World Vision and ComCo Southeast Asia join forces to support MSMEs

 

Aside from plaguing the health of people all over the world, COVID-19 has affected global economies, with businesses closing down leaving millions of people jobless. In developing countries like the Philippines, small businesses are hit the hardest as they struggle to survive in the current climate. Consumers are looking for brands that care about social issues, but with most business enterprises in the country made up of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), these businesses might not have social issues at the top of their priority list as they try to cope with the pandemic. In line with this, World Vision in the Philippines, an international child-focused non-profit organization, has partnered with ComCo Southeast Asia, a trailblazing and globally award-winning integrated communications agency in the region, for Cause Marketing for Good – a campaign to support MSMEs during these difficult times and to teach them how they can champion social issues through their marketing efforts.

 

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. The organization has been continuously engaging various sectors including the national and local government, businesses, the academe, churches, media, the general public, and other groups and individuals, and has managed to reach millions of children, families and communities through its child-focused programs, emergency response, economic development interventions and advocacy initiatives, with the help of thousands of Filipino sponsors and donors.

 

“We at World Vision are humbled to be alongside MSMEs as they journey toward learning and growth in these unprecedented times. Together with ComCo Southeast Asia, an agency that shares our dedication to building a better world for children, we offer the ‘Cause Marketing for Good’ program”, said Mr. Rommel V. Fuerte, World Vision’s National Director.

 

ComCo Southeast Asia is regional boutique communications agency that aims to create meaningful stories, ignite brand love and social change through New PR and Smart Social. The Agency's Citizen ComCo initiative has been at the forefront of advocacy work since 2016, and on its fifth year, it launched “5 Gifts to the Community” to give back and pay forward to different sectors – children, youth and education; heritage, culture and tourism; wildlife, biodiversity and environmental conservation; social, micro and small enterprises; and Southeast Asian integration.

 

“It’s always an honor to work with World Vision, one of the most trusted advocacy organizations in the country and across the world. Since 2009, in my previous works, I have already been supporting World Vision and as my partners and I co-founded ComCo Southeast Asia in 2016, the wonderful collaboration continues with our Agency becoming World Vision’s communications partner in the Philippines. We look forward to this opportunity to build a community of MSMEs that champion social issues and to provide them support with this campaign,” said Mr. Ferdinand Bondoy, ComCo Southeast Asia’s Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director.

 

“Cause Marketing for Good” aims to support and teach MSMEs how to make their businesses relevant through effective and sustainable cause-related marketing campaigns that can rally support from the public.

 

To know more about World Vision and ComCo Southeast Asia’s partnership, visit www.worldvision.org.ph or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter.

 

For more information on World Vision in Philippines and its other initiatives, call the World Vision hotline number at 8372-77-77.

 

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.

 

About ComCo Southeast Asia

 

ComCo Southeast Asia is a trailblazing and globally award-winning integrated communications agency powered by the coalition of premier brand architects and communication trailblazers in the region. Based in the Philippines and dedicated to the Southeast Asia market, ComCo SEA takes the lead in the innovation of premier brands and growth of up-and-coming businesses through the emerging global disciplines of New PR – a strategy based, content-driven, and channel-agnostic way of doing PR, and Smart Social – a holistic, authentic and integrated approach in the maximization of digital and social channels, to effectively reach and engage audiences and help influence change.

What about Making Your Next K-Drama Binge-Watch Extra Delicious With This Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe?

 

I know that many Filipinos are now into Korean culture. From the food we explore like Samgyup to dressing up like them. For many of us, quarantine has become our introduction to the world of K-drama. And when we're deeply immersed in our favorite series, it's natural for any fan to look for ways to enhance K-drama evenings at home. It happens especially when we see a character indulging in a delicious meal, and we feel a desire to try whatever it is they're eating.

Here's some good news: many of the dishes featured in Korean movies or series are actually quite simple to learn! There are many staples that are considered classics when it comes to Korean food in series or movies. One of them is Kimchi Fried Rice. This dish might remind you of that episode of Coffee Prince where Choi Han Gyul (portrayed by Gong Yoo) eats a whole plate of Kimchi Fried Rice after his fight with Eun Chan.

Kimchi Fried Rice Essentials

A must when making kimchi fried rice is good kimchi. You can find it at select Korean restaurants near you, or you can go to Korean grocery stores that have it packaged. Another must-have for this recipe is sesame oil. The nutty aroma and flavor go well with spicy dishes - and you can use it in many other Korean recipes. Finally, you need delicious rice to pair it with. Royal Umbrella Rice is sourced from the finest grains from Thailand and is known for its aromatic fragrance and delicious texture.

With this simple recipe, there's nothing standing in the way of a delicious meal while you lose yourself in your next K-drama series.

Kimchi Fried Rice by @haingpinoybykat

Ingredients:

●        120 grams, kimchi

●        1 pc onion, chopped

●        3 cloves garlic, minced

●        2 tbsp vegetable oil

●        Salt and pepper

●        Royal Umbrella Rice

●        Sesame seeds

●        Chopped onion leeks

●        Sunny side up egg

●        Beef bulgogi (optional)

Procedure:

1. Preheat a pan with oil and saute the onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add in cooked white rice and mix well under medium heat.
3. Add kimchi and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer to a serving plate or bowl and add the beef bulgogi.
5. Garnish with onion leeks, sesame seeds, and sunny side up egg.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Royal Umbrella Rice is available now at your neighborhood supermarkets nationwide (SM, Rustan’s, Robinsons, Puregold, and Shopwise) and online via LazMart for easy delivery anytime, anywhere. Prices start at PHP 350.00!

 

About Royal Umbrella Rice

Royal Umbrella Rice is sourced from the best of Thailand’s natural resources. The grains are selected using advanced technology and processed under stringent procedures to ensure the highest standards. Royal Umbrella is exported to more than 100 countries around the world and was the winner of the 2009 World’s Best Rice Award during the World Rice Conference in the Philippines.

ComCo Southeast Asia assembles its mentorship program alumni for the first-ever Camp ComCo Unity Games

 

ComCo Southeast Asia recently held the first-ever Camp ComCo Unity Games, a fun-filled event that brings together the alumni of the Camp ComCo Mentorship Program as part of the Agency’s 5-Part Blazing Sapphire anniversary celebration this year.

With fourteen cycles in and running, the Camp ComCo Mentorship Program has produced fresh and great young voices of the communication industry as part of the Agency’s Igniting Talent thrust. This developed culture of sharing the learning from the program has birthed the Camp ComCo Alumni Society, founded and officiated by graduates of Camp ComCo.

Since its establishment in 2019, the Camp ComCo Alumni Society has organized meaningful projects with the Camp ComColidays at Precious Heritage Children’s Home in Antipolo and an online fundraising project supporting the frontliners in the Philippine General Hospital in Manila. Truly, these alumni (also referred to as “ComCowans” inspired by Star Wars’ padawan term for an apprentice) have made more than just passing the torch of learning. They are also enabling new opportunities for individuals in need.

This is why the first Camp ComCo Unity Games is a special event for ComCo SEA. It’s a chance to not just celebrate their humbling contributions, but also allow them an opportunity to unite and have fun despite the many limitations brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

They are gathered at the ComCo SEA GymnaZoom (a virtual spin on a virtual gymnasium and Zoom virtual conference app) and united with their respective mentorship houses (House Bearcat, House Flyingfox, House Hawksbill, and House Whaleshark) for a competitive battle of wit, talent, and of course, House Pride! It opened with a virtual torch lighting ceremony, parade of the four houses, with each member proudly waving their House flag to the virtual crowd, and the Cheer Dance Competition where each house performed catchy and innovative house chants. They are then warmed up for a fun round of Virtual Charades and the special Bring Me - Challenge Me Game, before finally, undergoing a secret mission for the Unity Game’s Main Challenge, “On the Case: Agents of C.O.M.C.O.”, which is an escape room built by ComCo SEA that brings the inner detectives among alumni.

In the end, House Whaleshark placed 4^th place (winning the Best House Chant), House Flyingfox was announced 3^rd place (winning Virtual Charades and social media contest), and House Bearcat was announced 2^nd place (winning Virtual Charades, Bring Me - Challenge Me Game, and the most number of house contingents joining the event).

House Hawksbill emerged as the Grand Champion of Camp ComCo Unity Games after winning the Bring Me - Challenge Me activity and the Unity Games’ Main Challenge. They also won a cash donation of PhP 20,000 for their chosen beneficiary, CARA Welfare Philippines, a non-profit organization advocating animal welfare.

“Ever since the pandemic started, ComCo SEA is always looking for ways on how to reconnect and unite our Camp ComCo Alumni Society. The Camp ComCo Unity Games is truly unlike anything we’ve done before, and we’re truly happy to see our ComCowans together and sharing smiles even virtually. More than that, we are fulfilled to see how the seeds of the alumni culture we planted since ComCo’s creation 5 years ago has blossomed into this. We are proud of how our alumni have grown to becoming a new breed of communications practitioners, the way we envisioned them to be,” said Mr. Ferdinand L. Bondoy, ComCo Southeast Asia’s Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director and creator of Camp ComCo Mentorship Program.

“Thank you to our Camp ComCo alumni across Cycles 1 to 14 for joining the very first Unity Games. And this event is even more apt with ComCo SEA celebrating its Blazing Sapphire anniversary celebration.  Coach is very proud of your growth from being young ComCowans to now, being the ates and kuyas of future apprentices of the Camp ComCo Mentorship Program. See you at the Camp ComCo Unity Games 2022, hopefully, face-to-face next time.”

Watch the Camp ComCo Unity Games 2021 virtual torch lighting ceremony by the Camp ComCo Council and the parade of houses by the Camp ComCo Alumni Society here:

 

Facebook: https://fb.watch/5-XIQ9qc-7/  

YouTube: https://youtu.be/c6_ASQwhJqU     

To know more about ComCo Southeast Asia, visit www.comcosea.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comco-hq and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter.

About Camp ComCo Mentorship Program                                          

Built by the Agency’s pool of experts, Camp ComCo Mentorship Program is an intensive and comprehensive talent incubation initiative, industry linkage course, and apprenticeship program designed to transform communication, marketing, and multimedia arts students and fresh graduates into revolutionary practitioners of the industry.

About ComCo Southeast Asia

ComCo Southeast Asia is a trailblazing and globally award-winning integrated communications agency powered by the coalition of premier brand architects and communication trailblazers in the region. Based in the Philippines and dedicated to the Southeast Asia market, ComCo SEA takes the lead in the innovation of premier brands and growth of up and coming businesses through the emerging global disciplines of New PR – a strategy based, content-driven, and channel-agnostic way of doing PR, and Smart Social – a holistic, authentic and integrated approach in the maximization of digital and social channels, to effectively reach and engage audiences and help influence change.

 

Shang's Dine Al Fresco at The Ledge is Mandaluyong’s first outdoor dining space to receive Safety Seal

 

Are you still  hesitant to visit the mall and dine with your family and friends? A good news is here to comfort us. Shang's Dine Al Fresco at The Ledge is Mandaluyong’s first outdoor dining space to receive Safety Seal. Shangri-La Plaza’s very own Dine Al Fresco at The Ledge Level 6 becomes the first outdoor dining destination in Mandaluyong City to have been granted with the Safety Seal for complying with health protocols against COVID-19.

The Safety Seal is part of the COVID-19 safety program of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), with local government units as the issuing authority for malls. Establishments that have been awarded this seal means that they are not only compliant with the minimum public health standards against COVID-19, but also using accredited contact tracing apps such as Mandaluyong City’s Mandatrack and StaySafe.ph to help contain the spread of the virus.

“Receiving the Safety Seal from the City of Mandaluyong as directed by the IATF demonstrates our never-ending commitment in prioritizing the safety and comfort of our mall guests,” says Joy R. Polloso, Executive Vice President at Shang Properties, Inc. “We strive to ensure that they consistently get great experiences whenever they visit Shangri-La Plaza.” 

Shang has even gone beyond the public health standards by implementing its Safe Dining Made Easy protocols that include concierge or butler services and restaurant QR codes that aim to lessen interactions when ordering and dining.

Visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial or follow the Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial for more details.

 

Batangas kindergarten students received learning materials through World Vision’s Abutin Na10

 

The Department of Education (DepED Undersecretary for External Partnerships Service Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, ESQ recently turned over 18,000 sets of printed learning materials for students in Batangas through the “Abutin Na10” campaign in partnership with child-focused NGO World Vision.

This ongoing campaign for the benefit of learners residing in poor and remote communities is World Vision’s initiative to respond to the government’s call to support its Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BELCP).

“I want you to know by heart that no less than our constitution mandates that quality education be made accessible to all learners,” explained Usec. Umali while referring to the provision in the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines Article XIV Section 1 which states that “The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.”

Under the BELCP, schools are mandated to adopt various distance learning modalities appropriate for the learners. Whether through online learning, activity sheets or a combination of both approaches, children are able to enjoy their right to education at the safety and comforts of their homes.

World Vision national director Rommel V. Fuerte shared during the turnover event, “Today is a milestone that we want to celebrate for the most vulnerable children especially for thousands of Kindergarten students here in Batangas who will receive learning activity sheets printed by ‘Abutin Na10’.” Fuerte also commended DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones for consistenly promoting continued learning among students despite the health and safety challenges brought by the lingering COVID-19 crisis.

‘Abutin Na10’ lead and World Vision’s education technical program manager Geomel P. Jetonzo hoped that more and more organizations and individuals support Filipino learners through this campaign.

“Together let us give children opportunities for learning and development by skillfully and prayerfully adapting to this ever-changing education landscape.”

For those who want to support children’s education through providing learning materials through Abutin Na10’, visit https://www.worldvision.org.ph/abutin-na10/.

To know more about World Vision and its other initiatives, you may visit www.worldvision.org.ph or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter.

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.

Wonderhome Naturals, a proudly Filipino brand to Make Green the New Clean

 

“Our products are lab-tested, hospital-grade, and certified 100-percent safe to ensure families live in clean and green surroundings. What’s more, our sustainable efforts of upcycling, recycling, refilling, and using biodegradable formulations and packaging reflect our commitment to do our part in protecting the Earth and its natural resources,” adds Bryan.

It is a fact that these days, a spotlessly clean and well looked after home is not a guarantee of virus or germ free place. Our going in and out of the house can unfortunately lead us to bringing home unwanted harmful bacteria and viruses that we unintentionally bring in from the outside. 

Ironically, our home’s unseen adversaries also include the contents found in typical household and personal care products. Though formulated to kill dangerous germs, they contain ingredients that, even with short-term use, can irritate the eyes, skin, and throat, and cause headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and trigger asthma with their strong, chemical scents. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), gases emitted from cleaning supplies and pesticides, also pose a huge threat to our health. Long-term exposure and inhalation could lead to cancer, kidney and liver damage, as well as damage to the central nervous system.

The virtual roundtable “Make Green the New Clean” marks the debut of Wonderhome Naturals, a proudly Filipino brand of complete, sustainable home care and personal care products that not only keeps homes clean—it does it the green way. 

Wonderhome Naturals line is composed of 10 amazing core products, from laundry detergent and bathroom cleaner to kitchen deodorizer and all-purpose disinfectant spray. Its wide array of products—with categories in home care (laundry, kitchen, surface and bathroom), personal care (hand wash, hand sanitizer, linen spray), and lifestyle (organic cleaners for the yoga mat, gadget and desk, and pre-poo spray)—are formulated with plant-based probiotics that cleans without damaging your health or the environment. 

I love these ideas. Before using a public toilet, I have the habit of flushing  first then spraying of alcohol toilet, the O.C. in me. This Organic Pre Poo Spray is the answer.

A cute handy Natto Hydrating Hand Sanitizer is a good companion anywhere I go. With this pandemic, a reliable agent gives us the confidence we need to stay clean any time and any where.

Wonderhome Naturals products are not only unique. The distinctive scents  of the products soothes my olfaction.  The fragrances made my laundry time like a relaxing spa session. Fuji Apple & Peach Grove detergent liquid and Wildberry Seaside Botanicals are my new favorite DUO.

The Natural Laundry Detergent Liquid of Wonderhome Naturals lifts stains with deep-penetrating bio-enzymes. It cares for delicate fabric and sensitive skin, as well as aids in indoor drying with antibac, anti-odor probiotics.

I must say, all Wonderhome products come in sophisticated scents made from fruit and plants that actually makes the person cleaning the house a little happier.

The organic yoga mat cleaner eucalyptus oil will definitely give you a more relaxing session as you do your yoga poses or cool down stretching.

Make no mistake though, this safe biodegradable formulation is strong where it counts: It's certified by Intertek to kill 99.9% of household germs and is lab-tested to eliminate viruses and prevent recontamination for up to 72 hours. 

Green also describes the brand’s earth-friendly packaging and shipping practices. Wonderhome Naturals come in bottles made from a combination of upcycled ocean plastic and biodegradable wheat. The low carbon footprint modular packaging means that they fit snugly in shipping boxes to eliminate the use of plastic fillers. 

Bring these bottles back for recycling or refilling and get store credits that can be used on your next purchases.

Perfect for Gift Idea

Wonderhome Naturals is co-founded by brothers Bryan and Marvin Chua, who’s aim is to make sustainable, safe, and strong products easily accessible to Filipinos. “Now that we’re spending more time at home, it’s important that we make it a safe and secure place for families,” says Bryan, who is also President of BFI, the company behind Wonderhome Naturals.

According to Marvin Chua, who also heads the brand’s Product Development Team, “Filipinos nowadays have a desire to switch to natural products but are apprehensive about their effectiveness. Especially during the pandemic, it’s a challenge to convince people to convert to plant-based cleaning products when efficacy is the top consideration. We want you to use plant-based products without feeling that you compromised on cleaning power. Our main goal during product development was to benchmark Wonderhome’s cleaning performance against leading chemical-based products instead of other natural-based brands. We had our products lab-tested and 3^rd party-certified to perform at least equal to or better versus their chemical-based counterparts.”

Indeed, even seemingly inconsequential choices like buying cleaning products leave a huge impact on the environment. Sustainability advocates like Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippine Seas, as well as Angel Mata-Jamilan, founder of Low Impact Filipina, are among those who consider the long-term effects of improper plastic disposal and toxic waste from cleaning products to the planet. “Progress, not perfection,” they both emphasized, and encouraged everyone to start with simple but sustainable choices that people can commit to everyday. 

 “The Philippines is the third biggest plastic polluter in the world, producing 2.7 billion kilos of plastic waste annually,” reminds Bryan. “Moreover, 74 percent of our collected plastic waste ends up in the ocean. Wonderhome Naturals calls for a clean revolution. We want to lead the charge towards a greener future by providing consumers with a strong yet safe and sustainable option.”  

Wonderhome Naturals, with its strong, safe and sustainable products, makes it easy to help the planet while keeping your homes clean.

Wonderhome Naturals is available at www.wonderhomenaturals.com, and soon on LazMall, Zalora and ShopeeMall.

 

To know more about Wonderhome Naturals’ sustainable and effective cleaning products visit www.wonderhomenaturals.com and @wonderhomeph on Instagram and Facebook.

 

 Let's join the CLEAN REVOLUTION!

GOLDILOCKS Cakes : Celebrate Dad with a Special Sweet Treat!

 

As Father's Day approaches, we reflect on all of the sacrifices that our fathers have made for us. This is a great time to thank them for working long hours to pay for our tuition, picking us up from school or work if the weather is bad, or simply saving up for the pair of shoes we've been begging him to buy. No matter how difficult the road of life may be, our Fathers will do everything in their power to provide and care for us.

 

As our fathers guide us to navigate the rocky roads of life, we also celebrate them with a special sweet treat! Goldilocks, the country's number one bakeshop is happy to announce their premium cake for July and the perfect Father's day gift, the Goldilocks Chocolate Almond CrunchCake!

 

This delicious three-layered chocolate sponge cake is filled with chocolate frosting, marshmallow, chocolate chips, and chocolate-coated cashew nuts. The whole cake is iced with choco whipped cream and coated with milk chocolate ganache, and topped with white chocolate-coated mallow, almond nuts, chocolate-coated cashew nuts, giving it the perfect blend of softness and crunch, just like our dads!

 

Make your Father's day extra special with Goldilocks Chocolate Almond Crunch Cake. Grab this special cake on June 11, 2021, for Luzon only& June 14, 2021, to all Goldilocks stores nationwide, and for more information, you may follow @GoldilocksPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com. ph