Cosmetic colored contact lenses have become a beauty staple, popular among teens and young adults — even those who have no vision problems and no need for corrective lenses whatsoever. They promise a striking new look, an instant transformation that is as easy as a trip to the nearest beauty store or a few clicks online.

But behind the appeal lies a medical reality that eye care professionals at top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) want every patient to understand, cosmetic contact lenses can put your eyes at serious risk.

Any pair of contact lenses is, above all, a medical device. When prescribed to help correct a refractive error such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, a trained eye care professional evaluates the patient’s eye health, fits the lens precisely to the cornea’s dimensions, and provides detailed safety guidance. It’s a carefully managed risk which experts take because of the potential benefit of improved vision.

None of that applies when it comes to a person with healthy eyes who uses colored lenses purely for cosmetic effect.

“If your eyes are healthy and you have no refractive error, putting in a contact lens introduces an unnecessary foreign body onto your cornea. You are accepting all the risks of contact lens wear with absolutely none of the clinical benefit,” explains Mary Ellen Sy, MD, Cornea and External Eye Disease Consultant at MakatiMed’s Department of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Sy adds that even properly prescribed, quality-controlled lenses carry serious risks when not used correctly. Wearing contact lenses may bring about complications such as corneal hypoxia or when the cornea doesn’t get enough oxygen; microbial keratitis or when bacteria, fungi, and amoebae colonize contact lenses and cause corneal infections that are difficult to treat; corneal abrasions, which is often caused by an ill-fitting lens or improper handling; and chronic inflammation and dry eye.

If these complications occur even among patients who received professional guidance and used regulated lenses, every one of these possible issues get amplified for cosmetic lens wearers.

The MakatiMed doctor points out that colored contact lenses are designed differently from the usual corrective ones, emphasizing that the tint on a lens adds another layer of risk for the users.

“The colored pigment layer is thicker than a clear lens, which further reduces oxygen transmissibility to the cornea. And if obtained without a prescription, they are never fitted to the individual’s corneal curvature and diameter, which creates micro-trauma to the corneal surface,” says Dr. Sy.

The doctor expounds that many cosmetic contact lenses are sold through fashion stores, novelty shops, and online marketplaces with no regulatory oversight, giving users no way to verify the safety of the materials, pigments, and manufacturing process. If the lenses are purchased without an eye health specialist, the user wouldn’t also receive hygiene and safety instructions which include safe wear duration and proper cleaning and information on the warning signs that require urgent medical attention.

“We have seen young, otherwise healthy patients develop corneal ulcers from cosmetic lenses purchased at a market stall. Some have required corneal transplantation. This is preventable blindness, and that is what makes these cases so heartbreaking,” warns Dr. Sy.

As a general rule, Dr. Sy urges all contact lens users to seek immediate medical attention if they experience eye pain or increasing discomfort; redness that persists after removing the lens; discharge, excessive tearing, or sensitivity to light; blurred or reduced vision; a persistent sensation of a foreign body in the eye; and any whitening or opacity on the cornea.

“Do not wait for symptoms to improve on their own. Corneal infections can progress from mild irritation to permanent vision loss within 24 to 48 hours,” reveals Dr. Sy.

The MakatiMed doctor encourages everyone to first get guidance from an ophthalmologist or licensed optometrist when it comes to contact lens use, whether it’s for cosmetic or corrective purposes.

“Insist on a proper prescription specifying lens brand, base curve, and diameter suited to your individual corneal measurements, and purchase only from reputable, regulated sources. Never buy contact lenses from novelty stores, market stalls, or unverified online seller,” Dr. Sy firmly states.

She continues, “Follow all professional instructions on insertion, removal, cleaning, storage, and replacement schedules exactly. Attend regular eye examinations so that any early signs of corneal damage can be detected and managed promptly.”

“No cosmetic trend is worth the permanent loss of vision. If you have questions about contact lens safety or are experiencing any eye symptoms, please seek professional care without delay,” Dr. Sy concludes.

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook

Owing to her unique anatomy, hormones, family history, and lifestyle, a woman at some point in her life will undergo tests to rule out, confirm, or monitor diseases related to her gynecological and reproductive health: from cancers of the breast, cervix, and ovaries to polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and urinary tract infection.

But such factors also make women more vulnerable to certain conditions that men can have too. For example, the natural changes a woman goes through following menopause—less production of estrogen, increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels—put her at risk for heart attack and stroke.

Sheryll Cornejo, MD, an internal medicine consultant of top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), identifies four other health conditions that affect more women than men, and what they can do to reduce their risks.

Osteoporosis, or the weakening of bones, is a result of decreased estrogen production from menopause, which contributes to bone loss. “Anatomically, women also have smaller, thinner bones than men, putting them at risk for fracture,” points out Dr. Cornejo.

Fortify your bones before they become brittle and break by maintaining a diet rich in calcium (dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fish whose bones you can eat are excellent sources) and vitamin D (get it from early morning sun exposure). Also, engage regularly in strength-training and weight-bearing exercises, and avoid alcohol and smoking, which have a negative impact on bone health.

Thyroid cancer, or a malignant growth visible and palpable from the base of the neck, is more common among women in their reproductive years. Because thyroid tissue contains estrogen receptors, fluctuations in female hormones can sometimes promote the growth of these cells, which helps explain the gender gap. Other possible causes are a family history of cancer, faulty genes, radiation exposure, a lack of iodine in the diet, and obesity.

“While you cannot completely prevent sporadic thyroid cancer, keeping a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, limiting radiation exposure, and being aware of your family history can minimize your risks,” says Dr. Cornejo. “More importantly, performing regular neck self-examinations help you catch it early and begin treatment as soon as possible.” The prognosis for thyroid cancer among women is good and marked by high survival rates.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the lining of the joints. Females are two to three times more prone to developing RA. Because women have two X chromosomes – which carry many immune-related genes – they naturally mount stronger immune responses, making them more vulnerable to autoimmune misfires. Furthermore, fluctuating estrogen levels, particularly the sudden drops following pregnancy or during menopause, can trigger the disorder. Others posit that it’s caused by a combination of genetics, smoking, obesity, and environmental factors.

Lifestyle changes, explains Dr. Cornejo, can help manage your risk and reduce severe flare-ups if you are genetically predisposed. “Consume a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Stick to your ideal weight and exercise regularly. Crucially, quit smoking – a major documented trigger for RA – and learn to manage stress.”

Alzheimer’s disease, or the degeneration of the brain due to the accumulation of plaque that destroys healthy brain cells, is diagnosed among more women than men, presumably because women live longer. However, people with the disease are more likely to have hypertension and diabetes, consume cigarettes and alcohol in excess, live a sedentary life, and have limited social interaction.

“Modifying these risk factors can delay, if not prevent Alzheimer’s disease from developing,” says Dr. Cornejo. “Staying physically and mentally active as well as socializing with family and friends do wonders in keeping the brain stimulated, healthy, and happy.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter. 

Year after year, Catanduanes in the Bicol Region stands on the frontlines of the fiercest storms. Known as the "Land of the Howling Winds," the island province lies directly along the western Pacific typhoon belt, making it one of the first areas in the Philippines to bear the brunt of powerful typhoons, torrential rains, and storm surges.

Recognizing the urgent need to strengthen disaster preparedness in one of the country's most disaster-prone provinces, PLDT, Smart, and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), through Australian Aid-funded Project REACHED (Resilient Emergency Communications for Enhanced Disaster Response) recently marked July as the National Disaster Resilience Month by turning over Ligtas Kits to three vulnerable barangays in Virac, Catanduanes, Barangays Balite, Simamla, and Talisoy, strengthening the disaster preparedness capability of the municipality.

The PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit is a portable, all-in-one emergency communication and power package that includes a power station, solar panel, smartphone, crank radio, pocket WiFi, emergency lights, FM radio, and charging accessories, essential tools for maintaining communication and power during critical situations.

PDRF Center Director Arnel Capili said that the kits build on earlier deployments in Virac, extending the support to barangays previously outside the scope of Project REACHED. “Building the disaster resilience and capacity of these Virac barangays reflects the combined efforts of the PDRF, PLDT and Smart, the Office of Civil Defense, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the World Food Programme, and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through Project REACHED.”

Virac Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer II Josephine Benavidez said that the selected barangays have limited mobile coverage, making coordination during emergencies challenging. “With the PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit, we will now be able to monitor the condition of the residents even prior to our team physically being in the area,” according to Benavidez.

Barangay Balite Kagawad Alexander Borja said that the kit fills a longstanding gap in the barangay's disaster response capacity, which previously relied on a single, small generator during power interruptions common in the coastal area. He said the megaphone and power station will be particularly useful for coordinating evacuations along the coastline.

Virac Mayor Hon. Sinforoso M. Sarmiento, Jr. acknowledged that the assistance addresses a real need in the municipality, given limited local government resources that are often prioritized for basic needs. He also said that the barangays selected have consistently performed well in the delivery of local public service, giving assurance that the equipment will be properly maintained and used.

The turnover, held at the Virac Municipal Hall, was attended by Mayor Sarmiento, PDRF Center Director Capili, and PLDT and Smart FVP and head of Public Engagement Roby Alampay, who said that “it's about making sure that we can still help each other, especially when we can't communicate with each other. This is part of our mission to work hand-in-hand with partners, particularly LGUs. Local governments know their communities best, and our partnership with them is central to how we deliver disaster resilience programs.”

The Virac turnover forms part of a broader effort under Project REACHED to strengthen emergency communication and response capabilities in disaster-prone communities nationwide. PLDT and Smart continue to work with partners like the PDRF under the #KonektedForResilience advocacy, promoting disaster resilience before, during, and after emergencies.

Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. (PSE: CNVRG) reported strong momentum in its Enterprise segment for the first half of 2026 (1H2026), delivering a 15.1% year-on-year growth to over P3.9 billion in revenues as more companies and the public sector embrace digital transformation in their operations.

"The acceleration we’re seeing across our Enterprise portfolio is a clear validation of our product roadmap. Enterprise customers aren't just adopting our technology—they're expanding their footprint with us, making this business unit an important driver for durable, recurring growth moving forward,” said Converge Chief Finance Officer Robert Yu.

The growth in enterprise revenues was backed by solid, double-digit performance across both small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large corporate accounts which include the public sector:

• SME: Revenue grew 15.7% YoY, benefiting from an expanding commercial client base seeking high-speed, reliable fiber broadband.

• Enterprise and Large Corporate: Revenue rose 14.8% YoY, fueled by high-value enterprise contracts, data-heavy service adoption, and national digital infrastructure capabilities.

Just recently, the company’s large enterprise unit - Converge Global Business - announced that it has sealed partnerships with major universities and local government units (LGUs) to power their digitalization initiatives with robust connectivity solutions.

Converge also reported that its residential segment remained to contribute bulk of revenues with P18.5 billion, as total subscribers reached 3.09 million by the end of June 2026.

"The true impact is showing up in the day-to-day experience of our customers—fewer friction points, faster issue resolution, and a level of service that is validated and affirmed not just by Ookla, but increasingly by the government,” noted Converge Chief Operations Officer Benjamin Azada.

Overall network performance has outperformed those of peers, with Converge bringing home two key accolades:

• DICT Oplan Bantay Signal 2Q2026 Report: Ranked #1 in fixed broadband network performance, delivering an average latency of 5 ms and download speeds of 158 Mbps while customer complaints declined by 84% from January to June 2026.

• Ookla® Speedtest Awards 1H2026: Awarded "Best Internet," "Fastest Internet," and "Best Fixed Latency".

When people talk about saving money, they usually talk about numbers: how much they've managed to set aside, how much interest they're earning, how much more they need before they reach their goal. But behind every savings account is usually something much bigger: a long-awaited trip, a child's education, a first home, an emergency fund, or simply the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're financially prepared.

A look at anonymized and aggregated savings data from Maya, the country's leading financial services platform, shows that while financial priorities differ across stages of life, many of the reasons people save are surprisingly universal. Across generations, they aren't simply putting money away—they're building toward the lives they want.

That same behavior is reflected in Maya Personal Goals, where travel is one of the most frequently created savings goals. With users able to create up to five personalized savings goals, many are carving out dedicated funds for everything from overseas adventures to family vacations, while keeping other priorities on track.

Perhaps that's because some of life's biggest milestones aren't things we own, they're moments we remember.

Across generations in Maya’s customer base, savings and emergency funds repeatedly appear among the leading financial priorities, pointing to a shared desire to feel more financially prepared regardless of age. Investments, retirement, and other future-oriented goals also emerge depending on a person’s stage of life.

While people may define financial security differently, the motivation behind it feels surprisingly similar: wanting to feel ready for whatever life brings.

For many people building that financial cushion, Maya Savings offers a way to grow their money while keeping it accessible for both planned milestones and life's unexpected moments. Users can earn up to 15% interest p.a. as their savings continue to grow. Because sometimes the best financial goal isn't buying something new. It's knowing you're prepared if life doesn't go according to plan.

Education, gadgets, travel, and other early-life milestones feature prominently among younger Maya users, while retirement and long-term financial security become more visible among older generations.

Maya offers different ways to save depending on what users are building toward. While Maya Savings helps users grow money they may still need access to, Maya Time Deposit Plus, with rates of up to 6% p.a. and the flexibility to top up funds during the deposit period, has become an increasingly popular way to grow money that's meant for the longer term.

Older generations, meanwhile, made larger average deposit per transaction, not because they're necessarily better at saving, but because they've had more time to build their financial capacity.

The data suggests that saving isn't defined by age, but by life stage. While financial goals change over time, the habit of preparing for the future remains constant.

If Maya's latest savings insights reveal anything, it's that people rarely save for the sake of saving. They're saving for the first plane ticket they've been dreaming about, for the emergency fund they hope they'll never have to use, for a child's education, for the freedom to upgrade their home, start a business, or simply say yes to opportunities without second-guessing their finances.

In many ways, money is just the means. The real goal has always been the life it helps make possible.

To know more, visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.