MANILA, Philippines - May 17 marked this year’s global commemoration of World Hypertension Day. With this year’s theme “Healthy Weight, Healthy Blood Pressure,” the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH), in collaboration with Novartis Healthcare Philippines and supported by the Department of Health, Philippine Heart Association (PHA) and Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN), launched the Healthy Weight Dancexercise Contest.
“We are happy with the tremendous response to the campaign. This is a clear indication that Filipinos from all age groups have been encouraged to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure through ‘dancexercise.’ It has always been Novartis’ goal to help contribute to the health and wellness of the nation,” said Eric van Oppens, president and CEO of Novartis Healthcare Phils.
From May 17 to June 18 (deadline of submission of video entries), there were a total of 52 video entries consisting of 156 participants for the three categories: young adults (21 to 34 years old); midlifers (35 to 59), and seniors (60 and above).
The judges, headed by dance expert and celebrity Regine Tolentino, chose nine winning entries per category.
Among the judges were PSH president Dr. Abdias Aquino, PHA president Dr. Eleanor Lopez, past PHA president Dr. Belen Carisma, DOH representative Prescy Cuevas, Novartis Healthcare Phils. corporate affairs and market access director Christine Liwanag, and Novartis senior manager for hypertension brands Bernard Arcangel.
For the Young Adults category, “Premierobics,” a six-member group from Nueva Ecija, headed by Laden Grace Centeno garnered the first prize. In the midlifers category, Marichu Zablan, a solo participant who hails from Pasig City, won the top prize. For the seniors category, a group from Pateros called the “Pateros Class of 1961” headed by Camiole Tolentino, bagged the first prize.
The full list of winners can be viewed at www.novartis.com.ph.