The 10th Worldbex Seminar Series on the theme “Expanding Opportunities Toward Bigger Horizons” was held at the World Trade Center, in Manila, recently, a press release from organizers said.

The event, spearheaded by the Worldbex Services International, was part of the 13th Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition that showcased the Grand Embassy Pavilion and Architects’ and Interior Designers’ Gallery.

The seminar series gathered architects, engineers, interior designers, building administrators, contractors, purchasers, entrepreneurs, developers and other construction professionals in the country.

It also featured lectures from construction experts Armando Nicoleta, Paulo Alcazaren, Gilbert Yu and interior designer Leo Almeria. Speakers from Singapore were Daniel Rosa, Russell Cole, and architecture expert Mac Gregore Ponce Tan, the press release said.

Other lecturers were internationally-recognized Feng Shui expert Marites Allenw, who shared her knowledge on improving residential and business wealth through feng shui.

Those who wish for more  information on Worldbex activities may call Tel. Nos. 531-6350 or 534-3611; fax: 533-2026; e-mail to info@worldbex.com; or log on to www.worldbex.com, the press release added.*

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GMA-7 receives Anvil awards

The GMA-7 Kapuso Network scored big wins at the 43rd Anvil Awards held at Intercon Makati recently, a press release from the network said.

GMA’s 2006 Annual Report - Scaling Greater Heights - and the 2006 GMA Kapuso Foundation Annual Report - More Hearts, More Smiles, More Happy Lives - both received the much-coveted Anvil Award of Excellence. 

Its outstanding PR program that accompanied its historical IPO -- GMA Initial Public Offering – the hottest IPO of the year -- was likewise recognized with the Anvil Award of Merit, the press release said. 

Known as the Award for Excellence in PR, the Anvil is regarded as the most coveted and most exalted award for Public Relations practice in the Philippines, the press release added.*

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Magayon Festival
kicks off tomorrow

The Magayon Festival of Moises Padilla will kick off  tomorrow   with a contest on the most delicious lechon to  be participated in  by  15 barangays, a press release from the town said.

The contest called  “Pinakamanamit Lechon Baboy,” will be simultaneous with the Agro-Trade Fair opening,  in front of the municipal hall,  with the  villages exhibiting their best produce.

Mayor Francisco Nazareno will lead  local officials in a parade, to  be followed by a Mass and the opening program at the public plaza.

A music extravaganza dubbed “LGU Night” will culminate the opening day,  with the participation of the different departments of the local government unit, the press release said.

Other activities  in the five-day festival are the  “Katutubong Games” hosted by the Sangguniang Kabataan officials and the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines; Search for the Lin-ay sang Banwa; First Invitational Dance Sports Competition; Bicycle Adventure Challenge; Day Care Play Ground Demonstration; and Coronation Night.

There will also be the motorcade for Lin-ay sang Banwa candidates and Air Soft Gun Competitors, and the Trisikad  Race Competition and the Inter-Barangay Boxing Competition, as well as the Gay Basketball Tournament, Magayon Pop Idol,  and Battle of the Bands, the press release said.

Culmination day activities on March  29  are the Tumandok Day that will feature  in a contest the bamboo music instrument; sarsuela and  composo contests;  and the Hinuptanan Street dancing competition.

It will be capped with the Coronation of the Magayon Queen 2008, the press release added.*

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Lubag expert,
patient form foundation

A neurologist at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.A., and the first patient to have undergone successful deep brain stimulation surgery, have teamed up to form a foundation to help people who have been diagnosed with X-link Dystonia Parkinsonism Syndrome (XDP) or “Lubag”.

Dr. Virgilio Gerald Evidente, the neurologist, and Dr. Jesus Villanueva, the first Lubag patient, formed the John Vincent Villanueva/Lubag Foundation in memory of Dr. Villanueva’s younger brother who died from the disease before deep brain stimulation was discovered to be an effective symptomatic treatment for XDP.

Joel Torre, a popular TV and movie star from Bacolod City, has volunteered to be a spokesperson to XDP. He said he will be promoting the foundation, as awareness of this affliction needs to be increased, the press release said.

Evidente is arriving in Bacolod at 4 p.m. tomorrow and will hold TV and media interviews, it also said.

Evidente took his medical degree and his residency in neurology at the University of the Philippines and completed his fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He finished his Movement Disorder Fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Villanueva is a high school graduate of La Salle-Bacolod. He graduated with a BS in biology degree from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City and finished his general surgery residency at De La Salle University Medical and Philippine General Hospital. He is a fellow of the Philippine College of Surgeons, the press release said.

The aim of the foundation is to assist Lubag patients with their medical costs; to disseminate information on the newest treatments; to make its members aware of local support groups; and to raise funds for further research to find a cure for this progressive and deadly disease. Facilitation of genetic testing and counseling are also secondary goals of the foundation.

Evidente and Villanueva may be contacted by email at xlinkdp@yahoo.com. Letters may also be addressed to The John Vincent Villanueva/Lubag Foundation at P.O. Box 284, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.*

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