1. UVC Disinfection of Rooms, Utensils, Key Cards & Cash -Sogo was the first hotel, as early as March 2020, to use UVC (254nm) to fight Covid-19. Taking the cue from hospitals abroad, remote-controlled carts have been deployed for room disinfection. Compartments for utensils, key cards and cash were also fitted with UVC LEDs but kept away from personnel since 254 nm UVCs, while great for killing viruses may harm the skin and eyes.
2. FAR UVC Disinfection at Elevator Lobbies -After extensive research, Sogo has acquired and tested the FAR UVC 222 nm lamps that effectively kill viruses while being harmless to humans. Just recently (2020 Q4) produced commercially, it is quite expensive and is sold by only a few manufacturers abroad. Sogo is the first hotel to install these revolutionary excimer lamps in all its elevator lobbies.
3. UVC Disinfection for Room Aircons -All room aircons are to be fitted with specially manufactured UVC LEDs. Through germicidal irradiation, the UVC light attacks the DNA/DNR of micro-organisms, killing bacteria and viruses, and preventing their spread. As it is turned on with the aircon, room air is always sterilized each time it passes through the unit, ensuring the best possible room air quality for our guests.
4. Ventilation ACR is Doubled in Lobbies & Hallways -The ACR (Air Change Rate) or the number of times the air is replaced for all general spaces is set at ≥ 4 per hour by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers). Sogo is doubling its current ACRs for intensified inflow of covid-free fresh air to accelerate indoor air replacement.
5. Covid Sniffer Dogs for Screening of Employees -Dubai and Helsinki Airports have deployed Covid sniffer dogs to screen passengers and report a > 94% accuracy rate with dogs detecting the virus days before symptoms even start. Sogo has tied up with a leading K9 company, to have specially-trained Belgian Malinois dogs regularly screen its personnel for Covid.
6. Thermal Scan Controlled Doors -For most branches, guests on their own, can get scanned before entry and if within the safe temperature limit, main doors will open automatically without need of any contact.
7. Microbial ATP Fluorescence Testing of Surfaces -ATP (Adenosine TriPhosphate) Testing measures ATP content to indicate the presence and amount of microorganisms. Each branch has an Anti-Covid Team that regularly swabs high touch point surfaces that pass through ATP Fluorescence Detectors to verify microbial presence and effectivity of the new protocols.
8. Anti-Microbial Coatings on Furnishings, Fixtures & Touch Points -Widely used in hospitals and mass transports in China, Hong Kong and Japan, these Polymer coatings are formed after spraying millions of nano-capsules with contact killing and anti-adhesion features that lasts for weeks. It effectively kills bacteria and viruses, including H1N1 and Covid. Sogo applies this over all furnishings and touch points.
9. Reduced Touch Points with No-Contact Fixtures (with photos of no-contact fixtures) -A Sogo study shows that pre-pandemic, guests had a minimum of 59 Touch Points (TPs) during a typical hotel stay. Due to new protocols that include contact-less fixtures, TPs have been reduced by 40.7% with the goal to achieve a reduction of 66.1% with more advanced technology centered on cellphone use.
10. Multi-Stage Air Purifying Equipment in Lobbies -To further sanitize indoor air, Sogo installed air-purifying equipment having several levels of filters: Pre-filter, Activated Carbon, HEPA (H11), with built-in Cold Catalysts, Ion Generators and UVC lights that eliminate allergens and pollutants such as dust, pollen, odor, bacteria, viruses, and even reduces carbon dioxide levels.
11. No-Contact Key -Specially designed key (keychain) to avoid touching. This is one of our giveaways included in some of our promos.
When it comes to beauty, there’s so many options on what to put and what to wear. And it’s another level if you “Does the job” with your favorite Doctor. Cringing right? If I were to do it, I’m actually thinking about it, if it is safe? Do I look like the same with other celebs and person who does it too? Cloned! So, Merz Aesthetics cleared all my questions.
Merz, a global leader in providing cutting-edge technology in the Aesthetics Industry, exposes the truth behind a beauty treatment that is gaining popularity globally – beauty fillers.
• With 110years in the market, Merz continues to focus on its mission to allow patients to LIVE BETTER, FEEL BETTER and LOOK BETTER.
• Merz also brought the popular aesthetic treatment, Ultherapy, to the Philippines. It is a US FDA-cleared noninvasive procedure that is proven to lift the Brow, Cheeks, Chin and Decollate.
• Merz Beauty Agenda: A Forum on Fillers expounds on the different types of fillers available in the market
• Patients reveal positive impact of fillers after treatment
Manila, Philippines – Works of art are continuously restored over time – isn’t a person a work of art, too? This is a famous saying by a revered aesthetic surgeon from Germany. Indeed, a person is a work of art and yet, opting to undergo aesthetic treatments as a way of enhancing beauty is still a heated topic today.
Merz, one the leaders in the field of aesthetics medicine, led a beauty agenda at the Grand Hyatt Manila recently, that sought to shed light on the bigger picture – that opting for beauty fillers should not be frowned upon. The forum, dubbed as ‘Merz Aesthetics Beauty Agenda: A Forum on Fillers,’ helped debunk the different misconceptions that can possibly hinder women to be fully empowered when it comes to getting beauty treatments.
Driven by the mission to help people live better, feel better and look better, Merz, together with Dr. Wilson Ho, Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas, Dr. Gio Dimayuga, and Dr. Gerald Sy, provided an in-depth look on beauty fillers tackling the most common myths that exist today.
1. YOU WON’T LOOK NATURAL
Dr. Gio Dimayuga, an active consultant at the Makati Medical Center and several clinics in Manila asserts, “There is what you call the ‘overfilled’ syndrome where lip and cheek injections can result in a trout pout or pillow face.”
He mentioned that there are aesthetic companies that innovate to achieve as much natural-looking results as possible. With Merz’s 65 years of dedication to beauty since launching the first anti-wrinkle cream in 1953, they have committed to deliver natural-looking outcomes while putting their patients as the focus of every product. This is particularly evident with the patented technology behind their HA Filler, which is designed to integrate seamlessly into the skin tissue. And CaHa Filler which is considered as more than just a filler with its power lifting and bio-stimulation properties that allows patients to naturally produce collagen and tighten their skin.
2. ANYONE CAN DO DERMAL FILLER TREATMENTS
This is a common misconception faced today. The doctors in the forum stressed that it is crucial to note that only doctors can administer dermal fillers as it is a medical procedure.
Dr. Gerald Sy, the Vice President of Internal Affairs of the Philippine Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons, Inc. highlights, “It is highly essential that prospective patients only look for experienced doctors who boast of several years in the aesthetics industry for their treatments. This is how we can avoid the ‘horror stories’ that result from procedures such as the overfilled syndrome.”
3. DOCTORS CAN USE ANY TYPE OF FILLERS ON YOUR FACE
“Only certain fillers for certain parts of the face have been approved by the FDA – so any type of filler in the market cannot be just used on your face,” states Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas, resident expert at St. Luke’s Medical Centre Bonifacio Global City and various clinics in Metro Manila.
For safety reasons, the FDA recognition for fillers is an essential factor when deciding to opt for dermal fillers.
4. JUST ANY KIND OF FILLERS ARE GOOD FOR YOU
There are many fillers that exist in the market – the HA, CaHa and you also have the permanent or non-permanent fillers. HA filler is considered as the most commonly used fillers by medical practitioners but only doctors can recommend the best filler suited for each patient as it is a case-to-case basis.
The medical practitioners shared that though there are dermal filler ‘horror stories’ people account for at times, many of these are not based on facts and are just misleading information. They stressed that safety is of utmost priority, together with years of proven research and technological development which is why it’s important to trust established aesthetics brands when it comes to choosing dermal fillers. Aside from having experts to discuss about this, there were also patients that shared their journey in immersing themselves in aesthetics treatments.
The Modern-Day Filipina Woman
Globally, studies have shown that there is an increasing traction on the societal acceptance of beauty fillers and that it can be regarded as ‘mainstream’ to the everyday woman.
In the Philippines, though there is a growing consumer demand, many still find it a challenge to admit that they have undergone aesthetic treatments. Insecurity is often equated with undergoing aesthetic treatments and the forum served as a platform for filler patients to share their experience and how Merz contributed in battling these issues.
“I have always seen myself as someone beautiful, but there are those days. I never wanted to change how I look but rather, I only wanted to accentuate the beauty that I already have. With Merz and the minimally invasive treatments they offer, I felt more empowered to make the decision of having fillers injected on me,” shared Agoo Bengzon, beauty editor.
Guests were also treated to aromatic, and beauty and wellness stations, with on-the-spot assessments led by Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas and Dr. Gio Dimayuga. The event culminated with a toast, in celebration of the forum’s success and Merz’s 110th year anniversary.
A treat! Mixture of Jasmine and Peppermint EO diluted in Mineral Oil
Our EO Candle loot ♥️ Thanks
Mama Farrah 