Investigative News Feature Article

Does the Anti-Dengue Vaccine really works?

Keannu Dave Cuesta, BAMC 3

Journ 103 – Feature Writing

KNOW MORE ABOUT DENGUE

It is true that majority of us already know that the outbreak of Dengue Fever is now prevalent in the society. 

We can say this based on statistics as well as from the reports of various media platforms. 

As of today, Dengue Fever has been categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the most pervasive communicable menace to people not only in Southeast Asian countries, but to the whole globe as well. 

The organization also defined Dengue Fever as a viral infection transmitted to the blood from the bite on an infected female "Aedes mosquito". Specialists term is as “break-bone” fever. 

Just one sting of a potential carrier is enough to transfer the virus to a host. The virus would then lead to severe influenza-like illness - which could be lethal if not treated immediately.

“Anyone is likely susceptible to infliction since the virus is not picky and does not exempt anyone at all ages” – WHO also declared. 

Meanwhile, according to Medicine Net’s website, most dengue outbreaks divulge from sub-tropical and tropical countries. Why is that? Its because the hot temperature and humid atmosphere both contributes in making the environment more palatable for female Aedes mosquitoes to propagate. 

And unfortunately, Philippines is a tropical country. Which means, we cannot deny the fact that our country’s geographic location is partially culpable for the higher risk and greater widespread of Dengue among Filipinos – it’s a sad reality, indeed. 

There are four different viruses that can cause Dengue fever, all of which are spread by the same class of parasite. These distinct serotypes are DEN 1, DEN 2, DEN 3 and DEN 4. The level of its severity may likewise vary from mild to severe. The worse forms include dengue shock syndrome and dengue hemorrhagic fever or DHF as what most people call it.

SYMPTOMS

If you tend to have a fever that has been going on for days and does not seem to lower down, then you might need to have a medical diagnosis. After being bitten by the potential mosquito, the incubation period usually ranges from 4 to 6 days before the clear symptoms appear – based from Medical News Today’s page. It also stated there that the symptoms include:

• aching muscles and joints
• body rash which disappears then reappears
• extremely high fever
• intense headache and vomiting or nauseous feeling

However, the symptoms may vary as there are various severities of Dengue.

STATISTICS OF DENGUE CASES

In the Western Pacific Region itself, like in China for example, there were 1,971 dengue cases reported from the latest updates of the World Health Organization as of September to November 2014.

Malaysia on the other hand had 102,801 cases which was higher compared last year. Also, Singapore with 8,786 cases, Cambodia with 12,218 cases, Vietnam with 39,410, Lao with 1,641 and Australia with 1,486 cases - all of which have intensified from the preceding year.

The Philippines also falls to no exception with this alarming situation. Recently, as of January to November 2014, still based from the pertinent records of the World Health Organization, Philippines garnered a total of 59, 943 dengue cases which dragged the country to infamously rank “fourth” in the list of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members with top counts of Dengue cases. 

Most of the cases centered in Metro Manila with 11,476, followed by Calabarzon with 7,265 and Central Luzon with 7,044. Forty percent of the cases were also found to stretch the age group 5 to 14 years old.

It seems that more and more Filipinos contract Dengue virus nowadays. “A 16 percent surge in dengue incidence has occurred in 2013 to 2014” – according to the report of the Philippine’s National Department of Health. The number of deaths from Dengue virus also escalated to 328 in 2014 which is quite higher than the 293 fatalities tallied on the same period of duration in 2013.

FINALLY A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

Due to the haste proliferation of Dengue cases nowadays, it’s feels uplifting to have grasped such information that scientists gave their full attention in formulating a solution. Lucky for us, through their efforts, a French Pharmaceutical Company named “Sanofi Pasteur” in Paris, France finally devised a prototype Anti-Dengue Vaccine called the “CYD-TVD” after being alarmed by the rapid exacerbation of Dengue, especially in tropical countries. 

Sanofi Pasteur announced that by 2015, its vaccines division will start applying for licenses with the Health authorities of various countries. 

As for the Philippines, the vaccine was eventually made available and distributed just last July 2015. Even the National DOH confirmed they will definitely allot a budget for the purchasing of CYD-TVD to incorporate it into their vaccination programs nationwide.

At last! We can say that this "Anti-Dengue Vaccine" might be our saving grace and the answer to our concerns regarding the issue. However, a question still lies, does it really work? Is it effective?

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VACCINE

“It was announced on a global scale that there is now a vaccine that has been experimented, developed, and found to be effective in  preventing infliction of Dengue” – as what Enrique Ona, Health Secretary of DOH said in an interview. 

The Anti-Dengue vaccine already underwent clinical trial for more than two years and has shown a promising overall efficacy of 56.6 percent, Ona also said. 

Additionally, the final phase on the Anti-Dengue efficacy was performed in five Asian countries including the Philippines, where specifically 3,500 children in the cities of Cebu and San Pablo participated and were injected for the observation as well as the verification of its effectiveness. 

As a result, more than half of the test subjects did not contract dengue compared to the group that weren’t given any dosage. Because of those positive remarks, the French firm said its vaccine yielded a “good safety profile”.

The study also showed that after three doses, the vaccine reduced the possibility of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever by 88.5 percent, according to the World Health Organization’s criteria.

It was also noted that there was a 67 percent decline in the risk of hospitalization caused by dengue during the observation period. “These results are of great public importance due to the high incidence of dengue and it’s disruptive effect on the country’s health system” – Ona added.

In addition, Mr. Rennan Cimafranca, Nurse V and Head of the DOH 7 Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit expressed his positive outlook about the vaccine in an interview, - “So far, since the release of the vaccine, what I’ve observed from the records of the National Department of Health, is that it monitored a steep drop in the number of Dengue reports in the Philippines from January to November”, he said. 

But he quickly supplemented his former statements by saying despite of the presence of an effective vaccine, people must still continue their preventive measures and the health agencies should still push through with their anti-dengue campaigns. 

So basically, looking at the good test results of the Anti-Dengue vaccine in the Philippine context alone, it becomes a relief to know that we have the chance to shield ourselves from the widespread menace of Dengue.

VACCINE NOT YET IN CEBU?

When the Anti-Dengue was distributed in the Philippines last July 2015, the National DOH Agency said it is meant to be distributed throughout the DOH branches in the country for the sole purpose of reducing the number of Dengue incidents. But turns out in Cebu City, the DOH 7 does not have a single supply of such.

Cebu City nonetheless also tops in the country in terms of Dengue cases. For the first nine months of 2015, DOH 7 has recorded an alarming 831 dengue cases - far higher than the same period last year. So given there is a high level of dengue cases in Cebu, I was taken aback by the fact that the vaccine is still out of reach by the health agencies in the city.

To fill up such queries at hand, Ms. Michelle Acosta, Nurse III and Head for Communicable Disease Awareness of DOH Region 7 explained in a phone interview the reason why the vaccine is still unavailable in Cebu.

“It’s because what I’ve heard from the interview of Secretary Garin, though the vaccine was distributed here in the Philippines last July 2015, the process by which it will be released to other DOH branches will be done by 2016” – she said.

However, Ms. Acosta added that they are also dismayed after knowing that it would still take long before the vaccine would be released in Cebu. “We badly need it because it targets the four strains of Dengue (DEN 1, DEN 2, DEN 3 and DEN 4) virus and the cases in Cebu are a bit high especially since it’s the summer season”, ­- her exact words in the interview.

Her last words were that she hopes the Central office could augment a budget to their department for the vaccine and that she is sure by the time the vaccine would be ready for distribution, DOH 7 in Cebu can easily procure some supply.

As what the famous saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”. Sounds too cliché but otherwise true in the real sense. As much as possible, we want to live their lives with protection against various threats around us. 

Just like Dengue for example. Maybe before, we always feel a tremor rushing down our spine every time we hear the word. But now, since there is already what we call the “Anti-Dengue Vaccine”, which has been scientifically proven as a good solution, we can now have a feeling of relief from our worries and live with immunity against our greatest fear.

Sources:

http://www.wpro.who.int/emerging_diseases/DengueSituationUpdates/en/

http://www.wpro.who.int/philippines/areas/communicable_diseases/dengue/continuation_dengue_area_page/en/

http://www.rappler.com/nation/90221-doh-dengue-cases-first-quarter-2015

http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2015/09/29/1505175/higher-last-years-cebu-city-most-dengue-cases-central-visayas

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6625

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/505906/news/nation/dengue-vaccine-for-fda-approval-within-this-year-doh

http://www.rappler.com/nation/63497-dengue-vaccine-ph-july-2015

Travel Feature Article

Canigao: An Island Paradise in Matalom, Leyte

By Keannu Dave Cuesta, BAMC 3

Journ 103 – Feature Writing

Yes! Only a few more days to go till I finally say hello to the best time of the year - summer. Which means, fun-time once again! - this is the typical statement that most of us would probably think whenever summertime is fast approaching. Oh summertime is just pure love, don’t you agree?

We highly anticipate the arrival of the summer season knowing it is the perfect opportunity for us to travel across the country and witness the grandeur of different tourist spots with our own naked eyes.

Traveling gives us quality time to chill-out, unwind, have fun and experience setting foot on places we have never been to before.

It was last May 27, 2015 when my family and I went on an out-of town beach getaway to have a family travel vacation as well as to bond with each other. Among the many beach destinations in Leyte, we decided to travel to Canigao Island since we’ve been hearing a lot of positive feedback from our neighbors who have been there already.

To give a brief background, Canigao is an elliptical islet located about five kilometers off the shore of Matalom, Leyte and is situated along the Matalom sea midway between mainland island province of Leyte and the northern coral reefs of Bohol.

Since 2005, it gradually became one of the major tourist destinations in Eastern Visayas and has gained overwhelming popularity recently.

From our town Kananga, it took us about three and a half hours of land travel before reaching the municipality of Matalom. But despite those long hours being held captive waiting inside a car, the feeling of excitement filled-up my emotions upon finally arriving at Matalom's port.

When I and my family went-off from the car, we had a short stroll on the port and eventually saw a small marketplace directly at the right side. Out of our curiosity on what things were sold there, we went forward to take a peek. 

Indeed, the things sold were pretty amazing. The marketplace was selling a wide array of native souvenir items like t-shirts, bags, hats, mats, key chains, purses and also figurines crafted out of sea shells, clams and pebbles made personally by the locals in Matalom. We were very impressed on how they were intricately made. Aside from souvenirs, fresh looking seafood were available in the marketplace - delicious enough to make our mouth's water.

After that short stroll, my parents bought tickets for our ride and picked a time schedule for our trip to the island. It was then when I and my family knew that 'wooden pump boats' are the only means of transportation to get to Canigao Island.

The boat fare costs 60.00 pesos per person which already covers the back and forth trip as well as the entrance fee to the island. Children under 12 years are also given half price discounts. To think of it, it’s cheap compared to others.

Finally, we were told by the management that the wooden pump boats traveling to Canigao are ready to be boarded. This moment was the peak of my excitement and all that was going inside my head was - “the time has come”. 

However, it took us a while to board the pump boats because we first needed to cross a bridge made of bamboo tubes. It was long a bridge, and by long, I really mean long.

It was a bit terrifying for me crossing the bamboo bridge since it shakes every time I take a step. I can also tell that the bamboos are already timeworn because of its color and some already have cracks between their parts. It was a test of fear. But somehow, I and my family along with the other passengers managed to board safely. 

Right after everything was set, we then started our voyage.

While we were traveling on saltwater, huge waves were splashing on the sides of the boat causing a constant up and down motion just like that of a roller-coaster ride. All I can see was the sky and the vast ocean, both to my right and left side. I waited and waited. Surprisingly, while I was quietly staring at the ocean, I suddenly saw a big flying fish flipping out of the water and performing five consecutive jumps. I think it is really amazing for a fish to have that kind of talent. But after that short show of the fish, it was back to waiting.

The trip from the pier of Matalom to Canigao Island more or less took twenty minutes. As soon as we ducked at the shore, the first thing I noticed was how remarkable and eye-captivating the scenery is. Indeed, Canigao is one hidden gem of Leyte.

In terms of land size, Canigao is quite small. I finished touring the entire parameters within just a few hours. Even if my tour around the island ended up quickly, the features that I saw along  the tour were the ones that made my day.

First and foremost, the island was surrounded with sparkling white sand similar to Boracay in Aklan. When I stepped on the sand (barefoot), I felt a slight ticklish sensation due to how fine its granules were. Small white pebbles and empty sea shells with different sizes and colors were also mixed in the sand.

The middle part of the island was composed of various species of trees, some were even fruit-bearing just like “dragon fruit” trees in which the fruit resembled as of that of a vegetable named "artichoke".

There was also an old lighthouse which had an interesting fact. We asked the watchers some information about the lighthouse and they told us that it is one of the oldest lighthouses in Leyte.

I tried climbing to the very top and the view was very lovely. When I was at the highest level, I had a panoramic view of the whole Eastern Visayas and I’ve likewise seen the islands of Camotes, Cebu and Cagayan.

Another asset of the island was the tree house. My family and I tried to ask permission from the management if we could be allowed to go up and see what it’s like up there. Turns out, it’s fine as long as you ask prior consent from them.

The high elevation of the tree house establishes a scenic view of the dazzling ocean as well as the horizon. The view was relaxing enough, but with the supplement of the cool breeze from up above, it further contributed in making the place more impeccable.

I had also observed that most of the tourists upon arriving would immediately splash and swim on the beach. I mean, who can blame them, the inviting turquoise crystal water of the beach is totally irresistible.

When I saw that many people were enjoying their swim, I also ran towards the beach and jumped into the water with them. It's incredible because even if the sun was beating down hard, but when I submerged my body underwater, the temperature was so cold - I was not able feel the sun’s heat kissing my skin anymore. 

The north and the west waters of Canigao Island is also sanctuary according to the locals. The island has an abundant and diverse marine life which makes it good place for snorkeling on a bright day. 

I’ve tried delving underneath these water locations together with my little sister and we were mesmerized by the extensive number of tropical sea creatures and the enchanting ocean floor with lush coral gardens.

We saw schools of fish of different breeds along with other sea creatures like starfish, hermit crabs, jellyfish and clams. Aside from the water, the sky in the island was also stunning. It almost had the same qualities with the beach. 

When I was lying on the sand after soaking in the water, I looked up and I saw few cloud formations and more of its blue pigment. The sun’s bright rays also shimmers in the horizon. The cool breeze was sweeping on my face and I could hear the soothing sound of the ocean waves. That moment for me was like  paradise at its finest.

During the day, a lot of activities were going on in the island. Many tourists were playing Beach Volleyball, Frisbee and Parlor games. A lot were also fixing up their own tents while others did sunbathing, building sand castles and burying their bodies under the sand. Other were cooking their food.

Around five o’clock in the afternoon, another great event that awaits the island is the majestic sunset. But during night time, the place somehow gets better and better.Night time in Canigao is preferably one of the most awaited for tourists.

Around eight o’clock in the evening, the island becomes quieter because people focus their attention looking at the star constellations. Stars are pretty visible in Canigao since the sky is absolutely clear at night. In cities, it’s now rare to see stars at night, but in Canigao, you will definitely lose count.

Believe it or not, there are tons of features in Canigao that will truly satisfy your travel experience and would stamp an adventure in your life.

Traveling is not just going to places that are known to many people, but it is more about discovering what’s new. It’s not the fixed concept of setting foot to a place you have never been and taking “selfies” for remembrances. But perhaps, the real essence of traveling is by learning to appreciate and discover the beauty of nature.  


Sources of Photos: Google Images 

Cultural Feature Article

What have I done? I procrastinated and now I’m doomed!

By Keannu Dave Cuesta, BAMC 3

Journ 103 – Feature Writing

“Nah...I still have ample time, I’m way too tired to do it right now… I think I’ll do it later or maybe tomorrow instead.” Sounds familiar? Relate much? Basically, these statements are what we Filipinos frequently reason out or say whenever we intend to procrastinate. The issue of procrastination seems to become a rampant dilemma amongst majority of us nowadays.

Usually during vacant hours, we tend to prioritize doing other things that are really not significant at the moment or doing something that simply suits our mood, while setting aside the more urgent things that needs to be done. We resort to all these unproductive activities until such instance, we unknowingly devour the entire free time allotted for us to work on a certain task, assignment, etc.

Given we already wasted so much time procrastinating during those vacant periods, the tasks, assignments, etc. that were undone will start to pile up, making the situation more complex and with a lesser probability to accomplish all of it on time. Just imagine how stressful it is to finish loads of requirements in one night! Right?

There are plenty of cases wherein a student is seen going to school with a ‘zombie-look’ together with ‘huge eye-bags’ since he or she recently engaged into an ‘all-nighter’ activity - complying paper-works and other sorts of important documents a night before the deadline. When in fact, he or she might have been given a week-long period to prepare all of them.

In the Filipino culture, we call this psychological practice of procrastination as “Mañana Habit” - a bad attitude we have imitated from the Spaniards when they colonized our country years ago. There word Mañana is derived from the plain English term ‘tomorrow’ or ‘specified future time’, while in Filipino dialect it translates as “mamaya na lang”.

Based from the website Linkedin.com, the culture of Mañana Habit can be abridged into a five-way linear process of thinking: (1) first, you need to do something now, (2) but then you decided to do it later, and as a result of the delay, (3) you eventually end up not doing it. Now, (4) you will tell yourself or somebody that you will do it tomorrow instead, (5) and when tomorrow comes, the same cycle repeats all over again.

Psychologists say, we begin to develop this type of trait because we often do it in our daily routine. The syndrome gradually infiltrates in our being that is why we sometimes could not avoid practicing it even if we know it’s a bad habit.

A lot of people also say that each time we are given questions for a paper assignment, most of our brilliant ideas/answers would start popping-out on the stroke of eleventh hours like around one o’clock to five o’clock in the morning. We get used to the feeling in which our driving force/adrenaline to get things done, only activates when we are time-pressured.

Moreover, A culture does not simply emerge without a reason behind it. Some are simply formed through the prevalent practices by the common people, while other causes may even surface from various factors within the society.

FACTORS WHY WE DEVELOP MANAÑA HABIT

1. Internet. 

From the perspective of students, especially those in college, Internet can be a major culprit to why they resort to Mañana Habit. 

“It’s just that I can’t stop myself from watching multiple K-pop videos on YouTube if ever I have internet connection”, this is according to Beverly Deles, a 19- year-old third year BS Medical Technology student from Cebu Doctor’s University in a social media interview.

Beverly is an avid fan of Korean pop and she always watches videos of her favorite K-pop artists before giving attention to her academics. It takes her about three to four hours before she can start to work on her assignments and study her lessons. The entertainment value that Internet gives people is unbearable.

Since the internet virtually provides instant access to almost everything students desire to know, view/watch or browse, therefore, it has definite power to easily distract and divert their attention. It also drives them to procrastinate despite their hectic schedules.

2. Lack of know-how skill. 

Deficits in skills are also main contributors to why people develop Mañana Habit syndrome. People with deficits are directly driven to procrastinate certain tasks since they lack the know-how to do it in the first place.

An example would be a person who has difficulties in English. He or she has a hard time constructing sentences, not very good with grammar and has low vocabulary power. A person with this kind of deficit will surely procrastinate if tasked to write a reaction paper or any sort of critical paper because he or she would immediately get tired in doing so; compared to a person who has a lot of experience in writing and with sharp English proficiencies.

3. Lack of interest. 

Lack of interest also plays a crucial role in the development of Mañana Habit culture. Just because one person is interested or passionate about a particular thing, it does not automatically follow that everyone else will be.

People delay tasks, jobs, assignments, etc. that they don’t find interesting as it is harder for them to find motivation. We often say the lines “I’m not yet in the mood to do it” or “this thing is just extremely boring, it think I’ll do it later” if we are not interested in doing what we are obliged to do.

Lack of interest compared to other factors is a bit harder to remedy. The problem lies within the person itself. It primarily depends on how a person considers the job, and our personal interest varies from one person to another.

Well those are just some of the factors why the culture of Mañana Habit flourished in human nature. As much as possible, we must pursue in avoiding Mañana habit since it is definitely harmful to us. 

When we deprive ourselves from sleep because we do all of the things needed in one night, it can pose negative effects on our health. From the website Healthline.com, sleep deprivation can be a prior cause to Anemia, Moodiness, Memory Problems, Heart Diseases, Impaired Brain Activity and a lot more.

If you’re a student, Mañana Habit can affect your performance in school. When you cram, you remember less on the topics that you studied. Which the leads to getting low scores and the decline of your grades. Worse, you might even fail at your exams. It could also be the reason for you not to pass better outputs due to lack of time.

From the saying “know your priorities”, it really depends on how we manage our time and how we categorize priorities from the most important to the lesser ones.

Sources:

success.oregonstate.edu/six-reasons-people-procrastinate

healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body

Hobby Feature Article

Hobby: Loom Bracelets Galore!

By Keannu Dave Cuesta, BAMC 3

Journ 103 – Feature Writing

Apparently, all of us allocate most of our time doing hectic activities. Our daily timetables are so occupied with work, assignments, and other things that needs to be complied at particular deadlines. At the end of the day, it definitely comes as no surprise that we look forward to a break. We need a moment to relax, unwind and re-channel our energy to revitalize ourselves and endure the stressful things that are yet to come.

Hobbies are indeterminate in nature. It mainly depends on what we prefer to be fun and pleasurable in accordance to our own field of passion, interest and expertise. There are even cases wherein our hobby is similar to others if we have the same age bracket with them. And sometimes, we only develop a keen sense of likeness towards a certain hobby due to bandwagon factors in society.

Tons of hobbies actually exist in the human world, but in my part, I like crafting loom bracelets.

Crafting loom bracelets was first practiced when a forty-five engineer named Cheng Choon Ng from Malaysia tried to make rubber-band bracelets for his daughters, Theresa and Michelle.

When he realized that his fingers were too big to manipulate the tiny loom bands, he devised a tool that would help him do the job. His invention later on became a direct hit in toy shops in Malaysia and was spread to other countries.

Why Loom Bracelet Crafting?

People want to divert attention from problems and get away from life’s circumstances even just for a short while. As much as possible, we want an opportunity to experience peace of mind. We want to be in a state of mental and emotional calmness, with no worries, fears or stress and to have a sense of happiness.

Theories of psychology states that resorting to your hobby is one basic way to attain such nirvana.

There is no ultimate set of reasons why we should make Loom Band Crafting as our hobby. Everything is merely based on personal reasons and preferences. It’s just that there are some people who truly admire craftsmanship while there are others who easily appreciate the magic their hands can create.

Benefits of Crafting Loom Bracelets

The most deemed benefit of crafting loom bracelets is that it serves as a stress reliever, and a form of entertainment at the same time. “When you craft loom bracelets, you are able to forget your stress because you are pretty much entertained in twisting, pulling and manipulating the loom bands”, according Rosalyn Yu, a 20-year-old student from San Lorenzo Ruiz College in a social media interview.

Rosalyn added that crafting loom bands gives her great entertainment value that sometimes, she does not notice how long she has spent doing the activity.

Another benefit of loom band crafting is fashion. Loom Bracelets can be a companion to your daily get-up. The clothes that you wear will look more beautiful if accompanied with matching accessories. And since loom bracelets come in different colors and designs, it is will be easy for you to pair it with your apparel. So instead of wearing bulky and expensive accessories for the sake of matching it with your outfit, why not wear loom bracelets? It’s cheap yet classy and puts lighter weight on your wrists.

3 Basic Tips in Taking up Loom Bracelet Crafting for a Hobby

If you intend to craft loom bracelets as a relaxing hobby, it is best that you first read and comprehend these basic tips before you get your hands strained. Give yourself some start-up idea before doing it.

1. Patience and Persistence is a must.

Making loom bracelets is not as simple as it seems. It will take you about an hour to complete one bracelet and will approximately use up a hundred petite loom bands. It will also require a huge amount of patience and persistence throughout the process since it involves a lot of twisting, stretching and pulling.

There are instances when in the middle of your crafting – or worse - when you are just about to finish, a loom band breaks when you stretch it beyond its limits or if it’s twisted a lot of times. If this happens, you will probably get frustrated and lose your patience. You will have no choice but to repeat the process all over again.

2. Proper color combination.

When making loom bracelets, it is important to consider the spectrum of your color combination. The technique on how you combine colors together plays a crucial role in the bracelet’s appearance.

Usually, loom bracelets with good color mixtures appeal more to the eyes than those with weird contrasting tints. A basic example of incompatible colors when bind together based from the website colourlover.com are red and yellow. Why? Because they are both vibrant.

This tip also measures your level of creativity. You will soon be tempted to try innovating new color combinations.

Oftentimes, from what you have heard from other people, you already assume certain colors won't match, without even testing if it is true. And somehow in the end, you are amazed that the colors actually work beautifully.

3. Learn as many designs as you can.

Take time to watch multiple videos and clips online that provides lessons on how to craft various loom bracelet designs. Keep on practicing, especially designs with higher difficulty. The more intricate the design, the fancier it looks.

Each video is really made short, organized and detailed so that you won’t get confused when you learn it. It also means that it would not take long enough to watch the videos. If you really have the passion for it, then you would always have the driving force to persevere and watch.

Sources:

https://m.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/29cmoo/what_is_the_absolute_worst_combination_of_two/

www.colourlovers.com/blog/2007/08/29/forbidden-color-combinations

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2774431/Rainbow-Loom-craze-shows-no-sign-slowing-man-s-130m-selling-rubber-bands-unveils-latest-invention.html

Where Are They Now Feature Article

Beatriz Saw, when was the last time I “Saw” you on TV?

By Keannu Dave Cuesta, BAMC 3

Journ 103 – Feature Writing

What is the first thought that pops to your head every time you hear Beatriz Saw’s name? It might be “Pinoy Big Brother”, right? Well, there is a reason why most people tend to have that kind of intuition. It's because Beatriz Saw, popularly known as ‘Bea Saw’ or ‘Mommy Bei’, was once a fellow housemate of Kuya in ABS-CBN’s prime time reality show - “Pinoy Big Brother”.

It was on the Fourth Season of Pinoy Big Brother last February 25, 2007, when a 21-year-old Chinita named Maria Beatriz Saw – given the title “Sassy Girl of Bicol”, first stepped inside Big Brother’s house alongside seventeen more co-housemates originating from various cities and provinces nationwide.

While Bea was inside, she relentlessly faced and accepted all the challenges and obstacles handed down to her. She proved to the people that she is worthy of the title ‘Pinoy Big Brother Big Winner’.

Although there were instances where she failed in their tasks, it was never a hindrance or a credible reason for her to end her journey and quit.

After a hundred and twenty-six days of experience inside the house, Bea finally went back to the outside world on June 30, 2007 and was part of Kuya’s “Big Four” – top four housemates based on highest voting percentage during the open voting.

On the culminating night held at the Big Dome in Araneta Coliseum, Bea garnered a total of 30.29 percent of the audiences votes - equivalent to over a million and a half, making her Pinoy big Brother Season 4’s Big Winner. 

Mickey Perz, the "Hip-hop Dancer from Switzerland", was declared as the Second Big Placer, Wendy Valdez as Third Big Placer and Gee-Ann Abrahan as Fourth Big Placer.

After bringing home the bacon, Bea instantaneously turned into a famous public figure both in showbiz and media. She was invited to do guesting on different programs in ABS-CBN like ASAP and The Buzz.

In her guesting on The Buzz, she shared some of the unforgettable moments she had throughout the duration of her journey inside the house. One was how confusing it was for her to decide who among her co-housemates will she give a nomination point. 

“It’s really difficult Kuya Boy because it’s like putting them in danger of being evicted and more like taking away their chances of winning“ - she said in the interview.

Another is how nerve-wrecking it was being nominated for eviction on a certain week. 

And last was how she screamed “Kuya sabayan mo akong lumabas ng bahay mo!” when her name was announced as the season’s Big Winner.

Aside from guesting, Bea widened her horizons as she started her acting career in 2008. She accepted character roles in numerous films, movies, as well as prime time television programs in TV stations. Her very first appearance was when she portrayed the character ‘Mitch’ in ABS-CBN’s prime time teleserye “Hobo”, together with huge-stars Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz.

Another was her role as ‘Mayumi Castro’ in one of TV5’s Television series titled “Lip-gloss” starring Rodjun Cruz, Mikee Lee, Maxinne Magalona, Fred Payawan, Charina Suzara and Louise delos Reyes. She also had quite a number of appearances in Pinoy films, though never as leading actress.

It was during the years of 2009 - 2010 when Beatriz Saw was at the peak of her fame in show business. From guesting, supporting roles, minor casting roles, these enabled her to hoard enough acting experience that she further utilized when she took her career to the next level by accepting much heavier quality projects.

One concrete example was when she had a three-time appearance on MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya), one of the longest TV drama anthologies in the country. Having a main role in MMK series at that time was already considered a big boom for starting-celebrities. It signifies that as an actress, your acting skills became better.

But as soon as Beatriz Saw started becoming more popular and more successful in her acting career, there was a time (around the year 2011) when she suddenly disappeared from the showbiz industry and was no longer seen portraying roles on TV dramas, films and teleseryes. 

Many netizens began posting articles on social media websites discussing the reasons that caused her disappearance. They were left questioning about what happened to her, where she is and when will she make a comeback. Only the last time they saw her on television was when she portrayed the role of ‘Ms. Fontanilla’ during the remake of TV series “Annaliza” in 2011.

It was then that people knew what happened to Bea when she posted on her Facebook page - a picture of her in a church wearing a bridal gown along with her husband wearing a suit. The controversies behind all of the peoples questions were finally answered.

Details regarding Bea’s wedding were also unveiled on an online website celebritycult.blogspot.com. The blog post stated that Beatriz Saw married her longtime businessman boyfriend - Rocky Tan, last January 09, 2012. Beatriz also told these hidden information herself when she was interviewed during her guesting on Pinoy Big Brother Season 9: Unlimited in 2012.

Another shocking revelation was also discovered about her during the interview in PBB Unlimited where she admitted to the hosts that she was pregnant during her cool-off and that she gave birth to her first baby girl last November 27, 2012 which she named “Arabella Tan”.

As of now, Bea is currently a full-time mother and a wife in her non-extravagant social life. She is currently helping her husband in their business in order to establish stability in their sprouting family. 

Bea said it will be hard for her to hit two birds with one stone. She admitted she could not simultaneously focus on her acting career and take care of her baby. She added this is the major reason why she decided to cool-off from showbiz for the meantime.

However, just recently, in an article posted ABS-CBN’s online page, Bea said in an interview that she is opening back her doors and is willing to accept acting projects, TV films or teleseryes again if ever she’s offered as such. And as of 2015, Bea Saw is back in the line of her career and had currently portrayed the role of ‘Anj’ in Star Cinema’s “A Second Chance”.


Sources:

www.abc-cbnnews.com

www.pinoymoneytalk.com/beatriz-saw- big-winner-pbb2/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bea_Saw