March 16-17, 2009
Liver Wellness Lay Fora: Educating People of Liver Health

From patients to barangay health workers to high school students… In promoting public awareness of how important liver health is, the Hepatology Society of the Philippines (HSP) in cooperation with Otsuka (Philippines) Pharmaceutical, Inc. held the Liver Wellness Lay Fora in Cebu City from March 16-17, 2009 at different points of this beautiful city in the south.

The HSP Cebu of Dr. Judy Lao spearheaded the staging of the fora in 3 venues: Chong Hua Hospital, The Edgardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center & at the Abellana National School. The activity was handled by the OPPI team headed by Mr. Steve Derit, Events Officer & the Central Visayas team composed of Mr. Michael Monponbanua, Team Leader & Mr. Victor Yap, medical representative of Cebu.

The first of the 3 fora was held at the Chong Hua Hospital last March 16, 2009. The guest speaker was Dr. Karen Botoctoy of Cebu Doctors Hospital. Also present during the forum were Dr. Judy Lao & Dr. Imelda Acuzar. The audience was mostly liver patients of the hospital. The next day, March 17, 2009, the remaining 2 fora were held separately at 2 different venues: Cancer Center of VSMMC in the morning & Abellana National School in the afternoon. The guest speaker for both fora was Dr. Marilyn Arguillas of Davao Doctors Hospital. Dr. Arguillas clearly discussed liver health & even made the discussion interactive with both the barangay health workers at the cancer center relaying their issues & questions about the liver while the students at the school also interacted by giving out what their understanding of the liver is.
The liver wellness program is one way of educating the masses of how important the health of our liver is. From the updates in liver treatment to alcohol abuse leading to liver disease, every topic counts & could lead to a better outcome of liver cases in Cebu since the city, according to one of the staff at the cancer center, is the city with the most number of liver cancer cases in the country. OPPI is proud to be a part of this program & will continue to do so in the next fora to come.

The Philippine College of Chest Physicians recently held their successful 28th Annual Chest Convention at the famous Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City last March 1-4, 2009. With the theme “Traditions, Novelties & Prospects in Pulmonary Medicine,” this year’s annual convention boasts of a 4-day event packed with a highly comprehensive scientific program prepared by the organizing committee which is headed by Dr. Ma. Encarnita Blanco-Limpin.

To culminate the convention proper, a post-graduate course was held during the first day. Topics discussed were bronchoscopy & interventional pulmonology with an industry-sponsored symposium during lunchtime. The day was capped by the President’s Honor Banquet which was held at the Davao Room and attended by the PCCP officers, organizing committee members, past presidents & top brass of the participating pharmaceutical companies. Mr. Leopoldo Dimerin, President & General Manager, Mr. Kervin Dela Cruz, Associate Marketing Director & Ms. Rochelle Fragata, Product Manager of the Respi Group were there to represent OPPI.

The next day was the start of the convention proper. Interesting plenary sessions, case presentations & industry-sponsored symposia filled the entire period of the convention. Of course the topics were made extra special by notable guest speakers from the Philippines & from different parts of the world. To name a few, some of the presentations touched on asthma, pulmonary hypertension, COPD & TB. And to further back up the claims & updates of the topics, pharmaceutical companies had exhibits & booths to promote their products. OPPI occupied the Palawan hospitality suite during the entire convention.

OPPI highlights came during the Meptin luncheon symposium at the last day. It was attended by more than 200 participants. OPPI’s guest speaker was no other than Dr. Camilo Roa, Jr. of PGH. With the title, “Asthma Management Today, Evolving Concepts, Changing Strategies,” focused on the management & treatment of asthma. And supporting the symposium were Dr. Abundio Balgos, who made the welcome remarks & introduction of the speaker, Dr. Franklin Yu, reactor and Dr. Shirley Panganiban, master of ceremonies & moderator. The symposium became a venue in dealing with some of the issues of Meptin & Obucort.

This year’s annual is a blast, a perfect event to pave the way for PCCP Midyear Convention in Subic.

March 1-4, 2009
Chest Physicians Converged at 28!

The Philippine College of Chest Physicians recently held their successful 28th Annual Chest Convention at the famous Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City last March 1-4, 2009. With the theme “Traditions, Novelties & Prospects in Pulmonary Medicine,” this year’s annual convention boasts of a 4-day event packed with a highly comprehensive scientific program prepared by the organizing committee which is headed by Dr. Ma. Encarnita Blanco-Limpin.

To culminate the convention proper, a post-graduate course was held during the first day. Topics discussed were bronchoscopy & interventional pulmonology with an industry-sponsored symposium during lunchtime. The day was capped by the President’s Honor Banquet which was held at the Davao Room and attended by the PCCP officers, organizing committee members, past presidents & top brass of the participating pharmaceutical companies. Mr. Leopoldo Dimerin, President & General Manager, Mr. Kervin Dela Cruz, Associate Marketing Director & Ms. Rochelle Fragata, Product Manager of the Respi Group were there to represent OPPI. During that time, OPPI Welcome Dinner was also being held at the Spiral Restaurant with Mr. Steve Derit, Events Officer of OPPI & Ms. Shine Redublo, Team Leader of North MMA Team entertaining the OPPI delegates.

The next day was the start of the convention proper. Interesting plenary sessions, case presentations & industry-sponsored symposia filled the entire period of the convention. Of course the topics were made extra special by notable guest speakers from the Philippines & from different parts of the world. To name a few, some of the presentations touched on asthma, pulmonary hypertension, COPD & TB. And to further back up the claims & updates of the topics, pharmaceutical companies had exhibits & booths to promote their products. OPPI occupied the Palawan hospitality suite during the entire convention.

OPPI highlights came during the Meptin luncheon symposium at the last day. It was attended by more than 200 participants. OPPI’s guest speaker was no other than Dr. Camilo Roa, Jr. of PGH. With the title, “Asthma Management Today, Evolving Concepts, Changing Strategies,” focused on the management & treatment of asthma. And supporting the symposium were Dr. Abundio Balgos, who made the welcome remarks & introduction of the speaker, Dr. Franklin Yu, reactor and Dr. Shirley Panganiban, master of ceremonies & moderator. The symposium became a venue in dealing with some of the issues of Meptin & Obucort.

This year’s annual is a blast, a perfect event to pave the way for PCCP Midyear Convention in Subic.

February 8, 2009
2009 Hearth Month Celebration

February is truly a month for the heart. In what seemed to be a celebration to pre-empt Valentine’s Day, the Philippine Heart Association and the Philippine College of Cardiology worked hand in hand in staging its 2009 Heart Month Celebration at the Entertainment Center of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City last February 8, 2009.

With the theme “Mabuhay Ka Pusong Pinay,” the event was aimed at creating health awareness of the health for every Filipina’s heart. It was filled with exciting activities and free clinics & consultations which were open to the public. The celebration was made possible under the leadership of Dr. Ma. Belen Carisma, the PHA, the PCC, together with the support of pharmaceutical companies and government.

The event started with the ribbon cutting ceremonies & opening of booths of pharmaceutical companies that offered free medical services such as consultations, blood testing, BMI, etc. OPPI had a free ABI screening. Together with two doctors from the Council of Stroke & PVD, Council on Preventive Cardiology & Council on Hypertension namely Dr. Abesamis & Dr. Deduyo. OPPI clinicians provided free ABI screening while OPPI staff gave away free Pocari Sweat drinks.

Other activities in the morning included aerobic exercise sessions, belly dancing exhibition, heart-healthy cooking demo, basic life support demo & parlor games participated by OPPI’s medical representative of Mandaluyong, Stella Marie Navarro, The highlight of the event was the 1st PHA Tibok Pinoy Campus Band Competition where 5 band finalists from all over Metro Manila competed for the prestigious award & cash prizes.

With activities like these being held for the general public, the message of every organization will easily be relayed & delivered. With this year’s heart month celebration, PHA & PCC definitely educated the audience. Clearly, it was another successful awareness program by the association.

January 6-9, 2009
NASCON 2009

A Surge for excellence was witnessed at the Club Punta Fuego, Nasugbu, Batangas. It came from a series of activities that kept the Otsukans at high spirits during this 4-day event.

Day 1. The Otsuka teams from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao took the first trip going to Batangas. They were first to arrive to witness the enchanting place of Club Punta Fuego. The group took lunch at the Upper Beach of the said resort. In the afternoon, after check-in, they started the event by sharpening their product knowledge and skills. The Otsukans were excited with their practice detailing and product training headed by Product Managers and CME Officers. Dinner welcome banquet was set for them at the Lower Beach where a glimpse on the last year’s conference was shown.

Day 2 was the start of the real saga. The Sales team, including Medical Representatives and their Team Leaders had their examination in the morning. The exhausting test was followed by buffet at the Upper Beach. The Otsukans sharpened their arsenal the rest of that day as they gathered new learning during the POA cascade right before dinner.

The surge continued at day 3 as the Sales force got their whole day of Excellency Training. The training was conducted by the Sales Force Department and was lead by their guest speaker. It was a whole day discussions and learning for everyone. Office-based employees arrived on the same day at Punta Fuego. The day is topped off by the much awaited awards night that evening which was hosted by our very own RSM Jun Montilla and Team Leaders Andrew and Shine.

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The ones who really shined that night were those who received an award, namely Janice Gines-MedRep of the Year for MMA Team, Gypsy dela Torre-MedRep of the Year for Carry All Team, Reza Solayao-MedRep of the Year for Stent Team, Jeffrey Ong-Best Team Leader for 2008. Many who excelled were also awarded Product Achievers and Early Birds for 2008.

Day 4 started with a plenary in the morning. President and General Manager, Mr. Leopoldo T. Dimerin, started the day with a glimpse of last year. He provided an overview of 2009 which was full of aspirations, great ideas, broad opportunities, promises and surprises for the year ahead. The rest of the Management Committee namely Mr. Kervin dela Cruz, Associate Marketing Director, Mr. Ethan Takemoto, Business Development and External Communication Director, Ms. Malou Jose, Human Resources Manager, Mr. Jay Aquino, Associate Finance Director, Ms. Chit Olmeda, Regulatory Affairs Manager, and Dr. Benjie Co, Medical Director, were given ample time to discuss their 2009 Projects, Directions and updates. Lunch was followed by the exciting Otsuka Olympics participated by all employees. It was an event full of fun and games where Otsukans were divided into four teams. Blue Team was headed by Mr. Kervin dela Cruz, green team by Mr. Dudes Adriatico, red team by Mr. Ethan Takemoto and yellow team by Mr. Brad Santiago. The half-day activity measured the cooperation and teamwork of each participant. As the final scores were announced, parity and sportsmanship still ruled each team. The day ended with a lively Fellowship Night held at the Upper Beach of the club. It was a jam packed party full of prizes and surprises. That evening turned out to be an unforgettable nights for many Otsuka.

As the surge continues, the Otsukans carried on inspiration and ammunition they gathered during the 4-day event--memories, additional information, and new strategies to face the battle of 2009.