Thursday, September 30, 2021

World Vision and DepEd launch mobile library to give children in slum areas access to learning materials

 


Child-focused organization World Vision partners with the Department of Education (DepEd) to launch a mobile library in Mandaue City. The library named as Learn and Play Hub is officially launched to the community at the DepEd Mandaue City Division Office.

Under the organization’s Urban Development Project, with the funding from the World Vision Singapore office, the hub aims to cater children on the streets and those who are living in the slums and give them access to learning resources, opportunities for play and life skills development.

“World Vision is grateful and excited to embark in its first Mobile Learn and Play Hub with Deped Mandaue City Division. We are expectant that this intervention will bring more value in helping and reaching kids in the communities even during this pandemic,” shares Faith Richelle Sy, Program Manager of the World Vision Urban Development Project.

The project is foreseeing to reach at least 800 children ages 6 to 14 years old by the year 2023. Its target communities are in districts Mantuyong and Umapad, but it is expected to reach other districts in the city especially beyond the project life.

DepEd, as the main partner, helps oversee the planning, implementation, and the monitoring of the project. The department also facilitates the mobilization of Alternative Learning System (ALS) teachers for training and implementation, including the sustainability of the project.

The Mandaue City local government unit also supports the project. The University of Southern Philippine Foundation (USPF) through its Engineering and Architecture Department also supported the interior designing of the library hub.

“We are all aware of the effect of this pandemic to the education of our children. The teaching of reading is greatly affected because it is difficult to teach reading through modules,” shares Dr. Nimfa Bongo, the Superintendent of DepEd Mandaue City Division, who also shares her message of commitment during the ceremony. “The mobile hub with a reading teacher will visit certain areas in the community. The teacher will conduct reading remedial classes with the help of the reading materials available in the hub.”

During the blended face-to-face and virtual project launch, DepEd External Partnerships Service, USEC. Tonisito M.C. Umali, ESQ, the Mayor of Mandaue City, Jonas C.Cortes, Regional Director of the DepEd Region 7, Salustiano T. Jimenez, World Vision Singapore Manager of International Programmes, Kyi Thwin Tun, World Vision Director of Strategy, Management, Impact, and Learning, Vanessa G. Reuterma, World Vision Philippines Operations Director, Xenia Legaspi, and along with other important guests, grace the event.

To know more about World Vision’s 5K Campaign Challenge and its initiative against COVID-19, please visit https://www.worldvision.org.ph. You may also follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram for updates.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Di papatalo sa sakit: Filipino celebrities support call to vaccinate

 


Filipinos are ever-forward looking. Despite being caught up in the Covid- 19 pandemic, they continue to look forward to a normal life—being able to hug friends and family once more, going back to school and the office, traveling anywhere, celebrating holidays and milestones, and just being able to go out whenever one wants to, whether it’s to have coffee with friends, watch a movie, or have a nice massage.

 

No matter how long and difficult the past months have been, Filipinos have never allowed themselves to be defeated by all these. This is why a growing list of celebrities and influencers have chosen to be proactive about their health by being vaccinated against Covid-19, and are now sharing their stories.


For these celebrities, winning the battle against Covid-19 calls for smart choices, and that includes getting vaccinated.

 

Vaccinations are the best weapon we have against Covid-19, complemented by safe practices such as social distancing, the use of masks, and hygienic practices. They help protect against severe Covid disease and so helps prevent hospitalizations and death. According to the World Health Organization, Vaccination is safe and any licensed vaccine is rigorously tested across multiple phases of trials before it is approved for use, and regularly reassessed once it is introduced to the public.      

 

On Instagram, actress Dimples Romana recalled how heartbroken she was when her son, Alonzo, asked why he couldn’t punch the virus so he can see his classmates. She explained that “today, fighting means staying home, praying, following safety rules, and getting vaccinated.” Dimples offers this explanation on why the need for vaccine: “Just think of it this way, kung sa common ubo nga, sipon at sakit ng ulo, we take Tuseran Forte di ba? Ibang-iba naman kapag nagka-COVID ka, ibang kalaban eh! …Ang bilis makahawa at di nakikita!... Get vaccinated please!”

 

Posting a photo of herself getting vaccinated along with the Olympics-bound delegates, sports journalist Gretchen Ho  wrote “kahit may pandemya, pursigido tayo sa trabaho kaya dapat maging malakas at healthy. We can all contribute to ending this pandemic by taking good care of ourselves and being responsible.”

 

Indeed, the prolonged pandemic has been challenging for everyone but a positive outlook can make a difference. Motivational speaker and coach Lyqa Maravilla acknowledges that “being stuck at home during the pandemic can leave us feeling helpless and hopeless. One thing I keep asking myself is, what can I do? One thing is to get vaccinated. Don’t just do it for yourself. Do it for your loved ones. Do it for the health care workers. Do it for our country.”

 

YouTuber Mommy Haidee also weighed in, reminding followers to “give it a shot, guys. Do it for yourself and your loved ones. Any protection is better than nothing at all,” as she showed off her own vaccination card.


A normal future is something that everyone looks forward to. Radio and TV host Show Suzuki posted about his dog Gonta greeting him with a smile after his vaccination. “He knows that he can look forward to more adventures again in the near future,” adding “your health should always be your top priority especially if you have people/dogs who rely on you.”

 

Besides vaccinations, these influencers proactively manage their health, taking Tuseran Forte to address common ailments.  Clinically proven to be effective against cough, colds, and headache, Tuseran Forte has helped these influencers in ensuring they stay on top of everything at hindi nagpapatalo sa sakit.

 

With the prolonged pandemic, it might be difficult to imagine how the road to normalcy will look like, but with vaccination, we can one day get back to our old lives. We can again see our friends and family, party and celebrate as much as we want, and travel to new places.

 

In these times of uncertainty, we have to be proactive about our health. By getting vaccinated and being prepared against common illnesses, we can power through health obstacles and get on with our daily lives.

 

Ang Pilipino, ‘di papatalo sa sakit. Magpabakuna para talunin ang COVID, mag-gamot sa ubo, sipon at headache sa tulong ng Tuseran Forte!

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

ROYAL™ INTRODUCES GENERATION KULIT IN ITS NEW ‘COLORFUL’ CAMPAIGN

 


What about adding some "kulit and "kulay" in our life? Royal™, one of Coca-Cola Philippines’s biggest brands and the country’s leading fruit-flavored sparkling drink, has announced the launch of a new advertising campaign inviting consumers to combat the ‘gray’ in everyday life by being playful and colorful.

 

This is the first global campaign for Fanta, the international brand name for Royal™, since 2017. ‘Colorful People’ is given a local flavor to celebrate those exceptional people who are young at heart and do not let the gray or low parts of their life win.  


  

“Royal™ is a colorful, playful and delicious drink that Filipinos love,” said Cesar Gangoso, Coca-Cola Philippines Marketing Director. “This new campaign encourages consumers to fight the gray in their lives by being authentic and playful and ultimately, to enjoy life to the fullest, regardless of their age.” 

 

As people grow old, they tend to be overruled by conformity and seriousness of adulthood. Royal™ wants to break that monotonous cycle by reminding Filipinos to stay ‘colorful’ by injecting fun and humor in their daily life and giving them an avenue to unleash their inner child. Royal™ has been a popular drink amongst teens for decades. However, the beverage brand recognizes that playfulness and being childlike never stops at a particular stage in life. Thus, regardless of how times change, what Royal™ stands for will remain the same – having fun is something that everyone can do no matter the age. In the Philippines, these ‘colorful fun-loving people’ are called Generation Kulit – a playful generation defined by attitude and not by age. 

 

‘Colorful’ recognizes and celebrates a Generation Kulit of Filipinos to keep the good vibes coming. These are your street performers or karaoke singers who work hard to make strangers smile and are not afraid of looking foolish. As a start, Royal™ is partnering with fun and young-at-heart Filipinos like Kim Chiu, Luis Manzano and Alex Gonzaga to talk about how they fight back everyday grays with playful fun, do wacky challenges, and give away prizes and surprises to their fans. A series of livestreams will be scheduled starting October 1, Friday on the Royal™ Philippines Facebook. Kim and Luis will be joined by TikTok sensations Teacher Dan and Berto Berioso, actress and vlogger Alex Gonzaga with her mom, Mommy Pinty, for an afternoon filled with lots of laughter and kulitan.

 

In addition, people from different walks of life will be featured in a short film – hoping to inspire others to be part of Generation Kulit. As more people become part of this new generation: “Generation Kulit,” Royal™ will be sharing their fun-filled videos and colorful personalities each week.

 

To make it even more exciting, Royal™ is also inviting everyone to join their Play On! Promo where consumers can win awesome prizes. To join, consumers need to buy a specially marked Royal™ bottle, look for the 8-digit alphanumeric code underneath the bottle cap or label, and enter the code via the Royal™ Philippines Facebook Messenger any time from August 14 to November 6, 2021. 

 

The campaign also features a new television ad called ‘Colorful’ and over 50 pieces of digital content, and out-of-home assets. The campaign was created by SANTO Buenos Aires and adapted by Craft Philippines; and will roll out in various markets around the world beginning in 2021. Check out how Generation Kulit is making everyday moments more fun through the hashtag #GenerationKulit on social media. For more details, visit facebook.com/RoyalPhilippines. 

 

 

ABOUT COCA-COLA PHILIPPINES  

Coca-Cola has been refreshing Filipinos and making a difference in the Philippines for 109 years. The Philippines was Coca-Cola’s first market in Asia to begin local bottling operations. Today, the Coca-Cola system in the Philippines has evolved into a total beverage company, offering a diverse portfolio of brands in its beverage portfolio and employing over 15,000 Filipinos in over 19 manufacturing facilities and more than 60 distribution centers nationwide. As part of its long-standing commitment to the country, Coca-Cola continues to go beyond good as a business by continuously supporting safe water access programs in over 250 communities, empowering around 250,000 women entrepreneurs through training and peer mentoring, and accelerating packaging collection and recycling under its global World Without Waste initiative.

 

Learn more at www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.  

 

Friday, September 24, 2021

In case YOU missed it, Y.O.U Beauty is having a Super Brand Day on September 29



Get excited beauties, because on September 29, Y.O.U Beauty is having its Super Brand Day as a big thank you to everyone who supported the brand’s recent launch in the Philippines last August. That’s right, that means Y.O.U will be offering great deals once again on their official online stores on Lazada and Shopee!

 

Y.O.U Beauty is dedicated to helping its customers embrace their individuality and glow perfectly in their own skin. Every product in the brand’s portfolio is made with the latest beauty technology from world-class suppliers, offering healthy results to the skin to help you bloom into long-lasting beauty.

 

“I love this brand because Y.O.U Beauty supports every individual to love themselves, be confident in discovering their greatest potentials, and present the best version of themselves.” — Michelle Vito

 

The brand will have limited promos on their top-tier collection of makeup and skin care products. Here are the featured products for the 9.29 Super Brand Day that you’ll definitely love!

 

 

  1. Rouge Velvet Matte Lip Cream

 

Available in 19 lush shades with velvety matte finishes, Y.O.U Beauty’s top Rouge Velvet Matte Lip Cream collection is long-lasting and smudge-proof, without the side effects of dryness and flakiness.

 

The lip cream is made with coconut oil and vitamin E, keeping the lips moisturized and soft for long periods of time. This formula leaves the lips feeling comfortable all day, so you won’t have to worry about any smudges, fading tints, or fine lines around the mouth.


 


Celebrity Ciara Sotto is absolutely in love with this lippie! “There is a new lip cream in town!” she said. “I am so happy to have the new Y.O.U Beauty Rouge Velvet Matte Lip Cream! It’s so smooth, lightweight, and has an excellent hydrating formula!”

 

If you can’t decide on what shade to choose from among the 19 diverse options, you can take a look at the lip cream’s five key shades – Kelly, Naked, Latte, Honey, and Fearless – which perfectly match any skin tone.

 

  1. The Radiance White Nourishing+ Serum

 

While other brands will encourage you to buy multiple types of serums to nourish your skin, the Radiance White Nourishing+ Serum achieves the same (and even better) results in just one bottle!

 

It is formulated with snow mushroom extract to boost hydration, vitamin C for its antioxidizing effects, and Niacinamide to lighten the skin tone, reduce dark spots, and refine skin texture for a moist and luminous complexion — all in one serum.

 


 

One of Y.O.U’s happy customers from the brand’s Shopee store commented, “Naglilighten mga pimple scars ko. I like it so much. Ang smooth sa face. (My pimple scars lightened. I like it so much. It feels really smooth on the face.)”

 

Containing 9 brightening actives, the Radiance White Nourishing+ Serum improves the skin barrier and provides fine skin nourishment for a healthy, radiant face — giving your skin a natural glow within 28 days of regular use.

 

 

  1. Colorland Wander Nature Eyeshadow Palette

Looking fresh and trendy even with your mask on has never been easier with the Colorland Series’ signature eyeshadow palette. Every shade is velvety-smooth, extremely easy to blend and layer, and perfect for all-day-long wear. Staying put with minimal fallout, the highly pigmented mix of finishes is perfect for any skin tone, keeping your eyes looking stunning for hours on end.


Celebrity Kaila Estrada tried out this eyeshadow palette, blending shades of brown, green, and gold to give her an elegant earthy glam look. “It looks amazing,” she said. “So far, I really like [it].”

 

The all-in-one Wander Nature palette contains 15 unique shades for every possible eye look – from matte, shimmer, to glitter – delivering a natural outdoor beauty that brings more style to your masked look.

 

 

Y.O.U Beauty’s selection of beauty and skincare products are dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, and suitable for sensitive skin. With Y.O.U Beauty’s upcoming Super Brand Day, you can get these classy products at the price of one and enjoy a handful of freebies!

 

So don’t miss your chance to grab these bestsellers. Add these must-tries to your Shopee and Lazada cart and remember to check out on 9.29!

 

Stay updated with the brand’s new products by checking out their website at https://youofficial.com/, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.

 


 

ABOUT Y.O.U BEAUTY

Y.O.U Beauty is an international beauty brand from HEBE Beauty Group. Upholding the brand philosophy of “Long-Lasting Beauty”, Y.O.U Beauty is committed to providing all women accessible beauty with advanced technology and trendy design, inspiring them to keep an exquisite attitude, blooming their long-lasting beauty. With a presence in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and other markets across the world, Y.O.U Beauty understands the needs of consumers from different markets and provides them across a product portfolio featuring makeup, skincare, body care, and beauty tools. For more information please visit: https://youofficial.com/

OFFICIAL STORES

Shopee - https://shopee.ph/youbeautyph

Lazada - https://www.lazada.com.ph/you-beauty/



Tuesday, September 21, 2021

FILIPINO ARTISTS SHINE ANEW AT THE 2021 METROBANK ART & DESIGN EXCELLENCE (MADE)

 


Led by Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) president Aniceto Sobrepeña, the awardees of the 2021 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) were formally recognized and presented to the public through a virtual Awarding Ceremony and Exhibit Opening. The event may be accessed through www.madeartdepot.ph.

 

 

The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) recognized this year’s Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) awardees through a virtual Awarding Ceremony & Exhibit Opening held on September 16, 2021. MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña, together with MBFI officers, led the awarding ceremonies.  Fourth District of Pangasinan Representative and House Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts Chairperson Cong. Christopher “Toff” de Venecia served as the guest of honor. 

 

On its 37th year, MADE adopted the theme “Spectrum: The Art of Possibilities” inviting every Filipino artist to tap into the expansive realm of creativity and transpose their spectrum of ideas into works that mirror the human experience and reshape the world anew. Amidst the current times, MADE continues to be a purveyor of visual arts, amplifying the reach and voice of local talents and visionaries.

 

This year, MADE received the highest number of entries in the last 10 years with a record-breaking 701 entries—564 entries for the Oil/ Acrylic on Canvas Category; 77 entries for the Water Media on Paper Category; and 60 entries for the Sculpture Recognition Program.

 



Out of these entries, eight Filipino painters and sculptors emerged as this year’s batch of MADE awardees. Two (2) Grand Awardees for the Painting Recognition Program and one (1) Grand Awardee for the Sculpture Recognition Program received a prize of PhP 500,000.00. While another three (3) artists for the Painting Recognition Program and two (2) for Sculpture Recognition Program were conferred with the Special Citation, with each given a prize of PhP 100,000.00.

 

All awardees also received the “Mula” glass trophy designed by 2009 Metrobank Prize for Achievement in Sculpture (MPAS) awardee Noell El Farol. They were also welcomed as members of the MADE-Network of Winners, the alumni organization of past awardees, implementing pay-it-forward projects that cater to marginalized sectors.

 

“The hundreds of entries submitted across the country are a testament to our local artists’ passion to create. They convey visually the heartbeat of a people facing a global disease, the fears, the anger, the sadness and loss, but also the hope, the courage and the tenacity to fight this enemy with kindness, generosity and compassion,” MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña said in his welcome remarks.

 

The Final Board of Judges was chaired by well-known painter, installation artist, art educator, and sculptor Toym Imao. Members of the Board included Art Fair Philippines co-founder Dindin Araneta; product designer and metal sculptor Daniel de la Cruz; Cultural Center of the Philippines Visual Arts and Museum Division officer-in-charge Rica Estrada; intermedia artist Mark Salvatus; and interdisciplinary artist Josephine Turalba. The late visual artist Leo Abaya also served as a part of the board of jurors until his passing last May.

 

In his message, Imao said that “Our participants created awesome, honest, and powerful works that win or lose, have become an important part of history: of how this generation of artists imaged the spirit and the

essence of these challenging times. Of how their narratives and stories can help all of us find the light again.”

 

“This year’s selection does not disappoint in the array of styles and themes depicted. We see paintings that show sophisticated use of color and works that require a high degree of technical skill. Figurative works still dominate much of the selection, as do works that present social plights and the harsh realities of daily life,” shares juror Rica Estrada in her curator’s note. “The paintings and sculptures speak of anxieties, loss of livelihood, worries about the future, depression, stress, difficult home situations, and the act of keeping afloat,” she added.

 

More than just a pioneering corporate social responsibility (CSR) program for the arts, MADE has evolved to become a development program that facilitates the generation of ideas promoting social development, appreciation and preservation of our cultural heritage, as well as making art accessible to the many through its various art education activities and events.

 

Through a year-long social media campaign dubbed as #SpectrumMADE2021, MADE has implemented a series of online activities to bring art experience and art education to its stakeholders amidst the pandemic. To culminate this year’s campaign, a webinar series on “Art and Design in Crisis” and “The Creative Industries for Social Impact” will be held on September 18 and 25, respectively. For further details, please follow the official MADE Facebook and Instagram pages @metrobankartanddesign. 

 

To affirm its commitment, MBFI remained a supporter of local visual artists who were constrained by the challenges of these unusual times. A cash assistance program dubbed as MADE-CARES (Community Aid and Relief for Emergency Situations) was implemented last 2020, benefitting over 200 artists from the PhP1 million financial aid.

 

“When our lives were suddenly disrupted by the pandemic, the competition was deferred last year. Now as we are learning to live with the reality of COVID-19, we continue our mission to nurture the potential of young artists and enable them to express their voices freely however restrictive this new normal,” shares Sobrepeña.

 

Established in 1984 by the late Metrobank Group founder and chairman Dr. George Ty Siao Kian, MADE has served as a platform for discovery for the most passionate and persistent creative visionaries in the country. To date, more than 400 visual artists and design professionals have been recognized. A majority of them are now carving significant names in the local and even international art and design scenes. Past awardees include Elmer Borlongan, Mark Justiniani, Jan Leeroy New, Alfredo Esquillo, Andres Barrioquinto, Yeo Kaa, and Cedrick dela Paz.




The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) was established on January 8, 1979 by Dr. George S. K. Ty, sixteen (16) years after he founded the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank). MBFI envisions to be the country’s premier corporate philanthropic foundation contributing a significant impact on social development.  Its flagship programs include the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos; Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE); Metrobank Scholarship Program (MSP); Metrobank MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC); Grants and Social Development Partnerships, Disaster Response, National Teachers’ Month (NTM) celebration, and the Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair Lectures. MBFI is also the principal owner of the Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH), one of the leading centers of wellness in the country.

 

As a development organization, MBFI aims to uplift individuals and the sectors they represent and strategically link with institutions for a shared-purpose. By creating and propagating a culture of excellence and providing solutions to stakeholder’s needs, the Foundation continuously expands its scope of reach and is at the forefront in serving communities. As the heart of the Metrobank Group, “Excel. Engage. Empower” or the 3Es remains its roadmap.


Monday, September 20, 2021

Herbalife Nutrition Virtual Run Returns This October

 


Herbalife Nutrition will stage the second edition of its Virtual Run from October 1 to 31, 2021. Now on its second year, the challenge is part of the premier global nutrition company’s Get Moving With Good Nutrition campaign that seeks to give people the push toward healthy active living.

 

Sridhar Rajagopalan, Senior Director, Sub-Regional General Manager of Herbalife Nutrition Philippines, said that the Virtual Run is aimed at breaking the health inertia and fostering communities that support one another on their healthy living journey.

 

“We want to encourage every Filipino to start moving and take the challenge to walk or run a certain distance. Through this initiative, we would like to inspire communities to support one another on a healthy living journey and strengthen their relationships through teamwork,” he said.

 

Rajagopalan added that this running challenge seeks to continue Herbalife Nutrition’s campaign of promoting a healthy, active lifestyle especially during this time.

 

Apart from the Philippines, the Herbalife Nutrition Virtual Run 2021 will also take place in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

 

Last year’s Virtual Run gathered 14,000 participants covering a total distance of close to 600,000 kilometers across Asia Pacific. This year, Herbalife Nutrition aims to achieve bigger and bolder goals in the 11 participating markets. The registration period for this year’s Virtual Run is until October 15, 2021. For more information about how to join and the mechanics of the challenge, visit HerbalifeVirtualRun.com.

 

During the online media launch of the Herbalife Nutrition Virtual Run 2021, Rajagopalan shared the following tips on how to prepare for a running routine:

 

          Have the Right  Running Gear

 

One of the key preparations in running is having the right running gear. Invest in essential items to make your running journey comfortable. Some of the items that you need to have are a pair of running shoes, distance running socks, and comfortable clothing.

 

          Run It Out

 

Practice running your actual distance. Don’t forget to schedule one to two rest days a week to allow your muscles to adapt to the increase workloads and efficiently repair themselves.

 

If you’re new to running or not ready to run yet, start with walking. Once walking for a set time becomes easy for you, start alternating between jogging and walking until you find a comfortable and sustainable pace.

 

If you’re already an avid runner, start your training by time and not by distance. Run 20 to 30 minutes first and once you can maintain the pace, increase your time. Add cross training to keep your routine fresh, and aim for incremental improvements over time.

 

          Use Nutrition as Your Fuel

 

To boost your performance, good nutrition is needed by your body. Make sure that you have a balanced diet consisting of the right amounts of carbohydrates to fuel your body; protein to repair and rebuild muscles and tissues; and fat, which is an essential energy source. Proper hydration is also important as you need to replenish the fluids lost during a strenuous activity.

 






 

 About Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.

Herbalife Nutrition (NYSE: HLF) is a global company that has been changing people's lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers high-quality, science-backed products, sold in over 90 countries by entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle. Through the Company's global campaign to eradicate hunger, Herbalife Nutrition is also committed to bringing nutrition and education to communities around the world.

For more information, please visit IAmHerbalifeNutrition.com.

Metrobank is the Best Domestic Bank in the Philippines

 


 

Surviving through the economic backlash brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic is a feat in itself. By doing the spadework and adjusting to the demands of a changed world, many financial institutions continue to grapple with the ongoing pandemic. However, it takes a special kind of fortitude to not just survive, but to thrive and grow in these unprecedented times.

 

The Asiamoney Best Bank Awards 2021 recognized this fortitude in Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank), and fittingly hailed them as the “Best Domestic Bank in the Philippines”.

 

“Metrobank is a firm to be reckoned with in the Philippines,” said Asiamoney Editor Rashmi Kumar. “What stands out with Metrobank is its sheer resilience during tough times, including all the uncertainty caused by the pandemic over the past eighteen months,” she added.

 

Kumar further pointed out Metrobank’s status as one of the country’s foremost universal banks, offering a diverse stable of business and products for a range of clients while showing strong growth year after year.

 

Metrobank credited its resilience to the lessons they learned from surviving the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, a similar event that also left the economic backdrop in shambles. “Drawing from our experience back then, our mantra this time is to be proactive at the onset of a crisis so we can quickly get our feet back on the ground,” said Metrobank President Fabian S. Dee. The Bank pursued a prudent risk management strategy, ensured strong capital levels, and kept a healthy balance sheet with best-in-class asset quality metrics.

 

Dee further enumerated some of the bank’s key strategies that made them emerge and grow amid an economic downturn. “True to our meaningful banking promise, we first focused on what, or who, meant the most to us: the customers,” he beamed.

 

At the first signs of a possible economic downturn, the Bank immediately reached out to their clients, providing them with alternative access to banking services through digital technology, evaluating and providing advice to manage their financial health and conducting several webinars including a fraud awareness campaign to help protect customers.

 

Metrobank pursued a prudent and proactive approach in managing its portfolio to protect asset quality, and sustain long term profitability and capital strength.

 

Despite an economic downturn, the Bank managed to grow its low cost current and savings accounts (CASA) grew 22% to PhP1.3 trillion, reflecting the Bank’s solid deposit franchise and customer confidence in the Bank.

 

The bank also generated a 26% increase in pre-provisioning profits to PhP61.8 billion in 2020.  This enabled the Bank to set aside PhP40.8 billion in provisions, thus creating a solid buffer against potential risks from the pandemic. Metrobank’s proactive provisioning raised non-performing loan (NPL) cover to 163% from 103% in 2019, strengthening the Bank’s capacity to withstand asset quality pressures.

 

Metrobank believes its prudent approach in 2020 paved the way for a strong start this year, with net income growing 28% to PhP11.7 billion in the first half of 2021. Stable asset quality and superior capital ratios give the Bank a strong position to take on opportunities ahead.

 

The Bank also remains committed to the community. Through the combined efforts of Metrobank Foundation and GT Foundation, Metrobank offered support for the needy and mobilized funds towards various pandemic aid programs.

 

“We are honored and humbled to be recognized as the Best Domestic Bank in the Philippines. It is indeed a great gift for us as we celebrate our 59th Anniversary,” Dee said. “We are merely doing what is second-nature to us: to provide meaningful services to our customers. Through their trust, even in the face of a financial crisis, we are motivated to always do what is best for all our stakeholders,” Dee concluded.

 

The Asiamoney Best Bank Awards 2021 is an annual ceremony that recognizes which banks in each market excel across a range of categories.

 


 

ABOUT METROBANK:

Metrobank is one of the strongest and well-capitalized banks in the country. The Bank believes that its robust capital position and balance sheet strength will provide ample support as it navigates through these uncertain times. Capital ratios are among the highest in the industry, with total CAR at 20.4% and Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio at 19.5%. Consolidated assets stood at P2.5 trillion at the end of June 2021, making Metrobank the country's second largest private universal bank.

 

 

Friday, September 17, 2021

Glowing celebration with Mestiza Philippines & Samantha Bernardo

 


“I am Samantha Bernardo and I am so honored to be Mestiza Philippines’s newest brand ambassador. I am one with the brand in promoting our message to young Pinays out there na with Mestiza, “Achieve ang Healthy Glowing Skin.” Kaya naman sama-sama nating i-achieve ang healthy glowing skin and together we can be confident and fearless to face the world.” says Filipina beauty queen who exemplified the same glowing confidence from the pageant she joined to this virtual event. 

 

It was an afternoon of celebration of unified glow as Mestiza Philippines launched Samantha Bernardo as their new Brand Ambassador in a virtual press conference and a meet & greet with our friends from the media, bloggers, and influencers. Samantha truly showcased her glowing confidence by answering the questions from the guests who happily participated in the program’s games & gimmicks. Everyone had fun, good vibes, and enjoyed special gifts from Mestiza. 

 

That glowing confidence made her win the first-runner up of Miss Grand International 2020 and the perfect choice to be the face of the brand. Mestiza Philippines passionately advocates for self-confidence and individuality among the new generation of young women in the country.  It was notable for the brand to be represented by their newest “Grand Ambassador” who embodies these attributes backed up by a beautiful story of confidence and perseverance. Martina Salimbangon, Mestiza’s Head of Content hosted the event and welcomed Samantha with pride and joy, “I am proud to introduce to you the new face of our product and the torchbearer of this glowing brand.”

 

Samantha took the lead in re-introducing the variety of soaps and their benefits to the skin. Its best-selling product “Original” variant is suitable for sensitive skin with 33% extra premium virgin coconut oil while their “Prime” variants are designed to help young Pinays with common skin issues like having oily to dry skin – Earth Brown, Green Serenity, Bountiful Violet, and Scarlet Rose all contain 40% extra premium VCO which makes this variation of soaps a total stand out in the market. Sam was also excited to launch a new line of skincare products with the brand soon.

 

Get your own Mestiza variant and be part of the glowing community of #MestizaFam, available in all leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide.

Thursday, September 16, 2021

SM Supermalls launches it’s 100 Days ‘til Christmas and it’s all about caring and giving


For the past years have always had us counting down to the most wonderful time of the year when the ‘ber’ months roll in; Christmas carols fill the air, dazzling tree lights dot the streets, shopping for gifts becomes a sport, and everyone else goes on a diet to make way for Christmas feasts.


This year may not be as festive as previous years, but it will most certainly be more meaningful. SM showed us the most uplifting way to best celebrate the season with “100 Days of Caring”;  featuring 100 days of spreading love, thoughtfulness, and care for one another and for the communities surrounding our favorite SM malls. The virtual event showcasing the pledges happened Thursday, Sept 16, 2021 over FB Live and WatchSM on YouTube.

“100 days of Caring”. To kickstart the Christmas countdown, SM pledged to donate to over 10,000 beneficiaries, namely communities in need, hardworking SM employees, medical frontliners and dedicated delivery partners, among others. Some of the beneficiaries and their partner malls are as follows: 

‘Gift’ for your mental health. Aside from our physical health being at risk during a pandemic, our mental health is also affected due to the stress and anxiety these times bring. And since SM believes in the value of taking care of our mental health, Dr Gia Sison, MD DPCOM gave a  ‘Call to Share’ talk during the virtual launch. Dr Gia Sison is a mental health advocate and co-founder of PH Leader Livestrong Foundation. Her talk centered on how to cope during this stressful time and still find hope in a better tomorrow.

100 voices that care. If there’s one thing that binds us all Filipinos together, it’s our passion and love for music. While we may not be allowed to have big gatherings this year, SM entertained the audience with the performance of the 3 Divas – Rahda, Frenchie and Bituin Escalante; later on joined by 100 artists, singers, and SM employees and stakeholders who came together to sing during the virtual launch on Sept 16.





We may be in the middle of a pandemic, times may be tough, and many of us may be physically apart, but let’s not forget what this season truly means. To view the event, go to WatchSM on YouTube.

For more information, bookmark www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.

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