Comm&Sense Celebrates 20th Anniversary with RestART: A Creative Healing Initiative

Marking two decades of excellence, award-winning public relations firm Comm&Sense is celebrating its 20th anniversary by turning its "insight-to-impact" philosophy into meaningful social action. This summer, the agency launches RestART: Creative Arts for Healing, a transformative workshop series dedicated to championing mental wellness within special communities.

“Comm&Sense is here to do good business for the long haul,” shares Comm&Sense President Andy Saracho, APR. “And we are also here as good corporate citizens, doing social business with and for our communities. This series of workshops is a testament to that commitment.” 

For twenty years, Comm&Sense has been a trailblazer in the Philippine communications landscape, known for bridging data with authentic human connection. Entering its third decade, the firm is moving beyond traditional public relations to create safe spaces and drive tangible social change. The program offers participants a chance to process their experiences through guided, creative, and non-clinical exercises.

“Two decades ago, we set out to prove that communications could be more than just a business tool—it could be a catalyst for change,” said Comm&Sense Managing Director Charlotte Reyes. “The RestART program is the evolution of that journey. It is our way of giving back, applying the same precision and passion we bring to our clients to create meaningful impact for those who need it most.”

In partnership with leading health maintenance organization PhilCare, RestART champions the belief that life’s most difficult chapters can lead to a renewal of spirit. The initiative provides a supportive space for survivors of abuse, orphans, senior citizens, and solo parents to refresh their perspectives and restart their lives with renewed empowerment and purpose.

The Workshop Series

RestART will feature specialized monthly sessions led by experts and dedicated community partners in the months ahead:

- Retro Dancing Workshop: Led by licensed dance instructor Ms. Roselle Conde, this session is designed specifically for the senior members of the San Antonio Zumba Troops, promoting active aging and joy through movement.

- Choir Singing Workshop: Facilitated by Ms. Bianca Camille Aguila, this workshop will offer a vocal outlet for healing for the young women of CRIBS Foundation, Inc.

- Yoga Workshop: In partnership with OHY Yoga, this session will focus on mindfulness and physical restoration for breast cancer survivors from the Better Days Wellbeing Center.

- Flower Arrangement Workshop: In collaboration with Pananom Co Floral Design Atelier PH, members of the Solo Parents Association – Talon Kuatro will take part in the therapeutic art of floral design.

- Acting Workshop: To expand the program's reach, a specialized acting and performance workshop is also being developed and scheduled for the coming months.

To ensure holistic well-being, a mental health counselor from PhilCare concludes every session, allowing participants to safely reflect, share insights, and receive professional support as needed.

RestART is just one of the pivotal developments in Comm&Sense’s 20th year aimed at amplifying unheard voices. This ecosystem of impact also includes the launch of House of Talk, a podcast platform dedicated to sharing stories from the LGBTQ+ community, mothers, and other groups.

Since its inception, Comm&Sense has stood as an industry innovator that looks beyond surface-level data. By bridging strategy with authentic storytelling, the firm consistently delivers campaigns that don't just reach audiences, but move them to action.

Through RestART, Comm&Sense, PhilCare, and their partners continue to harness the power of creativity to heal hearts, uplift minds, and strengthen Filipino communities.

MONKEYPOX: MUST KNOW FACTS

 

Covid- 19 is still here, but a new virus threatens us again. Yes, I'm talking about Monkeypox.

As of August 22, we have 4 reported cases of Monkeypox in the Philippines but the information about the virus remains largely unclear to many Filipinos. 

Although experts think that Monkeypox will unlikely become a pandemic, the cure and nature of the virus give the public heightened fear and anxiety. 

Philcare recently held a webinar with the help of an infectious disease expert, Dr. Christoper John N. Tibayan, RMT, MD FPCP DPSMID,  to shed light on this health threat, including how to prevent and treat it.

What is Monkeypox? 

Monkeypox is a virus usually transmitted from animals to people. However with the current outbreak right now, there's a transmission from one person to another. 

Monkeypox was first discovered in Asiatic monkeys found originally in tropical rainforests in Africa. Squirrels and rats can also be sources of the said virus. 

The usual symptoms of monkeypox infection in humans are fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over. However, some people could present asymptomatically or with no symptoms at all. The time from exposure to onset of symptoms ranges from five to twenty-one days. The duration of symptoms is typically two to four weeks.

Monkeypox belongs to the Poxviridae family, the same family virus as cowpox and smallpox. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of August 19, 2022, there are about 41,000 cases worldwide. Monkeypox can be transmitted from animal to human (primary infection) and human to human (secondary infection). Transmission is spread through skin to skin contact,  respiratory droplets, lesion materials, body fluids, contaminated materials, and surfaces that were touched or used by the case. 

According to Dr. Tibayan, Monkeypox is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but it is often transmitted through close and sustained physical contact. Such can include sexual contact with those who have rashes or open lesions.

It is important to isolate if you think that the rash looks like that of monkeypox and consult your doctors for proper guidance.

I know most of us are worried about how this virus affects us physically and if our HMO provider will cover this type of condition.

So if you want to ensure you're prepared this time, like me, log on to www.philcare.com.ph and choose from Philcare's affordable Prepaid Health Plans suited for you and your family's needs. Have the peace of mind that your HMO has your back!

PhilCare understands that healthcare goes a long way. They know that achieving overall wellness requires focus on many aspects of life, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. This is why they come up with health plans designed to cover the distinct health needs of Filipinos. Along with this, PhilCare is taking advantage of the rapid technological advancements to ensure the quality and ease of customer experience.

Check out Philcare's Prepaid Health Plans :

💙 Dengue Assist (P599 Health Plan)- Dengue Assist is a single-use online plan that gives you up to P30,000 coverage on actual hospitalization expense incurred due to Dengue Disease.

💙 Dengue RX Plus for Adults (P299) - A health plan that covers a multiple-use benefit up to Php 30,000 for hospitalization due to Dengue. Accepted in more than 500 accredited hospitals.    

💙 Dengue RX Plus for Kids (P799)  -A health plan that covers a multiple-use benefit up to Php 30,000 for hospitalization due to Dengue. Accepted in more than 500 accredited hospitals nationwide.

💙 Dengue RX Plus for Family (P1,999)  - A health plan that covers a multiple-use benefit up to Php 30,000 for hospitalization due to Dengue. Accepted in more than 500 accredited hospitals nationwide.

🧡 PhilCare Agapay 700 (P700) - PhilCare Agapay700 is a health plan that covers a single-use benefit up to *Php40,000 for ambulance service, out-patient emergency care and hospitalization for viral, bacterial illnesses and treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (excepts for stroke) in 500+ PhilCare-accredited hospitals.

🧡 PhilCare Rush (P1600) - PhilCare Rush is a health plan that covers a single-use benefit up to *Php50,000 for travel emergency assistance, ambulance service, out-patient emergency care and hospitalization for viral, bacterial illnesses and treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (excepts for stroke) in 500+ PhilCare-accredited hospitals.

Digital Health Plans

💙 Single-use DigiMed Consult (P450) - This HeyPhil Digimed service provides one-time digital consultation access through the HeyPhil app. It covers primary care consultation with Family Medicine Specialists, Internal Medicine, and General Physician. Get access to virtual care for various conditions like allergies, asthma, hypertension, diarrhea, mild injuries, or other infections.

💙 Unli-DigiMed Consult (P999)  - This HeyPhil Digimed service provides all year round digital consultation access through the HeyPhil app. It covers primary care consultation with Family Medicine Specialists, Internal Medicine, and General Physician. Get access to virtual care for various conditions like allergies, asthma, hypertension, diarrhea, mild injuries, or other infections.

Emergency Health Plans

❤ ER shield (P800) - ER Shield is a single-use health plan that provides up to P50,000 coverage for outpatient emergency care for viral and bacterial illnesses and treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (except for stroke) in 500+ designated PhilCare-accredited hospitals.

❤  ER Vantage Plus 40 for Adults (P1050) - A single-use healthcare plan that provides coverage of up to P40,000 for emergency care and hospitalization for viral and bacterial illnesses, treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (except for stroke) in 500+ designated PhilCare-accredited hospitals nationwide.

❤ ER Vantage Plus 40 for Kids (P2950) -

A single-use healthcare plan that provides coverage of up to P40,000 for emergency care and hospitalization for viral and bacterial illnesses, treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (except for stroke) in 500+ designated PhilCare-accredited hospitals nationwide.

❤  ER Vantage Plus 60 for Adults (P1350) - A single-use healthcare plan that provides coverage of up to P60,000 for emergency care and hospitalization for viral and bacterial illnesses, treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (except for stroke) in 500+ designated PhilCare-accredited hospitals nationwide.

❤ ER Vantage Plus 60 for Kids (P 3950) - A single-use healthcare plan that provides coverage of up to P60,000 for emergency care and hospitalization for viral and bacterial illnesses, treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (except for stroke) in 500+ designated PhilCare-accredited hospitals nationwide.

❤ ER Health Assist 40 for Adults (P 1670)- ER Health Assist 40 is a health plan that covers multiple-use benefits for unlimited medical and dental consultations to Philcare Makati and MOA Clinics only and a single-use benefit up to Php 40,000 for outpatient emergency care and hospitalization coverage for viral, bacterial illnesses, and treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (except for stroke) in 500+ Philcare accredited hospitals nationwide.

Specialized Health Plans

💜 VidaCare CORE (P11,120) - Vida Care Core is a health plan that covers multiple-use benefits for unlimited medical and dental consultations to all accredited physicians nationwide and unlimited laboratory and diagnostics procedures available at Philcare-owned clinics only.

💜 VidaCare PREMIERE (P 13,270)  -Vida Care Premiere is a health plan that covers multiple-use benefits for unlimited medical and dental consultations to all accredited physicians nationwide and unlimited laboratory and diagnostics procedures available at Philcare-owned clinics only. This also covers a single-use benefit up to Php20,000 for outpatient emergency care for viral, bacterial illnesses, and treatment of injuries resulting from accidents (except for stroke) in 500+ Philcare accredited hospitals nationwide.

Medical Check-up Plans

💚 unli-CONSULT for 65 + (P5000) - This health plan allows you to avail unlimited consultation services for one (1) year from PhilCare-accredited network of medical specialists and dentists.

💚 unli- CONSULT for adults (P3600) - This health plan allows you to avail unlimited consultation services for one (1) year from PhilCare-accredited network of medical specialists and dentists nationwide.

💚 unli- CONSULT for kids (P3700) - This health plan allows you to avail unlimited consultation services for one (1) year from PhilCare-accredited network of pediatricians and dentists nationwide.

For more updates, please visit Philcare's website at www.philcare.com.ph.

Follow Philcare social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/philcareph), Twitter (twitter.com/philcareph), and Instagram (instagram.com/philcareph).

PhilCare CQ Study: Filipinos reinforced faith, most concerned with loved ones' health

The coronavirus has affected everyone and this has caused severe pain to all. Our current situation, which naturally brings a sense of grief, has actually made us Filipinos more spiritual and engaged in fewer vices while on quarantine according to the results of a recent study done nationwide by Philcare, one of the country’s leading HMO providers.

PhilCare panelists: Mr. Jaeger L. Tanco, PhilCare President and CEO; Mr. Raymong Tiangco,  PhilCare VP for Sales and Marketing; Dr. Ultra Tan, PhilCare Associate Medical Director; Roxanne Agustin, Host , and Dr. Fernando Paragas, Lead Researcher PhilCare Community Quarantine Wellness Index

Philcare is very keen on doing a lot of research and data gathering and the goal is to know the mindset and sentiments of the Filipinos. Philcare facilitated the recent survey to determine the Filipinos level of knowledge about Covid-19 pandemic, level of comfort over Community Quarantine (CQ) activities, causes of worry during the CQ, prevention practices, and information sources regarding Covid-19, level of health and wellness during CQ.

The outcome is revealing and inspiring and provided valuable data that should help private sectors, government, as well as individuals to transition to the "new normal".

Researchers of the PhilCare Community Quarantine Wellness Index saw this silver lining amid the restrictions of movements imposed by the government to prevent the spread of the disease.

The study, which aimed to determine the state of Filipinos’ wellness while in community quarantine, revealed that of its 800 respondents, eight out of ten (76.7%) said they prayed at least more frequently than they did before the community quarantines. 

Trailing behind were other practices like watching TV, spending time online, learning new things, and doing hobbies; while others said they often engaged in physical and mental exercises.

Meanwhile, six out of ten respondents (60.9%) said they much more rarely drank beer, wine, or liquor products compared to before; while half (50.4%) said they much more rarely smoked. 

The survey was first administered via phone calls to 400 randomly-selected respondents from May 11-14 -- the final stretch of the extended enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and several other areas. Another 400 were interviewed from May 16-20 -- the first days of the modified enhanced community quarantine in the metro and other areas.

“The community quarantines and the pandemic as a whole have altered the way we live, which shocked many Filipinos. This survey provided us the opportunity to take a deeper dive into their sentiments and behaviors when it comes to health and wellness,” said lead researcher Dr. Fernando Paragas of the College of Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines Diliman. 

“The ongoing pandemic naturally makes everyone feel helpless. What’s good about the findings is that we saw how Filipinos turned to spirituality -- which is a positive coping mechanism -- in order to deal with the anxiety. It is interesting that vices only played a minor role in helping Filipinos through the ordeal of quarantine,” said PhilCare Associate Medical Director Dr. Ultra Tan.

While many Filipinos have expressed becoming more prayerful, many have also indicated their fears of returning to work with the ongoing pandemic. Six of ten respondents (60.1%) particularly said they were not comfortable about going back to their offices, similar to the study’s preliminary results.

Nearly all respondents, nonetheless, are most concerned with the health of their loved ones (95.9%), a possible “second wave” of COVID-19 (94.1%), and contracting the disease itself (93.6%).

“We believe that the findings of the PhilCare Community Quarantine Wellness Index serve an eye-opener to employers and policymakers on how responsive they should be towards their respective stakeholders given that our way of life has dramatically changed. With these learnings, we hope to work together with various sectors in order for us to continue living healthy even amid the pandemic,” said PhilCare President and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco.

“The survey’s results just affirm our belief that we need to be responsive to the needs of the times, from the products and services were to being in step with our customers’ sentiments, both online and offline,” stressed PhilCare Vice President for Sales and Marketing Raymund Tiangco.

PhilCare launched its’ Wellness From Home workout videos as the lockdown across Luzon began last March. The videos, uploaded on PhilCare’s Facebook page, featured exercises taught by fitness experts to help followers achieve optimal wellness despite being unable to go out to exercise. To date, the videos have reached 500,000 people, of which 350,000 have viewed them.

In addition, PhilCare offers its DigiConsult service, a timely response to the study’s findings wherein members need not leave their homes to be able to consult a doctor on the phone anytime. They just have to use their HeyPhil app, which can be downloaded on Google Play and the App Store. The health maintenance organization (HMO) is also working to have the service available to non-members the soonest.

Prior to the PhilCare Community Quarantine Wellness Index, the HMO commissioned studies measuring the overall state of being happy, healthy, and successful among Filipinos in 2014 and again in 2019.