NEWS
No smoking, plus Organique Acai can help you on your wellness journey

June 3, 2022 3:08 p.m.
For better or for worse, it isn’t uncommon to see people smoking. For many people, this has already become a habit for them, especially when they’re stressed, when they’re together with their friends, or even when they want to lose weight.
But if we want to keep our body strong and fit throughout our lives, we must be mindful of what we do with it—from the food we eat to even the substances we take, such as cigarettes and alcohol.
We can be happy and healthy even without hurting our health!
Smoking, although it has many negative effects, can be addictive. Dr. Dexter Macalintal, Lifestyle Medicine Specialist, explains that this is because of the chemical nicotine.
This is found in the tobacco plant, which is rolled into a cigarette or placed into vape liquid. When we smoke, our bodies absorb nicotine, which tells our brain to release dopamine, the happy hormone.
This then makes the user feel happy and relaxed. Over time, especially when stressed or angry, our brain tells us to repeat the action that makes you feel better—in this case, smoking.
When this isn’t controlled, smoking can develop into a habit and a compulsory act, and the user becomes addicted.
People who have become addicted to smoking will often report consistent cold and cough. This is because of the allergy symptoms that have developed from the smoke.
More well-known, as well, are the multiple cancers that you can be at risk of, like lung cancer, throat cancer, and even esophagus cancer.
According to the Department of Health, 87,600 Filipinos die a year from tobacco-related diseases.
Even people who inhale cigarette smoke from other smokers, who are known as secondhand or even thirdhand smokers, can be at risk for these illnesses all because of nicotine.
Dr. Macalintal says that the different chemicals contained in cigarette smoke produce free radicals, molecules created by the body in some cell processes and even by the immune system.
However, when these are not neutralized, particularly by antioxidants, free radicals can damage your body’s cells and even contribute to illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.
Quitting smoking is important in your wellness journey.
It cuts down the risk of cardiovascular diseases to 50% of that of a non-smoker within 1 year, and lung diseases to 50% as well when one quits after 10 years.
There also isn’t any safe number of cigarette sticks that one can take without getting sick; it really is best to avoid smoking altogether.

You’re also able to keep your family and community safe by keeping them away from cigarette smoke.
To stop smoking, you can talk with your doctor to help you establish a “quit date” where you must completely stop smoking or at least have reduced the number of cigarettes you smoke. You can also consider medicine or nicotine therapy from your doctor to help break the habit.
To be healthy, it’s also important to have nutritious foods and food supplements such as Organique Acai Premium Blend, which can help counteract the negative effects of cigarette smoke and strengthen your immune system through its high antioxidant and vitamin content!
A healthy lifestyle gives us a stronger body and mind, making us feel better and happier too!
To know more about Organique Açaí Premium Blend, visit organique.com.ph or call hotline, 0969- 1754233.
Available in all Watsons, S&R outlets and other major drugstores and supermarkets near you.
NEWS
Rep. Atayde draws Iglesia Ni Cristo endorsement

2:33 p.m. May 9, 2025
Quezon City First District Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde has received the endorsement of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) for a second consecutive term, joining the ranks of several local candidates who have secured the influential church’s support ahead of the 2025 elections.
Atayde also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
“Lubos po ang aking pasasalamat muli sa tiwalang ipinagkaloob ng mga Kapatid sa Iglesia Ni Cristo, lalo na kay Ka Eduardo V. Manalo,” said Atayde.
“Ang inyong suporta ay inspirasyon namin upang ipagpatuloy ang tapat at maagap na serbisyo para sa bayan. Sama-sama tayong kikilos, aksyon agad!”
Atayde, who won his first term in 2022, is seeking a second term on the back of both his legislative record and the successful implementation of district-level programs that have focused on employment, health care, education, and food security.
The legislator reiterated his commitment to “sustain his ongoing projects, fulfill his legislative duties, and continue delivering honest public service” in Quezon City’s first district.
Among his major legislative accomplishments are authorship or co-authorship of key national laws such as the Eddie Garcia Law, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, the Internet Transactions Act, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, the SIM Registration Act, the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, and the New Government Procurement Act.
In his first term, Atayde also spearheaded local initiatives that provided direct aid to thousands of residents. These included emergency employment for 11,498 workers under TUPAD, job opportunities abroad for 1,500 applicants through the Taiwan Job Fair, livelihood training for 1,100 residents via TESDA, and capital support for 245 small entrepreneurs through the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
The lawmaker also launched and maintained key welfare programs: free dialysis treatment for 60 patients daily at the district’s new facility, medical assistance for 75,466 individuals, CHED aid for 4,598 students, scholarship support for 1,410 others under Tulong Dunong and SMART, rice aid for 132,567 families, over 65,000 meals served through Kusina on Wheels, and seasonal gift-giving that reached 64,000 families.
In times of crisis, Atayde’s office also responded to the needs of 7,789 families affected by fire, extended burial assistance to 3,501 families, and provided financial help to 40,684 individuals for various needs.
Atayde is running under Team Aksyon Agad alongside Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and six councilors in the district—all of whom also received the coveted INC endorsement.
NEWS
Converge continues to draw young talents, seeks out electronics engineers

11:20 p.m. May 7, 2025
Coming off a student-led hackathon in Ateneo de Manila University wherein it shared its expertise as a tech company to young software developers, Converge once again collaborated with bright young minds as it engaged with the University of the Philippines student chapter of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP).
Invited by the student body of the UP-IECEP, Converge was among the leading sponsors of the ‘Get Licensed: Geared Up for the Future’ event held at the UP School of Statistics. ‘Get Licensed’ is a preparatory event / seminar for Electronics Engineering students from across the metro, including Technological University of the Philippines, De La Salle University-Manila, Mapua University, and other top engineering schools. It is aimed at preparing ECE students for their licensure exam.
“Filipinos have the right talent, and they’re capable of innovating world-class solutions. At Converge, we see the potential of every Filipino – including yours, the youth – and it is our prime directive to give them the digital launchpad, and become the catalyst for intellectual property creation,” said Converge Chief Network Transformation Officer, Paulo Martin ‘Santi’ Santos, himself a graduate of Materials Engineering at the University of the Philippines.
Apart from the opportunities available at Converge, students were given a glimpse of how Converge grew exponentially especially during the pandemic. While many industries and sectors were rendered inefficient by the global health crisis, fixed broadband, particularly in driving digital transformation, grew by leaps and bounds. It proved to be an ‘industry of the future’, and is poised to see further expansion in the years to come.
Converge set up a booth in the lobby of the UP School of Statistics, giving away company merchandise and briefing the students of openings in the company. This is part of the company’s ongoing campaign to recruit from among the best schools in the country to beef up its workforce.
NEWS
Infinix Campus Cup 2025 to unleash next generation of esports legends across southeast Asia

12: 44 p.m. May 3, 2025
Infinix, in collaboration with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), proudly kicks off the Infinix Campus Cup (XCC) 2025—a bigger, bolder evolution of the former Infinix University League (XUL), built to level up the student gaming experience across Southeast Asia.
Running from May to July 2025, XCC 2025 will set the stage for passionate student gamers across Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Philippines to rise to esports stardom. Fueled by the high-performance Infinix GT series, this tournament is dedicated to empowering the next generation of players. Gather your squad, register, and take your shot at becoming the next campus esports legends.
“XCC was born from our belief that the future of esports starts on campus,” said Tony Zhao, Infinix General Manager.“From the beginning, it has been about empowering the next generation of esports legends and bridging the gap between young gamers and the professional scene. As we expand across Southeast Asia, we at Infinix remain committed to growing this platform, inspiring the youth to step into the spotlight, chase their dreams, and build their future in gaming.”
After igniting the Philippine gaming scene in its previous editions, XCC 2025 expands its reach across Southeast Asia, charging into new territories, with the Philippines as this year’s host nation. The goal is to bring together the region’s most passionate student gamers and turn their dreams of esports stardom into reality.
At the heart of the competition lies Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)—the region’s most beloved mobile MOBA title—providing the perfect arena for student teams to showcase their skills, strategy, and teamwork. More than just a tournament, XCC 2025 serves as a launchpad for aspiring esports professionals, designed to spotlight rising stars and elevate the campus esports scene across Southeast Asia. Participants will compete using the upcoming high-performance Infinix GT Series, a cutting-edge gaming device that reflects the brand’s commitment to empowering gamers with tools built for victory.
XCC 2025 sets the tone for a season filled with intense rivalries, unforgettable plays, and life-changing opportunities—this is #WhereLegendsRise. Infinix envisions the tournament as more than just a competition—it’s a movement to empower youth, fuel their passion for gaming, and unlock future career paths in esports.
Three Stages, One Path to Glory
Local Open Qualifiers & Group Stage (May–June 2025)
Student teams from across the five participating countries will enter the tournament through open qualifiers, battling their way through national-level group stages in pursuit of a coveted spot in the finals.
National Finals (May–June 2025)
Top contenders from each country will clash in their respective National Finals, where pride, passion, and the title of National Champion are on the line.