Lacson to reduce poverty through education

Lacson believes that the key to solving ourcountry’s poverty problem is education.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson plans to solve the country’s serious poverty problem by providing more people the opportunity to get an education.

In his latest video, the presidential aspirant, who has battled government corruption throughout his career in public service, points out that many young people are forced to drop out of school because of the need to help their families and because being in school is  proving to be a heavy financial burden. Thus, they remain mired in poverty because without a good education their prospects are limited so they often have to settle for jobs that do not pay much.

He will launch an innovative Edukasyon Plus program if elected President that will provide free education and institute a government internship program. Each family will receive a P5,000 monthly allowance during their family members’ internship. Lacson believes that this arrangement will allow students to focus on their studies as they will not be under pressure to help their families.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s Edukasyon Plus will provide free education to young people and institute a government internship program where they will receive a P5,000 monthly allowance.

“Even if education is free, young people cannot finish their studies because they have to help their families. If this vicious cycle continues, when will they be able to lift themselves from a life of poverty?” he says.

Studies show that among member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines have the highest school dropout rate.

Lacson is convinced that education is the only way to give people the chance of a better future and to improve the lives of Filipinos, many, if not most, of whom still live below the poverty line. People remain mired in poverty, unable to get better-paying jobs, for lack of education, he stresses.

With Edukasyon Plus, young people can avail of free education and participate in a government internship program that will pay their families a monthly allowance. “They won’t have to choose anymore between education and work to help their families,” Lacson says. He believes the program will help many people leave behind lives of poverty.

“Edukasyon Plus is the real solution to the problem of poverty,” Lacson adds.

Lacson and his running mate, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto, are running on the slogan “Aayusin ang gobierno, aayusin ang buhay mo.” (They will fix the government and put your life in order.

For more info on Ping Lacson, follow https://www.facebook.com/PingLacsonOfficial.

McDonald’s brings color to the holiday season through new limited edition Coca-Cola Cups

  Get all 6 Coca-Cola Aluminum Cups exclusively at McDonald’s!

Manila, Philippines - November 15, 2021 – McDonald’s Philippines adds color and spreads happiness to the holidays with the return of its Coca-Cola collectibles – aluminum cups in 6 festive colors!

The Coca-Cola Aluminum Cup Collection is the first aluminum line of non-breakable, sleek, and on-trend cups in the Philippines. It’s the perfect addition to decorate one’s holiday feast as it comes in 6 metallic-like colors – Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, and Pink! There’s no better way to enjoy a cold and refreshing glass of Coca-Cola this Christmas than in these stylish cups available at McDonald’s stores for a limited time only!

You can own one of the 6 designs by simply adding Php 49 to any of the participating McDonald’s meals – which is most of your favorite meals with Coca-Cola! Available in McDonald’s starting today, customers can start collecting their cups to complete the collection just in time for the holiday festivities! A Media Noche or Noche Buena table setup is sure to look much more abundant and vibrant with the bright hues of the Coca-Cola Aluminum Cups.

Brighten up the holiday season and get your hands on the first-ever Coca-Cola Aluminum Cup Collection! Easily within reach, these collectibles will be available in McDonald's stores nationwide via Dine In, Take Out, Drive-Thru, and McDelivery.

Lacson relies on ‘Mr. Clean’ image

 

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is leveraging his reputation as a crime-buster and anti-corruption champion in his bid to become the next President of the Philippines.

 His video advertisement (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv_HZnGnsow) highlights some of his major accomplishments as a senator and former head of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

 Lacson plans to expand on his initiatives to prevent public money from being lost through corruption as president and bring the government closer to the people. His main advocacy is to give more power to local government units that are closest to the citizens and understand the people’s needs best and are in a better position to respond to their problems more effectively.

 As highlighted in his TV ads, Lacson’s careful and detailed scrutiny of the national budget has saved the country P300 billion. He proved his strong opposition to the pork barrel that had become for legislators a major perk of their jobs, by refusing it.

 Among the accomplishments Lacson has listed as proof of his qualification for the highest post in the country are the investigations of the P728 million fertilizer scam, the anomalous $329 million contract between the Philippines and China’s ZTE Company, and Payola or bribery in the Bureau of Customs by exposing the TARA list.

 He also brought to the public’s attention the “Hello Garci” tapes, an attempt at cheating during the 2004 elections.

 The former military officer and PNP chief exposed the chopper scam where tge government paid brand-new prices for second-hand helicopters.

 Lacson’s initiatives as PNP chief earned him a trust rating of 78+ percent from the public, the highest rating ever recorded for the position.

Meet R Rules, the newest girl group under MCA Music Inc.

Four-piece girl group R Rules are set to make a splash in the music scene with their empowering anthems.

Giving value to pop music through their hard work and universal appeal, the promising rookies are ready to share their unique music journey to inspire and bring joy to music fans all over the world. Previously signed under a different label, R Rules (formerly known as Japh Dolls) are composed of RIYO, RURI, REINA, RISA—all four of them, fluent in Filipino, English, and Japanese and are currently undergoing de rigeur trainee development program to hone their skills. Get to know the girls behind R Rules:

Watch here: R Rules Artist Reveal

“Through our music, we want to showcase women empowerment,” says the group. “Women can work hard and still enjoy life. We want to express how we can be independent and still be happy with our lives. Also, in terms of music genre, we are pop but more importantly, we will sound like our goals, visions, and anything that inspires it.”

Their compelling story and unique vision caught the attention of MCA Music Inc., which supported R Rules as they embarked on the new chapter of their music journey.

“We found about R Rules through my co-A&R Daddy A of Def Jam Philippines,” Lloyd ‘Tiny’ Corpuz, Senior A&R Manager Pop Label - UMG Philippines shares in a statement. “He endorsed the ladies to the team, and we happily took them in because of their story. They were a girl group before with a different name. But we want to approach things differently by starting from scratch. We want to guide them in every step of the way.”

Dance Cover | Money

Tiny also praised the group for their hard work and dedication to achieve their dreams as artists. “There is that sense of ownership and accountability in what they do. They overflow with passion, and I really appreciate their core values as a group and as individuals. They’re a joy to work with, and each of them has a compelling story to tell.”

R Rules, in return, are happy to be part of MCA Music Inc.’s growing pop music roster, which includes some of the biggest household names in any genre—from Zack Tabudlo to Darren Espanto. 

 Dance Cover | SG

“It has been a rollercoaster ride for all of us so we are beyond grateful to be part of MCA,” the girl group admits. “Working with the label so far, we are enjoying every bit of thing that is given to us and working with the team is such a blessing because of how they treat us. They are already like our 2nd family.

The rising pop sensation will be releasing their official debut single under MCA Music Inc. very soon and it's definitely something to watch out for! Follow R Rules on their socials so you won't miss a thing.

Coca-Cola launches new Christmas campaign under Real Magic™ platform

Manila, Philippines 08 Nov 2021 – Coca-Cola, the Philippines’ most-loved beverage brand, heralds this year’s season with “Buksan ang Magic ng Pasko,” a holiday campaign that celebrates the real magic of community and togetherness. The multi-faceted campaign carries, at its heart a simple message of festive joy and inclusion; reminding us that real magic is in the moments of connection we share with others.

“Most of us grew up with Coca-Cola. As a brand, we consider ourselves fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be part of every Filipino table and witness the real magic of human connections, especially during Christmas. From celebrating every occasion to being a source of comfort – Coke serves as that uplifting pause that connects people, in friendship and in community, over a meal or a glass of Coke – and we see this even more pronounced during Christmas,” says Cesar Gangoso, Coca-Cola Marketing Director for Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Coca-Cola, with its 100-year-old history with the Filipino community, signals the start of Christmas celebrations with a full line up of experiences that people can enjoy. This includes a display of creative out-of-home images that celebrate people, colorful packs, lights and sound festival, well-decorated bottling facilities all over the country, and the infamous Coca-Cola truck going around to surprise 10 local communities. 

Gangoso adds, “Christmas for most Filipinos has been a bit different for the past two years. However, what has always been consistent is the familiar comfort that family and friends bring. This year is no different, and just like in the past, Coca-Cola will continue to be part of everyone’s story.”

Coca-Cola’s Real Magic brand philosophy believes that magic is everywhere. It is alive in quiet moments and in grand celebrations. It is in every new experience discovered and nostalgic memories remembered. It is real in shared moments with people we love and even with our community, whether these connections are made physically or virtually.

Of course, Christmas will not be the same without iconic films. Buksan ang Magic ng Pasko is anchored by a new short film and supported by a series of activations across digital channels including influencer partnerships and in-store activations. The new film, directed by Sam Brown of Rogue Films and created by dentsuMB UK, embraces and celebrates human kindness with a renewed relevance for the world we live in today. Its uplifting tale shows a boy whose imagination and efforts gather a community’s goodwill at Christmas, creating a shared moment of magic around a festive meal and a Coke.

Coca-Cola Philippines has a series of activities for this holiday season. Buksan ang magic ng Pasko! Celebrate #PaskongCocaCola and the people around you who make moments of connection and hope truly magical. Visit facebook.com/CocaColaPhilippines to learn more.

Shopee excites shoppers and uplifts businesses with new record of over 2 billion items sold across 11.11 Big Christmas Sale

 Local sellers saw a massive boost, with orders surging 18 times for those taking part in the sale for the first time

MANILA, NOVEMBER 12, 2021 - Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, sets two new records at the year’s largest shopping festival, 11.11 Big Christmas Sale. With a huge array of irresistible deals, shoppers across the region bought over 2 billion items across the festival period, smashing its previous record in 2020. Excitement peaked on November 11, with visits spiking 5.5 times in the first two hours compared to an average day.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “It brings us great joy to see the impact of our 11.11 Big Christmas Sale on shoppers, businesses, and our local communities. The digital economy continues to present many opportunities for growth, and we want to enable more people to benefit from this growth by increasing e-commerce adoption and helping more consumers and businesses go online. At the same time, we are humbled that we can use our platform to give back to the wider community and support those in need. We look forward to creating more impact for our users in the months ahead.”

Helping more shoppers access, benefit from the digital economy

11.11 Big Christmas Sale encouraged more people to access and enjoy the benefits of online shopping, particularly those outside major cities where digital awareness has been relatively lower. This resulted in an 5-time increase  in the number of shoppers from rural and smaller towns, who were able to enjoy the convenience of accessing a wider variety of products on Shopee.

Beyond convenience, the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale also brought shoppers and businesses closer together. More than 3.5 billion messages were sent on the in-app Shopee Chat on November 11, as shoppers were able to interact live with sellers and get more information prior to making their purchases. 

As a secure and seamless mobile wallet, ShopeePay continued to accelerate adoption of digital payments at the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale. Across the region, more shoppers used ShopeePay to pay for their Shopee orders seamlessly, especially outside big cities where ShopeePay transactions grew 9 times from an average day.

Creating a record boost for businesses of all sizes

For businesses in the region, the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale was a springboard for growth and recovery. Local sellers benefited from the spike in shopping activity, as those joining 11.11 for the first time saw their orders surge 18 times compared to an average day.

Additionally, Shopee Mall continued to attract many shoppers who were drawn to the attractive discounts and exclusive deals from their favorite brands.

11.11 Big Christmas Sale highlights in the Philippines

• More shoppers from outside the metro: South Luzon saw the most orders in the whole country, followed by Metro Manila. 
• Shoppers buy everything on Shopee: Filipinos were eagerly anticipating the unbeatable deals at the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale to meet all their needs, from branded items to daily household essentials. A user in Quezon City spent over ₱466,000 in a single order, buying motorcycle parts, electric tools, game consoles, smartphones, and tablets.
• Shopee remains the preferred one-stop shop for home decor, essentials, and more: Shopee continues to provide a wide assortment of products at the best prices. At the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, more Filipinos bought Home & Living, Health & Personal Care, and Women's Apparel products. Filipinos have consistently prioritized health essentials and home decor during Shopee’s past sales, and the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale was no different as shoppers stocked up on face masks with over 3 million items sold, and took the time to spruce up their home for the holidays with over 800,000 wallpapers sold. 
• Shoppers take advantage of deals from their favorite brands on Shopee Mall: Filipino favorites such as Uni-Care, Unilever Beauty, Xiaomi, NIVEA, and INSPI received the most orders from shoppers during the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale.
• Shoppers found endless fun and joy throughout 11.11 Big Christmas Sale: Live streaming continued to be a core part of the online shopping experience. 5 million hours of live streams were watched on Shopee Live, as users connected with sellers and caught NCT 127 and other top stars live on Shopee. Over 270 million plays were recorded on Shopee Prizes in the Philippines, as users enjoyed more fun and rewards at 11.11.
• ShopeePay brings more rewards to users, serves more payment needs: This 11.11, more shoppers used ShopeePay for greater convenience, security, and value. 
• Seamless payments both online and offline with ‘Deals near Me’: Through ‘Deals near Me,’ Shopee’s location-based feature, shoppers discovered the best deals offered by merchants nearby and showed their support with over 1.2 million offline payment vouchers claimed. 
• Meeting all payment needs with ShopeePay: ShopeePay has also become more deeply integrated with users’ lifestyles by serving multiple payment needs, including bills and tax payments. During 11.11,  almost 100,000 users used ShopeePay to make their utility bill payments, benefitting from rewards in the form of cashbacks.

Shop from the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale: https://shopee.ph/m/christmas-sale 

Download Shopee for free on the App Store or Google Play Store.

New Jolly Kiddie Meal toys feature your favorite heroes from Justice League

 

This November, Jollibee lets kids play superhero and save the day as it launches the Justice League Jolly Kiddie Meal set of collectible toys.

Kids and kids-at-heart can keep the peace on the streets of Gotham with Batman and Batgirl who come with their own Batmobile while Jolly Kids can save the earth while flying on spaceships and rockets with Superman, Supergirl, and Green Lantern. And to help kids become the heroes they were always meant to be, the Flash’s cosmic treadmill and Wonder Woman’s supercar are there to ensure that justice and jolliness will always prevail.

Each toy comes with its own Jolly Joy Box with every purchase of a Yumburger (P82), Yumburger Meal with Drink (P102), Jolly Spaghetti (P97), Jolly Spaghetti Meal with Drink (P107), 1-pc. Burger Steak (P97), 1-pc.Burger Steak Meal with Drink (P114), 1-pc.Chickenjoy with rice (P129), and 1-pc. Chickenjoy Meal with Drink (P144). Kids can also complete the entire set by ordering a 6-pc. Chickenjoy Bucket (P714).

The Justice League Jolly Kiddie Meal toys are available from November 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Collect all seven toys by visiting the Jollibee branch nearest you, or by having them delivered to your home through the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000 hotline, GrabFood, or foodpanda.

Let’s talk about sex with Durex’ SEXducated

  In the past few years, Filipinos have started opening up and talking about sex and how it is an important conversation to have in order to engage in safe, healthy, and satisfying sexual activities. But despite the inroads that have been made in normalizing conversations about sex, barriers remain when it comes to discussing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as the feelings of shame and stigma remain which prevent people from accessing information and resources that can help Filipinos develop safe sex habits.

The lack of access and conversation contributes to the continued rise in the number of people who test HIV-positive in the country. July 2021 data from the HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP) showed that 1,045 Filipinos tested HIV-positive while 60 people died of AIDS-related complications. This means 33 people tested positive every day from January to July 2021.

HIV cases in the Philippines continue to rise especially for youths aged 15-24 years old

Faced with these numbers, Durex continues to strengthen its mission to promote safe sex with its new SEXducated video series available on the Durex Facebook and YouTube channel.

SEXducated with Durex

Targeted toward millennials and Gen Zs, singles, and stay-at-home couples, the SEXducated with Durex video series is a fun and creative treatment to lessons on practicing safe sex. The show gives light to HIV awareness and how to improve one’s overall sexual health. 

“It’s part of our responsibility as a brand to empathize with our consumers’ needs and give them safe and practical solutions,” said Matt Davis, Reckitt Marketing Director. “Through SEXducated with Durex, we aim to provide a safe space and have a thoughtful discussion on topics that beg to be talked about.” 

Singles and young people can learn from the boys of Boys Night Out (Sam YG, Slick Rick and TonyToni) and Elijah Canlas as the four debunk HIV myths with hard facts. They can also learn from Dr. Kilimanguru, as he addresses need-to-know information about HIV. While couples can find ways to rekindle their relationships as they explore the topic of seeking pleasure through intimate acts with Dr. Rica Cruz.

With Durex’s SEXducated series, Boys Night Out and Elijah Canlas debunk HIV myths and learn hard facts about safe sex

Dr. Kilimanguru or Winston Kilimanjaro Tiwaquen is a doctor who gained fame on TikTok for his medical advice videos known for being easy to understand and entertaining because of his use of hugot lines and jokes. Through his videos, delivered in colloquial Filipino, viewers learn about the simplest medical issues from the common cold to HIV, and even COVID-19. Meanwhile Dr. Rica Cruz is a sexologist and media personality whose expertise is on sexual pleasure and sexual behaviors. Dr. Rica believes that sexual ownership is sexier than sex.

Protection, Preparedness, and Education (PPE)

Enabling Filipinos to “Always Come Prepared,” Durex fulfills its role as a responsible brand through ongoing partnerships with various organizations. To date, Durex is distributing condoms to the beneficiaries of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), San Lazaro Hospital - Nagasaki University Collaborative Research and Laboratory, Positive Action Foundation Philippines Incorporated (PAFPI), Pasig City Government, Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP), The Red Whistle, and LoveYourself, Inc.

The need to connect is very human and so is the need for open conversation about something as natural as sex. And with the isolation possibly triggering more intense feelings, it’s important to protect oneself from risks that can be otherwise prevented.

With its SEXducated campaign, Durex encourages Filipinos to always come prepared and enjoy sex safely. Learn more about practicing safe sex with Durex via their Facebook page.

Inka Magnaye shares her life amid the pandemic and the importance of oral care

 

The pandemic may have turned the world upside down but Inka Magnaye learned to roll with the punches early on. It was during the lockdown when she launched her career as a content creator with the viral video of her and her mother doing the in-flight announcement of a local airline.

She also discovered a few hobbies while spending time indoors. Magnaye says, “in the beginning, I spent my days cooking. I looked around for new recipes to try. Another skill I picked up was putting makeup on. It’s such a useful skill, especially in my current line of work.”

The voice artist and creator may be busy but she still looks out for her health, taking a holistic approach to take care of herself. For her mental health, she takes the time to unplug and sit in silence, or do something she likes.

“The world is different now, so much more stressful, and to be able to navigate our day-to-day as best we can, we need to always take care of ourselves first and foremost,” Magnaye reveals.

She is motivated to be physically healthy because of her polycystic ovary syndrome and asthma.

Magnaye says, “I need to make sure that my body is as strong as possible. That, and discipline to make sure I eat right and keep being active. I work out more now. I take it more seriously, I have better discipline, and I eat much healthier compared to before.” 

Healthy teeth and gums

Oral care and hygiene are important for a voice artist and content creator. According to her, “I need to make sure that my mouth is a well-oiled machine. That means a healthy set of teeth and gums. Also, as a content creator, a bright smile is always an asset!”

Her work has paid off, as her dentist said that her teeth and gums are healthy. She credits a strict oral routine for this.

Magnaye brushes and flosses regularly. She also trusts Sensodyne, the most recommended toothpaste by dentists. For her, the ideal oral care product is something that offers a comfortable mouthfeel and long-lasting protection and freshness.

“I especially need protection from tooth sensitivity. Making videos or hosting events will be much trickier with painful teeth. This is why I always use Sensodyne,” she says.

When she started using Sensodyne, Magnaye reports that her “mouth feels cleaner, fresher, and healthier.”

She counts the Sensodyne Repair and Protect as her favorite variant. This toothpaste contains stannous fluoride, which builds a repairing layer over vulnerable areas in the teeth and protects it from pain. Aside from its lasting relief from sensitivity, Sensodyne Repair and Protect also offers cavity protection.

To further share how Sensodyne helps her as a voice talent and content creator, she went live on Shopee with dentist Dr. Stephen Almonte. He has been practicing his craft for more than 20 years and has served as president of the Philippine Dental Association.

Speaking about her discussion with Dr. Almonte, Magnaye shares, “there are so many myths about oral care that are floating around by word of mouth. It’s always the safest bet to go see your dentist and consult the experts.”

She adds, “I think the products people use can definitely make an impact on their daily lives, especially something like toothpaste. Now I can enjoy anything without even giving it a second thought. It’s liberating.”

It even helps her be more  confident and comfortable, saying, “I don’t have to think twice about flashing people a smile.”

For her followers who also want to improve their oral health, Magnaye has one piece of advice: “Sensodyne has worked for me and it will work for you, too!”

For more information about Sensodyne, visit sensodyne.com.ph or facebook.com/SensodynePH.

A flexible insurance plan to keep Filipino entrepreneurs going

  

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unpredictable economic landscape, which has greatly affected every Filipino, and that includes entrepreneurs. Some had to cut down on their expenses and manpower while some had to temporarily halt their businesses to survive and adapt to the new normal.

During unforeseen events such as the pandemic, it’s important to have a fall back or “rainy day” fund that can help individuals and entrepreneurs get back on their feet. A good example is AXA MyLifeChoice, which serves both as a life insurance and an investment tool that’s flexible enough to allow one to design it according to his/her needs, coverage, investment profile, and earning capacity.

MyLifeChoice also offers policyholders the flexibility to invest to local and global markets without the need to open a dollar account through the Peso-Denominated Dollar Funds. This opportunity allows Filipino entrepreneurs to maximize the growth potential of their investments by giving them access to different growth markets globally with an option to invest in different financial instruments to ideally suit various risk profiles.

"The pandemic is an example of how things can change in an instant. Many individuals, especially small business owners, were caught unprepared by it," said Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer. "MyLifeChoice can help them continue with their life and business plans, no matter the circumstances. 

MyLifeChoice fits the needs of individuals and entrepreneurs, allowing them to keep moving forward with their life and business with the guidance of AXA's financial partners who can provide guidance in designing a plan that's based on one’s individual goals and priorities. For individuals, this could either be health, education, protection, or   investment. For owners of small businesses, the priorities might be slightly different -   future business expansion, purchase of new equipment, or a contingency fund in case of unexpected events like the pandemic, disasters or even theft.

Clients can customize their policies on their own terms with flexible life coverage that they can get up to 30x the amount they pay annually.

With the customization and flexible features of AXA Philippines MyLifeChoice, individuals or business owners can keep moving forward with their plans even when circumstances change.

To know more about AXA Philippines MyLifeChoice, visit www.axa.com.ph/mylifechoice or talk to an AXA Financial Partner via landline at +632 8 5815-292.

Carmi Martin advocates healthy living with Yamang Bukid’s Insulin Plant Tea

 

YAMANG Bukid Healthy Products Inc. (YBHPI) opens the final quarter of the year with a major celebration as it formally welcomes veteran actress Carmi Martin into the family as official brand ambassador of Insulin Plant Tea – the company’s latest healthy product.

Yamang Bukid Healthy Products Inc (YBHPI) is the company behind the country's No. 1 turmeric tea brand, the Yamang Bukid Turmeric 10-in-1.

Yamang Bukid Insulin Plant Tea is made from the leaves of authentic insulin plants (Costus igneus) grown in pristine farming conditions in Palawan. The all-natural wellness drink has no other ingredients aside from dried insulin leaves, so consumers are assured that it’s safe and is of nature’s best. 

Yamang Bukid Insulin Plant Tea is the first of its kind to be given a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) by the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The product has undergone revaluation and certification from FDA and passed various tests so the quality and safety of the product is guaranteed. 

Aside from lowering glucose levels, insulin plant (Costus igneus) is also naturally rich in phytochemicals that function as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. Insulin plant  has long been consumed in various countries such as in India, due to its anti-diabetic properties as it is also found beneficial to people with obesity, and other metabolic disorders.

After much deliberation, the top executives of brand unanimously agreed that Martin is the best personality to represent the product to the Philippine market as she is widely known and respected in the industry not only for her impressive body of work as one of the most  respected and versatile film and television actresses but also her dynamic, healthy lifestyle. 

For almost five decades, Carmi has been one of the enduring actresses in the landscape of Philippine entertainment as she is widely recognized as the First Lady Of Philippine Comedy after starring in the most iconic and legendary television series like Chicks-To-Chicks and Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata as well as her recent online hit series GVBoys.    

“I have been a long-time user of the Yamang Bukid’s Turmeric 10-in-1 Tea and I am happy that the company has another healthy product that I could use in Insulin Plant Tea. I am very grateful for the trust of Yamang Bukid and I am honored to be the official brand ambassador of Insulin Plant Tea,” says Martin. 

Yamang Bukid Insulin Plant Tea is a great development for many Filipinos, as diabetes and other health problems caused by high blood sugar continue to be among the top causes of death in the country as health experts have raised concerns over this health problem, calling diabetes a silent epidemic. In 2020 for instance, diabetes-linked complications killed 37,265 Filipinos, up from 32,991 in annual average between 2015-2019, data from Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

Today, millions have a chance at improving their health with Yamang Bukid Insulin Plant Tea. Consumers may consult their doctor prior to taking any health and wellness supplements.

Yamang Bukid Insulin Plant Tea is available in Yamang Bukid stores and distributors, and in shopping malls nationwide. 

BPI Foundation takes BPI Art Collection online with first virtual exhibit

BPI Foundation, the social development arm of BPI, in partnership with the Ayala Museum, launched its first-ever virtual exhibit titled BPI: Banking on the Arts as part of the Bank’s 170th-anniversary celebration this August.

“This museum-like virtual reality experience aims to create better arts awareness and appreciation, reinvent the way people see local art, and more importantly – help boost the Philippine art scene,” said BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo. “With the recent surge in confirmed COVID-19 cases and the reimposition of stricter lockdowns, allow us to bring this unique museum experience to you all, while you remain in the safety and comfort of your homes.”

With the help of Ayala Museum’s Curatorial Team led by Senior Curator and Head of Conservation Kenneth Esguerra, BPI: Banking on the Arts was conceptualized to depict BPI as a banking institution through six key virtues: celebration, tradition, relevance, resiliency, creativity and innovation, and growth. It features over 50 pieces from the BPI Art Collection including works of Juan Luna, Justiniano Asuncion, Oscar Zalameda, Justin Nuyda, and Arturo Luz, among others.

“As we aspire to be at the forefront in championing Philippine art, rest assured that we at BPI group will continue to push for more meaningful activities like this to promote our cultural wealth and history as we continue our journey to banking excellence anchored on trust and the best digital offers,” said BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco.

Recognizing the vulnerability of our cultural sphere amid these challenging times, National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Arsenio Lizaso said, “This virtual exhibit is an excellent opportunity to showcase our cultural heritage to the world. May these works of art and the access they provide to our cultural heritage continue to be a unifying force for the society as we move towards a stronger and more resilient future.”

NCCA Chairman Arsenio Lizaso shows his support for the virtual exhibit.

The virtual exhibit is part of Yugto ng Sining, or Stages of Art program, which aims to preserve Filipino culture and heritage through awareness and appreciation of the arts. Under the program, BPI Foundation also organized an art-making contest for BPI employees to recognize and amplify their artistic abilities, and launched #KulturaSerye, a social media campaign that features the life and works of various Filipino visual artists in the BPI Art Collection.

BPI: Banking on the Arts is available for public viewing online until September 24, 2021, via: www.bpifoundation.org/page/banking-on-the-arts. 

BPI Foundation reforests 170 hectares of land in Nueva Ecija for BPI’s 170th anniversary

 

BPI Foundation, the social development arm of BPI, has started to reforest 170 hectares of land in Pantabangan, Carranglan Watershed Forest Reserve, Nueva Ecija through its Lakbay Luntian initiative as part of the Bank’s 170th-anniversary celebration in August.

“In previous years, we held nationwide volunteer activities as part of our anniversary celebrations. This year, we aligned with the Bank’s 170th anniversary theme and reinvented how we do volunteer work and give back to our communities as one BPI,” said BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo.

Lakbay Luntian is the first-ever virtual tree planting initiative organized by BPI Foundation, in partnership with eco-social enterprise Bambuhay and Ayala Corporation’s Kasibulan Project, a long-term program on reforestation and forest protection. This is part of the Balik-Kalikasan program, which aims to preserve and restore rainforests across the country while equipping local communities with sustainable alternative livelihood and strengthening every Filipino’s commitment to protecting the environment through reforestation.

Through the collaborative efforts of BPI employees and BPI Foundation, a total of 68,000 bamboos and trees will be planted in Nueva Ecija. This will also help offset BPI’s total carbon emissions for the year 2020, while providing sustainable livelihood to 17 Indigenous People (IP) families in the area.

“Our BPI employees have shown that amid the pandemic, the bayanihan spirit remains very much alive in all of us,” said BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco. “Remember that we have not survived 170 years by remaining still. It’s been 170 years of constant reinvention, progress, and thinking to do good for our friends, neighbors, clients, and colleagues.”

To know more about BPI Foundation and its initiatives, visit https://www.bpifoundation.org.

Jollibee Group Foundation’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program: Enabling Growth, Sharing Joy

 

MANILA, Philippines. August 13, 2021 -- Jollibee Group Chairman and Founder, Tony Tan Caktiong, decided to pursue a bold and valuable idea back in 2008. He thought: what if the company were to buy directly from farmers so they can have a regular and stable market to sell to? This comes from a recognition that even if agriculture is one of the country’s key sectors, farmers remain to be among the country’s most vulnerable, and their lack of opportunities and resources prevents them from earning a higher income.

Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the company’s social development arm, then took on the challenge of translating the idea into the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), which would eventually link small-scale farmers to their supply chain.

Today, the white onions, green bell peppers, tomatoes, and other vegetables that the company uses in Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Mang Inasal come directly from small-scale farmers across the Philippines. JGF gives us a peek into how over 500 farmers from 17 farmer groups have Grown with Joy and earned their place in big markets in the video essay that the Foundation recently released.

Enabling Growth

At the heart of FEP is a stack of interventions that help farmers sharpen their technical skills and business acumen. JGF starts by partnering with organizations across the country to help farmers form clusters, so they can collectively meet the volume and quality requirements of big buyers and market their produce.

In 2018, JGF developed a training program to train Agro-entrepreneurship Facilitators who guide farmer groups towards becoming farmer entrepreneurs. This year, JGF brought this training program online in partnership with Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan entitled “Agro-Entrepreneurship for Inclusive Value Chains: An Introduction.”

As a group, FEP farmers can scale their operations, successfully maintain their status as Jollibee Group suppliers and find other markets. Growing and scaling means that farmer groups need to comply with standards such as the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) promoted by the Department of Agriculture.

A requirement of the Jollibee Group among its agriculture-based suppliers, PhilGAP guides farmers in addressing different aspects of on-farm production and post-production processes that result in safe and quality agricultural products.

Since 2009, FEP farmers have consolidated and delivered more than 7,000 metric tons or 700 truckloads of vegetables to the Jollibee Group, earning more than P300 million in total sales. Furthermore, 94% of FEP farmer groups are already GAP-certified as the others continue to work towards this milestone.

Sharing the joy

“It brings us real joy that We have helped hundreds of farmers embark on a journey to rediscover and even totally embrace farming. FEP has emboldened them to dream bigger and has given them the tools necessary to turn them into reality,’’ says Gisela Tiongson, JGF Executive Director.

Ligaya Miras, a farmer leader of Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Cebu City reflects on her journey. “Being an FEP farmer means I am not just a farmer, but also an entrepreneur.’’ She adds, “Farming is not just a source of livelihood. For me, it is a mission. If there are no farmers, who will feed people? I am proud to be a farmer.’’

From the white onions used in the Jollibee Yumburger, to the spring onions sprinkled on the Chowking Chao Fan, and the green bell peppers we enjoy in the Greenwich Hawaiian Overload Pizza—FEP farmers truly help spread the joy of eating among countless Filipinos every day.

To learn more about the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program and to watch the video essay inspired by the growth of FEP farmers, visit the Jollibee Group Foundation official Facebook Page at fb.com/JollibeeGroupFoundationInc.