Stars and SARS

Scientists have yet to find a cure for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a respiratory illness caused by a previously unrecognized corona virus.

According to Bio-Watch, a global database for communicable diseases, the death toll from SARS as of May 3 has passed 391. More than 5,800 cases have been reported so far. But in Hong Kong and Singapore, two countries struck hard by SARS, the death rate is rising – 7.2 percent in the former British colony and over 12 percent in Singapore as of May 1 according to the MSNBC News Service.

Here in the Philippines, we already saw two deaths from SARS – that of nursing aide Adela Catalon from Canada and her father Mauricio. At the Regional Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa, the country’s main SARS treatment facility, a female doctor and a male nurse have been classified by health officials as suspected SARS cases. Both had direct exposure to Mauricio Catalon, who was brought to the facility on April 19 and died the following day.

The two RITM staff developed fever within the incubation period from the time they were exposed, according to RITM director Dr. Remigio Olveda. The incubation period is from seven to 14 days. There are now 12 SARS suspects confined at RITM, including relatives of the Catalons who were exposed to the victims.

In local show business, SARS has also become the topic for much concern. With the hectic lifestyles entertainers lead, their frequent exposures to crowds, not to mention their travels abroad, even in SARS-infected regions, showbiz denizens could be considered lucky that there has yet no reported SARS case among entertainers (and may God forbid!)

But facial masks and tons of disinfectants for washing the hands might not do the trick alone. As local health officials say, the best way to fight SARS is through prevention and keeping a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, hygiene, exercise and a daily intake of vitamins, especially anti-oxidants.

A friend of mine called me about a powerful anti-oxidant, PCO-Plus or Proanthocyandin Oligomer made from grape seed extracts. I came across PCO-Plus last year when another friend was raving about its effectivity. There was no SARS yet and I figured my normal Vitamin C intake was enough. Besides, I was exercising regularly, had stopped smoking and had a better diet so I felt there was no need to disrupt my fitness regimen.

But this time, I’m listening intently to this friend of mine as he talks about the wonders of PCO-Plus. "A daily intake of PCO-Plus enhances the body’s immune system and strengthens the body’s resistance against diseases, including SARS. PCO-Plus is also known to be at least 20 times more powerful than Vitamin C."

If interested, call 727-3948 or 727-3768.

Patrick Garcia in love

Every so often, an actor with prescribed mix of good looks, talent and charisma lands the lead role of a soap opera, gets noticed by the right people and poof! Just like that, a star is born!

Up for the honor is Patrick Garcia. The only difference is that Patrick has been famous for almost half of his 21 years. He was 10 when he started in show business and four years later was cast in a major role for a hotdog commercial. The lead role of Batang PX followed where he won the Star Awards Best Actor trophy.

A string of forgettable movie roles followed and Patrick was relegated to the sidelines. But he always figured in the headlines of tabloids as a boy gone bad. He was accused of being unprofessional. Some said he was taking drugs and others declared he was dating women much, much older than him.

"That’s all in past," says Patrick. "The pressure of fame and fortune got into me. I realized that there’s more to life than gimmicks and all-out partying. I decided to take my career seriously and to take hold of myself and my life."

Now, Patrick is going through what he calls his "second lease in life" and this time, he is paired with young actress Jodi Santamaria. The two were first paired in Star Studio and since their episode received great audience feedback, Patrick and Jodi were paired again in other TV shows including Tabing Ilog, Pangako Sa‘Yo and the movie Jologs. They now headline their own soap opera Darating Ang Umaga (aired on ABS-CBN after Bituin).

Patrick was once quoted as saying he isn’t comfortable with the concept of a love team. But now that he is one, he says, "Jodi is very nice and sweet. She’s very understanding. That’s why when the idea of being paired with her was presented to me, I said yes immediately. I couldn’t ask for a better love team."

Jodi reciprocates the compliment by saying, "There’s another side of Patrick that only few people know. He is very deep and intense but at the same time, he is fun to be with. He is one of my best friends in show business."

It’s not only Patrick’s show business career that is rosy nowadays. When you ask the ABS-CBN Talent Center artist about his girlfriend Bianca, his face breaks into a smile and his eyes sparkle. "Open my heart and it’s her name written on it."