NEWS

Louie Sangalang: Defying the expected against all odds

Pasig City—April 17, 2018— Life begins at 40, they say. But for Luisito “Louie” Sangalang II, a kickass multi-sport athlete, this age means so much more than just reaping all the benefits of hard work. It is also a high time to continue taking on bigger and bolder challenges in life. Sangalang knows, for sure, that he can still achieve greater heights. This April, he just made history as the first Filipino cancer survivor to finish the recently concluded FWD North Pole Marathon. He is also the sole flag bearer of the Philippines for the said race this year.

According to Sangalang, this event is one of the biggest and toughest race that he has joined so far. But, with the help of his family and friends, especially his coaches, Miguel “Ige” Lopez, one of the country’s most sought-after triathlon coaches, and Romi Garduce, one of the first Filipinos to reach Mt. Everest’s summit, he was able to conquer the classic 42K race distance entirely in extreme sub-zero weather conditions. He finished as the 44th among the participants in the Men’s Category.
But before winning this feat, Sangalang had to take on the rough side of the course.
Passion for sports
Ever since he was a kid, Sangalang has already been into sports. At a very young age, he found himself involved in team sports, such as basketball, football, track and field, and even in Dragon Boat rowing tilt. But as he was growing up, he developed a profound love for martial arts.
“I started with a martial art called Tatsu Do, which is a bit of Taekwondo but uses more of the hands. Then I did Arnis and Taekwondo, as well,” said Sangalang. “I am really more inclined to individual sports. Though, all the other sports I tried gave a great deal of contribution to what I’ve become now.”
He pursued being into these competitive sports even when he was in college. Despite engaging in these activities, he also made sure that he does good academics-wise as he took up a degree in Physics, and then shifted to Humanities, Minor in Physics.

Surviving cancer
During his last year in college, Sangalang faced one of the biggest challenges of his entire life as he was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer called acute adenocarcinoma of the appendix or appendiceal cancer.
“I think I was 20 or 21 years old when I found out that I have cancer. In college, there was a point in time that I, somehow, neglected my health. I was eating unhealthily and drinking alcohol heavily. And then one day, I found myself waking up with intense pain in the lower left side of my abdomen,” he said.

When he went to the hospital, the doctor said that he had to be operated on for appendicitis. Three weeks after the surgery, he was back to battle against a more serious disease.
“I went through an operation called left hemicolectomy, which is basically removing the affected parts of my large intestine, about a foot long. In addition to that, I also had to undergo six cycles of chemotherapy and 33 cycles of radiotherapy,” said Sangalang.
Getting back to the action
Instead of letting cancer bring him down, Sangalang chose to get up and literally fight back. He chose to lead a healthier lifestyle.
“While I am recovering from the surgeries, my oncologist also advised that I need to eat healthier food and of course, to be fit. A few weeks after, I went back to lifting weights. I even decided to do mixed martial arts professionally,” he said.
Sangalang, as a cancer warrior, fought five times in the ring in different weight divisions and fighting bouts. He even secured two belts in his latest MMA fights, proving that he can still do what he loves the most even after surviving cancer.
Blazing new trails
Aside from being an MMA fighter, Sangalang also joined triathlons as a way of staying in good shape. It was in 2008 when a colleague introduced the sport to him and he found it really interesting that he had a strong podium finish in his first race.
“When I started joining triathlons, I just wanted to test the water. But, I find the sport, really, interesting because it gave me a different kind of experience. It allows me to interact with people—not just with other triathletes in the race but also with the locals,” said Sangalang.
In 2015, he joined the Sante Barley Tri-Team and since then, he joined several triathlons in different race distances.
He also quit his job in the corporate world and ventured into entrepreneurship. He joined a boxing franchise and is launching a sports and lifestyle apparel brand. He is also teaching Procurement and Supply Management at the Jose Rizal University—all while continuously blazing trails in various sports and being a true fitspiration.
As an active sportsman, he’s often seen bagging podium finishes as a triathlete, being a member of Sante Barley Tri-team, one of the best Tri-Teams in the Philippines. He is also planning to go back to the ring as a Mixed Martial Arts fighter.
“Now that I’m 40, my bigger goal is to continue inspiring people to become more conscious about their health and well-being through my story,” said Sangalang. “I want to continue sharing my story to change the perspective of a lot of people, especially towards the lifestyle that they lead.”
Sangalang, together with the other members of the Santé Barley Tri-team, is set to join the lineup of triathlon events this year. As a pride of Sante International, the team is now composed of 44 triathletes of all abilities and ages. He is also set to go back to the ring for an MMA fight after his race in North Pole.

Beyond every Podium Finish: Inspiring women, one race at a time

 Pasig City, Philippines—March 12, 2018—As the three-sport athletic competition, Triathlon continues to gain popularity in the country, Filipinas are also proving that they are a force to reckon with, especially with the growing number of bold and fierce female athletes, who are achieving greater heights and podium finishes. These real-life superwomen take on every bit of bravery and dedication, making them a true inspiration for all.

Among these inspiring triathletes are Dr. Ian Banzon, a practicing doctor and a running and cycling coach, and Sheila Gagui, a mom of two and a former flight attendant. These superwomen are part of the Sante Barley Tri-team, one of the best Tri-Teams in the Philippines, which has been competing both in local and international competitions.
But before taking part in these big races, such as the IRONMAN and Asian Triathlon Cup, Banzon and Gagui had to take on different challenges—a testament to their determination and willingness to conquer barriers as they propel in the world of the multifaceted sports.
From the starting line 
Sports has always been part of Banzon’s life. Having been a swimmer ever since she was in grade school, she said that her friend, who happens to be part of her high school swimming team, opened the door of triathlon to her.

“My friend’s mom organized this triathlon for kids when I was in high school. She asked me if I want to join. I know how to swim and to ride a bicycle. And so, I took the challenge,” said Banzon. “That’s when I started as a triathlete but, that was very brief because I am really more of a swimmer.”
Her first stint with triathlon was put to a halt when she decided to focus on other things, including her studies as she started in medical school. However, Banzon cannot seem to take triathlon out of her life as she got back to it in 2012.
“I just want to compete and be physically ready all the time,” said Banzon on what made her realize to continue competing in triathlons.
Meanwhile, Sheila Gagui explained that it was after the birth of her second son that she got her first start on triathlon.
“My friend asked me to join her in a swimming camp. I did not have a formal training but I went on with it. She also invited me to join a short race, which I enjoyed since I really love outdoor sports,” Gagui said. “Triathlon gives me a sense of achievement. I am able to set goals, check my progress, and see how I grow in the sport.”

Gagui said that it was not something she dreamed of. “I did it for myself. I just want to be physically fit and to lose weight. Eventually, my body just started looking for it and I enjoy the training every day.”
Preparing for the race
One can only imagine the difficulties these amazing triathletes have to deal with as they try to balance their life and career while training. According to Banzon, there is so much training that goes into the process to maintain physical and mental strength.
“We have a training plan and a coach, who usually gives us a program. Every day, there’s also a certain number of hours that you have to put in. The fact that you’re training for three different sports makes the whole process really challenging,” added Banzon. “For now, I just run and teach cycling on my rest days. It is different but it is still cardio. I also like going to the gym but if you’re looking at the numbers, most triathletes would train six to seven days a week, either day or night.”
Gagui couldn’t agree more. When she started her first stint back in October 2015, she said that she would regularly do exercises to maintain her pace. Last year, she joined an IRONMAN event, where she placed fourth for her age group.
“I do back to back bike and stretching for gymnastics. You need to be in shape for the endurance and go to the gym for cardio on days that you are not training,” Gagui shares on how she prepares for a race.
Beyond the finish line
As more women get involved in triathlon, Banzon and Gagui hope to be a source of inspiration and self-empowerment for all ages.
“Don’t wait for anything else. Some people say ‘I still have to lose weight before I do sport,’ but you know what, just start and work from there. Everything else will follow,” said Banzon.
For Gagui, on the other hand, she wants to encourage even mothers like her to find their true happiness in sports.
“For me, I started with boxing after giving birth, but then I said, I really don’t want to ‘spar.’ I want to do something with a goal,” said Gagui. “That is when I learned about triathlon. Every time you do a race, you get to see your time. I like to see my progress. How I grow in the sport. And if I can do it, I’m sure that others can also do the same.”
Banzon and Gagui’s involvement in triathlon extends beyond strength. It also sets the narrative for women in sports and their drive towards greatness.
These superwomen, together with the members of the Santé Barley Tri-team, are set to join the lineup of triathlon events this year. As the pride of Sante International, the team is now composed of 44 triathletes of all abilities and ages, including its 10 female athletes.

Organic farming yields many health and environmental benefits

Santé International leads in large scale organic farming of barley
February 9, 2018 – Pasig City – Organic farming is one of the key buzz words today among the health-conscious. But perhaps what most people don’t know is that the benefits of organic farming are far-reaching than we think.
“Organic farming is not only profitable but is appealing as a way to a healthier diet,” said Peter Hope, managing director for Santé New Zealand Limited and one of the leading authorities in organic farming.  “Organic farming has benefits for both health and environmental reasons.”
Go healthy, go organic
Organic fruits, vegetables, and grains are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers. These pesticides and fertilizers usually contain high doses of metals that may contain carcinogens.
For example, the commonly used herbicide Roundup has been classified as a “probable human carcinogen,” and the insecticide chlorpyrifos has been associated with developmental delays in infants. Studies have also suggested that pesticide residues—at levels commonly found in the urine of kids in the U.S.—may contribute to ADHD prevalence; they’ve also been linked to reduced sperm quality in men.
In a 2014 meta-analysis found in the British Journal of Nutrition  that organically grown crops were not only less likely to contain detectable levels of pesticides, but because of differences in fertilization techniques, they were also 48 percent less likely to test positive for cadmium, a toxic heavy metal that accumulates in the liver and kidneys.
Going organic is eco-friendly
Because organic farming discourages the use of pesticides and artificial fertilizers, the soil in which the produce grows in remains untainted and may be unable to thrive on its own. Natural cultivation practices are far better than chemical soil management.
A 9-year study conducted by the US Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Services (USDA-ARS) showed organic farming builds up organic soil matter better than conventional no-till farming.
Moreover, not only does organic farming build healthy soil, it helps combat serious soil erosion. Organic farming also helps conserve water. Organic farmers spend time amending soil correctly and using mulch. These practices help conserve water.
“Santé New Zealand is one of the leading large scale organic farms and is the largest in New Zealand. We produce the best organic barley that goes into all of our product lines,” said Hope.
As a holistic system, organic production is designed to improve the productivity and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-system that includes the soil organisms, plants, livestock and people. Ultimately, the goal of organic farming is to develop enterprises that are sustainable.
Organic practices in New Zealand began on a large scale back in the 1980s and has since grown into an important food segment among the market. In 2013, 17.15 million or 40 percent of farmlands have been designated as organic farms. This grew to 42 percent in 2014. Today, organic farming and the demand for organically-grown or produced foods is growing globally with many countries in Oceania, Europe, Asia and North America.
Santé International is a distribution company of organic wellness products. The company trade products that do not have synthetic, harmful ingredients while serving as a mounting venue for entrepreneurs. Among its flagship products is Santė Barley, a supplement made out of 100 percent young barley grass that is grown in the Canterbury Plains of New Zealand and is certified organic by BioGro.
Barley grass (Hordeum Vulgare) has one of the most balanced nutrient profiles. It is a combination of micronutrients some of which includes Vitamins, Amino Acids, Minerals, Alkaline Minerals, Proteins, Phytonutrients, Antioxidants, Chlorophyll and Enzymes.  Barley grass powder is very potent to fight free radicals that can cause damage to health.
“We only use the fresh shoots as the key ingredients when we produce our products. Once we have harvested these, we re-plant the entire crop ensuring that our products use only young barley,” Hope added.
To know more about Santé, its product offerings, and other upcoming events, visit their official FB Page at www.facebook.com/santeofficial.ph or their website at www.santebarley.com.

Direct Selling Simplified: Network Marketing Guru, Tom “Big Al” Schreiter, visits Manila for a one-day workshop

Manila, Philippines—January 29, 2018—Tom “Big Al” Schreiter, one of the most notable people in the history of direct selling, conducted a one-day workshop for entrepreneurs and network marketers in the country, recently at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Tom “Big Al” Schreiter giving his lecture on techniques on how to break the ice.

With the theme “Direct Selling Simplified,” the workshop aimed to help businessmen learn new and efficient concepts in building good relations and selling products to their customers.
The workshop, which was initiated by Sante International, a leading global producer of organic barley products, gathered hundreds of local entrepreneurs from across the country.

Sante Business Owners, with their partners during the workshop, practicing techniques on how to engage in telephone conversation.

“As a global brand, we’ve been conducting learning workshops and other initiatives as our way of helping and encouraging entrepreneurs in growing their business,” said Arlyn Corpuz, Head of Marketing of Sante International. “We are fortunate to have one of the foremost thought leaders of the direct selling industry as he can impart invaluable insights and learnings that will help young entrepreneurs.”

Attendees of the Direct Selling Simplified, workshop by Tom “Big Al” Schreiter.

Big Al’s talk underlined the importance of building good relations among entrepreneurs and their customers. He said that “one of the key things that entrepreneurs must realize is that selling is not just about telling potential buyers about product features. It also pays to build connections and rapport with customers and other people, who may become your partners.”

After the workshop, Tom “Big Al” Schreiter signs his book, Ice Breakers, for the attendees.

Aside from the sessions and the interactive activities, the attendees also received Big Al’s book, entitled “Ice Breakers,” as a token. The foreword was written by Sante International CEO Joey Marcelo.

Sante Business Owners waiting in queue to get their books signed by the Sante International CEO, Joey Marcelo, who also wrote the foreword for the book Ice Breakers.

Tom “Big Al” Schreiter is one of the most-sought-after trainer, speaker, and author in the direct selling industry. He also has over 20 million books in print and has presented to audiences in over 60 countries worldwide. In 2011, he was also awarded as MLM Insider’s Best Generic Trainer.
To know more about Sante International, its product offerings, and other upcoming events, visit their website at www.santebarley.com/

All systems go for PH’s soon-to-rise advanced fitness and sports hub

The executives from Santé International and Ayala Land pose for a photo after signing a landmark joint venture agreement to build Sante Fitness Lab @ Vermosa Sports Hub, the upcoming advanced fitness and training center in Cavite that will cater to the needs of Filipino triathletes and other sports enthusiasts. Santé International endorser Kim Atienza graces the signing ceremony held in Makati.
Santé International is on its way of creating the best and most high-tech fitness and sports hub in the Philippines that is seen to nurture world-class Filipino triathletes and other future local sports champions.
Santé International’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joey Marcelo made this announcement in Makati where the official signing of its joint venture agreement with Ayala Land, the Philippines’ premier real estate developer, recently took place.
The soon-to-rise 600-square-meter Santé Fitness Lab @ Vermosa Sports Hub will be located in the 700-hectare Vermosa, Ayala Land’s 4^thlargest mixed-used master-planned estate in the south of Metro Manila. Promoting healthy and active living, the large-scale project’s target soft launch is set in December this year.

“We are very excited to partner with Ayala Land. Personally, I have seen how Ayala Land develops its estates – always with a touch of excellence – and that is one of the core values of Santé International. We are always in pursuit of excellence,” Marcelo said in his speech during the signing ceremony attended by high-level executives from both sides; members of Santé International’s own triathlon team, the Santé Barley Triteam; and television personality Kim Atienza, Santé International’s official endorser.
Under the agreement, Santé International will oversee the development and management of the Santé Fitness Lab. According to Marcelo, who is himself a member of the Santé Barley Triteam, the joint venture is an opportunity to build a pioneering fitness facility specifically designed to cater to the needs of Filipino triathletes, those who are into competitive sports, and ordinary individuals pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle.
Upon completion, the Santé Fitness Lab will offer customized strength and conditioning programs for injury treatment and prevention; premium sports rehab, recovery, and reconditioning services; comprehensive sports performance programs; and weight management, among others.
Jay Teodoro (left), Estate Head for Vermosa/Ayala Land, and Joey Marcelo, Chief Executive Officer of Santé International, shake hands after signing a landmark joint venture agreement to build Sante Fitness Lab @ Vermosa Sports Hub, the upcoming advanced fitness and training center in Cavite that will cater to the needs of Filipino triathletes and other sports enthusiasts.
The center will also be fitted with top-notch amenities, including strength and conditioning fitness facility; sports rehab areas; a dance studio; a spinning class area; bike shop and services; a nutrition and fitness café; VO2 max/lactate testing; and conference and lecture rooms.
Atienza, who has been a Santé International endorser for six years, described the latest partnership as “a perfect synergy” between two leading companies.
“Ayala Land has always been integrating fitness into all its developments. It is not only the usual fitness centers that you see [but theirs are] very progressive… everyday there are new trends [in this segment] and Ayala is like that, [it keeps up with the modern trends]. It is the same thing with Santé Barley. Pareho sila ng pananaw,” Atienza, popularly known as Kuya Kim, said.
Vermosa, which is bigger than Ayala Alabang, one of Ayala Land’s signature developments, is positioned as the modern suburban community master planned to promote healthy and active living. When Ayala Land acquired the property four years ago, the real estate developer had envisioned an “Ayala Alabang for the next generation.”
“We did some studies on trends to see where the market is going. There are two important trends that we have identified that would have an impact on how people live in the future. The first is that people are becoming more health conscious… I think this is the reason products such as Santé Barley is becoming more popular. The second finding is that people are spending more time and money to engage in physical activity, particularly sports,” shared Jay Teodoro, Estate Head for Vermosa/Ayala Land.
“One of the fastest growing sports right now is triathlon… There are a lot of people who are joining the triathlon race. Along with triathlon, running and cycling are the two emerging sports in the country. This is not only in the Philippines but it is a worldwide phenomenon. Those are the two findings that helped us design Vermosa. It caters to these new trends, with each component of the project promoting active and healthy living,” he added.
Vermosa’s Sports Hub boasts of Olympic-size pool, oval track, and a sports science laboratory. It is being positioned as a complete, one-stop training and lifestyle destination for triathletes and all sports enthusiasts.
Santé International is one of the fastest growing global providers of organic health and wellness products and services. Through its latest collaboration with Ayala Land, Santé International demonstrates its full commitment to offer a holistic approach to healthy living.