It is said that the Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world. It begins in September and only ends after the Feast of the Three Kings in January of next year. Jose Marie Chan, peeking in toward the end of August, was already a meme before memes became a fad. I don’t know about...
In a bold move towards global excellence in healthcare, premier private hospital Manila Doctors Hospital is advancing its initiatives through a recent partnership with IHH Healthcare Singapore under the Mount Elizabeth Medical Affiliate Programme (MAP), a globally recognized and one of the largest...
Have you indulged in calorie-laden, sugary, and fatty-rich food in the past days and nights? By now, you may be feeling bloated, have gained some weight, and have accumulated unwanted fat in the belly area. Perhaps you are beginning to experience other symptoms such as acne breakouts, sluggishness,...
Open any beauty app, scroll through skincare reels, or peek into a friend’s vanity—chances are, you’ll spot the word “peptides” somewhere. It’s become almost synonymous with smart skincare, the kind that promises that coveted “glass skin” finish we’ve all been chasing. But...
Recently in the clinic, a patient enthusiastically greeted me, “Merry Christmas, Doc!” This wouldn’t have been unusual because it is December, except that she was wearing a hijab. Sensing my confusion, she explained that many of her Christian friends greet her, “Eid Mubarak!” at the end...
This holiday season, it is easier to experience spikes in blood glucose level simply from the calorie-laden dishes and sugary treats served during the festivities. It is very important to adhere to your medications and nutrient supplementation if you have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus or...
The recent controversial decision of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in the US to halt universal newborn vaccination with the hepatitis B vaccine has thrust the disease into the public view anew. The specific decision halts mandatory birth immunization of children born to...
The holiday season is not always merry. It is also the season when cases of Christmas coronary artery disease and unhappy New Year heart attacks happen. There are several factors that could precipitate heart attacks, and they are all lifestyle-related. Overindulgence in the consumption of fatty...
There’s a question I hear almost daily in my clinic, “Doc, is there anything that can tighten my skin without surgery?” It used to be a complicated answer. Now, I’m genuinely excited to talk about something new. For years, we’ve had tools like Ultherapy and Thermage. Both good options, no...
Earlier this month, on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, 2025, scientists published a paper in the journal “Nature” detailing the seventh case of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cure. While HIV is currently treatable with potent antiretrovirals (ARVs), which enable people with HIV to live long lives...
You cannot separate how a person looks from how they feel. The two are intertwined in ways we’re only now beginning to truly understand—and finally, to treat. This was the resounding message at the recent BTL Regional Summit & Award Gala 2025, held in the sun-drenched shores of Phu Quoc,...
Whatever your status in life, health is not something that can be compromised. Oftentimes, we put our health needs at the bottom of our list in favor of practicality and seemingly more important things for the people we love or the people we are responsible for. Until one day, we find ourselves...
