Bb. Pilipinas crowns new title-holders to represent the PHL

Newly crowned Queens to vie for international titles

 

Four beautiful, intelligent, and eloquent Filipinas were crowned at the Grand Coronation Night of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant held last night, July 11 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

 

Hannah Arnold took home the Bb. Pilipinas International title, Samantha Panlilio was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Grand International, Cinderella Faye Obeñita won the title of Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental, and Maureen Montagne earned the Bb. Pilipinas Globe crown.

 

Meanwhile, Gabrielle Camille Basiano and Meiji Cruz were named Bb. Pilipinas 2021 1st Runner-up and Bb. Pilipinas 2021 2nd Runner-up, respectively.

 

“We are extremely proud of all of our winners tonight,” Irene Jose, Bb. Pilipinas Executive Committee member said. “These women showed unparalleled resiliency, beauty, intelligence, and talent, and the fact that they are all going home as winners is a testament to these qualities. We are excited for the next phase of their journey, and we will be behind them all the way.”

 

The four crowned winners will have the chance of a lifetime to represent the Philippines at some of the most prestigious beauty pageants internationally.

 

The pageant was the first-of-its-kind event to be held with a live telecast from the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The event was approved and closely guided by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF). This is also the first time in the 57-year history of Bb. Pilipinas that the pageant took place in a bubble, where all candidates were locked-in the Novotel Manila Araneta City. Aside from this, the strictest health and safety protocols were implemented and adhered to to minimize the chance of contracting COVID-19.  

 

Special titles were also awarded during the Grand Coronation Night of Bb. Pilipinas. The Best in National Costume is Ma. Ruth Erika Quin, while Lesley Anne Ticaro received the Ms. Friendship title, and the Ms. Talent award was given to Vianca Marcelo. Meiji Cruz was named Best in Swimsuit and Gabrielle Camille Basiano was given the Best in Long Gown title. Another special award is the Face of Binibini Award which was awarded to Patrizia Garcia.

 

Meanwhile, here are the recipients of other special Awards:

·         Binibini Araneta City– Francesca Taruc

·         Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice Award– Micca Rosal

·         JAG Denim Queen– Hannah Arnold

·         Ms. World Balance – Alexandra Faith Garcia

·         Ms. Alagang SIlka – Ma. Francesca Taruc

·         Ms. Ever Bilena – Maureen Montagne

·         Ms. Pizza Hut – Karen Laurrie Mendoza

·         Ms. Cream Silk – Maureen Montagne

 

With the theme “I am Binibini”, the 57th Binibining Pilipinas pageant went back to its core values, celebrating and elevating Filipinas while empowering and enabling them to showcase their beauty, grace, and wit on a global stage.

 

This year’s Bb. Pilipinas took place after hitting pause last year because of the impact of the pandemic. And as we continue to tread the road towards recovery, this year’s pageant also aims to inspire Filipinos while persuading the public to avail of vaccines being offered by the government.

 

“Through the years, Bb. Pilipinas has gone beyond the bounds of being a beauty pageant. It has served as a beacon of hope for many Filipinos. This year, as we continue to face the challenges and uncertainties brought by the pandemic, Bb. Pilipinas reassures Filipinos that there is hope. We will get over these difficult times and we’ll eventually return to a sense of normalcy. But for that to happen, we need to do our part, and that means we need to get vaccinated,” Jose said.

 

This year’s pageant made herstory, as Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2016 and Ms. Grand International First Runner-Up Nicole Cordoves hosted the much-anticipated event. This is the first time that an all-female pair hosted the Bb. Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night.

 

The Binibining Pilipinas 2021 Grand Coronation Night was aired on A2Z Channel, Kapamilya Channel, and Metro Channel, and was simultaneously live streamed on iWantTFC and the official Binibining Pilipinas YouTube page.

 

For more information about Binibining Pilipinas, visit the new and improved https://www.bbpilipinas.com/. You can also download the new Bb. Pilipinas mobile app, it’s available for both Android and iOS users. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also subscribe to Bb. Pilipinas on YouTube.  

Usapang TANGhalian

Make the most of lunch in the new normal through Usapang TANGhalian!

 

Due to lockdowns, families are spending most of their time together at home. Parents and kids are physically together for days on end, working and going through distance learning. However, are you, as parents, taking this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to know your kid and build stronger relationships with them? With so many things happening at home, it is easy to forget to set time to bond and know your child. 

An example of such a moment is lunch, a meal that is often rushed with parents mentally preoccupied with the next task of the day. Instead of being a time to share a meal with the family and connect over conversations, lunch has become a time where the family is physically together but emotionally distant from one another. This is one of the reasons why kids nowadays feel neglected or lonely. 

Tang strongly believes that lunch can be a moment to build stronger relationships with your kids; calling on moms to transform lunches into bonding moments by having an Usapang TANGhalian. It is about the power of conversations to know your kids, understand their perspective, and check up on their emotional well-being. With its new campaign, Usapang TANGhalian, Tang leads the way in reminding moms to be fully present during tanghalians, taking this time to nurture their kids through healthy beverages and meaningful conversations. 

Together with Camille Prats, Tang showcases how every tanghalian can be transformed into bonding moments through Usapang TANGhalians. Camille shares with us real Usapang TANGhalians with her son Nathan, most of which lead to surprising revelations that help her understand her son even better. Camille shares, “Nathan is always busy with online school and I was curious if he needed help with anything. Whenever I would ask, he replies, “Nothing Mom, kaya ko ‘to.”. One lunchtime, I decided to ask: Is there anything mom can do better? And he told me that he appreciated every time I would check up on him because it made him feel that I was always there for him. This made me tear up and surprised me at how much Nathan appreciates the little things I do”. As a hands-on mom, Camille believes, like Tang, that all parents should use their time together with their kids as an opportunity to build stronger relationships, nurture their them, and prepare them for an even better future.  

Tang’s Usapang TANGhalian takes a step further by partnering with Facebook Mom Communities such as Mommy Mundo, Lifestyle Moms PH, Usapang Nanay, Moms Support Moms PH, Moms Club PH, 1ST Time Moms, and many more to kickstart the transformation of every tanghalian into an Usapang TANGhalian. Within each community, hundreds of KOLs will be sharing their experiences and tips to start an Usapang TANGhalian. Tang will also be launching a Facebook and Instagram filter with randomized questions for parents and kids; with the hopes of making Usapang TANGhalian fun and helping moms capture these bonding moments. 

In addition to advocating for stronger parent and kid relationships, Tang is also encouraging moms to serve healthier beverages over lunch. With the 100% Vitamin C of two oranges in every refreshing glass, Tang provides the protection your kid needs. So, Tang calls out to all moms to transform tanghalians from being a rushed and neglected meal to being a time to prepare their kids for a better future through Usapang TANGhalians and the 100% Vitamin C of Tang. 

Kaya mga mommies and daddies, ‘wag palampasin ang Tanghalian na walang Tang at #UsapangTANGhalian! Try the #UsapangTANGhalian filter on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3w3XBHE or Facebook:https://bit.ly/3wjRgYK with your kids and you might just be surprised by their answers!

Five saktong deals for your family of four

Five saktong deals for your family of four

Check out these value-for-money ways to bring joy to the whole family

 

Now that many families spend more time at home and finances are tighter than before, family promos and deals are like music to the ears. With family deals, you get your value-for-money times four—plus more bonding opportunities together!

 

You can find good deals left and right, but here are some which are tailor-fit to surely give you and your family a great time!

 

Gadget and accessory bundles

It’s no secret that gadgets have brought efficiency, convenience, and even entertainment to our lives. This is why tech brands occasionally release deals which bundle the main device like a smartphone with other accessories like headphones, speakers, smartwatches, and more. Watch out for these offers because for the price of one device, you get more items which your family can use as well!

 

Music and entertainment subscriptions

Who doesn’t love music and entertainment? With endless music, movie, and TV show streaming services present in the digital universe, you can definitely find packages which are ideal for you and your family. A subscription would normally allow more or less four gadgets in the household, so you and your family can each enjoy your favorite content simultaneously in your own devices!

 

Staycation promos

As some areas of the country ease quarantine restrictions, hotels and resorts are starting to reopen with the necessary precautions and bounce back with attractive room rates and perks. Now might be a good time to treat yourself and your loved ones to a relaxing staycation while complying with the standard safety protocols.

 

Insurance packages

Planning for the future is always a good idea, and insurance companies offer family packages which cater to you and your family’s specific goals, whether it’s for health, education, or finances. These packages are worth a look if they can help secure those goals.

 

4-pc Chickenjoy Family Box

The list won’t be complete without food, and the country’s #1 fast food chain Jollibee has got you and your family covered. Its world-renowned crispylicious, juicylicious Chickenjoy now comes in a 4-pc Family Box at a special introductory price of P249, more affordable and a great centerpiece for the dining table! It can also come with two servings of sweet-sarap Jolly Spaghetti, two large Jolly Crispy Fries, two beefy-saucy Burger Steak, or three langhap-sarap Yumburger each also at a special introductory price of P330.

 

“Family time is so special, which is why there are many deals out there aimed to bring out and even level up those bonding moments. But for us, there is nothing quite like gathering around and enjoying the Chickenjoy’s crispy well-seasoned skin, juicy and tender meat, and distinctly flavorful gravy together,” Jollibee Marketing AVP for Bestsellers Cathleen Capati said. “We hope that our affordable Family Box will allow more families to enjoy our best-selling product and will become part of their valuable family time.”

 

Have the 4pc-Chickenjoy Family Box safely delivered to your home via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda! Also available in Drive-Thru and Take Out.

 

For more info and updates on Jollibee products, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

 

Almond Fest Cakes

Almonds take the spotlight in Dairy Queen’s latest Blizzard of the Month offers

Summertime may be over but the fun never stops at Dairy Queen as it rolls out its latest monthly offering that will surely drive you nuts! Enjoy new cool treats—three Blizzards, one Parfait, two Blizzard Cakes, and one Tin Cake—with the Dairy Queen Almond Blizzard of the Month Fest, featuring perfectly roasted almonds that give every bite some welcome crunch!

First are three new almond-infused Blizzards that are must-tries for any dessert lover out there: the Choco Almond Cluster Blizzard, made with rich vanilla soft serve and topped with roasted chopped almonds and luscious chocolate coating; the Almond Affogato Blizzard, made with rich vanilla soft serve that is garnished with roasted chopped almonds and coffee concentrate; and the Almond Berry Blizzard, made with rich vanilla soft serve and finished with roasted chopped almonds and strawberry topping.

These Blizzards aren't the only new treats this month! Dairy Queen is also offering a new concoction in parfait form: the Choco Almond Parfait, made with a delicious layer of Dairy Queen vanilla soft serve that is garnished with roasted chopped almonds, chocolate topping, and crushed Oreos, and topped with whipped cream—perfect for taking those mouthwatering dessert selfies.

There is also the new Almond Cake, available in 6" and 8" cakes. Made 100 percent with ice cream cake resting on a sumptuous chocolate almond base and generously topped with cookie crunch, chocolate topping, and almonds, this cool treat is a guaranteed trip to sweet heaven. Or indulge in the new Chocolate Almond To-Go Tin Cake, which comes in a reusable tin can so you can enjoy it at your own pace.

Get this offer and all of your favorite sweet treats from Dairy Queen by visiting a branch near you, or have them delivered straight to your doorstep by calling the 8911-11-11 hotline, by logging on to www.dairyqueen.com.ph, or by ordering through Dairy Queen's official delivery partners GrabFood, foodpanda, and Pickaroo!

Stay updated with the latest promos and offers from Dairy Queen by following the brand on their social media accounts or by visiting the official website at www.dairyqueen.com.ph.

Enjoy the ultimate K-Maya experience when supporting your K-faves with PayMaya! 

From Hyun Bin, to BTS, to kilig K-dramas, the K-craze has truly taken over the hearts of many Filipinos. Whether you’re a BTS fan buying the new McDonald's BTS meal, or a K-drama fan watching your favorite oppa online, PayMaya has got you covered as it lets you enjoy the ultimate K-Maya experience with convenient cashless transactions and exclusive cashback rewards.  

  

Here are three ways you can take advantage of the ultimate K-Maya experience with just a few taps using your PayMaya app:   

  

1. Get an exclusive 50% cashback on The BTS Meal from McDonald’s  

Whether you’re an avid BTS fan or simply craving for McNuggets dipped in the new Sweet chili and Cajun sauce, you can enjoy a smooth like butter experience when purchasing the famous McDonald’s BTS Meal right inside your PayMaya app – with the PayMaya Mall.   

  

On top of having a hassle-free transaction, you can also get an exclusive 50% cashback reward of up to P135 when you use your PayMaya-linked mobile number to pay for your meal with a minimum spend of P270. 

  

To take advantage of this sweet deal, simply tap ‘Maya Mall’ inside your PayMaya app, choose Food, and tap McDonald’s. From there, select the BTS Meal, click Pay with PayMaya on the Checkout Page and input your PayMaya-linked mobile number and password. You will then receive your cashback voucher for this reward which you can claim by clicking the 'Voucher' icon on your app. This promo runs on July 5-8, 2021, and July 12-15, 2021.  

  

McDonald’s is just one of the over 350 brands that you can explore at the PayMaya Mall to enjoy a more convenient and rewarding shopping experience for your everyday essentials.   

  

2.      Enjoy a hassle-free subscription on Spotify Premium  

  

Subscribe to Spotify Premium with your PayMaya to get a next-level experience when listening to your favorite K-Pop artists from BTS to IU and enjoy your sound trip ad-free, and even offline!  

  

Signing up is easy because all you need is your PayMaya-linked mobile number. Simply go to www.spotify.com/premium, choose your desired plan, select PayMaya as your payment option, and input your PayMaya-linked mobile number to complete the payment.   

  

That’s it! Simple and hassle-free so you can spend more of your time listening to your favorite K-Pop tracks. Who knows, you might even discover other stan-worthy K-pop artists there!  

  

3.      Give yourself (and your friends) the gift of K-Drama goodness  

  

Access the latest episodes of your favorite K-drama, fun variety shows, and other Asian content with a subscription to video streaming provider, Viu made easier with PayMaya. If you’re feeling generous, you can also send these packages as a gift to your loved ones!   

  

With your PayMaya app, you can avail of sulit Viu packages fit for your budget like a 3-day subscription for P29 with VIU29, 7-day subscription for P50 with VIU50, and a one-month subscription for P99 with VIU99. To get these packages for yourself or for your friends, just head to ‘Treats’ on your PayMaya app, type in VIU in the search tab, and choose the subscription package you’d like to avail.   

  

On top of these awesome deals and added convenience, paying for your favorite K-Pop merch is also so much easier with PayMaya. Use your virtual or physical PayMaya card for your payments, or transfer funds to other PayMaya or bank accounts – all within your app.   

 

With these awesome rewards and cashless convenience from PayMaya, supporting your bias, listening to your favorite K-Pop music, or watching K-drama is so much more enjoyable. Get the ultimate K-Maya experience by downloading the PayMaya app at https://official.paymaya.com/CAK1/425eb133 and registering an account. 

 

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government.   

  

It provides more than 35 million Filipinos with access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 250,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 40,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including "everyday" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.     

  

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

 Empowering every Filipina through walang dudang alaga

Binibining Pilipinas and Silka team up for this year’s pageant

The Filipina has captivated the world. For many years, she has captured the hearts and imagination of the globe, not only because of her innate beauty, but also because of her undeniable intelligence, unparalleled grace, and committed drive to positively impact society.

Binibining Pilipinas has been proudly bannering these traits on the international stage, proving again and again the uniqueness of the Filipina. Now, on its 57^th year, the most prestigious pageant in the country finds a new ally in Silka, which for two decades has been giving Filipinas walang dudang alaga. These two forces have come together to propel Filipino women to greater heights! 

Samantha Panlilio, Lois Anne Badando, Patricia Garcia, Arianne Desiree Viardo, and Princess Kein Guanzon

The partnership between Binibining Pilipinas and Silka comes as the latter celebrates a special milestone—its 20th anniversary. As Silka has built a legacy of empowering women through self-care / alaga sa sarili, teaming up with Binibining Pilipinas is significant in reinforcing commitment to women while positively impacting society at large.

Shanon Tampon, Meiji Cruz, Patricia Denise Babista, Shaira Rona, and Maureen Montagne

“Binibining Pilipinas has built itself to be the most prestigious pageant in the country. But more than that, it has been an organization that proudly advocates for the Filipina to the world,” according to Jane Co, VP for Marketing of Cosmetique Asia Corporation. “We, at Silka, are very proud to work with them in this year’s pageant as we aim to once again crown Filipina women that will represent the best of our country internationally.”

Vianca Marcelo, Cinderella Faye Obenita, Alexandra Rosales, Justine Felizarta, and Karen Laurrie Mendoza

This new relationship between the two organizations will result in a new special award to be given for the first time in this year’s Binibining Pilipinas pageant: the Binibining Alagang Silka title.

Kimberly Tiquestiques, Hannah Arnold, Mary Ruth Erika Quin, Gabrielle Basiano, and  Lovely Mercado

Aside from this special title, Silka will also have the unique opportunity of being entrusted with caring for the skin of the 34 beautiful Binibining Pilipinas candidates this year and empowering them to be the best they can be.

Carina Carino, Czarina Guiao, Jashmin Dimaculangan, Francesca Taruc, and Honey Cartasano

 

“The candidates of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas are the embodiment of the adage ‘grace under pressure’. We are here to give them walang dudang alaga and to help them take better care of themselves so that they can always put their best foot forward whatever opportunity they pursue,” Eunice de Belen, Senior Brand Manager of Silka added.

Noriza Valerio, Graciella Lehman, Danica Peralta Acuna, Alexandra Faith Garcia, and Mercede Pair

 

Silka has built its name by empowering Filipinas to be the best they can be through skin care products that are of the highest quality, and yet affordable. Their skincare products include bar and liquid soaps, lotion, deodorant, and facial care line. This legacy of excellence and empowerment has made Silka one of the most trusted and leading beauty brands in the country. In fact, it recently received the Best Brightening Bar Soap award from the Cosmopolitan Beauty Hot List 2021.

Micca Rosal, Leslie Anne Ticaro, Bellatrix Tan, and Honey Be Parenas

“We are humbled by the trust given by our new partner. This special tie-up with a trusted brand like Silka will allow us to continue our goal to look for empowered Filipina and showcase them in the whole world,” according to Irene Jose, COO of Uniprom Inc. and Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) board member.

 

To know more about Silka, like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You may also visit their official stores on Lazada and Shopee to purchase any of their products.

 

To keep updated about Binibining Pilipinas, visit https://www.bbpilipinas.com/. You may also like and follow them on Facebook

 

Medical Experts Answer Most Asked Questions About Cough and COVID-19 in Kwentong Viral News Webinar

 

The dangers of misinformation have become another threat amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Due to lack of proper knowledge, people tend to be confused and paranoid about the symptoms, modes of transmission, and ways to prevent the virus.

 

How does a regular cough differs from one that’s caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus? Is tuob a sure solution for COVID-19? Can over-the-counter (OTC) drugs help? Through the Kwentong Viral News webinar, three medical experts shed light on these common questions about COVID-19 and cough.

 

Causes of cough

Coughing is the body’s natural reflex to get rid of unwanted elements like smoke, dust, and other irritants as well as phlegm in the airways and lungs.

 

“Essentially, ang ubo ay senyales na may underlying [na problema] or meron tayong ibang sakit.” said Dr. Earl Sempio, Biochemist and Pulmonologist. (Essentially, it’s a sign of an underlying problem or sickness.)

 

Acute infectious coughs are caused by bacteria or viral infections that are usually accompanied by fever, body pain, and other signs of infection.

 

Distinguishing a regular cough from COVID-19

Contrary to misconceptions, there's no single indicator whether a cough is COVID-19-related or not. “Mahirap sabihin na yung ubo is due to COVID-19. Ang importante kapag nagka-ubo ka, protect others. Mag-isolate na kayo muna,” (It’s not easy to determine whether a cough is due to COVID-19 or not, so if you have a cough, it’s better to protect others and self-isolate.) said Dr. Joseph Adrian Buensalido, Infectious Diseases Specialist. “Kahit ang doktor hindi namin masasabi kung COVID-19 ‘yan unless mapatest natin.” (Even doctors cannot certainly say that a patient has COVID-19 without testing.)

 

COVID-19 cases can be classified as mild, moderate, severe or critical depending on the severity of symptoms.

 

Managing COVID-19 cases at home

Dr. Buensalido likened mild COVID-19 cases to common cold or flu, which can be managed and treated at home with proper rest and intake of fluids. However, proper isolation should still be strictly observed in order to prevent the spread of the virus to other members of the household.

 

OTC medicines such as Carbocisteine can be helpful to relieve symptoms like coughs with thick and hard to expel phlegm while supplements like Zinc can help strengthen the immune system to fight off viruses and bacteria.

 

How Carbocisteine and Zinc help the body recover faster from cough

Mucolytics like Carbocisteine help clear the chest by making phlegm (mucus) less sticky and easier to cough up. Additionally, Dr. Gwen Agra, Internist and Pulmonologist, also cited a study where Carbocisteine was proven to lessen the growth of rhinovirus (common cold) in cultured human airway cells and decrease inflammatory chemicals.

 

“Ibig sabihin meron din siyang konting anti-inflammatory effect at nakakatulong din siyang magsuppress ng virus hindi lang sa common cold, meron din sa influenza,” she added. (It means Carbocisteine has a bit of an anti-inflammatory effect and it helps suppress viruses like the common cold and influenza.)

 

Zinc, on the other hand, is crucial for growth, development, and maintenance of immune function. In fact, there are several studies that show how Zinc can help resolve the common cold faster due to its action on immunity. “Nababawasan niya ng mga dalawa hanggang tatlong araw yung illness. At ang Zinc, magaling siya actually sa viruses kasi ang number one cause ng karaniwang sipon ay rhinovirus at ang number two, even before the pandemic, ay coronavirus,” said Dr. Buensalido. (Zinc lessens the days of illness from two to three days and is great in suppressing viruses like rhinovirus and coronavirus that usually cause the common cold.)

 

The mucolytic and anti-inflammatory properties of Carbocisteine combined with the right levels of Zinc for immunity is definitely a powerful combination against coughs caused by viral infections.

 

In a local study conducted by Dr. Agra and her team among patients with non-bacterial cough, it was found that the combination of Carbocisteine and Zinc for treatment resulted in reduced severity of cough caused by virus in 3 days and resolution of cough in just 5 days compared to the 10 to 14 days of recovery.

 

Watch the full webinar here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=207174681273728&ref=watch_permalink

5 facts and fallacies on vaccines

 

AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in the country, debunks 5 vaccine myths to help the people have a better understanding before they get vaccinated.

5 facts and fallacies on vaccines

 

Vaccines have been around for a while, but an age-old debate has resurfaced along with the availability of those that address COVID-19. Are they safe and effective?

 

AXA, one of the Philippines’ leading insurance providers, takes a closer look at the myths and misconceptions, as well as the hard facts, which can help you decide if vaccines, indeed, do the job they’re intended for.

 

Myth 1: Vaccines can make a person sick.

Fact: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can’t get sick when administered with a vaccine. However, some people can experience mild side effects, such as soreness on the part of the body where the vaccine was injected. Such side effects disappear quickly, and more serious side effects are not common.

 

Myth 2: Vaccines can cause the very disease it aims to address.

Fact: It is unlikely that a vaccine can cause a disease to develop, but certain individuals may not reach the needed immunity level from the vaccine to fight the disease. Like most medicines, some vaccines aren’t 100% effective and people react to it differently, affecting its efficacy, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This doesn’t mean that a vaccine isn’t safe or effective or is a catalyst for the disease. It only shows that a few may not respond to it as well as others, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma &Immunology (AAAAI).

 

Myth 3: It is better to get natural immunity from a disease than get it from a vaccine.

Fact: Without being vaccinated, your body may build immunity from natural infection, but you also put yourself at risk for serious complications and even death. For example, when you don’t get your child vaccinated for Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b), this may cause intellectual disability. Without getting vaccinated for measles, this may lead to death, according to WHO.

 

The same is true with the COVID-19 vaccine that has been hotly debated recently. Without getting vaccinated, it may lead to hospitalization or death. According to the CDC, you may also develop what is called “long-COVID,” where you may experience the chronic symptoms associated with the disease, like headaches or shortness of breath-.     

 

Myth 4: COVID-19 vaccines can give you the disease or may have serious side effects.

Fact: COVID-19 vaccines are designed to build immunity against the disease by using weakened or killed SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the virus that causes COVID-19. As for the adverse effects, there are some mild or short-term effects associated with these vaccines, such as fever, headaches, or body aches, which signal that the vaccine is working to build your immune system against the disease, according to the Cleveland Clinic in the U.S. However, it is recommended that you consult a doctor if you have allergies or any other pre-existing medical condition to assess your risk.

 

Myth 5: You get immunity for life when vaccinated against COVID-19.

Fact: According to the CDC, it’s still early to tell if a shot or two of the COVID-19 vaccine can give you life immunity. Studies continue to be conducted on a regular basis to check for its long-lasting effects, and formulas continue to be adjusted to develop immunity against other strains or variants of the disease.

 

Immunity against certain diseases doesn’t happen overnight, but research has shown that vaccines effectively provide protection against some of life’s most dreaded diseases. For critical illnesses that you may encounter as you get older, the best way to safeguard your health against them is to get protected as early as now.

 

The best way to do this is to get yourself a health insurance plan like AXA’s Global Health Access, which offers customers the best access to healthcare services here and abroad.

“Aside from the threats of COVID-19, critical illnesses like cancer, stroke, and heart attack remain in our midst, so we should also protect ourselves against them. With Global Health Access, it is easier for policyholders to avail of medical care wherever they are in the world through our partnership with over 1,400 hospitals and clinics locally and over 9,000 hospitals worldwide,” says Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer of AXA Philippines.

Global Health Access policyholders can now reimburse COVID-19 vaccine costs up to P5,000 and other eligible home care expenses, boosting the confidence of our customers in these challenging times. See here the full details of the coverage.

Global Health Access also includes coverage for epidemic and pandemic diseases like COVID-19, allowing customers to get comprehensive treatment for such illnesses, on top of other top-tier health benefits, such as up to P175 million coverage for inpatient and outpatients treatments and executive health checkups of up to P20,000 per year. Moreover, the health plan allows cashless payments, which makes it more convenient for customers these days due to the ongoing pandemic.

When it comes to health, it’s always better to boost your protection. To know more about Global Health Access, visit www.axa.com.ph/health-protection/global-health-access.