June 4 - 6, 2009
Temperature Rising in Baguio: OPPI Goes to PNA

From landslides to rough roads, from the very cold temperature to heavy rains; from bad weather to “bed” weather - OPPI successfully heated things up at the 15th Midyear Convention of the Philippine Neurological Association (PNA) last June 4-6, 2009 at the CAP John Hay Culture and Trade Center. With the theme “Neurology and Beyond,” the convention focused on the topics on the relevance of alternative medicine in neurological practice, sessions on neuro-urology and neurologic complications of anesthesia, urinary retention and incontinence, other bladder dysfunctions, etc. The natural factors that befell the event did not hinder the doctor’s determination in getting updates on neurological topics as well as show their support to the PNA.

During the first day, June 4, PNA, in tandem with the Stroke Society of the Philippines (SSP) held a Thrombolysis Workshop, a preconvention scientific activity for the Central and Northern Luzon fellows. The workshop was then followed by “Art of Healing,” a visit to the museum of Ben Cabrera, one of our national artists.

The following day marked the formal opening of the PNA Midyear Convention. During the opening ceremonies, the young and energetic mayor of Baguio City, Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. graciously delivered the welcome remarks. On this day too was the opening of the booth exhibits of the participating pharmaceutical companies. OPPI had a booth set up promoting three different products, Pletaal (antiplatelet drug), Abilify (atypical antipsychotic), and Mucosta (cytoprotection). After a whole day of scientific lectures and sessions a few team building activities organized by the socials committee followed.

During the third and last day of the event, the remaining scientific sessions, PNA Council Meetings and the Business Meeting, and the Holy Mass, were held before the much-awaited PNA Fellowship Night. It is here where delegates and pharmaceutical staff unwind after the busy schedule of the convention. Games were played and song numbers were performed including the song number of Dr. Godfrey Robeniol, current President of the PNA. Of course, OPPI will never leave the event without a presentation. Together with the representatives from three pharmaceutical companies, OPPI staff composed of Nathan Manaoat, medical representative of Baguio, Joey Aquino, medical representative of Cagayan, Ruben Roadel, Jr., CME Officer of Abilify and Steve Derit, Events Officer of OPPI, danced to the tunes of “Igiling-giling” and “Kagat Labi”. It was a fun night with the dance floor swarmed by the dancing feet of the delegates dancing to the music of the band. The fun and partying did not stop and continued on until morning. Undoubtedly, this is one PNA convention everyone shall truly remember.

May 15, 2009
Otsuka… Goin’ Full Throttle in the prevention of NSAID induced Gastropathy

The mortality and morbidity associated with the use on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is a growing concern. Medical experts and research studies, after all, have proven that majority of NSAIDs have the propensity to cause upper gastro-intestinal (GI) side effects such as dyspepsia, peptic ulcer, hemorrhage and perforation.

NSAIDs likewise contribute to the management of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Several studies show that ulcers are documented endoscopically in up to 40% of chronic NSAID users, hence the need for concomitantly prescribing Gastroprotective agents with NSAIDs.

Based on a randomized, multicenter, controlled trial, (STORM Study) Rebamipide prevented peptic ulcers as effectively as Misoprostol in patients on long-term NSAID therapy. In addition, Rebamipide showed fewer abdominal symptoms more significantly than Misoprostol, thus proving its safety and efficacy.

Rebamipide (Mucosta) was launched March 2003 and is now considered as the leading cytoprotective agent in the Philippines. Initially indicated for gastritis and gastric ulcer, it has recently been approved by BFAD for the prevention of NSAID induced gastropathy last December 2008.

Otsuka (Philippines) Pharmaceutical, Inc., headed by Mucosta product manager, Mr. Joel Almariego, recently held a new indication product launch for Rebamipide (Mucosta) for the prevention of NSAID induced gastropathy. The event coincided with a special screening of “Angels & Demons”, at the Cinema 4 of Robinsons Movieworld Galleria in Ortigas Center. President and GM Mr. Leopoldo Dimerin gave the opening remarks and GI experts, Drs. Melchor Chan and Frederik Dy gave a lecture on NSAID induced gastropathy and the STORM study and the role of Rebamipide for NSAID induced gastropathy, respectively.

May 11-12, 2009
Presentation and Platform Skills Workshop

All CME Officers, Pocari, and SFE team participated in this program. It was held last May 11 and 12 at Best Western Hotel, Makati City.
The Presentation Skills Workshop program is a dynamic and hands-on workshop that challenges the potentials and skills of participants to better manage their platform and presentation skills – particularly when engaged with sales presentations in the field or with other parties.

At the end of the workshop, they were able to understand the principles and essence of effective presentations, use the various learnings and skills when conducting presentations, and build overall self-confidence when rendering sales presentation to various audiences.

Participants were able to appreciate the program since they became aware of the things they should improve on. They were also taught how to enhance their presentation.

April 29 - May 1, 2009
Otsuka Heats Up POA in Boracay

The 20th Midyear Convention of the Philippine Orthaepedic Association was hampered by a heavy downpour of rain, not common in the summer season in the Philippines, but it did not stop the event from being a success and OPPI was a part of it. The convention was held from April 29-May 1 at the posh Boracay Regency Hotel in Station 2 of Boracay, Aklan just fronting the white sands of the famous island in Western Visayas. To start heating up the sands of Boracay despite the rain, the POA Amazing Race was held during the first day. Groups comprising of doctors from different hospitals competed in this contest patterned after the famous contest in television. OPPI supported the event by providing Pocari Sweat drinks to all the contestants. In the afternoon, the opening ceremonies were held at the Grand Ballroom of the hotel while the fellowship night was held at the Beachfront.

The following day, OPPI sponsored a luncheon symposium with Philippines top gastroenterologists Dr. Jose Sollano and Dr. Melchor Chan discussing NSAID-induced gastropathy and the STORM Study which highlighted Mucosta’s role in NSAID gastropathy. The symposium was a success with both speakers addressing the concerns of the participants. Also there to support the speakers were Dr. Arnold Vitug (emcee), Dr. Alberto Molano (moderator) and Dr. Frederick Dy (third panelist). Dr. Ronnie Payba, Honorary Chairman of this year’s Midyear Convention, and Dr. Henry Tupas, Over-All Chairman, were also there to take part in the symposium.

OPPI provided a hospitality suite at the hotel for promoting Mucosta and Pocari Sweat. Aside from the local teams who were there to provide support to the convention, were KOIAA management in the presence of Ms. Eunha Park, Ms. Jina lee and Mr. Younjin Kim of KOIAA, who gave out Mucosta USB Hubs for the participants of the convention.

It was a very memorable event for the rest of the delegates and Boracay was truly a perfect venue to have a great time while gaining scientific updates and knowledge from the midyear convention.

April 23-24, 2009
Developing The Leader Within You

“Leadership is not an exclusive club for those who were born with it. The traits that are the raw material of leadership can be acquired. Link them up with desire and nothing can keep you from becoming a leader”

Powered by these words from John C. Maxwell, world-renowned leadership guru, the entire management team of OPPI attended a two-day seminar-workshop on “Developing the Leader within You” which is based on the book of the same title and authored by the great man himself last April 23-24, 2009 at the Best Western Hotel.

Anthony Pangilinan, one of the country’s top motivational speakers and chief trainer of Inspire for the said licensed program, conducted the session with mastery and ease.

The program defined leadership development on five different levels: positional leader where people follow because they have to; permission leader where people follow because they want to; production leader where people follow because of the results the leader brings; people development leader where people follow because of what the leader has done for them and their desire to experience the success together; and personhood leader where people follow because the leader devotes time to mentor and mold them to become better persons.

The participants were taught how to apply the five levels of leadership into specific daily actions allowing the commitment of those they are leading to reach new levels through a combination of lectures, video clips, self-assessments, role-plays, case studies, group discussions, and structured learning experiences.

The foundation has been laid. The challenge that now faces the participants is how to make the people they work with undergo an enhanced leadership experience with them on the helm.