly brewed coffee, and savory sandwiches that have become part of the Filipino’s everyday life.

As part of its advocacy to give back to the community that supported it all these years, Dunkin’ Donuts Philippines celebrated its anniversary with its eighth annual blood drive in partnership with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).

Themed “Dugong Alay, Dugtong ng Buhay,” the blood-letting aims to help those who are in need of blood transfusion by holding an open blood donation with PNRC .

“Blood donation is close to our heart, because it is critical in sustaining the greatest gift we can give – life. While donating goods and other services are now easier than ever, nowadays, it’s still hard to find a blood donor, especially in an emergency,” said Vingie Valenzuela, Personnel Resource Manager of Golden Donuts Inc.

Employees and executives were joined by Ms. Rosa Rosal, PNRC governor and chairperson of the Red Cross blood program, as well as Dunkin’ Donuts’ brand ambassador, Derek Ramsay. Ramsay helped to keep up the spirits of all the donors.

According to Valenzuela, “We are always excited by the turnout, and we have an average of 500 persons participating every year. Since we partner with PNRC, we adhere to the highest standards of health to ensure quality blood donations. And of course, to ensure that all donors are well after each donation, we have free-flowing Dunkin’ Donuts for everyone to enjoy.”

“This is our way of saying thank you to our customers who have stayed loyal with us all these years, and we look forward to giving more in the years to come.”

PAO Rolls Out EyeBags Project for School Children

18 February 2013, Manila

The Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) has recently organized “Eye Bags,” a campaign that seeks to support the education of students from underprivileged families through the donation of various school materials. Incorporating ‘green’ into the advocacy, eye doctors from all over the Philippines have committed to donate hundreds of unused bags from medical conferences that they attend every year.

“These convention bags are highly functional. Instead of throwing these away, we thought of engaging all the eye doctors who are members of the PAO to donate the bags and reach out to Filipino school children in need of support. The project has grown tremendously that we have expanded to donating other school materials to help promote and enhance students’ learning experience in their schools,” shared Dr. Johann Michael Reyes, PAO Committee Chair for Public Relations.

This year, volunteers from the PAO and graduates from Xavier High School, Class of ’82 trooped to Paraway Mangyan Elementary School in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro to distribute bags, school supplies, clothing items and teaching materials that will benefit both students and teachers. “We believe that education is one of the best ways to change society. With this project, we endeavour to help instil hope in the hearts of Filipino children, one Eye Bag at a time,” Dr. Reyes said. 

The PAO accepts donations through its secretariat. Individuals and organizations may contact PAO at 813-5318 or send their donations to Unit 815 Medical Plaza Makati Condominium, Amorsolo corner Dela Rosa Streets, Legaspi Village, Makati City.

The PAO is an internationally-recognized specialty society of ophthalmologists in the Philippines. It aims to ensure access to quality eye care for Filipinos. The PAO commits to continuously develop its members professionally through clinical education, research and practice management, in a collegial and harmonious environment, contributing to ethical, professional and compassionate practice. For more information about the PAO, please visit: www.pao.org.ph.

GK The Nation Building Expo 2011

Experience how Gawad Kalinga (GK) can move and change the nation.

Team GK from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and even our GK family from across the globe are excited as each day brings us closer to the celebration of faith, patriotism and volunteerism.

Help us in inviting your family and friends to The Nation Building Expo. You can either one or two or three or all of our steps below:
1. Post the GK1world GK Expo Webpage on your FB wall: http://gk1world.com/gk-expo-2011
2. Post this photo in your blog or tumblr account and direct them to GK1world GK Expo Webpage
3. Use this photo as your profile picture or post this photo on your wall. Tag your friends.
4. Use #GKExpo2011 hashtag in Twitter

We would also like to thank our event partners: Globe Telecom, University of Sto. Tomas, Pilipinas Natin and PAGCOR.

See you there!

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Photo herein is provided by
Gawad Kalinga
and taken from
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=239827719396963&set=a.114823421897394.6614.110061129040290&type=1&theater

Charity Blogging for Cancer Awareness

As of this writing, GF and her family is so sad to loss their dear friend and good neighbor. He - let's call him Ped - is diagnosed to have Osteosarcoma (cancer in the bones).

Last Saturday (10th of September) while me and GF are having our usual phone call, she stopped me from talking for she is hearing a kind of commotion outside her room (at their gate to be exact) then she said "pls call later, there is some kind of emergency".

After about 30 minutes of waiting I called her up and she said that their neighbor asked her dad to rush Ped in the hospital. Ped is having difficulty in breathing. Then our call continued with a different topic. After about an hour or more, we heard the their landline phone ringing. She did not answered it but her mom called her up. GF entertained the call but she forgot to end our call so I patiently waited. I don't totally understand their dialect (visayan) but at some point I did understand some words and I want to end our call but I did not when GF said goodbye to the landline caller. As soon as she said hello to me, I just said "sorry for what I heard". GF confirmed to me Ped's death.

In our family, one of my uncle (my mother's brother) is taken away to us by Leukemia (cancer of blood and bone marrow) and one of my uncle (my mother's brother-in-law) SURVIVED cancer (we forgot what was it, as of this writing, my cousins haven't replied our query)

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What do I know about cancer? I admit, I am not a medical practitioner but here are some of my ideas that I do know about Cancer.

Our body is made up of millions of cells. Our organs is a group of common cells, example skin cells form our skin. When a cell became different to their group, that cell can be cancerous. when that cell mutates and multiplies it will became a lump. So that's the first sign of cancer - the Lump. If we feel some lumps or swelling in our body like in our chest, skin and bones, refer it to a medical practitioner immediately. Some lumps and swelling is far visible in our eyes and touch specially if those occurred internally. Thus if we feel something bad inside us that cant be explained, seek medical advice immediately. Some Lumps can become tumors and Some tumors will lead to Cancer.

What causes cancer is substances that is classified as Carcinogenic. So lets limit (if not avoidable) these substances. many of these classified as carcinogenic are all harmful chemicals. Some are not harmful at first (like food and drinks) BUT if abused and taken in excessive amounts and in long periods of time, it can lead to cancer. X-ray, CT scan, MRI, Blood Test and biopsy are just to name a few to diagnose tumor and/or cancer.

How to survive cancer? Just stick to all medical advises. To name a few, you might undergo surgery, gamma knife, chemotherapy, cobalt therapy and drugs (intravenously and/or oral pills).The most powerful weapon against cancer is faithful prayer. For it was written "its your faith that healed you".

For me "big C" is not cancer, its Christ! If you are not a Christian, let me revise it. "big C" is not cancer but the Creator. If he created all things, He can create a way for us to combat cancer. Together with our Creator, church and community, cancer is just a piece of meat.

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Blogger Ms.Steffie of "life and fever" is having a “Charity Blogging for Cancer Awareness”. She is also telling us that there will be a a whole-day event for cancer patients and survivors is to be held this December. The event will include contests, freebies, inspirational talks, and performances. Donations are accepted and may be forwarded via PayPal to doc_alma_jones (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Akyat Pinatubo Bloggers Climb For a Cause

(posted by Jesselyn)

My sister has been talking about a Mt. Pinatubo climb that got me really interested because like her, seeing the majestic Mt. Pinatubo is also a dream come true for me.

On June 04, 2011 there will be a Akyat Pinatubo Bloggers' Climb for a Cause, and although there is a word "bloggers" there, everyone can actually join this trek to help our siblings at the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan.

SM, Jollibee, Havaianas, Unilab, Travel Factor, GeiserMaclang, Primer Group of Companies, Sledgers, Solid Hosting, R.O.X., Kiss Tourist Bus, and Blogger Manila.will sponsor the event by giving tokens and raffle items, while Nuffnang Philippines, Churp Churp Philippines, and Orange Magazine TV will be the media partners.

Key things to know about this event:


Package Rate
Guest Participants - P2,300 per person (non-bloggers)
Blogger Participants - P1,800 per person

P300 of the P1,800 paid by the bloggers go to Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, the beneficiary for this event.

Package Inclusions for All

• Roundtrip Private Van/Bus Transfers
• 4×4 Vehicle to hiking trail (optional skyway)
• Local Guide
• Optional Skyway toll fee
• Conservation Fee
• Usage of Shower Area at Pinatubo Spa Town
• Sidetrip to Capas Shrine (if still possible)

It has been said that one of the things one must do in the Philippines is to trek and see the crater of Mt. Pinatubo. Our family and friends have been wanting to do this trip, and this is one opportunity that is just difficult to pass. I, together with my sister will be joining this event, and I am already excited about it.

Should you want to join us, too, please head on the Akyat Pinatubo Bloggers' Climb for a Cause on Let's Go Sago!. I really do hope you can come with us. Registrations are open 'til June 03, 2011.