PH tourism sector loses P10 billion over travel restrictions due to coronavirus spread: tour operators

MANILA - The Philippine tourism industry has lost at least P10 billion pesos as government continues to impose a travel ban to and from China, the country's second largest tourism market and epicenter of the deadly 2019 novel coronavirus, an official from a tour operators' group said Friday.

About 50 percent of reservations in Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, and Palawan have been canceled, Philippine Tour Operators Association President Cesar Cruz told reporters.

"Both for inbound and outbound [travel], it would really have a very big effect," he said.

"It hit us during the peakest of the peak, which is the Chinese New Year," he said.

The tourism industry may continue to feel the effects of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019-nCoV ARD) until August, he said.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is eyeing to boost promotions in South Korea and the United States, the Philippines' top and 3rd largest tourist markets, respectively, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

The DOT is also coordinating with hotels and airline companies to give discounts to attract more visitors, she said.

Stopping the spread of the virus is the government's primary concern, she said.

The 2019-nCoV has killed at least 600 people and infected 30,000 others, mostly in China since the origin of the pathogen was traced to the Chinese city of Wuhan in late December 2019.

The Philippines has recorded 3 cases, all Chinese travelers from Wuhan, among whom 1 has died.

- report from Michael Delizo, ABS-CBN News

Noche Buena price watch: 'Premium' may rise, cheaper brands steady

MANILA — The retail price of some premium Christmas food items like ham will likely increase, as higher manufacturing costs offset lower pork prices due to the African swine fever outbreak, the trade department said.

Manufacturing costs rose 30 to 60 percent, which could push the prices of premium fare for Noche Buena by 2 to 9 percent. Some traders also imported meat requirements for Christmas hams, said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Prices of cheaper products did not move, Lopez told DZMM.

"Takot din silang maipasa ang presyo kasi walang bibili e saka baka lumipat sa ibang brands," he added.

(They're also afraid to increase prices because consumers might not buy or patronize other brands.)

The DTI is inspecting markets daily to ensure that chicken prices do not exceed P180 per kilo as consumers switch to poultry from pork.

African swine fever does not affect humans despite causing hemorrhagic fever in pigs that almost always ends in death. An outbreak of the virus in parts of Rizal and Bulacan provinces has prompted authorities to cull around 7,000 hogs.

Pork accounts for 60 percent of meat consumption in the Philippines, the world's 8th biggest pork producer by volume, with its swine industry estimated at P260 billion, the Department of Agriculture earlier said.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Source sold bogus account info to Palace for P10-M: Trillanes

MANILA - Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday accused Malacañang of using intelligence funds to pay President Rodrigo Duterte's source of "fake" information on his offshore accounts. 

Trillanes, in a privilege speech on Tuesday, claimed that Malacañang paid P10 million to a certain Daniel "Snooky" Cruz for information on the lawmaker's alleged bank accounts, including one at the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS). 

The senator recently flew to Singapore to prove that the account was non-existent.

 "Nag-imbento po ng fake accounts ito at ibinenta sa Malacañang na binili naman and without verifying or validating ay isinubo nila kay Duterte. At itong isa naman ay iyun ang pinangangalandakan kaya nasunog siya nang ilang beses at napaaming inimbento nga niya. Ang nagbayad ay Malacañang, binili itong information," he told DZMM.

"Malamang galing iyan (P10 million) sa intelligence funds... Hindi naman bubunot ang mga iyan sa bulsa nila," the opposition lawmaker told DZMM.

Cruz, he said, gives security seminars for a living, but had pretended to be a financial forensic expert and former US agent.

The senator said Cruz also sold to authorities fake details on the bank accounts of Senator Leila de Lima, which were just identical to his supposed accounts.

He added that it is Duterte who is keeping millions of pesos in undeclared accounts and reiterated his challenge for the President to sign bank secrecy waivers. 


Malacañang made no immediate comment about Cruz. 

Duterte meanwhile has admitted he just invented bank details to "catch" Trillanes. 

He later said Trillanes closed his DBS account "online" before going to Singapore. DBS however said accounts can only be closed in person at its branches.

Duterte has also said his family had properties and businesses including an ice plant and lumberyard, adding his late father was a provincial governor. 

"All in all it would not go beyond 40 million (pesos or $785,000), my lifetime savings. A part of that was my hereditary -- you people from Davao know this -- property," Duterte said. "I hate to say it (but) what do you think of us, poor? That we are that poor?" 

The President, however, said he would not cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman's investigation into allegations that he amassed ill-gotten wealth, saying these were "lies based on baseless" information. 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

M6.1 quake hits Batangas

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit Lian, Batangas Friday afternoon but was felt as far as Metro Manila.

A report from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the quake had a depth of 173 kilometers and was tectonic in origin. Exact location of the quake is 14.00°N, 120.64°E - 005 km S 13° W of Lian.

Phivolcs said it is expecting aftershocks after the quake.

A DZMM report earlier said Palace employees and reporters evacuated the New Executive Building after the earthquake struck.

Video taken by ABS-CBN News also showed employees evacuating the Department of Justice after the quake hit.

Netizens said they felt the quake in parts of Marikina and Las Piñas.

A Reuters report quoting USGS e arlier said a magnitude 6.6 struck off Luzon in the Philippines.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Snipers make rescue of trapped civilians, wounded soldiers difficult

MARAWI, Lanao del Sur - Snipers of the Maute group were making it difficult for government forces from rescuing wounded soldiers and trapped civilians in this southern city on Sunday, as fighting between state forces and local terrorists entered the sixth day. 

Authorities said around 17 non-combatants were reportedly stranded in a building in the downtown area after they sought shelter from the government's surgical airstrikes against the extremists.

 The building's fourth and fifth floors reportedly collapsed due to the airstrikes, trapping the civilians on the second floor.

ABS-CBN sources, meanwhile, said several wounded soldiers were also trapped in the city center.

Soldiers and elite policemen from the Special Action Forces have made several attempts to rescue their injured comrades and the civilians.

Snipers, however, have opened fire at the state troops, forcing them to retreat.

VIOLENCE MARS RAMADAN 

The military on Saturday said it will sustain the airstrikes to flush out Maute fighters. 

The offensives have damaged or destroyed at least 4 houses, including the residence of Lanao del Sur Rep. Jun Papandayan. 

The fighting has also made it difficult for Marawi residents to observe Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, as many continued fleeing to safer ground or grappled with difficult conditions in evacuation centers. 

At least 31 suspected terrorists have been killed in clashes since Tuesday, 6 of whom may be fighters from Malaysia and Indonesia, Armed Forces spokesperson Restituto Padilla earlier said.

The government side, meanwhile, has suffered 13 deaths, 11 soldiers and two policemen. There has yet to be a confirmed count on civilian deaths, but nine people were found slain allegedly by the Maute group on Tuesday.

The pandemonium in Marawi erupted last Tuesday after a failed attempt to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, the suspected leader of the Islamic State terror group in Southeast Asia. -- report from Ron Gagalac, ABS-CBN News

source: news.abs-cbn.com

'Lucky' animal signs, businesses for 2017

MANILA – Three animal signs will be particularly “lucky” in 2017, according to a feng shui expert.

In an interview on the radio DZMM show “Sakto” on Thursday, Johnson Chua said people under the Rat, Ox and Dragon signs will have good luck next year.

“Rat, Ox at Dragon ang pinakamaswerte ngayong 2017,” he said.

When asked about the business that will do well in the coming Year of the Fire Rooster, Chua mentioned the food industry as well as media companies.

As for “lucky” colors, Chua said fashionistas who are feng shui believers can rest assured that they can wear whatever they want next year.

While yellow, red and blue are said to bring in a lot of positive energy, all other colors are generally “lucky.”

“Pwede po nating sabihin na wala talagang malas na kulay kasi ang 2017, lahat ng five elements nagpakita. So wala talagang masamang kulay,” he explained.

To those whose animal signs are not so fortunate in 2017, Chua advised them to wear crystals to ward off negative energy, particularly mental stress.

“Pinaka the best na pangontra sa health problem ay crystals dahil meron silang healing factor,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chua reminded that public that feng shui predictions should only be used as a guide in making decisions.

“It’s not feng shui that will decide what will happen to your life. It’s you. So kung baga, we use feng shui as a guide, pero nasa kamay natin ang kapalaran natin,” he said. “Alamin mo kung saang part ka swerte, kung saan ka medyo malas.”

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Abella slams French paper for 'serial killer' tag on Duterte

MANILA - Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella on Sunday slammed what he called the “irresponsible use of power” of a French newspaper that labelled President Rodrigo Duterte a
“serial killer” amid the rising death toll in his brutal war on drugs.

 “It’s irresponsible the way they have termed it and the way they have carelessly used this word and their media power to paint the Philippines in such a way,” Abella told radio DZMM.

The Palace official noted that Duterte, despite his volatile rhetoric, has always underscored that all government initiatives must follow the rule of law, even in problems as “drastic” as the drug scourge which has grown into a multi-million-peso industry affecting over 40,000 barangays.

“For the longest time kasi, hindi siya (drug) binigyang pansin, binigyang-tuon. Ngayon, napakalaki na so drastic measures have to be taken for drastic situations. But we appreciate the President, lagi niyang sinasabi, kahit very colorful ‘yung language niya, na in practice, everything has to be done with regularity,” he said.

[For the longest time, the drug problem was not given attention, emphasis. Now, it has grown so much so that drastic measures have to be taken for drastic situations. But we appreciate the President, he always says, despite his colorful language, that in practice, everything has to be done with regularity.]

The Liberation, a newspaper in France, published Saturday a banner story about Duterte's anti-drugs campaign that has left over 3,000 people dead.

Written by Arnaud Vaulerin, the four-page article also touched on Duterte’s expletive-laced tirades against US President Barack Obama and Pope Francis, his comments referencing the mass murder of Jews under Adolf Hitler’s command and his alleged ties to a hit squad in Davao City.

Abella, however, argued that the true state of the country is not reflected by foreign news reports, but by the public’s confidence in Duterte.

“The best picture, the best mirror of what’s happening in the Philippines, is 'yung tao mismo, 'yung taumbayan na apektado [the public, the citizens who are affected]. So far, ang nakikita nating response ng tao [the response that we see], they have a very high appreciation of what the President is doing,” he said.

Duterte has earned a net satisfaction rating of +64 or "very good" despite the controversies marring his three months in office, according to a recent survey.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Comedian Joy Viado passes away

MANILA - Joy Viado has passed away, a source close to the comedian confirmed to ABS-CBN News Saturday evening. She was 57.

After suffering a heart attack, Viado was taken at the Quezon City General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 8:55 p.m., according to her best friend, Annete Lucido, per ABS-CBN News' MJ Felipe.

In an interview with DZMM, Viado's son, Joseph Cristopher, said she had difficulty breathing after arriving home from a friend's place Saturday.

"Galing siya sa bahay ng kaibigan niya, at paguwi niya ay medyo nahihirapan na siyang huminga," Joseph shared. "Tapos nung tinakbo namin siya sa hospital, sa kotse pa lang eh talagang nahihirapan na siya. Sa hospital, sinubukan i-revive pero [dead on arrival]."

A wake for Viado will be held at the Arlington Memorial Chapels Sunday afternoon, added Joseph.

A veteran comedienne who has featured in numerous television series and films, Viado last made headlines in 2015 when she broke down as she appealed for help to save her foot from amputation due to diabetes complications.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Itchy skin? Common allergies during summer

MANILA -- Allergies start with a sneeze or sudden itchiness of the skin. They are not something you should overlook, according to an expert.

Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (PSAAI) president and allergist Carmela Kasala discussed common allergies during summer in an interview with DZMM.

According to Kasala, eczema or atopic dermatitis is one of the common allergies during summer. Eczema is the inflammation of the skin characterized by itchy red rash.

"'Yan [eczema] dahil sa mainit medyo nagwo-worsen during this time, mas nangangati sila, mas nagkakaroon silang pamumula, nagkakamot sila ng todo-todo," Kasala said.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine medication are given to reduce itchiness and redness. The alkalinity and acidity of soap are also factors to look at since high alkaline in soap is also not good for the skin.

Another common allergy is allergic rhinitis which is caused by dust mites, pollen, and other things in the air.

The PSAAI president warned that when if allergic rhinitis is not treated, it may reach the lungs and lead to asthma.

Anti-histamine may also be used for medication of mild allergic rhinitis while nasal spray is given to those who have bad cases. She said hygiene and sanitation is an important against dust mites.

"Ang allergies ay hindi binabasta-basta lang. Baka akala niyo sipon-sipon lang, konting kati-kati 'yan, hindi po. So maaari pong simple lang ang inyong allergy pero minsan po makatsempo lang kayo ng masamang masamang klase ng allergy, pwedeng mahirapan kayong huminga at 'yung iba naman umaabot na po sa puntos ng kamatayan. So kailangan po natin magkonsulta kaagad kung mayron tayong sinususpetsa na allergy," Kasala said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How to prevent vaginal infection

MANILA - Many women suffer from vaginal infection, but are too ashamed to have it treated.

In an interview on DZMM, Dr. Gianna Montenegro, an obstetrician and gynecologist, said a lot of women go to their doctor because of vaginal infections, but are too shy to talk about it.

"Most of them talagang nahihiya kasi it's a very intimate part of their body, but you'll be surprised that it's the most common problem they bring to the gynecologist," she said.

The top four kinds of vaginal infection, according to Montenegro, are bacterial vaginosis, atropic vaginitis, trichomoniasis, and yeast infection or candidiasis.

Symptoms of these conditions include itchiness, discolored discharge and bad smell.

"In an everyday setting, it is presumed na walang discharge ang babae. If you have, this is two weeks after your menses, this should be clear discharge. Dapat walang makati, dapat walang odor. And then when there is a little more discharge, you feel more wet, you feel there's smell, there's a little yellowish discoloration, at makati, magdududa ka na that you have an infection," Montenegro said.

Although vaginal infections look simple enough, it can eventually cause serious consequences in the future.

"Kapag ang isang babae, ni-neglect ano, she took it for granted, akala niya normal, so this infections can go up the uterus. It can have future consequences," Montenegro said.

Vaginal infection may also cause pelvic inflammatory disease, or infertility.

"You can have infertility in the future kasi mabo-block 'yung tubes mo," Montenegro said.

Causes

According to Montenegero, women who overuse panty-liners, and who have undergone antibiotic treatment, are more susceptible to vaginal infections.

"Women who overuse panty-liners, tight undergarments, they came from an anti-biotic treatment, mahina ang immune system, or they are diabetic, it promotes the growth of fungus," she said, adding that antibiotics often kill other bacteria, causing the "bad" bacteria to overgrow.

She also advised women to allow their vagina to "breath," as moisture promotes the growth of fungus and bacteria.

Panty-liners and tight undergarments also tend to prevent ventilation.

"It [undergarment] should be cotton. The more maluwag para it promotes ventilation," Montenegro said, adding that the vagina should always be kept dry to prevent infection.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao: I’m not against gays, just their acts

MANILA -- Boxing champ and senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao clarified that he has nothing personal against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

In a lengthy interview on DZMM’s "Pasada Sais Trenta" on Wednesday, Pacquiao again apologized for his controversial statements describing couples in same-sex relationships as worse than animals.

But he maintained that he opposes the idea of members of the same-sex living together and getting married as it is “detestable in the eyes of God.”

"Ang pagsasama at pagtatalik ng parehong kasarian, 'yan po ay detestable in God's sight. That's what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah, kung bakit ginunaw ng Panginoon ang Sodom and Gomorrah,” Pacquiao said.

“Ang marriage, napaka-sagrado po 'yan, importante 'yan sa mata ng Panginoon. For me you're insulting God, if you're doing that (homosexual acts).”

This doesn’t mean, however, that he is condemning homosexuals, he said, pointing out that he has a gay nephew and that he is strongly supported by the LGBT community in his constituency in Sarangani province.

“Sa totoo lang po, ang dami kong LGBT na mga scholars, more than 100-200. So ‘di ko kinokondena ang mga LGBT. ‘Yung gagawin, ‘yung [sexual] act ang ayaw na ayaw ko,” he explained.

But according to Bemz Benedito of Ladlad Partylist, Pacquiao never supported gay rights even while serving as a congressman.

In a separate interview, Benedito said the Sarangani congressman never attended committee deliberations where proposals like the Anti-Discrimination Bill were tackled.

“With all due respect to him, apat na beses lang po siyang pumasok sa Kongreso at hindi po siya uma-attend sa committee deliberations,” said Benedito. “Sana kung nandoon siya, napakinggan niya kung ano ang mga suliranin ng mga LGBT, ang daming nadidiscriminate on a day-to-day basis.”

As a result of Pacquiao’s statements, Benedito said they will also be campaigning against the boxing superstar.

“Dalawa na sa mga kaalyado natin na superstars, si Vice Ganda at si Boy Abunda, ang nagsabi na hindi po siya iboboto at i-encourage ang kanilang mga kaibigan, kapamilya,” he said.

“Ganun din po ang aming gagawin. Bababa kami sa mga provincial captain, coordinators, members. Ito po ay ica-cascade namin na dapat, knockdown na sa aming mga balota, hindi na po dapat suportahan. Ikakampanya din namin po saaming mga pamilya, mga kaibigan dahil masyado na pong naging masakit ang mga statements niya,” he continued.

Despite the threat, Pacquiao refused to back down.

“I don't want to compromise naman kung iyan ang desisyon nila. Pinaliwanag ko ang side ko but I dont' want to compromise my belief and faith to the Lord,” the two-term congressman said.

“I don't want to compromise 'pag mali io-OK ko na para maboto ako, no. Para sa akin kung ganun ako sa sarili ko, may hidden agenda.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'Depressed' Angelica to quit showbiz?

MANILA – Angelica Panganiban is supposedly mulling to quit showbiz due to depression after she and John Lloyd Cruz reportedly called it quits.

Talent manager Ogie Diaz, quoting a source, reported on his radio show last Saturday that the couple have broken up.


Speaking on his DZMM show “Mismo” on Wednesday, Jobert Sucaldito said Panganiban is supposedly planning to leave for the United States and stay there for good.

“Depressed na depressed daw siya to the point na gusto na niya mag-quit sa showbiz at doon siya manirahan sa America with her family. ‘Di ba na-meet naman niya 'yung father niya? Parang gusto na daw niya mag-quit sa showbiz,” he said.

Currently, Panganiban is part of the Sunday gag show “Banana Sundae” and she is also a part of “Pangako Sa ‘Yo.”

However, the hit primetime series is now down to its last three weeks and there is still no word as to what project Panganiban will work on next.

Panganiban and Cruz have yet to break their silence on their supposed breakup.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How to prevent cervical cancer

MANILA - Cervical cancer is considered as one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the Philippines, despite being one of the easiest to prevent.

Around 6,700 cases of cervical cancer were reported in the Philippines in 2015. Of this number, around 3,000 or 50 percent of patients died of the said illness.

In an interview on DZMM, Dr. Joy Garcia, an obstetrician-gynecologist and oncologist, said that unlike in first world countries like the US, the number of cervical cancer-related deaths are high in the Philippines.

Cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which can spread through all forms of sexual contact.

"Ang cervical cancer, ang nagsasanhi nito ay 'yung tinatawag natin na HPV. Ang HPV is short for human papillomavirus. Itong virus na 'to ay nakukuha sa pakikipagtalik, iba't ibang uri ng pakikipagtalik," Garcia explained.

HPV also tends to be asymptomatic, with symptoms only showing after 10 to 15 years after a person gets infected.

"Ang una kasing gagawin, 'pag kunyari nahawa tayo ng virus na 'to, 'yung resistensiya natin, mapaalis 'yung virus sa katawan natin. Pero kung kunyari mahina 'yung resistensiya ng babae, o kaya ang daming virus na nailipat sa atin, mananatili 'yung virus na 'yun, at later on, siguro in 10 to 15 years, magkakaroon ng cervical cancer," Garcia added.

The doctor also lamented how cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the Philippines, considering that it is very easy to prevent.

"Bago pa maging cancer, dadaan pa siya sa pre-cancer. May sakit na ang cervix, pero hindi pa siya cancer. At itong sakit na ito na pre-cancer, napakadaling gamutin," Garcia said.

"Dito kasi sa Philippines, marami pa rin ang hindi alam kung gaano kaimportante 'yung paano siya iiwasan, at paano siya mahuhuli ng maaga," she added.

A woman should also get tested three years after her first sexual experience.

"Lahat ng kababaihan, dapat alam nila na once magkaroon na sila ng karanasan sa pakikipagtalik, dapat alam na nila na nagpapa-pap smear sila taon-taon until 65 to 70 years old," Garcia said, adding that women as young as 21 years old can get a pap smear.

Aside from getting a pap smear, a woman can also undergo HPV DNA testing, and get a vaccine against HPV to prevent cervical cancer.

Just like any other kinds of cancer, early detection can lead to early treatment.

Those infected with HPV can undergo surgery or total hysterectomy, depending on the severity of the infections.

"Kung surgery, pwedeng may tinatanggal sa part ng cervix, pwedeng total hysterectomy. 'Pag tapyas lang, part lang ng cervix 'yung aalisin, may chance pang magbuntis at manganak ang babae," Garcia said.

Women who underwent hysterectomy and radiation therapy, however, will lose their ability to bear children.

Smoking and taking oral contraception also increase the risk of cervical cancer, according to Garcia.

"So kunyari nakipagtalik ako, nahawa ako nung virus. Kung smoker ako, mas lalong dumidikit 'yung virus sa cervix ko. Kung matagal akong gumagamit ng oral contraception o pills para hindi mabuntis, mas dumidikit 'yung virus sa cervix ko. Mas nahihirapan 'yung katawan kong paalisin 'yung virus sa katawan ko."

Although men are often carriers of HPV, there are only very few men who get infected with it.

"Carrier ang lalaki, pero hindi sila favorite nung virus. Pwede rin silang mag-penile cancer dahil sa HPV, pero hindi kasing taas, kasing favorite ng cervix."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How Sarah reacted to Matteo's sexy music video

MANILA – Matteo Guidicelli did not ask for Sarah Geronimo’s permission when he shot the music video of his single “Ipapadama na Lang,” where he showed off his abs and lean upper body.

Guidicelli, however, told DZMM’s Ahwel Paz that his girlfriend was a bit shocked when she saw the video.

“Sabi niya, ‘Ano ba 'yan? Sobra naman 'yan,’” he said while letting out a laugh.

Guidicelli said the concept was to actually show the beauty of Cebu.

“We just brainstormed. But basically, ang buong concept ng music video is to feature ang kagandahan ng Cebu dahil taga doon po ako. Pinakita namin ang bridge, ang dagat,” he said.


The release of Guidicelli’s music video coincides with the actor’s upcoming solo concert this weekend. Titled “MG1,” the sold-out concert will be held at the Music Museum on November 28, with Martin Nievera and Morisette Amon as Guidicelli’s guests.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

How to know if you're bipolar

MANILA -- Just like other psychological disorders, being bipolar is often mistaken for either depression or mood swings.

In an interview on "Magandang Gabi Dok" on DZMM, Dr. Bernadette Manalo-Arcenas said bipolar disorder is a disorder wherein the patient suffers extreme changes in moods.

"'Pag sinabi mong bipolar, ups and downs extremes, para siyang South and North Pole apart," she added.

Symptoms of this disorder include being in a hyperexcited state, speaking rapidly, being argumentative, lack of goal-directed activity, lack of concentration, and extreme mood changes.

Bipolar disorder can be detected during late adolescence or early adulthood, when the person starts to discover the world and experience problems.

According to Arcenas, a person with bipolar disorder changes moods within minutes, unlike those people who are just plain moody.

"Minsan sa gabi hindi sila nakakatulog. They feel na parang hindi kailangang matulog. Madami silang gustong gawin pero hindi natatapos... They're very much interested sa mga pleasurable activities," she added.

Those with bipolar disorder also tend to do a lot of things at the same time.

"At times they would have a lot of relationships all at the same time or they would go shopping one to sawa or minsan makikita mo na parang ang dami nilang ginagawa tapos they would be frustrated kasi hindi naman natatapos," Arcenas said.

Studies show that bipolar disorder can be genetic. For Arcenas, bipolar disorder is also a biological problem involving the levels of dopamine and serotonin in a person's brain, causing the changes in moods.

Bipolar disorder can be treated through medication and therapy.

"Nagagamot naman siya sa pagbigay ng mga antipsychotic medications at nagbibigay tayo ng mood stabilizer," Arcenas said.

Bipolar disorder may only need three to six months of treatment. Those in the acute stage, on the other hand, may need at least two years of treatment.

Those with more severe symptoms might need to take medicines and undergo therapy for a longer time.

For Arcenas, hyperactivity connected with bipolar disorder is different from hyperactivity caused by ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

"Magka-link sila at usually ito 'yung nagiging problem sa diagnosis kasi hyper din 'pag ADHD ang pasyente so kailangan talaga ma-tease out ano ba ang mas mataas, ang mood problems or 'yung attention kasi magkaiba 'yun," she said.

Bipolar disorder can also be linked to depression, which is a state of prolonged sadness and lack of motivation.

While depression and bipolar disorder may share symptoms, Arcenas clarified that suffering from depression is only one part of being bipolar as they tend to go from depressed to hyper in a short time.

Arcenas explained that those suffering from bipolar disorder or other mood disorders should not hesitate from talking to a psychiatrist.

She also advised patients not to stop from taking medicine unless instructed by their doctors.

People who have relatives and family members suffering from bipolar disorder should also be more patient and understanding.

"They have the right to be treated. Marami naman tayong ospital all over the country na makatutulong. Seek help para magamot ang pasyente. Hindi sila magagamot sa pagkadena lang. Kailangan talaga silang ayusin, gamutin and they will live a better life," Arcenas said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Elizabeth Ramsey in hospital after stroke

MANILA -- Singer and comedienne Elizabeth Ramsey, dubbed as the country's "Queen of Rock and Roll," has been admitted to a hospital after suffering a stroke on Thursday, her daughter said.

Singer Jaya Ramsey shared the news on her Facebook account where she wrote: "my mama had a stroke today, I'm at my saddest but still praise God for He is in control!!! Please if you can, say a little prayer for my dearest mother. Thank you."

She later added: "Thank you to all of you who prayed for Mama Beth. God bless all of you and will update you soon of her condition, but I promise you, prayers really work!!!! God be praised for his mercy."

According to DZMM's Jobert Sucaldito, the 83-year-old Ramsey has been confined at the intensive care unit of the Philippine Heart Center.

Her niece, Edwina, said she and Ramsey were supposed to go out Thursday afternoon when the comedienne had a seizure. Medical tests later revealed her blood sugar level shot up to 500.

Edwina also told Sucaldito that Ramsey still cannot move the right side of her body, and is unable to recognize anyone when she wakes up.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

What Atom Araullo learned from his father

MANILA – ABS-CBN reporter Atom Araullo credited his father as one of the people who is responsible for the person he has become today.

In celebration of Father’s Day, Araullo greeted his dad on air during his DZMM show on Sunday morning.

“Happy Father’s Day, Papski. Iyan po ang responsable sa lalaking nakikita niyo ngayon. Kung ano man ang resulta, siya po ang sisihin niyo o purihin niyo. Iyan po si Mike Araullo,” he said.



In a previous interview with Smart Parenting, Araullo said he learned to live a “fuller life” from his father.

"One of the things that [my father] taught me that stuck was to be a well-rounded person. When I was younger my dad encouraged me to try so many things, and to explore opportunities that I didn’t even know I was interested in,” he said.

He added: “Because of all those experiences and the people I’ve met along the way, I feel like I live a much fuller life and I’ve gained a lot of perspective.”

Acknowledging his father as his role model, Araullo said what he taught him “also influenced how I plan to raise my family in the future."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Billy Crawford detained

MANILA – Host-singer Billy Crawford is currently detained at a Taguig City police station after he allegedly went berserk past 4 a.m. Sunday at the Police Station 7 breaking the glass of one of its sliding doors.

In an interview with DZMM, Jonathan Aride, chief inspector of the Taguig Police Station 7, said Crawford arrived at the station supposedly to complain about a personal problem.

“May sinasabi siya pero hindi ko matandaan dahil nasa labas siya. Basta nagwawala siya doon dahil parang nakainom. Inaawat siya ng isang babae namin na pulis. Ayaw magpaawat kaya nauwi sa nabasag niya 'yung salamin sa sliding door,” he said.

Aride said they then asked for help to calm down the TV host.

“Humingi kami ng responde sa isang mobile namin na mga lalaki para posasan siya. Kasi ayaw niya magpaawat eh. Dalawang babae, desk officer namin [ang naka-duty kanina]. Nasa kabilang area kami dahil meron din kaming insidente sa kabila,” he said.

According to Aride, Crawford was with an unidentified woman who left after the “It’s Showtime” host was arrested.

“May babae pero hindi lumapit. Biglang nawala nung naposasan na namin... Isang babae lang ang na-identify na kasama niya. Actually hindi siya nagpakilala kasi nung dumating 'yung mobile namin, bigla siyang nawala,” he said.

“[Walang physical contact], medyo tulak tulak lang dahil hinaharangan nga ng mga tao ko para hindi niya mabasag ang salamin kaya lang malakas siya kaya nagkaroon siya ng pagkakataon na banggain ang salamin namin,” he added.

Crawford may be facing charges of malicious mischief, resisting arrest, direct assault and disobedience of agent of authority.

What really happened

Crawford has since apologized for the incident.

Admitting that it was really his fault, Crawford, in an interview with DZMM, said he already said sorry to the police officers if he had said any derogatory statements.

“It was my fault pero wala akong nasaktan, wala akong tinulak, wala akong tinamaan kundi 'yung salamin,” he said.

“To be honest with you, I don’t see anything wrong with what I did. It was my fault for actually being aggressive. Buti na lang it didn’t happen in a bar, it didn’t happen anywhere else. It happened in a precinct. The reason why is because I knew for a fact I needed to be in a controlled environment. So as I said, I really apologize to the officers if I said anything derogatory or anything else,” he added.

Crawford, who admitted to have been drinking, explained that he went to the police station because he was “stressed out by certain situations.”

“You know when we are under the influence of alcohol, you just don’t really fake it. I don’t come from a background na to hide or to fake anything. It’s an aggression. I’m just really exhausted. I’m stressed out by certain situations. We try to be the best we are. We are not perfect. Ibig sabihin ng ‘Ayaw ko makasakit,’ I’m getting the aggression,” he said.

“And usually for me, when I’m angry, I’m not plastic. If there’s someone that speaks derogatorily to me or anything, reresbak ako. It’s my protection. That’s one of the reasons why I went to the prison and said, ‘Just please arrest me.’ Kasi I do not want to be drunk roaming around or making a fool out of myself which I am right now. That was it,” he added.

Crawford said he immediately calmed down when he was handcuffed. Unfortunately, he broke one of the precinct’s sliding doors.

“When they put the handcuffs on me, I calmed down. When I sat down, I just… ewan ko. Ito ba 'yung pahinga na sinasabi ko na gusto ko,” he said. “I can’t contain myself if I’m under the influence of alcohol. Sasabihin ko nga that was the only thing that was wrong for me. I just really apologized.”

Asked what he learned from this incident, Crawford said: “Maybe lessen the alcohol and act like a grown up. It’s really immature and it’s a shame for me.”

Coleen reacts

Meanwhile, Crawford’s girlfriend, Coleen Garcia, came to his defense, belying an earlier report of GMA News that the “It’s Showtime” host hit a lady police officer.

In her personal Twitter account, Garcia asked GMA News to “stop spreading lies.”

“You and I both know that Billy didn't punch anyone last night. I doubt that he would ever hit a woman,” she said.

“As for the ‘unidentified woman’ he was with? He was with three of my best friends. And yes, two of them are women. No need to put malice in that,” she added.

Garcia then went on to urge her followers to “not believe everything you read.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Korina goes on leave from radio show

MANILA - Veteran broadcaster Korina Sanchez has taken a leave of absence from her daily morning show "Rated K" on DZMM to allow her more time to finish pending tasks.

In a statement, Sanchez said she is currently back in school, finishing her Master's Degree at the Ateneo de Manila University.

"Muntik na akong ibagsak ng dalawa kong propesor dahil sa absence at late submissions kaya talagang hindi ko mapagsabay," Sanchez said, adding that a post-graduate degree has been on her bucket list.

Last June, Sanchez said she asked permission from ABS-CBN management to allow her to take a leave from her top-rating radio program.

"Ang trabaho naman nariyan lang at ang sabi naman sa akin ng mga boss, kapag ayos na lahat ay makakabalik naman ako. Gusto ko na talaga itong iraos," she said.

Amy Perez and Marc Logan will take over Sanchez's timeslot in their new program called "Sakto," which will focus on stories mainly about family, but will also tackle current issues.

"Sabi ko kina Amy at Marc, basta sana i plug pa rin nila ang Tsinelas Campaign namin para sa mga bata. Cute ang show nila," said Sanchez, who has been giving away rubber slippers to poor children for several years.

"Sakto" will air Mondays to Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m. on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM Teleradyo.

Sanchez is scheduled to renew her contract with the Kapamilya network. She will continue her top-rating Sunday magazine show Rated K and co-anchor TV Patrol with 'Kabayan' Noli de Castro and Ted Failon.

The award-winning broadcaster earlier addressed speculations about her alleged suspension after being absent on TV Patrol. She said she had to work on a scheduled special on typhoon-hit areas for her TV show.

Meanwhile, Sanchez said 2013 has been a fruitful year for her after she got several awards including the Anak TV Award for Rated K, and Best Female TV Newscaster during the 3rd Makatao Awards for Media Excellence given by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP).

"New Year's wish ko na sana walang dumapo na kahit anong trahedya sa Pilipinas. At tuloy-tuloy na ang paghilom ng Kabisayaan. Sana matapos ko itong pag-aaral ko nang magagandang grades, ang hirap eh. May mga malalapit akong kamag anak na may sakit na sana gumaling na. Sana mabayaran ko lahat ng obligasyon ko. Maliban doon, puro pagpapasalamat na. I can't ask for anything more, sobra ang blessings ko na sana Ituloy lang ng Panginoon ngayong taon," she said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com