OFW Trestle Tan Savors Opportunity to Resume Pro Career at ONE: PURSUIT OF POWER

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After nearly two years of sitting on the sidelines, Filipino combatant Trestle Tan makes his return to the ONE Championship cage in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday, June 13.

A longtime boxing practitioner before transitioning fulltime to mixed martial arts, Tan is slated to lock horns with South Korea’s Dae Sung Park on the undercard of ONE: PURSUIT OF POWER, which takes place at Kuala Lumpur’s state-of-the-art Axiata Arena.

“I’ve been waiting for this for almost two years. I am happy to be back. I can finally resume my professional career. I would like to thank ONE Championship for opening its door again. It’s time to put on the work,” he stated.

The 33-year-old Cebu City native was last seen in action when he yielded to former world title contender Agilan Thani by way of first-round submission in September 2016.

Seven months prior to his quick submission setback to Thani, who is booked to face fellow ex-title challenger Zebaztian Kadestam in the main event of ONE: PURSUIT OF POWER, Tan made previously-unbeaten Mexican stalwart Djatmiko Waluyo tap with a rear naked choke in the first round.

Tan expressed his exuberance in opening a new chapter in his professional mixed martial arts career.

"I have not fought for quite some time as I was out injured and also due to personal reasons," he said. “But I am back for good. I have a good team behind me for this comeback. I am excited and ready to get the win.”

Aside from being a prizefighter, Tan also works as a trainer at a high-end martial arts training facility in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Tan has been an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) for almost six years, juggling different day jobs in several countries across Southeast Asia such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore.

With the goal of getting a decent job so as to provide their families with comfortable lives, numerous Filipinos leave their homeland every year in search for greener pastures abroad.

Tan is no different from a regular OFW because he gave up his personal dream in order to give his household a better life.

“It was hard at first because I had to set aside what I wanted. But I know that my family back home is my priority. I chose to work abroad and try to give them a good life,” he shared.

Many Filipinos take the risk with the idea of better opportunities in other countries. In exchange for money, they trade separation from their family and loved ones, and often, even their dreams.

“It’s difficult because I wouldn’t see my family and friends for a very long time. I just kept on reminding myself that all would be worth it someday,” he disclosed.

Although he was forced to leave the Philippines to work abroad to be his family’s breadwinner, his peers took notice of his exceptional talent, encouraging him to lace up a pair of gloves and compete professionally.

After eight bouts in the regional mixed martial arts leagues, Tan had the chance to strut his wares on the global stage when he signed with ONE Championship in 2015.

“They believed in me and supported my dream. I am forever grateful for that,” he conceded. “It was difficult as expected, but I wanted​ the turn this dream into a reality. I chose to endure. I just pushed harder every single day.”

For Tan’s comeback in ONE Championship, he faces a stiff challenge in Park, who is coming off a first-round stoppage victory over Japan’s Kimihiro Eto in the season finale of Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series this past May.

Since an anticlimactic no contest outcome in his encounter with Matt Te Paa, Park won six of his last seven outings, including a split decision win over grizzled Brazilian veteran Rodrigo Caporal in February 2011.

"It is a good match-up for me. I am really looking forward to the fight, and I have been working more on my footwork and speed. I am also working on my striking to set up for a takedown and submission. I have been drilling the same setup until I perfect the timing and technique," Tan revealed.

Tan stressed that he has spent numerous hours of grinding in the gym with his training partners and is appreciative for guiding him through his preparation for his first match in roughly two years.

"It took me some time to get in shape and also overcome the emotional stuff. I have been in a good shape since then. It's an amazing journey so far, and I am glad that I have my coaches and teammates helping me along the way as I try to get back to where I left before," he explained.

There is plenty of pressure on Tan’s shoulders, and his response is to work tirelessly to ensure that he would not disappoint the people who supported him once he steps inside the cage again on Friday.

“I am eager and hungry to be back in the cage. I believe in hard work, and I have trained hard under great trainers. I will give my best on Friday,” he ended.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship. ​

BDO Honors OFWs on Migrant Workers' Day

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Entertainers Lassie (left), Jennie Gabriel (middle), and MC (right) provided entertainment to OFWs visiting POEA.

BDO Unibank, Inc. was one with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in honoring the modern-day heroes -- the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) -- through the celebration of the Migrant Workers' Day recently at the agency's head office in Ortigas Ave., Mandaluyong City.

OFWs visiting the POEA were treated to free entertainment by BDO through performers MC, Lassie and Jennie Gabriel. “Mr. BDO”, Senior Assistant Vice President Vicente “Teteng” Lopez also provided entertainment while emphasizing the importance of saving and ease of sending money from abroad through the BDO Kabayan account. Present during this BDO-sponsored entertainment were: Department of Labor and Employment undersecretary Jacinto Paras, POEA newly-appointed administrator Atty. Bernard Olalia, and POEA deputy administrator for Management Services Jocelyn T. Sanchez.

Mini product talks were also held at the Balik Mangagagawa Area inside the POEA building to give OFWs a better understanding of the different products and services that BDO offers. BDO booths were also set up at the venue to give the OFWs the convenience of opening an account. Apart from free entertainment from BDO, the POEA also offered free massage, manicure, and pedicure to visiting OFWs.  

“It’s not easy to work in a foreign land and be away from your family. The sacrifices that our OFWs continue to make cannot be measured. They do not only bring in money to their respective families, they drive our economy as well. It is an honor for us to be part of POEA’s Migrant Workers’ Day. It is an honor for us to reward them with tokens, laughter, and entertainment, even for just a day, although we know they deserve so much more, every day,” BDO senior vice president and head of remittance Geneva T. Gloria said.

The Migrant Workers’ Day is a week-long celebration spearheaded by the POEA. BDO has been a staunch supporter of this annual event, in recognition of the sacrifices made by of the OFWs, for their families and for the country.

5 Ways to Help the Asthmatic People in Your Life

Wazzup Pilipinas!

MakatiMed lists down simple adjustments you can make to help your loved one cope with asthma

Asthma symptoms and effects can range from being a nuisance to being life-threatening. When triggered, asthma causes the airways to swell, narrowing the person’s airways, which then makes breathing difficult. You may not have this condition, but it’s likely someone you know does. If you live with an asthmatic, it’s easy to be constantly stressed about whether they might have an attack.

There is currently no known cure for asthma, but aside from prescribed medications and other long-term treatment options, certain lifestyle changes can be made to avoid an attack.

Leading hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center takes you through some simple adjustments you can do to help you or your loved one cope with asthma.

Clean your surroundings regularly. “Dust is one of the most common triggers of asthma,” says Nazario Macalintal Jr., M.D., of MakatiMed’s Section of Pulmonary Medicine. “Household items that are prone to collecting dust like carpets, mattresses, and curtains should be aired out and cleaned regularly. Vacuuming areas where you spend most of your time in, like your bedroom or living room, is better in preventing dust from accumulating.”

Electric fans, window screens, and air-con filters, should be frequently cleaned. Some asthmatics are also sensitive to molds. To avoid adding more moisture to the house, clean damp areas regularly especially behind the toilet and under the sink.

Choose household items that won’t trigger attacks. “Blinds and wooden or tiled floors are friendlier to asthmatics than curtains and carpets,” says Dr. Macalintal. When it comes to household accessories and furniture, it’s best to opt for items that simply keep dust and dirt away like leather sofas or hypoallergenic washable pillows.

Manage your pets wisely. “Pet’s hairs are potential allergens,” says Dr. Macalintal. “Limiting the areas where the pets are allowed in the house can also help keep their dander from spreading.”

Take precautions before travelling. Dr. Macalintal advises, “You might want to reconsider plans of visiting farms or mountain climbing when it’s pollen season to minimize attacks. Sudden changes in temperature may also trigger asthma.” So, before travelling to countries with cooler climates, consult your doctor to know if there are any emergency medications you need to bring.

Avoid food that could irritate your throat. “There are certain food items that make coughing worse in an asthmatic such as calamansi, lemon, nuts, and oranges,” says Dr. Macalintal. “Asthmatics are also sensitive to artificially colored fruit drinks especially yellow ones.

Having asthma may be stressful for both the patient and those close to them, but starting with small, simple points of action can greatly reduce the risk of an attack and make living with the condition easier on everyone.

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.8888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph.