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Following the launching of the sixth season of Young Minds Academy (YMA) last Jan.
21, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) is now accepting applications for the program.

YMA is a youth leadership and citizenship development program of the Eduardo Aboitiz
Development Studies Center (EADSC) of RAFI aimed at developing young people to become
responsible and accountable leaders and proactive citizens ready to serve the public and its
interests. This is done through awareness raising, experiential education, immersion, and open
discourse, among others.

It is open to young people aged 12 to 20 years old.

YMA was launched in October 2006 and already ran for five seasons, including a special
summer edition held in 2009 for Region 8.

“Through this program, I have discovered what kind of leader I want to be. The change
has started in me already. Now it’s my time to be a role model to others,” said 15-year old
Jessica Therese Vestil, a scholar of last season’s YMA.

For Sean Timothy Salvador, 18, another YMA season 5 scholar, he said that YMA taught
him to use his life as a daily opportunity to become a blessing to every person he meets and
help change their lives for the better.

To join the sixth season of YMA, interested applicants must form a team of five members
under one of the following categories: Generation A (17-20 years old) and Generation B (12-16
years old). List of team and individual requirements and application forms may be obtained from
the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center, or downloaded at www.rafi.org.ph.

Deadline for the submission of applications is on February 20, 2012.

YMA is sponsored by UnionBank of the Philippines.

It is one of the programs under RAFI’s Leadership & Citizenship focus area, which
gathers and nurtures future leaders and influencers ready to effect change. Its other focus
areas are Integrated Development, Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Culture & Heritage, and
Education.

For more information about YMA, please call 418-7234 loc 110 and look for Mel Yan, or
email mel.yan@rafi.org.ph, or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph.

Forty-two youth government leaders from the different barangays of Mandaue City re-learned
the values of teamwork, coordination, and trust in a comprehensive three-day experiential
leadership camp facilitated by the Kool Adventure Camp of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.
In the photo, the young campers posed before the Climbing Wall, one of the “dragons” at the
camp that tested their leadership abilities and confidence.

Forty-two Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation officers of Mandaue City sharpened
their leadership competence through a recent three-day leadership camp at the Girl Scout of the
Philippines Camp in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

These officers come from Barangays Alang-alang, Bakilid, Banilad, Basak, Cabancalan,
Casili, Casuntingan, Centro, Cubacub, Guizo, Ibabao, Jagobiao, Looc, Mantuyong, Pakna-an,
Pagsabungan, Subangdaku, Tingub, Tipolo, and Umapad.

The Kool Adventure Camp (KAC), an adventure-based education program of the Ramon
Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), conducted the leadership program.

This is the second year that the Mandaue City Government through the office of Mayor
Jonas Cortes sent its young leaders to KAC for training.

The leadership program taught the participants self-awareness, self-confidence, “playing
to win”, teamwork, balance, coordination, concentration, and trust, among others.

“Playing to win is about playing to win not only for our group but for all of us, even for
others who are not part of our group. It does not matter who our groupmates are. As long as we
have one goal, we should help each other. I learned through the KAC facilitators that if we want
to run faster, we run alone, but if we want to run far, we run together,” Sheila Mae Ceniza, SK
councilor of Barangay Mantuyong, said.

The program also featured KAC’s Challenge Ropes Course where participants
conquered the high elements—Climbing Wall, High Y, and Pamper Pole—at a height of twelve
feet above ground level or higher. All high elements, which require a safety mechanism called
a "belay" system, produce powerful memories and provoke deep thoughts and emotions, while
challenging physical abilities.

Alyssa Tenchavez, SK chairman of Barangay Basak, noted that being a negative thinker
is something she wants to change after going through the three high elements, or the so-
called “dragons”.

She added that to conquer the challenges, one should have trust and self-confidence
and works well with his or her team. When asked about her dragons in real life, Tenchavez

identified among them her being the SK chairman in her barangay since she is a newly-elected
officer from the opposition party.

Integration activities, goal setting, and recognition of accomplishments were done on the
third day of the leadership camp wherein participants put together a goal for their community
and recognized their individual responsibility in ensuring that these goals are met.

KAC is one of the programs under RAFI’s Leadership & Citizenship focus area, one of
the five focus areas of RAFI where future leaders are nurtured to prepare them to effect change.
Its other focus areas are Integrated Development, Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Culture &
Heritage, and Education.

Since 1999, KAC has organized more than 240 camps for corporate/adult programs,
public high schools and other youth programs. It is currently building the Philippines’ first
Outdoor Experiential Center at Barangay Cansumoroy, Balamban, Cebu, which is set to open
later this year.

KAC is an organizational member of the Association for Challenge Course Technology-
USA and Association for Experiential Education-USA.

For more information about KAC and its programs, please call 418-7234 local 407 and
look for Althea May Santillan, or email at althea.santillan@rafi.org.ph, or visit www.rafi.org.ph or
www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph.

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding last Sept. 5, 2011, the Ramon
Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) formally broke ground
last Nov. 21, 2011 the 4,500-square meter land where a home for elders and persons with
disabilities will be built.

The purchase of this land was made possible through a fund donated by the late Jose
Miguel Aboitiz.

Dubbed as “The House of the Lord”, this shelter in Poblacion, Talisay City is part of
MOP’s expanding services for the homeless and abandoned elders. It will be built across the
MOP Monastery and will house 100 elders and persons with disabilities in Cebu. The House of
the Lord is set to be constructed early this year and is targeted to be finished in December 2012.

The construction of this new elderly home will fulfill MOP’s charism and mission in Cebu
which includes taking care of the homeless, handicapped, and the poor. Currently, the brothers
are already taking care of 30 indigent elderly in a make-shift center in Sawang Calero.

With initial grant assistance from RAFI in 2005, the Missionaries of the Poor have been
operating the Little Lamb Center, a permanent residential facility in Cebu that caters exclusively
to children who are physically and mentally challenged. The Little Lamb Center in Sawang
Calero recently houses and cares for over 40 special children with cerebral palsy, autism, and
Down’s syndrome, among others.

“Years ago, MOP visited our office and told us everything about their mission. I am
grateful to know that we share the same dream. The MOP opened before us the greater chance
of sharing what we have to the less fortunate. I am thankful for these people whose heart
belongs to the poor. They showed to us the way to possible things, which otherwise we will only
be imagining,” Roberto E. Aboitiz, president of RAFI, said.

Fr. Richard Ho Lung, the founder and superior general of MOP, also expressed his
gratitude and lauded MOP’s accomplishments in Cebu.

Established in Kingston, Jamaica, the MOP is an international religious order of brothers
dedicated to the Joyful Service with Christ on the Cross to serve the poorest of the poor.

MOP is one of the beneficiaries under RAFI’s Grants program.

Grants is one of the capabilities in RAFI’s comprehensive approach to elevating lives and
communities. Its other capabilities are Awards, Institutional Development & Planning, Knowledge
Sharing & Advocacy, and Services & Facilities. These capabilities are harnessed for RAFI to
deliver on its promise through its five focus areas: Integrated Development, Micro-finance &
Entrepreneurship, Culture & Heritage, Leadership & Citizenship, and Education.

For more information about Grants, please contact 418-7234 loc. 205 and look for Jan
Montilla.

With the increasing incidence rate of thyroid cancer in Metro Cebu, the Eduardo J.
Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) urged the public to
undergo early screening and prevention measures to fight the disease.

“Thyroid cancer is high on prognosis. It is preventable through various screening
methods, such as physical examination and ultrasound of the neck, as well as some prevention
measures, including regular exercise and maintenance of a well-balanced diet,” Ronald delos
Reyes, EJACC program coordinator, said.

Based on EJACC’s Metro Cebu Population-based Cancer Registry, the incidence rate of
thyroid cancer in 2003 to 2007 is high but the mortality rate is comparatively lower.

Within this period, about 573 cases of thyroid cancer were reported and 116 were
recorded to have died of the disease. The figures also show that 97 cases have been attributed
to persons in between the ages 15-30 while 350 cases are persons with ages 30-60. More
women than men have been affected by this disease; in fact, 134 cases are male while 439
cases are female.

As a common type of cancer diagnosed in men and women, thyroid cancer ranked sixth
in most common cancer cases in Metro Cebu.

According to the 2010 journal of the Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates of the
Philippine Cancer Society, the incidence rate had increased from 1980 to 2002, with an annual
change of 0.4% in males and 1.6% among females.

Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer of women at ages 15-24 years. Among
women, the incidence rate rises at age 30 and continues to rise with increasing age. Among
men, the incidence rate begins to increase much later, starting at 60 years old.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck just below the
Adam’s apple. It works like a tiny factory that uses iodine, mostly from the diet in foods like

seafood and salt, to produce thyroid hormones that, in turn, help regulate the body’s growth and
metabolism and other functions of the body.

The most common signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer include a lump or thyroid
nodule, that can be felt in the neck; trouble in swallowing; throat or neck pain; swollen lymph
nodes in the neck; cough; and vocal changes.

People exposed to high levels of radiation are much more likely than others to develop
papillary or follicular thyroid cancer. Treatment with x-rays is one significant source of radiation
exposure. Between the 1920s and the 1950s, doctors used high-dose x-rays to treat children
who had enlarged tonsils, acne, and other problems affecting the head and neck. Later,
scientists found that some people who had received this kind of treatment developed thyroid
cancer.

People who are diagnosed with this kind of cancer may undergo surgery. Common
surgeries include thyroidectory, lobectomy, and tracheostomy. Sometimes, even the removal of
the thyroid itself is needed.

“Like many other cancers, thyroid cancer may be more easily cured with early detection.
Earlier diagnosis removes thyroid cancer at a time when they are not likely to have spread
beyond the thyroid gland,” delos Reyes said.

For more information about thyroid cancer, please contact EJACC at 254-6351and look
for Gina Mariquit.

The resistance begins now. Globe-powered Tattoo starts a new revolution as it becomes faster, bolder and more powerful than ever. Armed with topnotch innovation, Tattoo revolts against uniformity, fights against mediocrity and breaks through limitations all with stronger bandwidth, better devices, wider reach and faster speeds at unbeatable value.

As the #1 most preferred broadband in the country, Tattoo breaks barriers and overcomes limits. Impossibilities are set aside as Tattoo gives every user an out-of-the-box experience – Resisting the tired and traditional broadband model. With a new and empowered broadband that packs a punch in a super sleek and stylish package, Tattoo reveals the new and progressive face of internet technology.

Pushing the bounds of connectivity, Tattoo has taken on the challenge that continues to make Filipinos more mobile, powerful, global and consequentially, revolutionary. Get ready for a new domination in your broadband - with three reasons to resist the slow and unreliable broadband internet that plagues the market. With an empowered prepaid and postpaid portfolio Tattoo outdoes competition yet again in etching a permanent mark in the minds of the young, mobile, and techno-savvy. More to these, it is their new brand ambassadors, it seems, that causes the most buzz in the beeline.

Proof that Tattoo packs a punch in providing value for money for the best deals, the “Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire raises his fist in resisting mediocrity with the tired old broadband we all have been accustomed to. The current World Bantamweight Champion has risen from jaggedness and aims for prominence. And putting up the same stance for the country’s #1 most preferred broadband, Tattoo promises internet service that is uninterrupted, with strong and powerful signals at unbeatable speeds.

With his perma-lined eyes, black swept hair, and his melodic howl, vocalist Miggy Chavez has raised a strong following for a religion he calls Chicosci. Armed with hypnotic guitar riffs, surreal lyrics, and, Chavez’s addicting vocal styling, Chicosci has reared a legion of head-banging cronies for their “Vampire Social Club”, a historic hit for Philippine rock. And with Tattoo on his side, Miggy Chavez can take his ‘vampiric’ social network following to virally fanatic proportions, with reliable bandwidths designed for instant updates, super-sonic uploads and downloads, and unlimited interaction. Backed up by Tattoo, Miggy breaks through limitations caused by slow, unreliable internet access, as he puts his rock-cult status in the burning spotlight and paves the way to musical innovations that would bring the Pinoy sound to the international arena.

Georgina Wilson resists uniformity in stereotypes and prefers the more personalized service in broadband with the new Tattoo

Model marvel Georgina Wilson on the other hand, with her multi-faceted persona has invaded the international fashion consciousness and left an indelible mark all her own. From the face that launched a thousand billboards, to her display of Filipina beauty in the global stream of America’s Next Top Model, Georgina has proved, time and again, that the Pinay supermodel is more than just a pretty face. Above all, professionalism, personality, and panache transcend a model into an invading icon.

And this resistance against Uniformity of modeling stereotypes has transformed Wilson into a global household name, her tweets instantly becoming the first words on anything from fashion, social graces, to the elusive pursuits of the finer things in life. Her @iloveGeorgina Twitter account has caused quite a social network traffic this holiday season when Georgina asked her followers “What will you RESIST this 2012?” And judging from the amount of replies she received, her words fronted by a pretty picture will always be irresistible. With Grace, Glamour, intelligible Grasp, and a Gorgeous face, Georgina Wilson displays the 4G that could launch a thousand hits, likes, and followings, and that is exactly what Tattoo does with its new generation Superstick, that outfits 4G in a super sleek and stylish package.

Tattoo challenges you to RESIST all your old notions of what your broadband can be. It is time to RESIST the undependable, and start living your connected lives without limits, as it takes you to the new generation of global broadband domination.

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1. Build a better plate.

2. Pile on the vegetables and fruit. Vegetables and fruits are high in fiber and
contain many vitamins and minerals as well as hundreds of beneficial plant chemicals
(phytochemicals) that you can't get in supplements (see No. 8). Diets rich in vegetables
and fruit can benefit the heart by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and
inflammation and improving insulin resistance and blood vessel function. In long-term
observational studies, people who eat more fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of
heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain, and those who eat more fruit also have a lower
risk of stroke. Hint: Fresh fruits and vegetables are great, but don't avoid the frozen
kind (or dried fruit or canned fruits and vegetables minus the heavy syrup or salt) when
they're more convenient.

3. Go for the good fats. At one time, we were told to eat less fat, but now we know
that it's mainly the type of fat that counts. The most beneficial sources are plants and
fish. You can help lower " bad" LDL cholesterol by eating mostly polyunsaturated fats
(including vegetable oils and omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, seeds and nuts, and
canola oil) and monounsaturated fats (in avocados and many plant-based oils, such as

olive oil and canola oil). Saturated fats (found mostly in dairy and meat products) and
trans fats (hydrogenated fat found in many fried and baked goods) boost LDL cholesterol
and triglycerides, increasing your risk of heart disease. Worse still, trans fats reduce
your "good" HDL cholesterol. Hint: As long as you replace bad fats with good ones, you
can get up to 35% of your calories from fat.

4. Replace refined grains and potatoes with whole grains. Whole grains retain the
bran and germ of the natural grain, providing healthful fiber, vitamins and minerals,
antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Many of these substances are removed from refined
grains, such as white bread and white rice, and are barely present in starches such as
potatoes. Starches and refined carbohydrates are digested quickly, causing surges in
insulin and blood sugar, boosting triglycerides, and lowering HDL cholesterol. These
changes increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. The rapid rise and fall of blood
sugar and insulin can also make you hungry, raising the risk of weight gain. Potatoes
aren't all bad; they're a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. But eat them
only occasionally, in small amounts, and with the skins on (that's where the fiber is).

" Carb-check" your breads and cereals

Some carbohydrates are good for health and others aren't. The worst carbohydrate
sources use highly refined grains and sugars. The best have whole or minimally
processed grains. One way to identify a good carb source is to divide the number of
grams of carbohydrate per serving by the number of grams of fiber. Aim for less than 10
for breads and under five for cereals.

5. Eliminate liquid sugars. Sugar-sweetened beverages — non-diet sodas, sugary
fruit drinks, iced teas with added sugar, and sports drinks — provide calories and little
else. There's good evidence that these drinks can raise the threshold for satiety (feeling
full), thereby increasing the amount you eat and promoting weight gain. A 2011 Harvard
study found that sugar-sweetened beverages were one of the dietary components most
strongly linked to long-term weight gain among healthy women and men. What about
100% fruit juice with no added sugar? Even all-natural fruit juice has a lot of calories.
The Healthy Eating Plate guidelines suggest you drink no more than one small glass a
day (say, 4 to 6 ounces). Hint: Add carbonated water to your "one small glass" for full-
glass satisfaction.

6. Drink enough water. Many foods contain water, so you may get enough every day
without making a special effort. But it can be helpful to drink water (or another no-calorie
liquid, such as black tea, coffee, or carbonated water) with meals or as an alternative to
snacking. A reasonable goal is 4 to 6 cups of water a day. Hint: As you add whole grains
to your diet, water helps move the fiber smoothly through your digestive tract, reducing
the chances of constipation.

7. Learn to like less sodium. The body needs sodium for proper muscle and nerve
function and fluid balance, but excessive amounts can increase blood pressure and
the risk of heart disease and stroke. Limit your daily sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams
(mg) — the amount in one teaspoonful of salt. If you have high blood pressure or are
at risk for it, get no more than 1,500 mg per day. Hint: Most of the sodium comes from

processed and restaurant foods. Instead, choose fresh, unprocessed foods, and prepare
them yourself. Read the nutrition content on labels and make sure that the per-serving
sodium content is less than the calories per serving.

8. Rethink supplements. It's best to get your vitamins and minerals from food rather
than supplements, but this can be hard, especially if you're cutting calories or your
energy needs are low. We showed how to meet almost all your nutrient needs through
food alone, even if you're consuming 1,500 calories or less per day. The key is choosing
nutrient-dense foods, such as leafy greens, low-fat yogurt, dried beans, whole grains,
and salmon. The only problem is vitamin D. Here a supplement is probably a good idea,
because it's difficult to get the recommended daily intake (600 to 800 IU) through foods.
Hint: You can get enough calcium on a 1,500-calorie-a-day diet by eating low-fat dairy
products and nondairy foods such as canned salmon, tofu, sesame seeds, dark leafy
greens like collards and kale, and legumes such as pinto and kidney beans.

9. Dine mindfully. Taking time to savor your food not only makes eating more
enjoyable, it can also help control your appetite. Your sense of fullness and satisfaction
depends on hormonal signals from your digestive tract. If you eat too quickly, your brain
may not receive the signals that say you're full. Try putting down your fork between bites
and chewing more slowly. Tune in to your food's aroma, taste, and texture, and stop
eating when you feel full. Some small studies suggest that this approach may help some
people make healthier food choices. Hint: To start, try taking one mindful bite at the
beginning of each meal — a sort of eating speed bump.

10. Keep alcohol under control. Many studies link moderate alcohol consumption (for
women, no more than one drink per day) to heart benefits, including a reduced risk of
heart attack, increases in "good" HDL cholesterol, and reduced risk for type 2 diabetes,
gallstones, and dementia. One drink per day also slightly increases your risk for breast
cancer, and the risk increases steadily the more alcohol you consume. There are plenty
of other ways to get heart benefits, so if you don't like alcohol, don't have it. But if you
enjoy an occasional cocktail or a glass of wine with dinner, you need to weigh the risks
and benefits in light of your own situation. Hint: If you find that one drink often turns into
two or more, consider quitting or getting help to cut back.

11. Eat breakfast. It's easy to skip breakfast when you're in a rush, aren't hungry, or
want to cut calories. But a healthy morning meal makes for smaller rises in blood sugar
and insulin throughout the day, which can lower your risk of overeating and impulse
snacking. (Eating breakfast every day is one characteristic common to participants in the
National Weight Control Registry, who've lost at least 30 pounds and kept the weight off
longer than a year.) Hint: A healthy, balanced breakfast is moderate in size and includes
healthy protein, whole-grain carbohydrates, and fruit — for example, an egg, whole-
wheat toast, and strawberries. If you like cereal, have whole-grain cereal with fruit and
low-fat yogurt or milk.

12. Plan for a snack attack. Snacking isn't an essential part of a healthy eating plan,
but try telling that to a rumbling stomach at midafternoon. A healthy snack can boost
energy levels by stabilizing blood sugar while giving you an added dose of healthful
nutrients. But unplanned, impulsive snacking often takes the form of cookies, chips, or
candy bars. So prepare healthy snacks ahead of time, and keep them handy at home
or in your office. Limit calories to about 100 to 150 per snack. Good choices include a
banana, or other fruit; a handful of unsalted nuts or sunflower seeds; and plain nonfat

yogurt with a few raspberries or strawberries tossed in. Hint: Before giving in to a snack
attack, drink an 8-ounce glass of water and wait 10 to 15 minutes to see if you're still
hungry.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) invites the public to join in its activities in celebration of
the Feast of the Señor Sto. Niño.

On. Jan. 16, at 10 a.m., a forum, “Sinug or Sinulog? A dance offering for Sto. Niño”, will be held at
the Bryant George Plenary Hall, Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center, Lopez Jaena St., Cebu
City.

The forum, which will feature Dr. Erlinda Alburo, aims to discuss and resolve the usage of the two
popular linguistic references to the Cebuano dance and festival in honor of Señor Sto. Niño—the sinug
and sinulog.

On the same day, at 3 p.m., the annual “Sinug sa Casa Gorordo” will be performed by
Estelita “Nang Titang” Diola and her dancers.

Nang Titang, the keeper of the sinug dance and beat, has been doing the ritual since she was
a child. It is believed that the sinug is the precursor of what may have been a remnant of an indigenous
dance practiced by early Cebuanos.

The dancers will be wearing costumes that resemble the original outfits of the natives and the
Spaniards.

Sinug sa Casa Gorordo is a house tradition of the Gorordo family that has been continued by
RAFI as part of its commitment to preserve the house traditions in its original form.

These two activities on Jan. 16 intend to foster the awareness of Cebuano cultural heritage and
history among the local and international community.

An exhibit of the sinug is also displayed at the prayer room of the Casa Gorordo Museum starting
Jan. 10. The exhibit traces the rich history of the Sinulog before it became the huge festival it is today.

It will be open to the public until the end of January.

Culture & Heritage is a focus area of RAFI, believing that a confident community begins
with a strong sense of identity. Its other focus areas are Integrated Development, Micro-finance &
Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Citizenship, and Education.

For more information on the activities on Jan. 16, please contact 418-7234 loc. 703 and look for
Karl Hegel Damayo, or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph.