The country’s population is aging. The number of seniors in the Philippines has more than doubled from 4.5 million 20 years ago to 9.2 million in 2020 to account for 8.5 percent of the population, up from just 5.9 percent previously. This percentage is projected by the Commission on Population and Development (Popcom)  to reach 40 percent by 2035.

An aging population presents challenges, foremost of which are health concerns. The elderly are a vulnerable population, and so preventive healthcare solutions are necessary to ensure healthy aging. Considering the contributions the elderly have given to their family and the country during their prime, it is only fair they age gracefully and live fully as they go through their golden years.

But with physical mobility a concern for many elderly and fear of contracting COVID-19 keeping many from going to their doctors for regular checkups, more accessible and modern options such as telemedicine and virtual consultations are increasingly being adopted. Many are also turning to personalized medications, which are viable and effective options for specific health concerns and wellness goals.

Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy, the first online compounding pharmacy in the Philippines, believes in utilizing the latest innovations to enable the elderly and those nearing senior age to have a healthy and graceful experience. From virtual consultation and prescription to seamless and secure delivery of compounded medications, AIP makes it easier for the elderly to have access to the vitamins, supplements and medicines they need without having to leave the comfort and safety of their homes.

Manage pain and aches 

With age comes more wisdom and the occasional inexplicable pain and aches here and there. More than back and muscle aches, the elderly also become generally more sensitive and at risk of developing skin irritation, among others.

Common diseases associated with aging such as arthritis, diabetes and back pain can also be resolved using compounded medicines. AIP compounds prescription medications common for our elderly which includes Anti-depressant Drugs, Anti- Convulsant Drugs, Anesthetic Drugs and NSAID medications.

For one, AIP compounds Amitriptyline, a type of drug that can treat pain caused by nerve damage. Though initially created to treat anxiety and depression, this drug when used at a low dose can alleviate pain caused by arthritis, chronic neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and back pain.

AIP also compounds Gabapentin, an anti-epileptic medication that diminishes pain transmission in damaged neurons by affecting glutamate receptors. It is best used for pain management caused by chronic neuropathic pain, diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, fibromyalgia and generalized vulvodynia.

Benzocaine offers mild pain control and is generally used for topical anesthesia. It works by blocking nerve signals in the body and provides a temporary numbing effects. Commonly used for pain management for sore throat, cold sores and teething as well as external vaginal itching and burning, benzocaine is not intended for prolonged application time or use.

For skin irritations and discomfort such as sunburn and minor rashes caused by insect bites, AIP can compound Lidocaine and Tetracaine. Lidocaine works by blocking pain signals at the skin’s nerve endings and helps reduce burning and sharp pain in specific overly sensitive skin areas. Tetracaine, is an amino-ester local anesthetic, is commonly used as a topical anesthetic for short procedures on the ears, nose and surface of the eye.

Repair and regulate hormonal imbalance

Growing old does come with a decline in physical and mental well-being due to hormonal changes and aging organs. This does not, however, mean having to live the rest of one’s life in discomfort or pain.

AIP offers specialized medicines for common health and wellness concerns such as irregular gall bladder activity, weakened immune system and overall well-being are available. The pharmacy’s Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) replicates hormones using natural resources to supplement the body with the hormones it lacks and needs. AIP compounds specific hormones based on patient requirements to ensure the compounded solution adapts to the individual’s bodily structure seamlessly.

Pregnenolone, one of the hormones that AIP compounds, may be considered a good brain enhancer. Besides improving memory and clarity of thought, it boosts vision and energy, even sexual enjoyment. Another hormone that AIP recommends for BHRT therapy is melatonin, which monitors circadian rhythm and induces drowsiness – useful for seniors who have difficulty sleeping or having an established sleep schedule.

Restore confidence

Hair thinning or loss is one of the drastic physical changes that comes with aging. Elderly males use hats to hide growing bald patches while women opt for shorter hairstyles, the changes in their crowning glory limiting their options and ultimately resulting in frustration and loss of confidence.

AIP can also compound hair loss treatments such as Minoxidil and Minoxidil combined with Finasteride, compounded formulations for treating hair loss. Minoxidil is an active ingredient used to increase hair density and revive follicles while Finasteride promotes scalp hair growth and prevents hair loss. This combination can come in topical solution or in whatever form the patient prefers.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can also be addressed by compounded medicine. Besides lifestyle changes, AIP compounds duo-mix, which contains two complementary drugs namely Papaverine and Phentolamine mixed into a sterile injection. It is traditionally done via self-injection. Tri-mix, considered to be the most powerful class of anti-ED agent, comprises Papaverine, Phentolamine and Alprostadil. It is administered through penile self-injection and can be used for a vast number of conditions other than ED.

All AIP compounded medications come in customizable dosages, forms, combinations and formulations and therefore can easily be adjusted to meet specific patient needs. This also minimizes side effects and risks of drug abuse and addiction. Allergies and sensitivities are considered per patient and can be discussed with a doctor over AIP’s website.

Give grandparents the golden years they deserve and visit Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy’s ecommerce platform for compound medications fit for their needs. Get to know more about compounding medicines and how personalized medicines can benefit elderly health.

Diageo, the maker of some of the most iconic and popular liquor brands in the world such as Johnnie Walker, Singleton, and Tanqueray continues its mission to inspire people to drink better – not more – and create unforgettable experiences by elevating the skills of bartenders through the Diageo Bar Academy.

Diageo Bar Academy provides a platform for bartenders to raise the bar and enhance their career through training and education since 2010. In the Philippines, Diageo Bar Academy has reached 3,000 Filipino bartenders. In January 2023, the Academy has trained an additional 830 Filipino bartenders across 240 outlets from Metro Manila, Greater Luzon and Visayas.

“Diageo Bar Academy is one of the main initiatives of the Championing Inclusion & Diversity pillar in our Society 2030: Spirit of Progress program. We believe that the bartending profession is open for all genders, and we are happy to see 30% female bartenders taking part in the Diageo Bar Academy. We are looking forward to continue to inspire both male and female bartenders to upskill their profession into world class levels. This is why we are very excited to have one of our Diageo Bar Academy graduates, Alyssa Lorenzo or also known as Aly, represent the Philippines in the upcoming World Class Competition later in the year”, says Rian Asiddao, Reserve Brand Ambassador and Diageo Bar Academy Trainer.

It was a momentous occasion for the local bartending industry when 28-year-old Aly, a graduate of the Diageo Bar Academy, shattered its glass ceiling by becoming the first female overall champion of the recently concluded Philippine leg of the Diageo World Class Philippines Bartender of the Year 2023 competition. Aly will go on to represent the Philippines in the elite World Class Bartender of the Year competition which will take place in Sao Paolo, Brazil in September 2023.

We sat down with this exceptionally talented and creative mixologist to ask her about what she believes it takes to excel in her highly competitive chosen field, and she shared five unique insights into what goes on in the minds of champions.

Mixing mastery in action. Aly expertly blends flavors with finesse and precision.

1.    Honor your passion. Aly likens her discovery of bartending to love at first sight. It was as if lighting struck her as a sophomore in college, seeing a flairtending exhibition and wanting more than anything to be able to learn the amazing skills the bartenders showed off with ease. This drove her to learn everything she could about the profession and, from that first moment on, she has never lost sight of that love and excitement for the craft. This passion carried her from college to her first job at 5ynco, to her current position as head mixologist at Xi by Café Guilt.

2.    Embrace adversity. It will always be true that nothing good comes easy, and that is a fact that you will have to come to terms with if you want to perform well in any field. Learning to take critique, criticism, and even outright negativity and manage these in a healthy manner is what separates the legends from the “also-rans”. “I think it’s normal to receive negative comments,” Aly notes, “but the more I experienced discouragement, the more I wanted to prove myself and the fact that I can do better each day. I was patient, I persevered, and I became stronger.”

3.    Work well with others and engender a supportive community. Aly found the value of companionship and knowledge early on. It was through involvement in a creative community of other bartenders that she found a connection that enabled all of them to build off of each other’s strengths and learn from each other’s experiences. After all, a rising tide raises all ships.

Aly emphasizes that workplace friendships play an important part in her professional life. “It’s not all about saying ‘Hi’ and ‘Hello’, it’s all about lifting each other and offering helping hands to meet each other’s needs. Healthy competition and community pushes everyone to win. Day by day we discovered a lot of things that helped us enhance and develop our drinks until it hits the best spot.”

Today’s industry, competitive as it is, has grown in leaps and bounds when it comes to fostering collaboration. This is especially notable when you realize that many of the gender biases that once plagued the industry are no longer the norm. In fact, when asked if bartending, and particularly bartending competitions, was a “boy’s club”, Aly staunchly denied this and said that “my ‘Kuyas’ offered a lot of help during competition!”

A triumphant moment: Aly proudly holds her well-deserved trophy, celebrating her victory as the first female overall champion. Her winning cocktail, Sugid, beautifully embodies her Filipino heritage, showcasing the values of sikap, sipag, at tiyaga.

4.    Play to your strengths. Aly’s winning cocktail, Sugid, was subtlety in gastronomic form. Conceptualized through her pride in her heritage and her desire to highlight the Filipino values sikap, sipag, at tiyaga, the white sphere served atop a banana leaf isn’t what comes to mind when one thinks of cocktails. It is, however, a perfect representation of who Aly is – a Filipina who got where she is today through the said values, dedication and hard work.

5.    Learn the differences between real and imagined limitations. While some limitations are very real, such as the need to sleep and eat, others are purely imaginary. Case in point, you can be a girl and be a bartender—a very good one. “Not everyone knows the capabilities of a female bartender, which is mainly underestimated by everybody,” shares Aly. Refusing to accept limitations of gender, race and orientation biases is what has put this lady on the map. She knew she could do everything and anything a male bartender could and has taken it upon herself to learn and grow to be able to bring the very best skills to the table. A proud proponent of Pinay Pride, Aly proudly exclaims, “Mabuhay tayong mga Pilipina!”

As Aly continues to train in preparation for her faceoff with the representatives of other countries, her colleagues cheer her on. Many of them came through the same training as she did at the Diageo Bar Academy, which serves as the fertile environment where many of them have nurtured the same passion for excellence that Aly exemplifies.

Aly is the first female World Class Champion showing the world that bartending knows no gender. Providing an equal playing field for ambitious mixologists and bartenders as well as recognizing and nurturing talent to those who wish to take up the craft is one of the driving goals of Diageo Bar Academy. With this win, Aly is undeniable proof of the potential that this organization can unlock, and the drinking public can look forward to reaping the benefits.

Local beauty brand QUICKFX has come a long way since their early days. From entering the skincare market with their iconic sachet format, to expanding their cult-favorite Pimple Eraser line, to formulating conscious and sensitive skin-friendly ranges, QUICKFX excites and delights with innovative products championing effective ingredients that deliver fast results, at prices everyone loves—and it looks like they aren’t slowing down any time soon. 

In fact, it seems like they’re just getting started—and this time, they’re here to make sure that you get the glowing summer skin of your dreams all year round with their exciting, new releases.  

Enter the QUICKFX SunGlo Weekend held last June 10-11 set at Patio by Balai Norte at La Union. This gorgeous seaside hotel served as the perfect backdrop for the brand’s special guests to learn about their newest releases, including two brand new sunscreens—the QUICKFX Vita Suncreen and Super UV Sun Spray—as well as a brand new, fruit antioxidant-powered line: the QUICKFX Glo Smoothies range. Their mission: to create products that help protect, brighten and hydrate the skin for the ultimate all-year round summer glow.

Smooth, flawless, glowing skin starts off with adequate sun protection, and no one knows this better than QUICKFX themselves—and they’ve got you covered. The first new release is the QUICKFX Vita Sunscreen, which promises 3X Sun Care Action. This lightweight, fast-absorbing face and body sunscreen lotion is formulated with SPF 50 PA+++, as well as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Niacinamide, Avocado and Chamomile Extracts. For sunscreen touch-ups throughout the day—which are essential, especially in our sweltering Philippine summers—the brand new QUICKFX Super UV Sunspray will do the trick. This spray format sunscreen also promises SPF 50 PA+++, is formulated with Vitamin E, Sunflower Oil, Niacinamide, and Green Tea Extract, and comes in a spray can for a smooth, even application every time. These sunscreens promise to be reef-safe, kid-safe, and sweat-proof, and are guaranteed to be completely invisible once absorbed by the skin—goodbye, white cast!

With such innovative formulas, you’d wonder if these sun screens would make a pretty significant dent in your bank account—but don’t fret. The Vita Sunscreen retails at PHP499 with 200mL, while the Super UV Sunspray comes in a 150mL aerosol can and retails at PHP399. Price point on point, as expected.

A glowing complexion doesn’t just stop at sun protection—in fact, it should be maintained with a generous serving of fruits, so go ahead and give your skin its daily dose with the brand new QUICKFX Glo Smoothies line. This new, exciting addition to the brand is their foray into harnessing the benefits of fruit-powered antioxidants, and is designed to be like a detoxifying fruit smoothie for your face. The goal: to give your skin the most even, gorgeous glow ever.

QUICKFX Glo Smoothies made its debut with two products, starting with the QUICKFX Glo Smoothies Brightening Serum Cleanser. This gentle face cleanser features a delicious blend of Watermelon and Peach Extracts, Niacinamide, and Ascorbic Acid, and is designed to detoxify,

brighten, and even out the skin in as little as 7 days. Plus, with its hydrating serum formula, this cleanser is guaranteed to clean your skin thoroughly without stripping it dry. Next, the QUICKFX Glo Smoothies Ultra Brightening Serum. Also formulated with a cocktail of Watermelon and Peach Extracts, Niacinamide and Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, this light-as-air, easily absorbed serum doesn’t just brighten the skin—it also aims to help prevent acne and wrinkles over time.

Perhaps the only thing more exciting than the new releases themselves would be their price point. The Glo Smoothies Brightening Serum Cleanser retails at P299 for 100mL, while the Glo Smoothies Ultra Brightening Serum comes in 2 sizes: in 10g for the iconic sachet format, and in 40mL for the full size, priced at PHP109 and P399 respectively. Not bad for products that are 100% made in Korea—what a steal.

The best part: these versatile new releases aren’t just great on their own—in fact, they’re designed to work even better together to help you achieve that glowing, summer glow all year ‘round.  

What else went down at the SunGlo Weekend? The launch didn’t just provide the attendees with the opportunity to learn about and test out the brand’s new product releases—it also set their minds in airplane mode for two days. Guests had dinner and drinks at The Lark and were invited to various activities the next day to encourage mindfulness and sustainability, like outdoor yoga and a brand-initiated coastal cleanup led by the QUICKFX brand team, Angeline Agustin, Mari Baretto-Syquia, Frances Jabeguero and Marven Abat, Vice President of The La Union Surf Club. The event provided not just an educational weekend, but one filled with rest and mindfulness not just of oneself but also of the environment as well. 

Itching to get glowing with QUICKFX? The new Vita Sunscreen, Super UV Sunspray and Glo Smoothies products are officially available for you to try! Check them out exclusively in Watsons stores nationwide. Shop the new releases on the Watsons App, as well as on the official Watsons Stores on ShopeeMall and LazMall.