Allianz PNB Life, Mayor Isko Inaugurate Bike Rack Art Installation Inspired by Memories of Growing Up in Manila

 

Allianz PNB Life and Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso today inaugurated bike racks designed to evoke memories of growing up in Manila.

 

Crafted to encourage a culture of cycling among Filipinos and to stir local tourism, each bike rack was creatively designed to reflect the place for which it will be installed.

 

“Kakaiba ang proyektong ito. Dahil sa bukod sa ito’y kapaki-pakinabang, ito ay may mga disenyo na may kabuluhang kultural, maaaring maging tampulan ng atensyon ng ating mga bisita, lalo na ng mga turista (This project is different, Not only is it helpful; its design has a cultural significance that can gain the attention of visitors, especially tourists),” Domagoso said.

 

The bike rack art installations were launched during the country’s commemoration of the “Araw ng Watawat” (Flag Day) at the Kartilya ng Katipunan, where one of the bike racks is located.

 

The event also marked the beginning of the celebration of the 450^th Founding Anniversary of the City of Manila.

 

Domagoso, along with Manila City Vice Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan, MD, FPDS; Alexander Grenz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Allianz PNB Life; and Gino Riola, Chief Marketing Officer, Allianz PNB Life led the launch and celebration.

 

They were joined by Laura Oexle, German Embassy Deputy Head of Mission; Bernie Punsalan, Group Head for Luzon, Philippine National Bank; Carlos Leytte, Region Head, North Metro Manila, PNB; Atty. Guiller Asido, Administrator, Intramuros Administration; Charlie Duñgo, Director, Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila; Engr. Armando Andres, Director of the Department of Engineering and Public Works; Giovanni Evangelista, Director of the Parks and Development Office; and Kenneth Amurao, Director of the Department of Public Services.

 

Councilor Joel Chua, Majority Floor Leader of the City Council of Manila, led the opening prayer, followed by the raising of the flag by the Manila Police District. After the singing of the national anthem, Vice Mayor Lacuna led the patriotic oath.

 

Simultaneous inaugurations were also held in other locations of the bike racks. Kenneth Yu, Digital Brand Management Head, Allianz PNB Life, led the launch at the Rajah Sulayman Park, Roxas Boulevard of the Alon bike rack. He was joined by Amurao and Evangelista.

 

Bernadette Jalandoni-Pantoja, Bancassurance Distribution Partner Head, Allianz PNB Life, and Asido cut the ribbon at Plaza Roma, Intramuros for the Kalesa bike rack, while Carol Bernas, VP and Head for PNB Bancassurance, Allianz PNB Life, and Andres were at the Liwasang Bonifacio, Ermita for the Maya bike rack.

 

“I’m very proud that we’re able launch it here today, and I’m even more honored that we also have the opportunity to add art to this beautiful city and help bring it back to the old glory. Again, big thank you to the city of Manila. A big thank you also to all the frontliners, to the employees of the city who all work hard during the pandemic, who went beyond and above to support the communities,” Grenz said.

 

 

Apart from the bike rack installations, Allianz also donated personal and health insurance to 500 city hall employees and frontliners of Manila. These included personnel under the Office of the Mayor who are directly on the frontlines taking care of the districts. They received accidental death, dismemberment, and disability benefits and a coverage of up to PhP 100,000.

 

Inspiration Behind the Bike Rack Designs

The bike racks and art installation in Manila were designed by Mark Wesley Pahate— a Manileño himself.

 

Pahate was born and raised in Tondo and finished Advertising Arts at the University of Santo Tomas in España, Manila.

 

An advocate of street art, Pahate was an associate creative director at McCann World Group and Harrison Communications prior to starting his own boutique agency, Eggshell.

 

Tabak bike rack at the Kartilya ng Katipunan commemorates the bravery of the Katipuneros. It was placed strategically near the monument of hero Andres Bonifacio holding a tabak.

 

The Maya bike rack, meanwhile, is inspired by the little bird that once flew in abundance over the city’s parks and churches.

 

At Rajah Sulayman Park, where one can see Manila Bay from across Roxas Boulevard, the

Alon bike rack will stand as a remembrance of the city’s historic bay and beautiful sunset.

 

The Kalesa bike rack at Plaza Roma in front of the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros is a reminder of how the horse-drawn carriage used to rule the streets during earlier times.

 

“Biking is one of the most sustainable means of transportation. It’s a small action to address big challenges. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, it’s healthy for body and soul. It reduces traffic congestion and it reduces the risk of exposure the virus. But of course, it has to be safe. So, the installation of bike racks is an excellent way to encourage more people to ride their bikes while increasing their safety. Installing this bike rack here in this historical and cultural place is a great way to bring this to the people, to entice people to come here to experience the rich culture of Manila and also a small piece of German history here,” Oexle said.

 

Allianz PNB Life launched its Ride Safe campaign in 2020 with the objective of promoting the use of the bicycle as a sustainable solution to the mobility problem brought about by the pandemic.

 

Hailed as one of the world’s most sustainable insurers, Allianz has advocated for healthier and more sustainable alternatives of transport.

 

“We are very proud to be one of the most sustainable insurance companies in the world and we have a clear sustainability program in our DNA. Also, here locally, we had a lot of campaigns in the past. But then the pandemic came. For a lot of tragedies, there are also opportunities. We saw cyclists coming out. Bicycling became the new means of transportation, even better and sustainable. Sustainable mobility is environmentally friendly, and we’re very happy to see when we saw public transport coming back, we still see and I guess we’ll see even more bicyclists every day,” Grenz said.

 

About Allianz PNB Life

 

Allianz PNB Life began its operations in 2001 and is among the major life insurers in the Philippines. Worldwide, Allianz is also considered the most sustainable insurer from 2017 to 2019 according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. We are a leading provider of Variable Life products, complemented by a full line of Life protection offerings for individuals and institutions. All our products and services are designed to meet the lifetime financial planning, wealth accumulation, and well-being aspirations of every Filipino Family.

 

Allianz PNB Life’s main headquarters is in Makati City, the country’s main business district, with eleven business centres strategically located in key cities across the archipelago. It has the support of over 220 employees and more than 1000 financial advisors to serve our dear policyholders and deliver great customer service experiences.

 

WFH woes: Experts say mild discomfort such as recurrent back pains should not be neglected

HI-Eisai Pharmaceutical Inc., a research-oriented pharmaceutical company committed to improving the health of all individuals, organized a free-for-all webinar on May 22 titled “Pabalik-balik na Sakit ng Likod at Kalamnan? Huwag Balewalain, Pag-usapan Natin!” wherein medical experts tackled the bits and pieces of acute and chronic pain concerns to increase awareness on the matter, especially under a pandemic lockdown.

 

Hosted by veteran television host and celebrity mom Suzi Entrata-Abrera, HI-Eisai gathered expert physicians from different fields who shared their professional advice.

 

Due to the pandemic lockdown, there is a decrease in mobility in the workforce in the Philippines as most companies shifted to working remotely for more than a year now. Aside from the struggle of finding the balance between work-life boundaries as we take our jobs at home, more people tend to experience muscle pain more usual than ever.

 

A decreased movement and an increased sitting time are common instances in a remote working setup. In line with this, HI-Eisai aims to provide guidance for all in accordance to their mission as a pharmaceutical company. Terms and explanations are also discussed in layman’s terms for better understanding of the topic.

 

To open the discussion, Dr. Godfrey Robeniol, a neurologist tackled the different kinds of muscle pain commonly experienced; muscle pain (muscle ache), muscle spasm (involuntary and excessive contraction of muscle), and muscle cramps (a kind of spasm that is more painful but doesn’t usually last longer than 15 minutes).

 

“These acute concerns may grow to a kind of chronic pain when not immediately acted upon or addressed by professionals. Seeking the doctor’s advice through teleconsultation when experiencing acute pain is strongly advised especially when it’s already been three to five days after self-medicating and there is no improvement,” the neurologist said.

 

Meanwhile, Dr. Romil Martinez, a rehabilitation medicine specialist, discussed the back pain red flags that indicate immediate attention as it may get worse when neglected.

 

The red flags are; (1) history of trauma, (2) urinary retention or loss of bowel control, (3) fever, night sweats, severe fatigue or unintended weight loss, (4) back pain lasting more than three months.

 

Weighing in the conversation is Dr. Marcelino Cadag, an orthopedic surgeon, who explained that most concerns can be diagnosed by physical examination to provide immediate action to the complaint.

 

“These muscle strains could root from activities like lifting too much weight, developing arthritis, and even slipped discs. The number one cause of lower back pain is muscle strain from sitting too long. We suggest that for every hour of sitting, stand up every five to 10 minutes,” Dr. Cadag said.

 

After consultation, when pain relievers and a change in habit didn’t work out to ease or improve the pain, Dr. Martinez suggested undergoing a physical therapy session. “We advise doing home exercises in the morning and before sleeping. It is good to undergo yoga or pilates, and acupunctures,” he said. “It’s definitely going to be a change in lifestyle.”

 

Dr. Martinez also explained how taking supplements are helpful especially when aging.

 

But when pain could no longer be cured through medication and therapy, surgery is the last option. Any kind of pain, however, is relatively easier to treat when still not severe.

 

Moreover, taking a balanced diet and being mindful of weight is also one way to prevent back and muscle pain concerns. This can be done through making exercise a habit and practicing good posture especially when sitting in work.

 

The 6 stretches for back pain relief: (1) Back Flexion Stretch, (2) Towel Hamstring stretch, (3) Piriformis muscle stretch, (4) Lateral Flexion Stretch, (5) Chair Hamstring Stretch, and (6) Kneeling Lunge Stretch

 

The 5 exercises for lower back pain: (1) Plank, (2) Back Arch, (3) Swimming, (4) Bird Dog, (5) Table and Child’s Poses

 

Having discussed several treatments and pieces of advice to improve the physical health due to lockdown restrictions, the webinar helped reiterate the importance of relaxing the mind and trying to have less stress and worry over the situation.

Hence, with less mobility and more sitting time brought by the work from home setup, it sheds light on the importance of maintaining self-discipline while working remotely. A balanced diet, maintaining proper posture, and stretching out every 5 to 10 minutes can be of big help to prevent multiple types of body pain.

 

HI-Eisai, with its mission and vision to provide help for all, encourages immediate medical attention from experts to prevent worsening of various health concerns. When self-medicating, just three to five days of observation is enough –if no improvement is noticed, it is necessary to consult a physician.

 

May it be as simple as back pain, or other kinds of muscle pain, it is very important to seek medical help especially when experiencing any of the red flags stated above to avoid possible worsening of the condition.

 

For more information, the full webinar can be accessed through this link: https://fb.watch/5Ms8VX_5l4/

                                

About HI-Eisai

HI-Eisai Pharmaceutical, Inc. is a subsidiary of the Eisai Group which is present in Asia, US, Europe and recently in BRICS countries such as Brazil, Mexico and Russia, with over 10,000 employees globally

MIND S-COOL TV is back with Season 2, with climate and biodiversity in the spotlight

In 2020, the Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc (BAFI), a non-stock, non-profit foundation was the first to launch a new educational program called MIND S-COOL TV (MSC TV), amidst the pandemic.  MSC TV found a new broadcast home in Cignal, which has the largest reach across the country in terms of subscribers. 

MSC TV Season 1 dealt with the most fundamental questions about nature. When it aired in Cignal, the feedback has been so wonderful and highly encouraging as it showed that MSC TV was able to reach thousands of families from all walks of life across the country!

MIND S-COOL TV features “connected learning” – cutting across content in the sciences and the arts and relates concepts, framing it as genuine adventures to help us have an even better normal.  They strongly resonate with lessons in the K-12 curriculum but even more, they are updated and delivered in ways using techniques that have been tried and tested in “inspired learning” which museums and performing centers work on and master, to deliver to its audiences. 

For Season 2, with the wondrous space in The Mind Museum as the base, MSC T Season 2 also made full use of digitally enhanced graphics to reinforce the power of our minds to travel across time and places around the world! 

Season 2 will focus on the only home we all share, nature and what it brings us – life, and how it relates to time, place, our genes, the built-up environment, and technology! For Season 2, we will of course be led by Mikee and Pecier, the 2 main questers of MSC TV, but it will have the entry of new characters that viewers will definitely love and be able to relate to, such as Manong Genius Guard or “Manong G”, as the questers fondly refer to him.

The Season 2 episodes features natural life and how they relate to our real-world settings, particularly two of the most fundamental issues of our time which the Philippines is at the center of: the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. Viewers will find themselves watching it with their families and learning together and most of all, being inspired to act because of what they have learned. 

The power of “shared viewing” in Cignal, the largest cable network in the country, safely with your family, where learning is not just easily accessible but supported by other members of your family is a big gain for education not just in pandemic times but beyond. Like the favorite educational TV programs of your childhood that you watched with your families, MIND S-COOL promises the viewers the same lasting gift.

The Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc (BAFI), a non-stock, non-profit foundation, has always championed science and art in education, beginning with The Mind Museum that opened in 2012, and the BGC Arts Center in 2017. Carrying on with the same vision and determination, BAFI now brings you MIND S-COOL TV, to re-imagine learning for Filipino students to enrich and expand learning which every Filipino, especially the young, deserves. 

BAFI was able to do this because of the support of partners and for Season 2, it had the support of Fluor, an engineering firm that strongly advocates for STEM education and who saw the power of “shared viewing on TV” in learning. Season 2 was also supported by 3M through Global Giving. 

MIND S-COOL TV Season 2 will show up for the Filipino learner in Colours and One PH Channels on Cignal TV starting June 5: 

SATURDAYS 9:00 a.m. | Colours TV Ch. 202 HD and 60 SD   

SUNDAYS, 11:00 a.m. | One PH Ch. 1  

Streaming for FREE on Cignal Play

Watch Season 1 on Mind S-Cool YouTube <bit.ly/MindSCoolyoutube>  

Season 2 will be uploaded week after airing new episodes on Cignal.

MIND S-COOL TV Season 2 is made possible by Global Giving, 3M, and Fluor, and supported by NutriAsia

#MindSCool #DreamSchool #MindSCoolonCignal #ColoursKidsZone 

#FluorBuildsABetterWorld #FluorCares

TO KNOW MORE, OR IF YOU WISH TO KNOW HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT MIND S-COOL AND THE OTHER PROJECTS OF THE BONIFACIO ART FOUNDATION, please send an inquiry to: 

mindscool@bafi.org.ph 

inquiry@themindmuseum.org  

info@artsatbgc.org 

Project Karinderya Sparks New Hope for Karinderya Owners Helps Feed Vulnerable Families during the Pandemic

Helping Address Hunger. Through Project Karinderya, civil society and private sector organizations banded together to make food immediately available to an increasing number of families who suffer hunger because of the lockdown, while helping karinderyas to survive and recover their source of income.

Agnes Gabatbat cooks for a living. She has been operating a karinderya in Batasan, Quezon City for six years now. Her husband lost his job because of the pandemic, and the family of 12 had to rely on Agnes and her karinderya for their daily needs.

“’Yung mga anak ko patuloy na nag-aaral kahit pandemic kaya patuloy din ako sa paghahanap-buhay. Nagtulungan kami ng mister ko sa karinderya (My children have to continue with their studies despite the pandemic, which is why I have to continue earning. My husband and I worked together at the karinderya),” she said. Like Agnes, many small businesses were greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Agnes used to make around Php 6,000 to 7,000 per day, but due to strict quarantine protocols and financial challenges brought about by the pandemic, her sales were halved, and she eventually lost some of her customers. Helping Revive Livelihood. Agnes Gabatbat, one of the karinderya owners that have benefitted from Project Karinderya, serves a customer in Batasan, Quezon City. Project Karinderya helps karinderya owners like Agnes to revive their small businesses after the financial challenges they suffered from COVID-19 pandemic. Project Karinderya helped revive Agnes’ livelihood. “Gumanda po ang kita dahil dumami ang customers. Yung regular benta ko na Php 4,000 ngayong pandemic, nadagdagan ng isang libo (My sales improved because the customers are increasing. There is also a thousand increase on my Php 4,000 regular sales during this pandemic),” she said. Reviving livelihoods To help small business owners like Agnes weather the effects of the global health crisis, Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) has partnered with Kasagana-Ka Development Center (KDCI) and Kabuhayan sa Ganap na Kasarinlan Credit and Savings Cooperative (KCoop) to assist and re-establish the operations of karinderyas from low-income communities in NCR, Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal. Every karinderya that is that is part of the program serves meals to 20 families in their community for a period of 30 days. JGF, KDCI, and K-Coop are all part of the COVID-19 Civil Society Sector Organizations & Private Sector Coalition (or NGO Collab), a group of civil society and private sector organizations that have banded together to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on varying issues in the Philippines. “Sinabihan po ako ng Kasagana-Ka tungkol sa Project Karinderya. Ako po ay nagpapasalamat dahil napabilang ako sa proyektong ito. Hindi po biro na makasali dito kaya malaking biyaya po ito sa akin (Kasagana-Ka told me about Project Karinderya. I’m very grateful to be included in this project, and this is a huge blessing for me),” said Agnes. Singapore-based Temasek Foundation and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the DEG (German Investment Corporation) also recognized the impact of the project and provided grants for the meal subsidy of family beneficiaries. Helping Ensure Food Safety and Quality. To help karinderya owners recover from the effects of the pandemic, as well as keep their sustainable even after the program, the Jollibee Group Foundation provided t with trainings on food preparation, food safety, and customer service. Food Safety Training JGF provided karinderya owners with trainings on food preparation, food safety, and customer service. “All livelihood programs that we undertake in Jollibee Group Foundation are aimed at addressing the felt-need in communities and empowering beneficiaries so that they become self-sustaining. We have the same goal for Project Karinderya—we aim to help karinderya owners upskill themselves and develop the right mindset of persevering amid this pandemic,” said Jollibee Group Foundation Executive Director Gisela Tiongson. Under the program, karinderya owners and their personnel were also required to wear face masks, face shields, hairnets, and aprons for safety. Karinderyas also used plastic coverings for the dishes and posted a daily menu to help customers choose their preferred food faster and to prevent overcrowding. To ensure that the protocols and practices shared with the karinderya owners were being practiced, Health Cadet volunteers of KDCI visited karinderyas weekly during the project’s implementation to monitor the karinderyas’ compliance to the project guidelines. “Ngayon pa lang po ako naka-attend ng ganoong seminar. Malaking bagay po ito sa akin dahil marami po akong natutunan dito. Importante po na malinis ang mga pagkain. Kailangan din nating sumunod sa mga protocol tulad ng social distancing (It was my first time attending this kind of seminar and I learned a lot from it, like the importance of food safety and following safety protocols like social distancing),” shared Agnes. Financial help for families in need Just like Agnes, Lilia Albario was struggling to make ends meet because her children also lost their jobs during the pandemic. She and her grandchildren are making doormats to earn. But like everyone else, the pandemic made it hard for them to sell and continue with the business. “Wala po kaming masakyan. Naglalakad pa po kami ng malayo para makarating sa palengke at makapagtinda (There was no available transportation. We even walk long miles so we could go the market and sell),” she shared. Through Project Karinderya, financial subsidy in the form of vouchers were given to vulnerable families like Lilia’s. Beneficiaries were given vouchers for 30 days, which they used to claim food from the participating karinderya in their area. To reach the families most deserving of financial help, KDCI, K-Coop, and JGF prioritized families with pregnant and lactating women, those with five kids under 15 years of age, and those with senior citizens and/or disabilities. “We were systematic in choosing the families who would be part of the project because wanted the project to be effective in targeting those most in need of help in the communities,” said K-Coop General Manager Maria Ana de Rosas-Ignacio. “Kaya malaking tulong po sa amin ‘yung Project Karinderya kasi ‘yung naibibigay nila na pang-ulam namin araw-araw ay hindi na po nanggagaling sa aming bulsa (Project Karinderya is a big help because the food given to us every day does not come from our own pockets anymore),” Lilia said, adding that the food served is nutritious, with a mix of vegetables and meat. As of February 2021, the partnership has served 30-day meal subsidies in the form of meal vouchers to 4,600 families through 230 karinderyas in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

Organizations who would like to support or replicate the project may get in touch with the NGO Collab secretariat at

covid19phresponse@gmail.com

.

5 reasons to apply for a global remote job

 

With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world, social distancing measures and travel restrictions have been implemented to minimize contact between people. This, in effect, has opened doors for wider remote opportunities where companies from across the globe are hiring candidates outside their vicinity to continue its operations.

While remote work allows hirers to efficiently expand their global workforce, it also allows candidates to land overseas jobs from the comfort of their home. All over the world, openness to remote work is on the rise, with 57% saying they are willing to work remotely, based on the recent Decoding Global Talent Survey released by leading online job portal JobStreet. Locally, the study reveals that 49% of Filipinos are willing to work for a remote employer and position.

JobStreet sees the rapid emergence of global remote jobs due to the pandemic, and here are the top 5 reasons why jobseekers should consider applying for these positions. 

Wider scope of opportunities

One of the benefits of working remotely is having access to a much wider range of job opportunities that aren’t limited by geographic location. Applying for remote work is more convenient than physical jobs, with less requirements and restrictions.

Job applications are mostly conducted online now, so candidates can apply to as many opportunities they can find on job boards for more chances of landing a job.

More work independence

Working from home can provide autonomy and independence in your job that might be absent in a physical workplace. This will give you the freedom to plan out a schedule that will best suit your needs. Being able to step away from your work when you feel like you need a break can help you stay motivated and reduce burn-out.

Your employee satisfaction may be higher because of the flexibility in performing your jobs. Not only do you have the ability to make decisions independently, you're also able to work with ease. This can have a direct influence on your overall job satisfaction.

Cost savings

With remote jobs mainly based at home, it has been proven to help workers save more money as they spend less on commutes, lunch out, coffee, gas, and clothes for their office wardrobe. It allows employees to make the best out of their hard-earned salaries and allocate more on emergency fund or personal savings.

Design your workspace any way you wish

Being able to create your own comfortable workspace is an excellent benefit of remote work. You can set up your home office and design it however you want. Let your personality shine in your own workspace, arranging it in a way that best suits your needs. Getting inspiration from your physical environment can help you increase efficiency.

Productivity & better work-life balance

Many remote jobs also come with flexible schedules, which means that workers can start and end their day as they choose, as long as their work is complete. This control over your work schedule can be invaluable when it comes to attending to the needs of your personal life. Those extra few hours per week can be spent with friends and family, enjoying hobbies, exercising, or even pursuing a sideline business; in other words, it creates better work-life balance and increases overall productivity.

As the global health crisis continues to be a challenge, its impact on our work situation will most likely remain for the long term. With the advantages that global remote jobs offer in terms of cost savings, productivity and work-life balance, jobseekers should seriously consider this option as a way to rise above the tight times while finding a career that suits them.

Discover more global remote opportunities via jobstreet.com.ph.

 

About JobStreet

JobStreet is a leading online job board presently covering the employment markets in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. JobStreet currently services over 230,000 corporate hirers and over 15 million jobseekers in its database.

 

Gladys Reyes, Orabella Share Tips on Starting a Business

 

Do you like to earn and beautify yourself at the same time? Like an award-winning actress Gladys Reyes is a part of a growing industry of mompreneurs — mothers who have successfully balanced family life with running a business.

 

Gladys, together with her husband and fellow actor Christopher Sommereux, run a food and catering business. The 36-year acting veteran is also currently conducting a workshop for aspiring actors.

 

Most recently, she was tapped by Orabella to host an online press conference for members of the media and the blogging community that featured Arabella del Rosario, Orabella’s skincare brand ambassador; Anne Acuña, Orabella Marketing Manager; and Aina Tejada, Orabella distributor.

 

Orabella is a skincare and direct selling business that promotes beautiful skin while providing earning opportunities to Filipinos.

 

During the said event, Gladys shared her insights and tips on how to become a successful mompreneur.

 

·       Study the business you are entering. “Mas maganda kung ang papasukin mong negosyo ay passion mo (It would be better if you are passionate about the business that you are getting into),” she advised. Additionally, you should study the ins and outs of the business and be knowledgeable about the products and services you are offering. Learn more about its marketing, sales, accounting, and customer service aspects as well.

 

·         It takes guts to start a business. “Hindi pwede sa negosyo na konting failure, susuko na agad (It’s a no-no in business to easily give up when you experience failure),” Gladys advised. As a mompreneur, don’t let obstacles overwhelm. Remember that challengers come with running a business.

 

·         Set realistic goals and timetables. “Sa ano mang gawain, dapat magkaroon ng specific objectives (In whatever you do, it is important to have specific objectives),” Gladys said. If you're into sales, set a sales target every month. It is also advisable to have a time frame for your return on investment.

 

·         Find people who will support you. Having a support system is important. During times when you feel down and discouraged, they are the ones who will help lift you up. Your support system can be your husband, friend, or neighbor, as long as they are someone you can trust. 

 

·         Believe in yourself and use what you’ve learned in being a mom in running your business. Being a mom is a good preparation for running a business, according to Gladys, as mothers will do everything to give their children a good future.

 

In the same press conference, Orabella user-turned-reseller and distributor Tejada shared her experience in becoming an entrepreneur.

 

“Nagsimula po ako sa pagiging user ng Orabella. Nagustuhan ko ‘yung products, kaya naging reseller ako. Sa una po mahirap kasi nagpapakilala pa lang po si Orabella. Pero nung marami na pong nag-try at nagkaroon ng good feedback na nagandahan sila, dumami po ‘yung mga orders ko at na-meet ko po ‘yung pagiging distributor (I started as a user of Orabella. I really liked their products, so I became a reseller. I found selling difficult at first because Orabella was just being introduced that time. But when a lot of people tried it and had very good feedback, I had a lot of orders that I was able to meet the requirements of being a distributor,” she said.

 

Being an Orabella reseller or distributor is easy, according to Acuña. Their membership package retails at only P599, which includes 2 sets of products for selling, a paper bag, and a door banner where you can place your contact details.

 

The event also served as a venue for Orabella to introduce its latest whitening line. Together with its brand ambassador Del Rosario, the company unveiled its NanoCare Body whitening range. It includes a whitening soap, white feminine wash, whitening hand and body lotion, whitening toning gel, and a whitening deodorant--all made using Orabella's NanoCare technology

 

“When you’re using products with NanoCare particles, it really penetrates your skin. It protects it, instantly whitens, and moisturizes,” Acuña said.

 

She pointed out that “whitening” for Orabella means making your skin glow to its full potential. All Orabella products are also gentle and are safe to be used by pregnant women and teenagers who are starting to experience skin problems.

 

To learn more about Orabella’s latest products and promotions, visit their official social media accounts. Orabella products are available through its distributors and stores on Shopee and Lazada. Type in Orabella Direct Selling, Inc. to search for it on Lazada. Type Orabella PH to search for it on Shopee.

 

You can also visit orabella.com.ph for more information on how you can be part of its direct selling business.

 

Live your best life: Learn more about gum health at Gumtalk with Gumtect

 

To help more Filipinos improve their overall health through better gum care, Gumtect is inviting Filipinos to tune in to “Gumtalk with Gumtect” web show happening on May 20, 4:00 PM at Gumtect’s Facebook page, facebook.com/Gumtect.

 

Our lifestyles may have changed drastically during the pandemic, especially as lockdowns continue to be enforced in many cities. As we are asked to stay at home to help fight the spread of the virus, we also have to deal with various situations like working and studying from home. Visits to the dentist and caring for our oral health can sometimes be neglected in the midst of these challenges.

 

But taking care of our teeth and gums is not only essential to maintaining a healthy mouth; good oral care is also closely linked to our overall health. 

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oral health is a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life. They further shared that most oral diseases share some risk factors with conditions like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, among others.

 

These risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diets high in sugar, all of which are increasing at the global level. For example, it is reported that diabetes is linked with the development and progression of periodontitis (a severe gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and other serious complications). There is also a link between high consumption of sugars and the development of dental caries, diabetes and obesity.

 

As oral healthcare advocates for Gumtect, celebrity couple Doug and Chesca Kramer wants to remind Filipinos that good teeth and gum care remain a must during this pandemic. 

 

“Being under quarantine, working and studying from home, I understand that it’s a frustrating situation for all of us. So, we may all have indulged a bit more in stress eating, snacking on sweets and coffee. I also have a sweet tooth so I can relate to this, but we always need to remember to practice good oral hygiene because neglecting this can lead to more serious health problems,” shared Doug.

 

Doug advocates oral care with the use of Gumtect Gum Care toothpaste, which works to promote healthy gums, helps protect against harmful mouth bacteria, and helps to moisturize and strengthen the gums. Gumtect Gum Care is the only gum care toothpaste with GUMSHIELD+ which contains Allantoin to improve the condition of gums, Vitamin E, which moisturizes gums, and Triclean, which helps to reduce the formation of plaque and shields against harmful mouth bacteria.

 

As a mom, Chesca Kramer agreed that it is important for her to continue to help her kids build good oral care habits. As someone who has sensitive teeth, she also needs to take care of her gums, so she doesn’t suffer from pangingilo. She recommends using Gumtect Sensitive toothpaste and Gumtect Sensitive mouthwash which have the Dynamic Desensitizing System to help relieve tooth sensitivity.

 

Both Gumtect Sensitive and Gumtect Gum Care also have Active Anti-Cavity Protection that helps to ensures fresh breath and strong teeth enamel. This proudly Pinoy brand is also professionally accepted by the Philippine Dental Association.

 

Catch up with Team Kramer and oral care expert Dr. JV Jaurigue and find out more about gum health at “Gumtalk with Gumtect” coming this May! Fun games and giveaways also await listeners during the program.

 

To learn more about the importance of overall gum health and how to live your life to the fullest, check out and follow www.facebook.com/Gumtect.

SEKAYA Moringa : Mother’s best friend is a superfood

Whether they’re breastfeeding for the first time, or practiced this intimate form of bonding with baby before, mothers can always count on Moringa oleifera (that’s malunggay, to Filipinos) to provide them and their little one with essential nutrients key to optimum health.

 

“This hardy plant native to tropical and subtropical regions is a galactagogue,” says Dr. Eca Lorenzo, internal medicine specialist and functional medicine practitioner. “That’s the term used to describe something that increases the flow of mother’s milk.” True enough, local studies show that Filipino mothers who consumed malunggay while breastfeeding produced more breast milk and had babies who gained more weight.

 

Moringa also largely boasts a higher content of vitamins and minerals typically associated with more popular foods. On a gram-per-gram basis of its dried leaves, its has 10 times the vitamin A of carrots, 1/2 the vitamin C of oranges, 17 times the calcium of milk, 15 times the potassium of bananas, 25 times the iron of spinach, and 9 times the protein of yogurt.

 

But moringa isn’t called “mother’s best friend” for nothing. This humble leafy green is a veritable superfood, packed with over 90 nutrients, 46 antioxidants, and a slew of amino acids potent enough to help address a mind-blowing 300 diseases. “This makes it a vital veggie for women not just while they’re lactating, but in other milestones of motherhood,” says Dr. Lorenzo.

 

Are you pregnant? Teeming with more iron than spinach, moringa “can meet the daily iron requirements of pregnant women,” says Dr. Lorenzo. The superfood’s generous supply of vitamins and minerals also covers the daily nutritional needs of those trying to conceive or already on the family way.

 

Are you a working mom? Then you know that juggling a demanding career with the needs of the household requires a resilient constitution. “Stay healthy for you and your family by exercising regularly, getting at least eight hours of sleep, and eating a balanced diet,” says Dr. Lorenzo. “Moringa’s vitamin C strengthens your immune system, its amino acids Isoleucine and Leucine boost energy levels, and its phytochemicals can help regulate blood sugar, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Moringa’s leaves also contain antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and neuroprotectant properties.” 

Are you past your childbearing years? Menopause signals a decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone, hormones responsible for a woman’s fertility. “But a decline in the production of these hormones also increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis,” says Dr. Lorenzo. “And with your metabolism slowing down, you’ll notice some weight gain, too.” Look out as well for other common signs of menopause, like mood swings, fatigue, and a lack of focus.

 

This is where moringa can help. “Calcium and phosphorus, two minerals found in moringa, ensure strong, healthy bones even as you age,” says Dr. Lorenzo. “Moringa also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may soothe pain      associated with osteoarthritis, and even contribute to the healing of joints.”

 

Moringa’s powerful antioxidants protect the heart, which becomes vulnerable to disease once a woman goes into      menopause. As for weight gain, turn to the leafy green, whose high fiber and vitamin B content promote digestion. It also has diuretic properties helping to reduce water retention. “Moringa also elevates energy levels and keeps mood swings at bay with its tryptophan, an amino acid needed to make serotonin, the hormone responsible for stabilizing mood and memory,” says Dr. Lorenzo.

 

Credible supplement. Safe to consume daily, moringa, particularly its leaves, can be savored in soups (think a hearty bowl of tinola or suam na mais), dishes like ginataang malunggay, and even on bread like malunggay pandesal. 

Moringa can also be taken in convenient capsule form, and of the many in the market today, Sekaya Organic Moringa ticks all the boxes of a credible supplement. Made with 100 percent locally sourced pure and organic moringa oleifera, this EU-certified food supplement passed stringent testing in pharma-grade facilities to ensure its safety and superior quality. Take 1 to 3 capsules daily, or as advised by your healthcare professional to reap its full health benefits.

 

“Motherhood, for all its joys and fulfillment, is a never-ending job even as your children grow up,” acknowledges Dr. Lorenzo. “Relish every stage of this rewarding experience by staying healthy and strong for you and your family.”   

 

Sekaya Food Supplements Organic Moringa is available in Babymama, BioBalance, The Diabetes Store, The Allganic Store, WeNourish.ph, Orange and Peach, and in Lazada or Shopee under the S Sentials Store. You may also order through the Synnovate Flagship Store in Lazada, or by messaging via Facebook or Instagram, and SMS or Viber at 0917-5SEKAYA (735292).

 

Sekaya is a Filipino plant-based brand that provides natural, science-backed products to support your health goals and daily wellness. Sekaya is under Synnovate Pharma Corporation, the natural products company of UNILAB. Learn more about how you can benefit from Sekaya’s plant-based solutions, and get health tips and information at https://www.sekaya.com.ph/ and by following @sekayaph on Facebook and Instagram.