Novartis, partners announce winners of daily exercise routine contest

MANILA, Philippines - Leading research-based healthcare company Novartis Healthcare Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH), and Philippine Heart Association (PHA), recently held the awarding ceremony for the Trabahustle (Trabaho + Hustle) Moves Online Video Contest.

Launched last May as part of the country’s observance of World Hypertension Day, the contest aimed to encourage Filipinos to incorporate physical activity in their daily life, be it at home, at work or in school.

The contest was open to residents of the Philippines, 18 years old and above. Family members, including children, were encouraged to join the contestant in the video.

Participants choreographed and recorded on video mini-workouts or short exercises that could be easily done at home, at work or in school, and came up with a creative, catchy name for their exercise routine. Video length was between 30 seconds and three minutes.

“Regular physical activity, as part of a healthy lifestyle, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to lower the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases,” said Health Secretary Enrique Ona.

“We are pleased to be part of this innovative contest that demonstrates how physical activity can easily be incorporated in our daily routine,” said PSH president Dr. Dante Morales.

“We are privileged to work with our partner stakeholders in promoting awareness on the importance of regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle in preventing and controlling hypertension and cardiovascular diseases,” said Thomas Weigold, president and managing director of Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

The contest received a total of 32 video entries. The panel of judges led by Morales selected the winners based on the following criteria: easy to follow steps, 40 percent; overall execution, 40 percent; and quality of video output, 20 percent.

Melvin Clarion who submitted his video entry entitled “Desk Workout” was adjudged the grand winner of the Trabahustle Moves Online Video Contest. He received an Apple iPad 2.

Mariel Dullate (“Warm Up Hustle”) was given the Early Bird award and a consolation prize of P3,000 for being the first contestant to submit a video entry to the contest.

“As a leader in in cardiovascular health, Novartis is committed to promote regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle among Filipinos,” said Christine Fajardo, corporate affairs and market access director of Novartis Healthcare Philippines.