World Vision invites you to join its 1st Virtual Run for Children

World Vision in the Philippines has recently launched its 1^st Virtual Run for Children. The goal of this event is to promote fitness and health during the community quarantine in the country while raising funds for the benefit of World Vision’s most vulnerable children and communities.

Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, marginalized Filipino families especially children are the ones most affected. Their basic needs such as food, hygiene, and education are all compromised. By mounting a virtual run, World Vision aims to contribute in addressing these problems. Participants are encouraged to run for a cause that will reach communities all over the Philippines without them having to leave their homes.

"World Vision is excited for its first-ever virtual run for children. It is our prayer that friends and families will be refreshed as they continue supporting the most vulnerable children. In these trying times, we hope that this will also provide them with an enjoyable, safe and healthy way to somehow reconnect in a virtual manner," World Vision National Director Rommel Fuerte said.

At the forefront of this event are child advocates and World Vision’s celebrity ambassadors Enzo Pineda, Gelli Victor, and Gretchen Ho.

“I’m supporting The World Vision Virtual Run because fitness/health, education, and children are advocacies close to my heart. These are essential areas that we consistently need to focus on for a better future. Our children are the future and we need to empower them now more than ever,” Enzo Pineda shared.

“It will be a while before we can all experience fun runs that we are used to but with this virtual run, you will have a semblance of it. This is the first virtual run for a cause. You will be accountable for your own performance by tracking your own distance and speed and you still get a medal after,” Gelli Victor said. “If you are running to stay fit whether on a treadmill or on the road, why not help children out while you are at it?”

“I’m so excited because I’ve been looking for a motivation to work out. This is perfect for me because then I’d have reason to go and run!! I’ve been used to preparing for races and having goals for my workouts. This gives me that. Plus, when I feel low, I’ll just think of the kids and it’ll give me an extra boost!” Gretchen Ho stated.

Interested participants just need to sign up by selecting the advocacy they wish to support, whether Education or Health & Nutrition, and their preferred mileage, either 21K, 50K, 100K, or 200K. Then, run anytime and anywhere between June 15 to July 31, 2020. Once they have reached the goal, they can get a limited-edition World Vision Virtual Run for Children Finisher Shirt and a Finisher Medal.

The participants can walk or run whether indoors or outdoors and use running or steps app to monitor the distance, also making sure that they follow the community quarantine regulations in their area.

To make this virtual run even more interesting, World Vision is challenging participants to step up their game by inviting family and friends to donate to their chosen advocacy. For this challenge, the runners will sign up on “Joy to Give” by visiting joytogive.worldvision.org.ph, choose a target number of back-to-school kits if they are from Team Education or family sanitation kits if they are from Team Health & Nutrition, and fundraise with their friends and family as they complete their run!  Participants of “World Vision’s Virtual Run for Children” will be the first to have access to “Joy to Give”, World Vision’s own crowdfunding platform launching this June.

The fees are ranging from Php 1,050.00 to Php 1,650.00 and it’s inclusive of a shirt, medal, and an e-certificate. A portion of the proceeds will contribute to World Vision’s projects for Education and Health & Nutrition.

“We are appealing to everyone who can help and join us. Let us Run for Children!” Mr. Fuerte added.

To register for the World Vision Virtual Run for Children, please visit www.takbo.ph/vr/worldvisionrun2020.

For more updates on the event, like and follow World Vision Run on Facebook, www.facebook.com/worldvisionrun.

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, their families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

Sarah G.!The New Hanabishi Endorser, Urges Families to Find Ways to Make Their Home Life Better During Quarantine

Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli signs a contract as the new celebrity endorser of leading appliance brand Hanabishi.  Present during the signing were Hanabishi's top executives (front row, from left) Cherish Ong-Chua, Vice President, Finance and Marketing; Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli; Candice Ong-Ang, Vice President, Operations; (back row, from left)  Jasper Ong, President; and Jevon Ong, Vice President, Purchasing and Merchandising.

Hanabishi Philippines’ new celebrity endorser Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli encourages families to find ways to make their home life better during quarantine. The Popstar advices people to stay at home and learn a new skill like cooking or baking as they have more time at their disposal. Get the kids to make their own merienda or midnight snacks, catch up on the series you’ve been wanting to see, or finally finish that book you’ve been putting off reading for months.

“Tulungan po natin ang ating mga frontliners at ating gobyerno ngayong mga panahong ito na tayo ay nahaharap sa pagsubok. Sa halip na nakatuon tayo sa mga negatibong bagay, gumawa po tayo ng paraan upang lalong mas mapaganda ang ating buhay sa loob ng ating mga tahanan. (Let us help our front-liners and the government during these challenging times. Instead of focusing on the negative, let’s find ways to do to make our home life better),” Geronimo-Guidicelli says.

If you’re looking for kitchen appliances to help you make your first dish, you can now easily place an order for one through the Hanabishi website, www.myhanabishi.com.

They have broilers, grillers, fryers, electric cookers, and juice blenders. You can also buy mixers, food processors, steamers, pressure cookers, and stoves from the site.

Apart from the kitchen appliances mentioned above, you may also order Hanabishi’s electric fans and coolers; air-conditioning units; refrigerators; rice cookers; water dispensers; garment care appliances; and vacuums and sterilizers through their website.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa bago ‘kong kapamilya, ang Hanabishi. Alam naman ng pamilyang Pilipino na ang Hanabishi ay isa sa pinagkakatiwalaang brand of appliances dito sa atin. Ang mga kailangan natin upang mapasaya ang ating buhay pamilya habang tayo ay naka-quarantine ay mabibili na online mula sa Hanabishi. (I am grateful to my new family, Hanabishi. Filipino families have known Hanabishi as one of the most trusted brands in the country. The things we need to make our family life happy while on quarantine can now be bought online from Hanabishi,” Sarah further adds.

Hanabishi currently offers free shipping for small items. You can have your order picked up at their warehouse at Meycauayan, Bulacan or choose to have it delivered to your preferred address.

Placing an order is easy. Visit the Hanabishi website and add to cart the appliance you want to order. Make a payment through Metrobank, BDO, Dragonpay, or PayPal. Choose between the pickup and delivery options. Deliveries will be made through either Transportify or Lalamove. Wait for the confirmation, and then you’re through.

For inquiries about the free shipping on small items, you may call Nikki at 0966-8137150; Lot at 0927-3084741; Je at 0932-5657796; or Pearl at 0997-6024956.

About Hanabishi:

Spanning more than three decades, Hanabishi has established its reputation as a provider of affordable yet quality home products that lasts, which paved the way for its tagline “Kapartner from Start to Forever.” Hanabishi Home Appliances are available at leading appliance stores nationwide. For more information about Hanabishi, please visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop/and like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/

Sekaya banks on science to optimize the earth’s natural ingredients

With a mission to educate and help Filipinos come up with informed decisions about the food they consume, Sekaya for its brand launch hosted a virtual conference. 

Using botanicals to improve one’s health is an age-old practice in many parts of the world, including the Philippines. Today, going natural is having a renaissance as many consumers are becoming more conscious about the products they use. This growing interest in everything natural has led to the influx of products that claim to be so. But is it safe to assume that everything labeled natural is safe and effective for consumption?

While nature has given mankind everything it needs to survive, it’s the exacting measures of science that has validated and harnessed its full potential. It’s through science that the medical industry learned how to process plants for efficacy and safety. Not all natural solutions in the market, however, are backed by science, producing sub-standard products that are ineffective and may be harmful to consumers.

This is why for Filipino plant-based brand Sekaya, produced by Unilab’s natural products company Synnovate Pharma Corporation, the only way to create best-in-class natural products is through the convergence of nature and science.

To help educate consumers and further explain the importance of science in creating high-quality natural solutions, the brand hosted the Sekaya Prescribing Nature Virtual Conference: Revealing the Science behind Nature in Promoting Overall Well-being, featuring two respected names in both the medical and wellness fields.

Rolando “Oyie” Balburias, M.D., FPCP, IFMCP, General Internal Medicine and IFM Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, and one of the country’s pioneering doctors for functional medicine, conducted a talk on The Science of Natural Products discussing the importance of applying science in the development of natural health solutions. Dr. Balburias also touched on the indicators that make natural products effective and safe, and taught participants how to read and understand product labels and verify claims made by natural brands.

In his talk, The Science of Natural Products, Oyie Balburias, M.D., FPCP, IFMCP, General Internal Medicine and IFM Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner noted that not all natural products in the market are backed by science. Some may even be harmful to consumers due to the source and processes these natural products go through. 

“When choosing natural products, people should look into the source of the ingredients and the processes they went through,” Dr. Balburias said. “High-quality natural products that are effective consider the therapeutic benefits of the raw ingredients based on their science-backed capability to restore homeostasis and balance of the body systems. These products also go through a tedious process that considers the ingredients’ biochemical compatibility with our body's physiologic and biologic systems design.”

Internationally-recognized teacher, author, scientist, speaker, and artist Deanna Minich, PhD., FACN, CNS, IFMCP followed with a talk on why Healthy Food is Happy Food. Most people often associate happy food or comfort food with high caloric choices that are perceived to taste better and are more effective mood boosters. Dr. Minich tapped into her over 20 years of experience as a nutrition educator and mind-body medicine health expert to share insights on how eating healthy positively impacts our mental and physical wellness, and have long-term benefits to our health.

In Healthy Food is Happy Food, Deanna Minich PhD., FACN, CNS, IFMCP  underlined the connection between eating natural foods and one’s mental and physical wellness. Instead of consuming much-loved brown, yellow, and red foods, this speaker recommends a “Rainbow Diet" which entails eating different colored fruits and vegetables. 

“Stress can get in our way of eating healthy as increased cortisol and changes in hormones can alter our cravings. Most of the time, stress eating often leads to eating low-nutrient foods,” Dr. Minich said. “We know this will only lead to unhealthy eating habits that will result in adverse effects on your body in the future but various studies have shown that healthier foods can actually affect our mood.”

The virtual conference underlined Sekaya’s Prescribing Nature advocacy that focuses on promoting the healing benefits of nature as validated by science. As an emerging player in the industry, Sekaya has been providing high-quality plant-based products that go through rigorous testing in pharma-grade facilities to ensure their efficacy, safety, and purity.

According to the Director and Business Unit Head of Synnovate, Abigail D. Nepomuceno, “Sekaya’s mission is to provide high-quality plant-based products that nourish the lives of our consumers, community and country. As such, our products use evidence-based ingredients that undergo several laboratory tests before they reach our consumers. We follow strict standards in every step of the process: from the sourcing of our ingredients up to the creation of the final product.”

The ingredients that Sekaya use are not only carefully sourced from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or European Union (EU)-certified and Quality Assurance International (QAI) certified organic farms all over the world, these are also tested against microbial contamination, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and molds.

Known for its Sekaya Botanic Infusions, a curated line of medicinal, loose leaf botanic infusions for specific health conditions, the company is set to introduce more natural solutions of the same caliber. Sekaya Raw Actives are powdered green superfoods, plant proteins, and energy optimizers aimed toward athletes and active individuals who want to up their game and improve their performance naturally. Sekaya Botanicare is a line of premium natural skin care products that is aimed to keep even the most sensitive skin healthy and smooth all over.

Sekaya offers high-quality plant-based products that are proven by science and tested by tradition. This year, the brand will have four product lines: Sekaya Botanic Infusions, Sekaya Raw Actives, Sekaya Food Supplements and Sekaya Botanicare.

Aside from these three product lines, Sekaya will also be coming up with natural solutions that will highlight Philippine herbs. Staying true to its name as Sentro ng Katutubong Yaman, Sekaya’s mission is to put our local herbs and rich tradition on the spotlight, starting with Sekaya Food Supplements. These are premium, pharma-grade supplements that are 100% sourced and manufactured in the Philippines, and provide concentrated nutrients from local herbs that are designed to address the needs of Filipinos. One of the products under this line is the Sekaya Organic Moringa, the only European Union (EU)-certified 100% organic 500mg capsule in the market.

With the influx of natural brands to address demand, and at times overwhelming, even contradictory information on these, Nepomuceno added, “Aside from products that offer functional wellness, Sekaya wants to help educate consumers to be more discerning and make well-informed decisions as these impact their health and well-being.” 

The current times present a wake-up call and a strong reminder on the utmost importance of keeping our health in check, and nothing perhaps can be more reassuring than being able to turn to natural solutions that are not only tested by tradition but also proven by science.

Get more science-based health tips and information by following @SekayaPH on Facebook and Instagram. To know more about Sekaya, visit https://www.sekaya.com.ph/.  

Domestic abuse: The silent pandemic we need to talk about

COVID-19 has forced most people to keep safe and help reduce the spread of virus by staying at home. But for many survivors of gender-based violence, being in quarantine means being in the center of a different kind of danger.

The United States’ National Domestic Violence Hotline has identified some of the unique impacts of the pandemic on victims, pointing out that the current situation has emboldened abusers to exert control over them:

·         Abusers may deny their victims essential and life-saving items like hand sanitizers, disinfectants, or even insurance cards.

·         They may also share misinformation about the pandemic to scare and control their victims, and even prevent them from going out of the house to seek medical help if they show symptoms.

·         Programs that serve victims may be significantly impacted as they buckle under funding pressure.

·         Victims may also fear entering shelters because of the possibility of being in close quarters with others as the threat of COVID-19 remains high.

·         Travel restrictions due to quarantine may impact a victim’s escape or safety plan.

Institutions like the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) have sounded the alarm on the rising incidences of domestic violence during the pandemic, especially in a country where 3 out of 20 women and girls aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, 1 out of 20 has suffered from sexual violence, and 1 out of 4 married Filipina has experienced spousal violence (based on the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey). Given the new challenges victims now must deal with in escaping their abusers and calling for help, these institutions have urged everyone to be vigilant and immediately report any form of abuse in their homes and communities.

The Philippines’ case is part of a global pattern, a consequence of the pandemic and the lockdown orders that followed. This is why Avon is joining women’s organizations and advocates from all corners of the world in appealing to the public to not to turn a blind eye on gender-based violence during COVID-19. To further support grassroots efforts in securing the safety of vulnerable women, the Avon Foundation For Women has pledged $1 million to non-government organizations providing front-line services such as helplines and refuges, building on its 15-year commitment to help end violence against women and girls.

Avon is also launching a communications effort among its five million Representatives worldwide, their customers, and their communities. Isolated Not Alone focuses on raising awareness on domestic abuse amidst COVID-19; signposting where to go for help and how to identify and support those at risk; and calling on governments to support the provision of life-saving services, which are in danger of further funding cuts and de-prioritization.

“Domestic violence is already an epidemic which is hidden behind closed doors,” says Angela Cretu, Avon CEO. “Like COVID-19, it’s a silent killer. We’re going to make sure those who are isolated know they are not alone. In addition to giving funds to NGOs through the Avon Foundation For Women our Avon teams will be donating vital products—from personal care to hand sanitizers and soaps—to refuges across the world.”

In the Philippines, Avon is embedding emergency hotline numbers and other life-saving information into lifestyle content delivered digitally through local celebrities and digital influencers, so that women can access the support they need with reduced risk of exposure to abusers. Partner NGOs’ hotlines are also open 24/7 to accommodate victims with capacity-building programs for service providers, food and hygiene packs, and counseling and legal consultations.

“Empowering women is Avon’s long-standing legacy, and their safety is our priority,” says Razvan Diratian, General Manager of Avon Philippines. “As the community quarantine is extended in various regions here, the risk of women and children isolated with domestic violence abusers increases too. Please join us by speaking out if you know a friend or a neighbor who needs support.”

Spread the word. Show your support for the cause by sharing it with the hashtag #isolatednotalone on your social media channels. Let’s reach out to every woman in need. For more information, go to www.avonworldwide.com.

Should you have any information about anyone who may need support against domestic violence during the enhanced community quarantine, contact the following Avon NGO Partners:

Luna Legal Resource Center for Women and Children

https://www.facebook.com/lunalegalcenter/

(082) 306-5761

Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE)

https://www.facebook.com/GWAVEPhilippines/

(035) 422 84 05 | +63 915 259 3029 | +63 999 576 6679

Women’s Care Center Inc. (WCCI)

https://www.facebook.com/wcci.manila/

+63 999 577 9631 | +63 920 967 7852 | +63 917 825 0320 | (02) 8514-4104

ING MAKABABAYING AKSYON (IMA) Foundation

https://www.facebook.com/Ing-Makababaying-Aksyon-IMA-Foundation-131515322286/

(045) 323 4750

About Avon

For 130 years Avon has stood for women: providing innovative, quality beauty products which are primarily sold to women, through women. Millions of independent Representatives across the world sell iconic Avon brands such as Avon True Color and ANEW through their social networks, building their own beauty businesses on a full- or part-time basis. Avon supports women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship and well-being and has donated over $1billion to women’s causes through Avon and the Avon Foundation. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avonworldwide.com.

About Avon Foundation for Women

The Avon Foundation for Women is committed to supporting issues that matter most to women. Since its inception in 1955, the Avon Foundation has promoted or aided charitable, scientific, educational, and humanitarian activities, with a special emphasis on activities that improve the lives   of   women   and   their   families.   Through   2018, Avon   and   the   Avon   Foundation   have contributed over $1 billion in over 50 countries. Today, Avon global cause programs focus on breast health awareness and prevention through the Avon Breast Cancer Promise, and to help end gender-based violence through the Avon Promise to Help End Violence Against Women and Girls.

#IsolatedNotAlone    #SpeakOut     #AvonCares

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Eastern Communications pledges ICT solutions to government, donates PPEs and funds in fighting COVID-19

Eastern Communications, one of the premier telecommunications companies in the Philippines, has supported various sectors in flattening the curve of COVID-19 pandemic by pledging its ICT solutions, PPEs, and funds.

A total of 500 Office 365 licenses were provided to 34 government offices such as the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine National Police, Presidential Communications Operations Office, several city government offices, among others. Office 365 is a collaborative cloud-based platform that brings together the best-in-class Microsoft Office applications that can help the beneficiaries to collaborate efficiently and securely across many devices within the organization.

“Our office is very grateful for Eastern Communications’ assistance. The quarantine period has made most of our staff to work from home and the use of Office 365 will certainly ease our remote work process while collaborating with one another,” said DOH.

Eastern Communications also pledged their internet services to other facilities and offices to ensure fast and reliable connectivity experience for the government employees. An Internet Direct Service (IDS) is installed at the World Trade Center in Pasay which has been converted to a COVID-19 facility. They also upgraded the IDS in Pag-IBIG Fund and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, while Advanced Science and Technology Institute was provided with Domestic Leased Line (DLL), a point-to-point private connectivity service.

“This is a challenging time that we are currently facing, and we wanted to help the government by pledging our services especially now that they need to do extra work to serve the public and immediately eliminate COVID-19,” said Eastern Communications Co-Coordinator Atty. Aileen Regio.

The telco also lent a hand to the frontliners and Filipino families.

Eastern Communications recently provided a total of 700 personal protective equipment (PPEs) and 5,000 pieces of face masks to Veteran's Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila, Jose B. Lingad Regional Hospital in Pampanga, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Meycauayan Doctors Hospital in Bulacan, and Chong Hua Hospital in Cebu.

Meanwhile, in celebration of their 142^nd founding anniversary, Eastern Communications also launched their internal fundraising for the frontliners. Employees of the telco are encouraged to donate and raise Php 142,000 to help regional hospitals that cure COVID-19 patients. 

The telco took part as well in its partner associations’ pandemic-related causes, donating a total of Php200,000 to support Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) in helping poor families and American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AMCHAM) in providing medical essentials for the frontliners.

The telco took part as well in its partner associations’ pandemic-related causes, donating a total of Php200,000 to support Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) in helping poor families and American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AMCHAM) in providing medical essentials for the frontliners.

“Eastern Communications has been a trusted telecommunications partner of many Filipino companies for years, and it’s our humble way of paying back to our community by helping to combat the health crisis. Together, we can overcome this,” said Eastern Communications Co-Coordinator Hermi Hizon.

To learn more about Eastern Communications, visit eastern.com.ph.