Young PH sprinter Wangkay in top form for SEA Games
By Peter Atencio
TWO international competitions have helped shape Filipino sprinter Pi Durden Wangkay into peak form as he prepares for his rst-ever appearance in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
The 16-year-old standout, one of the youngest members of Team Philippines’ track and eld delegation, said he feels more con dent heading into his nal foreign campaign before the year ends.
“Malakas ang mga kalaban ko. Nagulat ako kasi kaya ko pa palang makapag-keep up sa kanila,” Wangkay said, re ecting on his recent performances abroad.
BEGINNING today (November 23), Sundays at the Club Intramuros Golf Course (CIGC) will be devoted to community recreation as the historic greens temporarily pause golf operations to welcome the public for relaxing outdoor activities.
Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid announced that CIGC will open its fairways every Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing families, residents, and visitors to enjoy the vast open space for leisure. Regular golf operations will continue from Mondays to Saturdays.
“Eto ang isa sa mga ambag ng TIEZA para sa programa ng pamahalaan to promote family bonding and spend quality time together sa pamamagitan ng pamamasyal sa Intramuros golf course,” Lapid said, emphasizing the agency’s support for community-centered programs.
Visitors may enjoy a range of light outdoor activities, including walking and jogging along designated cart paths, picnics in identified grassy areas, and group exercises such as stretching and yoga. Pets on leash will also be permitted, with owners reminded to clean up after their animals to help maintain the grounds.
TIEZA noted that specialized golf areas will remain off-limits to protect the course’s integrity and ensure guest safety. Guests are likewise urged to help maintain a peaceful and orderly
Wangkay was part of the Philippine U-18 4x100m mixed relay squad that bagged the silver medal at the SEA U18 and U20 Athletics Championships in Medan, Indonesia. Teaming up with Ivan Cabanda, Jhobie Rosario, and Ma. Lhynette Libranda, the quartet clocked 45.30 seconds to nish second.
Just last month, Wangkay delivered a breakthrough performance at the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, where he captured the gold medal in the 200 meters with a time of 21.76 seconds. He outran Chu Chang Feng of Taipei (21.90) and Korea’s Kim Sun Woo (21.93), with his winning mark now recognized as a new
Wangkay will join fellow youth standout Naomi Cesar in the SEA Games delegation. Cesar recently secured a silver medal in the girls’ 800 meters at the Asian Youth Games, clocking 2:08.69, just behind China’s Jinping Song (2:07.84).
To stay fresh for the SEA Games, Wangkay opted to skip the ASEAN School Games scheduled from Nov. 21 to 29 in Brunei.
“Kinancel ko po ang ASG sa Brunei kasi kasunod lang ng date. After ng Indonesia, maghahanda na kami for SEA Games,” said his mother and coach, Jonah Genilza-Wangkay, herself a former multi-medal winner as a student-athlete at De La Salle University. It has been a whirlwind season for Wangkay, a student at La Salle Zobel. He earlier dominated the UAAP Season 88 junior division, winning gold medals in both the 200 meters (21.85) and 100
A second-generation sprinter, Wangkay’s rise accelerated after grabbing three gold medals in the recent Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte—solidifying hi s status as one of the country’s brightest young track stars heading into the SEA Games.
THE newly launched Protect Sierra Madre Movement, a non-political advocacy aimed at raising awareness on the urgent need to safeguard the country’s longest mountain range, has received a significant boost from prominent gures and groups in Philippine sports.
Several National Sports Associations (NSAs)—including swimming, sambo, triathlon, netball, dance sports, and sepak takraw— have formally expressed their support for the movement. Sports personalities such as Mike Keon, Anthony Suntay, national athlete Katrina Salazar, MMA ghter Jomari Torres, sambo standout Sydney Sy, Alex Wang of Wang’s Ballclub, and sportsman Angelo Lozada have likewise pledged their commitment to the cause. According to veteran
THE first-ever FIBA SMART Fantasy League is live, just in time for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Quali ers. Fans around the world can now step into the coach's seat and build their ultimate national team lineup, featuring players from the World Cup Quali ers. SMART Fantasy League participants will draft their guards, forwards, and centers, manage their salary cap, and select a SMART Captain and an X-Factor to maximize their team's potential. They can win Nike Gift Cards worth up to USD 200 per World Cup Window, as players earn Fantasy Points based on their real FIBA E ciency Rating (EFF), with additional bonuses for standout performances. Lineups can be set before each game day, right up until tip-o , with the exibility to make bench adjustments between games in pursuit of the perfect selection. The competition features four separate Fantasy Leagues - one for each region: Africa, Americas, Asia, and Europe -
B4 | NOVEMBER 23, 2025
PETS
DESIREE
CARLOS, Editor / email: daycarlos28@yahoo.com
By Mariana Burgos
PET owners often ponder sharing culinary experiences with their animals. Seafood, with its flavors and nutrients, is tempting. Specifically, the question arises: are shrimp and crab meat safe additions to a dog's or cat's diet?
Shrimp and crab meat are safe for dogs and cats but…
The Allure of Shrimp Shrimp, a popular seafood choice for humans, also holds potential benefits for dogs and cats. As highlighted in the article "Can Dogs Eat Seafood?" by Spot Pet, seafood can be a beneficial part of a dog's diet. Shrimp is a lean protein source, crucial for building and repairing tissues. It is also rich in essential nutrients.
• Protein and Amino Acids: Shrimp offers essential protein for muscle development and overall health. This protein, composed of amino acids, the building blocks of life, is vital for various bodily functions.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Shrimp boasts vitamins and minerals like B12, which are crucial for nerve function and red blood cell formation. It also provides phosphorus, selenium, and iodine for bone health and thyroid function.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: While not as abun-
dant as in some other seafood, shrimp does contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health, as well as for reducing inflammation.
Considerations for Dogs
While shrimp can be a healthy treat for dogs, certain precautions must be taken. Overfeeding can lead to digestive upset due to the high protein content. As mentioned in the article "Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?" by PetMD, moderation is key.
• Preparation is Crucial: Cook shrimp thoroughly before offering to your dog. Raw shrimp can harbor bacteria and cause illness. Avoid adding seasonings, as ingredients like garlic and onions are toxic to dogs.
• Portion Size: Shrimp should be considered a treat, not a meal replacement. The amount offered should be proportionate to the dog's size and overall diet. Small dogs
should receive only a few shrimps, while larger dogs can have a slightly larger portion.
• Allergies and Sensitivities: Introduce shrimp gradually, monitoring for adverse reactions like itching or digestive upset. If symptoms appear, stop feeding shrimp and consult your veterinarian immediately for further assistance.
Cats and Shrimp
Cats, being obligate carnivores, have different nutritional needs than dogs. Protein is a critical component of their diet, and shrimp can contribute to this. According to the article "Can Cats Eat Shrimp?" from PetMD, shrimp can be a safe and enjoyable treat for cats.
• Protein Needs: Cats need high protein for muscle and health. Shrimp offers easily digestible protein, helping meet their dietary needs effectively and efficiently.
• Taurine: Shrimp contains taurine, an essential amino acid for cats. Taurine is crucial for heart health, vision, and reproduction.
• Moderation is Essential: As with dogs, portion control is vital. Overfeeding shrimp can lead to digestive issues or an imbalance in the cat's diet.
Crab Meat
Crab meat, like shrimp, offers protein and nutrients but presents challenges. High sodium content and shell fragments pose risks. Consider these factors carefully before offering crab to your dogs and cats.
• Nutritional Benefits: Crab meat provides protein, B12, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients support vital functions, including immune health and enzyme activity.
• Sodium Content: Canned crab meat can be high in sodium, which is harmful to dogs and cats. Excessive intake can cause dehydration and other health problems.
• Shell Fragments: When feeding crab meat, ensure all shell fragments are removed. Shell fragments can cause digestive upset or even injury.
• Preparation: Cook crab meat thoroughly before feeding. Avoid seasonings and sauces, as they may contain harmful ingredients for your pets.
The sweet truth: The role of sweets in canine diets
First of two parts
Understanding the Role of Sugar in a Dog's Diet
As mentioned in the article, "Can Dogs Eat Sugar?" by PetMD, dogs do not require sugar in their diet. Their bodies can produce glucose from other food sources, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Therefore, there is no nutritional need for added sugar in a dog's diet.
Identifying Safe Alternatives
While it is generally advisable to avoid giving sweets to dogs, there are some healthier alternatives that can satisfy their cravings.
Fruits: Certain fruits, such as apples (without the seeds), bananas, and blueberries, can be given in moderation. These fruits offer natural sweetness and contain vitamins and antioxidants. However, it is crucial to monitor the amount of fruit given, as excessive consumption can still lead to digestive upset.
Vegetables: Some vegetables, like
carrots and sweet potatoes, can be offered as treats. These are low in sugar and provide fiber and other essential nutrients.
Commercial Dog Treats: When choosing commercial dog treats, carefully read the ingredient list. Opt for treats that are low in sugar and free from artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. Look for treats that are made with whole, recognizable ingredients.
Homemade Treats: Consider making your own dog treats at home. This allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that they are safe and healthy for your dog. There are many recipes available online that use ingredients like pumpkin, oats, and peanut butter (ensure it does not contain xylitol).
The Importance of Moderation and Consultation
As noted in the article, "Safe Sweet Treats for Pets: What You Can and Should Share," published by Express Vets Cumming, moderation is key
when it comes to treats. Even healthy treats should be given in small amounts and should not constitute a significant portion of a dog's daily calorie intake. Before making any significant changes to your dog's diet, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice based on your dog's individual needs and health status. They can also help you identify any underlying health conditions that might be exacerbated by certain treats.
Prioritizing Canine Health
While the temptation to share sweets with our canine companions is understandable, it is essential to prioritize their health and well-being. Sweets offer little nutritional value and can pose significant health risks. By understanding the potential dangers of sugar, choosing safer alternatives, and practicing moderation, dog owners can ensure that their furry friends enjoy a happy and healthy life.
About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist, writer, and tutor. She has been a solo parent for 18 years now because she is the wife of Jonas Burgos, a Filipino desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.
Safe Practices and Recommendations
To ensure the safe and enjoyable integration of shrimp and crab meat into your pet's diet, consider the following recommendations:
• Consult Your Veterinarian: Consult your veterinarian before introducing new food. They offer personalized advice based on your pet's health, age, and existing medical conditions.
• Source Quality: Select fresh, high-quality shrimp and crab from a reputable source. Proper handling and storage minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.
• Preparation is Key: Always cook shrimp and crab meat thoroughly. Avoid adding any seasonings, sauces, or ingredients that could be harmful to your pet.
• Portion Control: Offer shrimp and crab meat as treats, not meal replacements. The amount offered should be proportionate to your pet's size and overall diet.
• Monitor for Reactions: Introduce shrimp and crab meat gradually and monitor your pet for any adverse reactions, such as digestive upset, allergies, or changes in behavior.
A Delicious Addition with Caution
Shrimp and crab meat can be safe treats for dogs and cats if prepared correctly. They offer beneficial protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, caution is crucial. Prioritize proper cooking and portion control. Always consult your vet before introducing new food.
Offer these seafood delicacies as occasional treats, not meal replacements. Ensure the quality of the seafood. Monitor your pet for any adverse reactions. With moderation and veterinary guidance, you can safely provide a tasty and healthy experience for your furry companions.
About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist, writer, and tutor. She has been a solo parent for 18 years now because she is the wife of Jonas Burgos, a Filipino desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights
A Doberman licks a lollipop. (Photo from iStock royaltyfree images.)
A furmom hands shrimp meat to her furbaby. (Photo from iStock royalty-free images.)
shrimp.
(Photo from iStock royaltyfree images.)
CELEBRATING FILIPINO
Holiday Traditions
By Patricia Taculao-Deligero
THE holiday season is always a joyous occasion for many, as it brings people together over good food, stories, and many funfilled events. For Filipinos, the onset of the “Ber” months, from September, October, November, and December, is the signal that Christmas has arrived, ushering in the longest festive season found anywhere on the planet.
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Celebrating the world’s longest Christmas in the Philippines
From the moment the first Jose Mari Chan Christmas carol echoes in the malls and the first star lantern is hung, the country is enveloped in a unique, undeniable atmosphere of hope and anticipation that grows with every passing week.
At the very heart of this extended national festivity is a deeply ingrained religious devotion, a legacy of centuries of Spanish colonial influence that blended seamlessly with the joyful, community-centric nature of the Filipino people. The most sacred and enduring demonstration of this faith is the tradition of the Simbang Gabi, which translates literally to “Night Mass.” This is not a single service but a solemn yet celebratory novena, a series of nine dawn Masses leading up to Christmas Eve.
Beginning on December 16, the faithful rise well before the sun to attend services that typically start as early as four or five o’clock in the morning. This practice, also known by its Spanish name Misa de Gallo, or “Rooster’s Mass,” traces its roots back to the Spanish colonial era when priests adjusted the Mass schedule to accommodate farmers who needed to be in the fields shortly after sunrise. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of sacrifice and spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ.
The atmosphere surrounding Simbang Gabi is one of the most picturesque and heartwarming aspects of the Filipino Christmas celebration. Churches, adorned with colorful lights and intricate décor, become vibrant hubs of community activity.
No Simbang Gabi experience is complete without indulging in the traditional post-service snacks, most notably Puto Bumbong and Bibingka. Puto Bumbong is a sticky, violet-colored rice cake, made from a special type of glutinous rice called pirurutong, steamed inside bamboo tubes and served with a generous spread of butter or margarine, muscovado sugar, and freshly grated coconut. Bibingka, another beloved rice cake, is baked in clay pots lined with banana leaves over hot coals, giving it a smoky, unique flavor, and is often topped with cheese and salted duck egg.
Historically, these treats served as a filling breakfast for the farmers heading to work and now represent the sweet rewards of faith and perseverance for all who complete the novena, as there is a popular folk belief that God may grant a special wish to those who attend all nine days of the Simbang Gabi.
Adding to the visual spectacle that defines the entire Christmas season is the iconic Filipino Christmas lantern, the parol. The word parol itself is derived from the Spanish word farol, meaning lantern, and it serves as a powerful, luminous symbol of the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men to the manger. Far more elaborate than simple holiday lights, the parol is traditionally a star-shaped ornament, initially crafted from simple materials like bamboo and Japanese paper or papel de japón, and illuminated by candlelight. Today, the craft has evolved into a high-tech art form, with modern parols often featuring dazzling electronic light displays that flash and change color in intricate patterns.
These vibrant lanterns are hung not just in homes but on lampposts, in public squares, and inside buildings across the country, transforming the Philippines into a sea of twinkling, colorful starlight from September onwards. The tradition is so deeply rooted that the city of San Fernando in Pampanga has earned the title of the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” for its annual Giant Lantern Festival, where massive, technologically complex parols compete in a spectacular exhibition of Filipino ingenuity and Christmas spirit.
The epitome of the season arrives on Christmas Eve, December 24, with the final and most anticipated Mass, the Misa de Gallo, which gives way to
the Noche Buena. Meaning “The Good Night” in Spanish, Noche Buena is the grand, traditional midnight feast that brings families together to welcome Christmas Day.
After the solemnity of the Mass, the mood shifts to joyous celebration as multiple generations gather around a lavish table overflowing with holiday favorites. The feast is a testament to Filipino hospitality and the importance of family unity, featuring both Spanish-influenced dishes and local culinary staples. Centerpieces often include Lechon, a whole roasted pig with crispy skin, a savorysweet Hamon, Queso de Bola, and an array of sweets, like Leche Flan and fruit salad, among other dishes that will surely keep the festive atmosphere going. The act of preparing and sharing this generous meal is just as important as the eating itself, creating cherished memories and strengthening familial bonds that are the
very foundation of Filipino society.
However, the feast is not the end of the Christmas or holiday celebrations in the Philippines. The festive spirit continues well into the first week of the new year, which brings its own significant tradition: the Media Noche. Held on New Year’s Eve, this “Midnight” feast, similar in its lavishness to Noche Buena, is focused on ushering in good fortune for the coming year.
During this time, tables are set with an abundance of food, with a particular focus on round fruits, often twelve varieties, symbolizing prosperity and money for each month of the year. The loud ringing of church bells, the popping of fireworks, and the playful noise-making with kitchenware at midnight are all traditional, high-spirited acts believed to drive away evil spirits and welcome a prosperous and happy new year.
Know how to live healthy, age gracefully
WITH Filipinos living longer, we decided to have a conversation with one of the country’s top geriatric doctors, Dr. Lourdes Carolina Dumlao, former president of the Philippine Society Geriatrics and Gerontology, on how one can live healthy and age gracefully.
Here are excerpts from the interview by VC Galvez, issue editor of the Good Life, with Dr. Lourdes Carolina Dumlao :
How does one prepare for old age?
Number one is the acceptance that you will grow old. Di ba, that’s what I tell patients. The only reason you will not grow old is kung namatay ka ng maaga. Growing old is part of life. We cannot deny that, so that is the most important, to accept na tatanda ka din.
Number two, is actually to prepare the foundation. Ano ang importante sa iyo pagtanda mo. Ang gusto mo ba marami kang pera? Ang gusto mo ba meron kang titirhan, meron kang support system, kasi no matter what i say iba-iba pa rin yung priorities.
But if we are talking about health, again, we emphasize hindi siya absence of disease.
Dapat kahit may sakit, kontrolado yung sakit.
Kung may high blood ka, kontrolado naman ng gamot, we don’t consider that a problem. It should not hinder you from aging gracefully.
The other thing is to keep busy, kasi you want both physical and mental health. Yung physical health means, malakas yung puso mo, yung muscles mo kaya kang bitbitin, makakatayo ka, makakalakad ka.
already hypertensive, or they are diabetic, or both. And they have other medical issues. And so what I tell patients is healthy aging is not the absence of disease because in reality you will be hard pressed to find an old patient who does not have a single medical condition. Even yung visual impairment is considered a medical condition. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthy aging as ‘in spite of disease, patients are functionally independent, able to contribute to society.”
Healthy aging is not the absence of disease because in reality you will be hard pressed to find an old patient who does not have a single medical condition.
So you need to keep active because that’s important for both your heart and your muscles and you need your mental health and that’s not just yung mental health na usong pag-usapan ngayon na hindi sila depressed. We also mean yung cognitive abilities, so it’s also important to keep your mind active. Retirement is good. Everybody looks forward to retirement but retirement does not mean sitting on the couch, watching TV, and eating chicharon.
When exactly does one age?
Hindi pare-pareho ang pagtanda ng bawat indibidwal. Iba-iba. Kaya minsan you’ll see a fifty year old na mukhang 30-35 but you’ll also see a 50-year old na mukhang 70. So maraming factors yun, of course, first factor is life, socio-economic, environmental, and all that, so nagbabago talaga siya. But there are really changes in aging, kahit sa katawan. So mararamdaman natin pag nagkakaedad, mas mabagal, mas matagal din maka-alala, matuto ng mga bagong bagay. Mas maraming sumasakit. So there are some similar changes in aging but the rate and time these changes come out differ from one individual to individual.
Common issues brought by patients?
In reality, kapag dumadating ang mga senior citizens patients sa akin, they have medical conditions already. Usually they are
By Diana Noche
Ibig sabihin, hindi requirement sa pagtanda ang walang sakit. Kahit may sakit, sila ay nakakagalaw sa komunidad nila, nagagawa nila ang kanilang kailagang gawin and gusto nilang gawin.
So it’s different, sometimes I get a lot of patients na naguulyanin who come to us to ask whether their forgetfulness is already dementia, what they can do about that.
Some patients come in because they feel that they are very physically frail and they cannot do what they usually able to do and they need more help. So actually very wide ang spectrum ng common issues among older patients and unfortunately wala rin isang gamot. Iba-iba talaga siya per patient, that’s why usually when you consult with a geriatric doctor, mas matagal siya than the usual doctor.
What can the government do to help people retire gracefully? As you know the pension of an ordinary worker or a salary man,, kokonti lang po….
I believe that we should not expect government to give us everything. Kailangan partnership siya…. But the government should have some sort of structure. Number 1 is universal health insurance, na meron naman tayo, which is Philhealth.
Maybe where the government is lacking is really access. Access to health facilities, nakaconcentrate yan sa urban areas. Access to skilled health workers kasi naka-concentrate din yan sa
PEOPLE in their 60s stick up on the idea that at their age, health is definitely wealth and therefore has to be cherished and accordingly guarded. Exactly. Not everyone gets the chance to age as he wishes. Waiting too long --- the “someday” procrastination excuse --- to live fully is extremely unsolid. Very little is needed to make an active happy life. Have some fun and do it in a zippier style. Appreciate small joys. Smile often. Become a brick house, physically fit, adrenalized and in shape. Begin with a few little changes in the humdrum, spaced out house chores and experience how these little changes can make a big impact. At sixty, did you say we’re too old, too dumb to learn new things? There are always fresh ideas, newies --- not necessarily AI technical brilliance --- but some things that give us substantial motivation to yell about, on cloud nine, from the
treetops, in chirpy triumph. Soon we’ll find it becomes impossible to turn away. We’re hooked. Zumba. Feel the funk. Get up. Step out of the house. Build up some good muscles. Get rid of the flab. Shape ourselves into some classy chassis, get rid of the ugly pot belly, do away with the
urban areas.
There is little remuneration sa probinsiya…
So kung hindi sila kikita sa malayong probinsiya, hindi enough yun. Lilipat at lilipat sila sa siyudad. The government should provide better remuneration to our health workers, especially the nurses. Hindi lang naman doctor ang nagpoprovide ng health services, nurses, even barangay health workers are trained to provide care.
Second is health education. Kasi what I see is patients come to me when they are sick. Pag may sakit na, mas mahirap gamutin. In developed countries, health care is focused on preventive medicine. Dapat makita ng doctor bago magkasakit, kasi ang goal natin huwag kayo magkasakit.
What should I do to be able to function well, be healthy, be independent financially during retirement?
Definitely when you start working, meron ka ng goals.
Yung physical health kasi laging napapabayaan, kasi we forget that we age. Everyone is just focused on, let’s say, getting married, building a house, having kids, sending your kids to school. So nagsi-shift talage yung priorities
But you should always carve time for yourself. So for me, the minimum is you should get an annual checkup and it should involve getting your weight, your height. Basic blood tests. Check your complete blood count, anemic ka ba. Check your kidney function. Check your liver function. Check sugar. Check cholesterol kasi dyan naman nagsisimula yung mga pinaka-common na medical problems.
An annual checkup, I think, is important at all ages. And ang nakakatawa doon, we do that sa mga bata. Kahit mga mahihirap. Nagpapabakuna sila ng mga anak, dinadala sa mga health center. Pero pag nagka-edad na, hindi na. Nakakalimutan na. Regular, annual checkups are important. Knowledge of yourself is very important. Kasi, who knows your body better than you.
We should have better health education and teach our citizens na habang wala pa kayong sakit, dapat nagpapatingin na, para maagapan.
Same also to access to food, access to medications kasi mahaba na po ang buhay ngayon. Because precisely we have better medical care, better medicines, better technology.
We also need to educate our children on how to take care of older patients because we cannot rely on government only. The families should also know how to take care of them. Especially when they are still well, hindi hihintayin na magkasakit. Of GenZs and Millenials
So with the GENZ and the Millennials, the good thing about them is work-life balance sila compared to other generations. It’s a good thing because when you have work-life balance early and when you grow old, you have a lot more diverse interests.
Yung older generation kasi what we noticed was they were focused on work. By the time they had time to relax, they did not know how to relax anymore.
But the GenZ and Millenials are preparing for that in a better way and they are more focused on their health.
Rubenesque tag. We are not destined to be alone. In a culture characterized by advancing technology, and similarly, by lives of leisure scarcity, Zumba lets us stay socially connected, provide us an urban sedative against city chaos. Zumba, a global phenomenon that started in 1990 Colombia was,
LIFE Good
SOL Menopause (Spring of Life) has announced the launch of the Sol app, a medically reviewed menopause app in Asia, developed and built in Singapore specifically for women in the region. Created in close collaboration with local and international healthcare professionals and informed by lived experiences, the app delivers personalised, evidence-based, and culturally relevant support. Menopause is not only a workplace issue but one that touches families, communities, and society as a whole, making accessible support all the more vital. The app also helps employers address one of today’s most overlooked workplace challenges.
The impact of menopause in the workplace is often invisible but deeply felt. In Singapore, a white paper by the NUS BiaEcho Asia Centre found that nearly threequarters of women over 45 experienced at least two menopause symptoms that interfered with their ability to work and reduced overall quality of life. Yet many remain unsupported, as stigma and silence continue to dominate conversations in both medical and workplace settings.
Midlife is also a critical window for intervention. As women transition through menopause, their risks for chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, diabetes, and Osteoporosis, begin to rise. In an ageing society like Singapore, where women often shoulder caregiving responsibilities for both older and younger generations, supporting their health has a wider ripple effect. By addressing symptoms early and empowering women to take charge of their well-being, Sol aims to reduce preventable health burdens while helping women thrive, at home, at work, and for the long haul.
Grace Oh founded Sol Menopause after her own experience of being misunderstood and misdiagnosed during important life transitions. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School and a certified Menopause Champion, she left a successful career in finance, where she was recognised by the Financial Times as one of Asia’s top equity analysts, to pioneer a new model of care.
“There has been very little research on women’s health beyond fertility, and many women have been dismissed or misdiagnosed. With Sol, we are introducing a medically reviewed menopause app that gives women access to trusted guidance while providing employers with a scalable solution to improve well-being and
initially a traditional group workout and did not have the dancy upbeatdownbeat Latin-inspired salsa, merengue, and reggaeton pace that it has today.
Zumba is a lot of fun, actually, with a high visibility of zest in every musical beat, like those of children on a birthday party in a game of musical chairs as they joust over the seats in a state of great excitation --without a trace of inhibition, totally at leisure and loose ends --- rousing us from our catatonia. We get quanked, of course, exhausted from all the Zumba squats, lunges, and arm movements, but it’s a feeling of lighthearted exhaustion. Remarkably, as we feel tired, we also burn calories and bring us back energized, right as rain.
Zumba sessions are happy times that convert into happy memories that will prick the curiosity of wide-eyed grandchildren about the happy times we danced on a Zumba moonbeam.
ON HEALTHY AGING. Virgilio DC. Galvez, left, engages Dr. Carolina Dumlao, right, in a conversation on what one needs to be done for Filipinos to live healthy and age well.
ZUMBA SESSION. Women seniors pose for a photo after taking part in a Zumba session at a park in Quezon City. Diana Noche
Grace Oh, Founder Menopause
THANKSGIVING. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno spends time with residents of the Home for Aged Luwalhati ng Maynila sa Manila Boystown Complex in Marikina City. Manila City Hall file photo
By Patricia Taculao-Deligero
THoliday Traditions CELEBRATING FILIPINO
The culinary traditions that define a Filipino Christmas
HE Christmas season in the Philippines is the longest in the world, beginning as early as September and lasting well into the first week of January. However, its true heart and soul can be found on a single evening: the highly anticipated Noche Buena.
This traditional Christmas Eve feast is the culmination of the nine-day dawn mass tradition known as Simbang Gabi. It is a sacred and jubilant gathering, where families reunite after the midnight Mass to share a lavish, celebratory spread.
Each Noche Buena spread varies from one home to the next. But over the years, there have been favorite dishes among many that have secured a spot on the Christmas Eve dinner table.
The centerpiece of this grand midnight meal must be something spectacular, a symbol of abundance and prosperity for the coming year, and for many, nothing else fits this description quite like the magnificent lechon. This roasted pig, cooked whole and slowly over hot charcoal for hours, represents the ultimate form of Filipino celebratory cooking, its crackling skin a perfect, shimmering red-brown that is arguably the most coveted bite of the entire feast.
While the lechon itself is a marvel, many households opt for other equally grand pork dishes to star on their table. The Christmas ham is another essential component, often bought or prepared with a rich, sweet glaze, typically featuring pineapple juice or a deep caramel coating that glistens under the dining room light.
Slices of this sweet and savory ham are often served alongside freshly baked pandesal, the soft Filipino bread roll, and the striking, deep red sphere of Queso de Bola. This imported Edam cheese, encased in its paraffin wax shell, has become a gastronomic symbol of Christmas, its salty, nutty flavor offering a sophisticated contrast to the sweetness of the ham, and it is considered by many a must-have decorative and edible element that signals the arrival of the most beloved holiday for Filipinos.
Beyond the impressive main meats, the Noche Buena table is heavily laden with various stuffed and rolled dishes that demand careful preparation and reflect a history of Spanish influence married with Filipino ingenuity.
The Embutido is one such favorite, a savory meatloaf-style roll made from ground pork, mixed with ingredients like carrots, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs, which is then steamed or baked and sliced into appealing, colorful rounds.
Similarly labor-intensive is the Morcon, a classic beef roulade stuffed with ingredients that can include cheese, pickles, and sausages, then braised in a rich tomato-based sauce until the beef is meltingly tender.
Another example of an equally satisfying dish often found during Noche Buena is the Chicken Relleno, a whole, deboned chicken stuffed with ground meat, sausages, and other savory fillings, showcasing the family’s effort and dedication to making the Christmas feast truly special. The sight of these elaborate, slow-cooked dishes tells a story of tradition and love, where time spent in the kitchen becomes a cherished part of the holiday ritual.
No true Filipino celebration, and certainly not the Noche Buena, is complete without a generous offering of noodle and pasta dishes, which carry the cultural symbolism of long life and good fortune. The most famous of these is the distinctively Filipino Spaghetti, a comfort food that charms generations with its uniquely sweet red sauce.
Unlike its Italian cousin, the Pinoy-style spaghetti sauce is made sweet with the addition of banana ketchup or sugar, generously mixed with ground meat and sliced hot dogs, and blanketed in a layer of grated cheese. This bright, cheerful dish is a consistent crowd-pleaser, particularly among the younger members of the family.
Complementing the pasta is usually a noodle dish like pancit, a generic term for various stir-fried noodle preparations. Whether it is the thin rice noodles of Pancit Bihon or the thick, savory noodles of Pancit Malabon with its seafood-based sauce, a plate of pancit is a required presence, ensuring a harmonious and
fortunate year ahead for all who partake.
Furthermore, the savory offerings are often balanced by creamy, sweet, and tangy salads, most notably the Macaroni Salad, a cold mix of elbow macaroni, chunks of ham, pineapples, and vegetables, all bound together in a sweet mayonnaise dressing that is a beloved fixture on the holiday table.
The dessert portion of the Noche Buena spread is an explosion of tropical sweetness and creamy textures that everyone anticipates. The undisputed queen of the Filipino dessert table is the Leche Flan, a smooth, creamy custard made from eggs and milk, topped with a beautiful, dark caramel syrup. Its velvety texture and rich flavor make it the perfect grand finale for a heavy meal, and its presence is almost mandatory in any festive gathering.
Another popular confection is the fruit salad, a vibrant and cold dessert made from canned fruit cocktail, nata de coco, and kaong, all mixed with a creamy sauce of condensed milk and all-purpose cream, then chilled until serving. When a more tropical, local flavor is desired, the Buko Pandan enters the scene, a refreshing concoction of shredded young coconut, pandan-flavored gelatin cubes, cream, and condensed milk, celebrated for its fragrant, nutty aroma and bright green color. For many, these cold, sweet treats are the perfect counterpoint to the rich, salty flavors of the main courses.
While the Noche Buena provides the climax of the feasting, the true culinary rhythm of the Christmas season begins much earlier with the Simbang Gabi, the predawn Masses that start on December 16th. It is in the churchyards, immediately after these early morning services, that two of the most iconic Christmas rice cakes, or kakanin, are found: Bibingka and Puto Bumbong. These delicacies are intrinsically linked to the Christmas season and hold a special, nostalgic place in the hearts of Filipinos.
