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Love pets? Protect yourself and your furbabies from rabies

We can’t help but love our pets. They provide us companionship and comfort, which can benefit us in many ways especially now that we’re spending more time at home. But while pets are undoubtedly therapeutic, unfortunately, they also have the potential to pose a threat to our health. One of these is rabies infection.

A bite or even a scratch of an animal can transmit this virus to humans, which can put you and your pet’s life in danger.

According to the Department of Health, almost half of the annual rabies cases in the Philippines involve domesticated pets. This means that now more than ever, furparents need to be extra vigilant in protecting themselves and their pets.

There are current ways to prevent this such as vaccinating our pets, but it is still essential to know what to do once exposed.In celebration of World Rabies Day last September 28, ZP Therapeutics, a division of Zuellig Pharma Corporation, advocated for early prevention, proper treatment, and control of the disease.

During a virtual event entitled, “Review of Animal Bite Management”, the company took the opportunity to provide continuing education to the healthcare community while spreading information to the public.


General and Laparoscopic Surgeon Dr. Vinzon Valencia, FPSGS, FPCS, led the insightful discussion, which revolved around this year’s theme, “Rabies: Facts, Not Fear”. 
It updated participants on the latest rabies information and clinical management. Ultimately, the event highlighted the importance of proper information and how that can greatly help us in our fight against rabies.

How is rabies transmitted?

Protecting ourselves from rabies starts with knowing and understanding the different ways in how it can be contracted. There are three categories of exposure, depending on the severity and area of exposure:

Category I, which is transmitted through: 

  • Feeding or touching the infected animal, licking of intact skin;
  • Exposure to a patient with signs and symptoms of the infection by sharing of eating and/or drinking utensils;
  • Casual contact and routine delivery of healthcare to the symptomatic patient.

Category II can be transmitted through:

  • Nibbling of uncovered skin, with or without bruising or hematoma;
  • Minor or superficial scratches or abrasions without bleeding, including those induced to bleed;

Category III can be transmitted through:

  • Transdermal bites (such as puncture wounds, lacerations, avulsions) or scratches or abrasions with spontaneous bleeding;
  • Licks on broken skin or mucous membrane;
  • Exposure to a rabies patient through bites, contamination of mucous membranes or open skin lesions, and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation;
  • Unprotected handling of an infected carcass;
  • Ingestion of raw infected meat;
  • Exposure to bats;
  • All Category III exposures on the head and neck area.

What to do after possible exposure?

If you’ve been bitten, scratched, or may have been exposed to rabies via any of these three categories, immediately wash the wounded with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.

This is the most reliable way to lower your chances of infection. Dr. Valencia advised against dressing the wounded area, as this will only favor the growth of bacteria and increase the likelihood of infection. Self-medicating is also strongly discouraged, though, for it’s best to just leave the situation to our healthcare professionals.

So if you are seeking help from traditional healers like manghihilot, tandok, or tawak, know that this will just even promote the spread of infection, and it won’t be of any help!

For Category II & III exposures, it is best to see a healthcare provider for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 24 hours.

Your healthcare provider will assess the patient and shall administer the necessary rabies vaccine or rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) shots. The schedule of these shots will follow WHO’s updated recommendations on the rabies vaccine regimen schedule, as discussed by Dr. Valencia. Make sure not to skip though, for your doses should be completed until Day 7, regardless of the status of the biting animal. 

Are there any contraindications on Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIGs)?

Worried about getting your Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) after getting exposed? Don’t fret. According to Dr. Valencia, there are no contraindications for rabies vaccines and RIGs. This also goes for breastfeeding and pregnant women, and even someone who has recently received a COVID-19 vaccine.

In view of rabies infection’s risk to our lives, we should prioritize administration of PEP no matter what the case may be. Getting protected from rabies infection is always more important because it can save someone’s life.

Indeed, knowledge is key when it comes to dealing with rabies. As Dr. Valencia said, “Rabies is fatal and irreversible but it is avoidable”.

It can save your life, your loved one’s life, and of course, spare your furbaby from the dangerous disease. Join ZP Therapeutics in taking World Rabies Day as an opportunity to educate ourselves.

Even in the smallest way we can, by spreading facts and not fear, we can all make rabies a thing of the past.

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New year, new flavors: Lusso by Margarita Forés arrives at SM Podium

4:29 p.m. March 11, 2025

SM Podium elevates its sophisticated dining experience with the launch of Lusso by Margarita Forés—the first Margarita Signature restaurant, established by the celebrated chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés, to become part of SM’s prestigious portfolio.

With the festive season in full swing, Lusso offers  the perfect setting to celebrate life’s special moments, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a romantic dinner, or a quiet indulgence with loved ones.

Renowned for her world-class culinary artistry, recognized as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Forés brings her signature touch of elegance and exceptional flavors to this exciting new addition. Lusso promises an extraordinary culinary journey that combines the finest ingredients, impeccable presentation, and flavors that linger long after the last bite. Known for her innovative approach to Italian cuisine and her dedication to celebrating Filipino flavors on the global stage, Forés brings unparalleled expertise and a passion for excellence to every dish. At Lusso, dining becomes more than just a meal—it’s an experience.

Lusso is the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner with someone special, hosting a cozy family gathering, or celebrating milestones with your closest friends, the restaurant offers the perfect backdrop to celebrate the season in style.

Lusso is a natural inclusion in SM Podium, seamlessly aligning with its reputation as a haven for elevated experiences through its curated offerings, sophisticated ambiance, and dedication to world-class dining. Offering an exquisite menu designed to indulge the senses, the restaurant is an invitation to savor life’s finer moments.

Signature dishes like the Portobello Mushroom, Asparagus & Goat Cheese Mille-Feuille and the decadent Lobster Linguine highlight Lusso’s commitment to culinary artistry. From sumptuous dishes crafted with precision to an ambiance that radiates understated luxury, Lusso transforms every visit into an unforgettable affair.

Visit Lusso at SM Podium and make this festive season truly special. Whether you’re indulging in a celebratory feast or treating yourself to an unforgettable dining experience, Lusso offers more than just a meal—it’s a taste of refined luxury. Discover more reasons to celebrate, more moments to savor, and more for you at SM, where exceptional dining meets the spirit of togetherness.

SM Supermalls #HomeOfFirsts

At SM Supermalls, we take pride in being the Home of Firsts—bringing you the first-to-market brands, groundbreaking experiences, and culinary destinations you won’t find anywhere else. From world-class dining and retail exclusives to innovative spaces that inspire and connect communities, we’re redefining what it means to have it all. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sustainability, community empowerment, and delivering memorable moments that make every visit more meaningful. There’s always something new and memorable waiting for you at SM.

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Get that loan even faster with Maya

11:14 p.m. March 10, 2025

Life comes at you fast—your next big move, a golden opportunity, or an unexpected expense. One day, you’re just manifesting that dream gadget, and the next, you need it ASAP. Your fave artist drops concert tickets, your laptop crashes before a big pitch, or an emergency pops up. When time is money, you can’t afford to wait.

Good thing Maya’s got your back. Now, more upgraded Maya users can borrow instantly with Maya Easy Credit and Maya Personal Loan—no long lines, no endless paperwork, just straight-up speed. A few taps in the Maya app, and boom—funds are in your Maya Wallet, ready to fuel your every move.

Borrow on Your Terms—Fast, Flexible, and All-in-one app

Unlike typical banks, Maya keeps things fast, digital, and stress-free. No waiting weeks for approval. No jumping through hoops. Just instant access to cash—whether it’s for everyday needs or life’s biggest moments.

  • For emergencies and everyday essentials: Maya Easy Credit gives you a revolving credit line of up to ₱30,000, so you can borrow instantly for urgent expenses like grocery runs, bills, or unexpected costs. Repay flexibly and borrow again whenever needed.
  • For big life moves: Maya Personal Loan lets you borrow up to ₱250,000, payable in up to 24 months—perfect for major purchases, home upgrades, business investments, or even that much-needed dream vacation.

And because Maya is an all-in-one digital bank app, using your borrowed funds is just as easy. Use it to pay with your Maya Card, scan to pay at thousands of merchants, settle bills in-app, or transfer money in seconds—giving you ultimate flexibility, anytime, anywhere.

How to Apply? Easy.

Getting started is simple—just open the Maya app and go to Credit or Loans to check if you’re eligible. Need extra funds on demand? Apply for and activate Maya Easy Credit in a few taps and borrow instantly. Eyeing a bigger loan? Apply for a Maya Personal Loan, enter your desired amount, and complete your application in minutes. Once approved, your funds land straight in your Maya Wallet—ready for payments, transfers, or cash withdrawals.

When life moves fast, Maya moves faster. Tap, borrow, and go—only with the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines.

Apply today via the Maya app. Visit maya.ph and mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for updates.

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Web3 on Wheels: YGG Pilipinas Hits the Road with the Metaverse Filipino Worker (MFW) Caravan

3:30 p.m. March 9, 2025

YGG Pilipinas is embarking on a four-month tour with the Metaverse Filipino Worker (MFW) Caravan, a traveling roadshow bringing the future of work to six key cities across the Philippines.

From April to August 2025, the MFW Caravan will showcase how Filipinos can level up their skills and access fun new ways to earn online, all without having to leave their hometowns. The multi-stage event is part of a year-long initiative introducing more Filipinos to the rapidly growing digital economy with alternative career opportunities beyond traditional employment and overseas work.

Through hands-on workshops and expert talks hosted by YGG Pilipinas’ educational platform Metaversity, MFW Caravan attendees will learn how they can future-proof their careers with emerging technologies including Web3, AI and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN). Lessons offered by Metaversity will include resume building, optimizing work through AI, and using decentralized applications (DApps). During each Caravan stop, job boards and career orientation will also be available. Attendees can also partake in event quests to earn rewards, including AI bounties designed and offered by YGG’s Future of Work program, and learn more about how to join a community through the Metaverse Filipino Alliance. 

“The MFW movement is proof that anyone can carve out a sustainable future in the global decentralized digital economy. We’ve seen former OFWs return home and find new income streams online, students turn their love for video games into careers, small business owners tap into Web3 to expand their addressable market, farmers explore digital opportunities to supplement their livelihoods, and working moms build careers from home so they never have to leave their children behind. Their stories of resilience and success show that the future of work isn’t just coming—it’s already here. And the best part is that they can do it all from home, right here in the Philippines,” said Mench Dizon, Country Head of YGG Pilipinas. 

The MFW movement launched in January 2025 with the YouTube release of the short film, Metaverse Filipino Worker, showcasing real-life stories of Filipinos building digital careers in Web3. The video, available at MFW.Life, hit more than a million views in less than two weeks of its release. The stars of the film will be traveling with the MFW Caravan to meet communities in person and answer questions about their journey, including how they overcame personal challenges and discovered global opportunities. 

In true YGG Pilipinas fashion, each leg of the MFW Caravan will feature Web3 game demos, showmatches, and tournaments for popular Web3 gaming titles. For many MFWs, Web3 gaming has been their entry point into the open metaverse. These games serve as a fun and rewarding introduction to blockchain and cryptocurrencies while helping players get started with the support of the YGG Pilipinas community.

“The MFW Caravan reflects a crucial shift in how Filipinos approach work—one that prioritizes digital skills, borderless opportunities, and economic empowerment without the need to go overseas to get it. At the DICT, we recognize the importance of preparing our workforce for these changes by promoting education and upskilling in emerging fields like Web3 and AI. By expanding awareness and opening more pathways to these opportunities, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient digital workforce in the Philippines,” said Emmy Lou Delfin, Director, ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB) and Regional Director, MIMAROPA at the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

As industries rapidly evolve with emerging technologies like Web3 and AI, the demand for skilled professionals is surging. According to the World Economic Forum’s whitepaper, The Rise of Global Digital Jobs, there are currently over 70 million digital jobs worldwide, with projections indicating this number could approach 100 million by 2030. At the same time, the Web3 market—valued at over USD $1 billion—is expected to grow sixfold in the next five years, according to Mordor Intelligence. YGG Pilipinas’ goal is to provide digital upskilling opportunities to all Filipinos so they can capitalize on this growth.

The MFW Caravan will launch on April 5, in Davao’s Ayala Malls Abreeza. It will then be followed by stops in Cagayan De Oro’s Ayala Malls Centrio on May 4, Iloilo’s Ayala Malls Atria Park District on June 7, Bicol’s Ayala Malls Legaspi on June 28, Palawan on July 19, and have its final leg in Manila on Aug 2. The MFW Caravan is made possible thanks to partners Ayala Malls, G!G, Coins.ph, Converge and Parallel TCG. The event is also supported by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the City Education and Development Office in CDO.

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