The TB battle

Something came over the mail today and I thank J&J Philippines for this care package. The lung pillows are so cute and it's made by Gawad Kalinga mothers to raise awareness about TB and how to fight it.

Little of you may know that I experienced TB (tuberculosis) years before and I think it's about time to share how I overcame this battle.

It was in early 2018 that I experienced fever that comes and goes, there were also times that I cannot sleep because of incessant coughing. I tried taking cough meds and paracetamol for cough but it continued for about 3 months. Then I decided to finally consult a physician.

I had some tests and it was found that I had TB (tuberculosis) in my sputum. I was not sure how I got it but the doctor advised me to take medications of Quadmax while monitoring my sputum monthly. I went to our city's health center so I can have my medicine for free. It was hard for the first months as I still had back pains, sometimes difficulty in breathing however, the coughing went a bit relieved. A few tolerable allergies manifested that I had to endure because it was just the side effects of the medicine. This continued while I was taking the medicine and glad there had been some improvements. In the last phase of my treatment, (the treatment went for 6 months) they gave me Duomax because they found that my body is improving against TB. I was religiously taking the meds accompanied by light exercise and healthy diet. This journey also worried my family because they have been exposed but thankful they are negative about that. The sad part was I had to isolate myself for very long.

After 6 months, I'm finally clear! I'm so grateful to my physician and the city health officers for assisting with this battle. I regained my lost weight, having better sleep, and had no more worries. I am also glad that I was able to see the world again but more cautious now.

I encourage everyone if you know someone who might be experiencing this, to be their support and never let them feel be lonely. TB sometimes kills due to depression or lack of emotional support. TB should be addressed in the early stages and don't be afraid to go to the doctor. The government already has programs against it so you can have your medicines for free.

The Philippines is one of the 30 countries that contribute to the population of TB patients in the world. 

 - World Health Organization

We must all be aware of our status and again, encourage people to reach out to the TB-DOTS health centers nearest you. You can find them here: https://medicalpinas.com/list-of-tb-dots-centers-near-you/

I am thankful for J&J Philippines for sending this care package today and this helped me open up about my case before and share my journey in fighting TB.

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Lovers of the Red Sky premieres on Viu on August 30

Coming to Viu this Monday, August 30 is a story about the first lady painter in Joseon and a blind astrologer. Cast is lead by Hong Cheon Gi (portrayed by actress Kim Yoo Jung), and Haram (portrayed by Ahn Hyo Sub).

Kim Yoo Jung has been portraying bright and lovable characters and has starred in several historical genres for more than a decade. Hong Cheon Gi, her character in the series, is also described as confident, optimistic, and full of life. She’s a beautiful and talented painter — and being the only female painter in the palace is a testimony to her skills.

Kim Yoo Jung

Ahn Hyo Sub

Joining her is Haram, played by Ahn Hyo Sub, who is a mysterious astrologer. Although he is unable to see, Haram has very keen senses. His eyes, described as ruby red, led to society ostracizing him as many believed that they were monstrous. Hence, Haram led a lonely and difficult life. Yet, Hong Cheon Gi described his eyes as beautiful when they first met. Watch the trailer below:

 

Also starring alongside Ahn Hyo Sub and Kim Yoo Jung are Gong Myung and Kwak Si Yang, who will both portray the role of a Grand Prince. Gong Myung is the happy-go-lucky royalty, Grand Prince Anpyeong, who is more interested in writing and painting. While Kwak Si Yang is the cruel and doubtful Grand Prince Anpyeong, a man who is good at martial arts. Conflicts arise as political struggles become evident when Grand Prince Anpyeong reveals his evil intentions and unjust ways in order to become king.

Directed by Jang Tae Yoo, the director behind the popular and highly acclaimed romantic comedy series My Love From The Star, Viu Original - Lovers Of The Red Sky is expected to be another masterpiece — showcasing romance, comedy, and drama in a historical setting.

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TUDUM - the first Netflix Global Fan event

Everyone is invited to Netflix's FIRST Global fan event on September 25. Join our favorite Netflix stars from over 70 shows as they give the first look, trailers, and exclusive content at the upcoming shows on the world's leading streaming platform.

What is TUDUM anyway? It is basically the opening drumbeat - the first sound that you hear in the opening of any Netflix movie or series. Watch the TUDUM announcement below:

 

Over 70 films and series will be featured throughout the three-hour TUDUM event - including some of our most popular returning seasons like Stranger Things, Bridgerton and The Witcher, to La Casa De Papel and Cobra Kai, as well as blockbuster films like Red Notice, Don’t Look Up, Extraction, The Harder They Fall, The Old Guard and more. 

The virtual livestream event begins at 12am PH time / 9am PST / 12pm EST / 4pm GMT / 1am JST and KST. The event will be broadcast across Netflix’s YouTube channels worldwide, in addition to Twitter and Twitch.

There will be special pre-shows spotlighting Korean and Indian series and films along with exciting anime content that will kick-off at 8pm PH time / 5am PST / 8am EST / 12pm GMT / 9pm JST and KST on specific channels.

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Get the vegan care for your hair with The Body Shop

With all the products available in the market, we are unsure of what really takes care of our body inside and out. One part of our body also needs some extra care as we call it our "crowning glory." Our hair has its attitude and identity and that requires special attention too. Luckily, The Body Shop offers products that would give care from root-to-tip and give you that special confidence and power whenever you need it.

Aside from its fragrant and nurturing capabilities, The Body Shop's hair care products are sustainable and made from natural, safe and tested ingredients. They contain no harmful chemicals, and if you have sensitive skin they’re just perfect for you. And sustainable for you and the environment.

What makes The Body Shop’s new haircare routines so powerful is that they’re all made with Vegan Silk Protein, a 100% plant-based protein, which cleverly replicates the chemical structure of natural silk produced by the common European garden spider.

But The Body Shop’s is fully plant-based – and ALL The Body Shop’s haircare is now registered by the Vegan Society, so, no spiders or silkworms were harmed, used or disturbed to obtain it. Plus, all haircare is now made with (at least!) 90% ingredients of natural origin.

The Body Shop’s new haircare routines - Tea Tree and Moringa - are designed to improve the appearance of damaged hair, so they literally help repair the hair follicle from the inside out.

Get fresh and clean locks for longer with the new Tea Tree haircare routine - Tea Tree Purifying and Balancing Shampoo, Conditioner and Hair & Scalp Scrub - that purifies and balances oily hair and scalps. Made with organically-grown Community Fair Trade tea tree oil from Kenya and Vegan Silk Protein – this routine also helps eliminate build-up, leaving hair feeling purified and refreshed without stripping its natural moisture.

The new Moringa Haircare, on the other hand, brightens up your barnet. Get healthier-feeling, shinier hair and help protect it from daily pollution. Made with Community Fair Trade moringa seed oil and extract from Rwanda and Vegan Silk Protein. This routine, which includes the Moringa Shine and Protection Shampoo, Conditioner and Hair Mist, visibly restores dull hair’s radiance and shine. Expect softer, smoother and healthier looking hair that smells fragrantly floral.

The Body Shop’s new haircare bottles and tubs are made from 100% recycled plastic, including Community Fair Trade recycled plastic collected off the streets of Bengaluru, India.

Give your hair these vegan haircare treats and power your do like never before with The Body Shop’s new Tea Tree and Moringa Haircare Routines. Visit their online store 24/7, add to cart, and check out anytime of the day at www.thebodyshop. The Body Shop’s cruelty-free and vegan products are also available in The Body Shop stores, Call & Deliver, Lazada, Shopee and ShopSM. The Body Shop now accepts SM Advantage Card for points earning and redemption, SM and Sodexo premium pass in all The Body Shop stores nationwide.

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Spider-Man No Way Home teaser trailer reveals the Multiverse and old villains from the movies

Marvel unleashed the teaser trailer of Spider-Man: No Way Home, the next chapter of the Spider-Man series starring Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man. The movie is slated for release this December 2020 only in theaters. 

Following the events of Far From Home where Beck revealed Spider-Man's identity, Peter Parker gets unsolicited attention from the public. He therefore seeks the help of Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to undo the time when Beck exposed him with a dangerous spell but unleashes a new universe that makes an even complicated scenario that Spider-Man had to endure. Watch the trailer below.

The spell lets loose all last enemies like Doctor Octopus, Electro and opens a multiverse pointing the blame on Peter Parker longing to live different lives. What's even sad is that it also erased all memories from Peter Parker's closest friends that he is Spider-Man. We also see a ball bomb and sinister laugh that looks like from Green Goblin, adding speculations of casting Willem Defoe for the role.

 

 

Reprising their roles are Tom Holland as Peter Parker, Zendaya as MJ, Jacob Batalon as Ned, with Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus, Jamie Foxx as Electro confirming previous rumors as cast. Also joined by Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange and Benedict Wong as Wong, and Marisa Tomei as Aunt May.

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MOVIE REVIEW - Reminiscence

Warner Bros. Pictures new sci-fi and crime movie gives a subtle message on the effects of climate change with an inception case going on. Reminiscence stars Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson.

Hugh Jackman is Nick Bannister, a mind investigator who looks on the memories of his clients. He is being challenged by his new client (Rebecca Ferguson). A simple case becomes an obsession after she disappears and he fights to learn the truth about her.

In a world getting submerged under the water due to the effects of climate change, there would be new opportunities grabbed by the rich. In Nick Bannister's technology, the memories become of high value as these become new evidence of crimes. It also has become a person's prized possession to review again and again to feel the memories.

While the movie concept is nice and the storyline is just light, I think there is something lacking that will glue you into it. It didn't have to be the police or whatnot, but solving the crime that transpires is already okay. Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson's reunion brings you back to The Greatest Showman with that irky feeling and expectation that they'll sing again -- at least for Ms. Ferguson.

Reminiscence is already playing in theaters in the US and you can also access it in HBO Max.

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MOVIE REVIEW - The Suicide Squad (2021)

When I was dosed off with Suicide Squad in 2016, this new version by James Gunn got me interested in the characters and unseen twist of events. James Gunn's Suicide Squad is altogether wickedly funny, colorful, and more exciting than its predecessor.

The initial team that we meet at the beginning were a distraction to what we're really being served throughout the movie. But their features are not to be ignored as they have great unique abilities and served a purpose to the real ones. My personal fave from that team is TDK. His detachable limbs, naming him The Detachable Kid is one crazy literal sh*t that ended soon.

In the real Suicide Squad, I think Gunn has provided equal screen time for all the characters. Idris Elba, John Cena, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman and the others were highlighted with their skills and emotions. But the most adorable one is King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), his massive size and modest presence was made even more special in his aquarium scene.

The Suicide Squad is now in theaters and streaming on HBO Max.

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