They may seem like an odd bunch but believe it or not, Win Radio’s Mr. Fu, Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) thespian Gold Villar-Lim, and renowned singer and songwriter Noel Cabangon do share one similarity that binds them together.
They all bank on their voices as their main tool in their respective fields.
At the recent Sorexidine press conference reinstating its campaign efforts dubbed “Kapag boses ang puhunan,” the three were able to talk about their individual experiences of having their voices as their “main capital” and how they take care of it.
“Being a DJ and a host, it is very important that I take care of my voice given the demands of my job,” relates Mr. Fu. “In our everyday engagements, mahirap ng walang boses, ‘di ba? Paano tayo makakabwelo sa tsismisan kapag wala tayong boses—lalong lalo na kung may mainit na issues.”
“I used to experience a loss of voice before, especially when I had multiple runs for seven straight days. I learned to use my diaphragm, and after every scene, I make sure to take at least a sip of water. Sa teatro kasi ay malamig dahil air-conditioned kaya dapat may diskarte din para alagaan ang boses,” shares Gold who has been part of Rak of Aegis since its first season.
“Before any show or performance, I make sure I get enough sleep. Sometimes, I do cardio exercises before a show. I also don’t speak a lot to preserve my voice, and I stay away from sweets,” says Noel who is best known for the timeless hit “Kanlungan,” a song released by his former band Buklod.
Words from the expert
According to Dr. Teresa Gloria-Cruz, UP-PGH consultant of Surgery in Otorhinolaryngology, “Sore throat can be described by a wide variety of conditions like irritation or pain in the throat. Or sometimes, itchy as is the vernacular among patients.”
The cause of sore throat depends on the duration of symptoms and its progress. “A viral infection usually improves on its own between three to five days. If the sore throat does not improve in seven days, it’s most probably a bacterial infection which will already need an antibiotic.”
But whether it’s viral or bacterial, Dr. Gloria-Cruz suggests gargling of a solution to address it. “We want the mechanical action of gargling as it will kill more bacteria and will be more preventive in the progression and the duration of the disease.”
Pharex Healthcare president Tomas Luke Marcelo “Beau” Agana, III, on the other hand, offers Sorexidine, a gargle solution to relieve a sore throat.
“Chlorhexidine gluconate solution is found in Sorexidine. Considered as the gold standard in antimicrobial oral hygiene, Sorexidine is proven safe and effective to fight off bacteria, virus, and fungi and reduces plaque-causing bacteria up to 60 percent. Gargling 15ml for 30 seconds twice a day is the recommended usage,” he tells.
Vocal partnership
Incidentally, Sorexidine is supporting PETA in the 7th season of Rak of Aegis which goes back onstage from July 5 to Sept. 29. Gold and Noel are both parts of the musical this season.
Meanwhile, Mr. Fu, Gold and Noel acknowledge that their voices are their “puhunan” and that it should receive utmost care to avoid or relieve it from sore throat.