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.

Monday, September 13, 2021

Student Fundraiser helps thousands of learners in World Vision’s 5K Campaign Challenge

 


Students across the Philippines once again showed their support for fellow learners whose education were affected by the pandemic by joining World Vision’s 2020 5K Campaign Challenge, a fundraising initiative for the benefit of the child-focused organization’s COVID-19 emergency response.

Going above and beyond their goals, World Vision’s student ambassadors were able to raise more than PHP 300,000 and the total amount of donations will be used to help over 3,000 learners all over the country

The 5K Campaign Challenge’s objective is to encourage the participating students to fundraise among their peers and relatives to help children receive modules and gadgets to continue their education.

During the pandemic, the common challenge among children have been their education, which was why Abutin Nat10 was selected as the focus of the 2020 5K Campaign Challenge.  Funds raised for Abutin Na10, a program created by World Vision in partnership with DepEd, will contribute to DepEd’s Learning Continuity Plan and its multi modal approaches, so that children can continue to learn and develop their life skills even in these difficult times.

The students who participated in the 5K Campaign Challenge came from schools across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in a Virtual Congratulatory Event hosted by World Vision, the following students were recognized because of their huge contribution to make the initiative a great success.

The Top Advocates or students who encouraged others to join the campaign are Arisha of Brent International School, who invited friends to participate in the fundraising and even partnered with a local business to reach her goals, Carina of Homeschool Global, who also invited 3 other friends to fundraise with her and Bernice of Homeschool Global, who advocated for the cause through a livestream performance.

The First Achievers or students who first achieved the target goal of PHP 5,000 are Paige of Homeschool Global, Imma of Paref Woodrose, and Luisa of De La Salle MHSI.

Meanwhile, the Top Fundraisers of the 5K Campaign Challenge are Kreisha of Homeschool Global, Yashmin of Ateneo De Cebu, and Margau Leanne of Beacon Academy.

“I was reading several articles on how to do volunteer work as a teenager who was being discouraged to go out during the pandemic. I wanted to be useful, to contribute to the success of others and to help.  What do I do to figure out where to start? World Vision happened to teach me how to answer that question. With that, I would love to take this opportunity to thank this organization for giving the youth the chance to contribute and be the change society wishes to see,” said Leanne, the Top Fundraiser from Beacon Academy who was able to raise PHP 92,000 for the initiative.

“Being accepted into the student ambassadorship program will remain a huge blessing to me as it opened me to the path I’ve always wanted to take during the pandemic, which is to be able to help even if I was restricted to the four corners of my bedroom. Being awarded as one of the top fundraisers made me realize a lot of things… in that even during tough times, there are still some people willing to extend their helping hand to those who need it,” Leanne shared.

World Vision Celebrity Ambassador Jasmine Curtis-Smith led the 5K Campaign Challenge by inspiring everyone to unite and become #OneForChildren especially during this challenging period.

“The reality is that not everyone has access to internet or gadgets. This campaign will provide students with different modes of learning because we believe that their education should not be affected or stopped because of Covid-19. Again, Abutin Na10 sampung piso, sampung araw, sampung milyong Pilipino para sa sampung milyong mag-aaral!” said Curtis-Smith.

Meanwhile, the Perkins Twins Jesse and Christian also congratulated the youth who steps up to help others during these trying times. “What you guys do is such an amazing thing because obviously it helps those in need but also they’re the next generation, they’ll never forget the help you’ve given them,” Jesse said.

Also supporting the 5K Campaign Challenge are World Vision’s corporate partners Promate and Urbanize.

“It’s so inspiring to see students helping and supporting fellow students, especially the ones who need our help. Thank you for sharing joy and hope to them. We find that the times creating anxiety for us, sapping the hope from our hearts, these are the same things that spur us to get out of our comfort zones and try to become the better version of our ourselves in order to reach out and be a blessing to others,” said Jun Godornes, World Vision Resource Development Director.

“We also hope you discovered something new about yourself, what you are most passionate about, how you can do things you thought were impossible...and become the change agents that we need to see more in this world,” Godornes added.

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.

ASIA’S LEADING LIVE STREAMING PLATFORM, 17LIVE LAUNCHES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA INCLUDING THE PHILIPPINES

 


Social sharing has become an integral part of people’s lives and daily routines. People are turning to social online platforms to provide endless possibilities to reach out to anyone, anywhere across the world! It has become an indispensable part of one’s life.

 

17LIVE Inc, the operator of the leading live streaming platform 17LIVE in Asia, has announced its expansion in Singapore through its wholly-owned business unit.

 

“We are proud to announce the launch of 17LIVE in Singapore as we strengthen our commitment by establishing our local operations here. Through our 17LIVE platform, we hope to build connections and interactions amongst the Singapore community in real time to create a new form of entertainment platform that connects our talents and audience,” - Alex Lien, CEO of 17LIVE for Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

 

17LIVE is launched with a mission to empower human interactions and connections through live technology. With the tagline, Life happens Live, 17LIVE wants to create moments irreplaceable with live streaming technology where users can create a world to connect with anyone to empower expressions and connections to build borderless human connections together!

 

With 17LIVE, there is no fine line between borders and generations. Anyone and everyone can come together to engage, entertain, educate and most importantly enjoy the experience of watching and the process of producing it.

 

Each country in Southeast Asia will have their own curated contents to reach out to their users. There will also possibly be some introduction of large-scale domestic events where 17LIVE elevates the experience of large-scale events to enjoy "music" mainly through live distribution with top artists from Japan and overseas.

 

In addition, many exciting programs will be held in different countries globally, to deepen exchanges with people around the world through 17LIVE. With the launch of 17LIVE in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia, 17LIVE. Inc hopes to become the next major entertaining platform with diversified content to enrich people’s lives and elevate the online live streaming experience to a whole new level. 

 

About 17LIVE

17LIVE (one seven live) is Asia's largest* live streaming platform. With a mission to “Empower Human Connections through Live Technology", it aims to create a world where users can enjoy every moment of their lives on the seven continents — Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia — under one sky. The platform reached 50 million registered users worldwide as of September 2021.

 

How to Watch Download 17LIVE

Please download 17LIVE app for free** at:

https://17apps.onelink.me/i7CY/17LivePR

 

17LIVE Official Website: https://17.live/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/17LIVELivestreaming

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/17livesea/

Monday, September 6, 2021

World Vision helps empower more children with Chosen™ through partnership with PascualLab

 


Six months after international non-profit organization World Vision joined hands with
Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (PascualLalb), the organization has been able to help 77 more children to enable themselves to choose their future via the program Chosen™

Chosen™ the campaign which was launched last year in various World Vision offices, has been changing lives around the world by empowering children to contribute to the course of their future by giving them the power to choose their sponsors. 

 

PascualLab, one of the top-of-mind pharma companies for health and wellness products and manufacturing services, known for its unwavering passion for health and life, shares in World Vision’s belief that every child deserves access to healthcare, nutrition, and quality education.

 

Roy Gerona from PascualLab’s manufacturing plant shares. “It is emotionally rewarding. We feel so blessed that we are given a chance to sponsor a child.  We were created by God for a mission,” Wife Almerlyn who also works for PascualLab affirms that one of these missions is charity work: “It is a great feeling to be able to help others”. As parents, they are also happy to show their kids the value of education through Child Sponsorship.


Corporate social responsibility has always been a part of PascualLab’s values and the partnership with World Vision allows employees to live out this value. 

 

“It is an honor for me to be a part of a company that is able to hold on to its commitment for social responsibility despite the pandemic,” testifies Juan dela Cruz (not his real name), one of the employees of PascualLab’s subsidiary Leonie Agri Corp.

 

Although the pandemic has affected Chosen’s™ launch in early 2020, World Vision was still able to help 255 children find sponsors.  The Chosen™ Campaign created a venue for PascualLab staff to help change the lives of children, even at the height of the spread and challenges of COVID-19.

 

“When the pandemic broke out, it unveiled the great divide between rich and poor in our country. Many have struggled and many are still struggling. Being able to assist someone in our own little way could impact their lives more than we could ever know,” Brithanie Urquico from PascualLab’s corporate office agrees. “I am content and happy to be able to make a difference, especially now that even the smallest of efforts truly counts,” she adds.


The partnership is also part of PascualLab’s 75th anniversary celebration, wherein the Pascual family and employees were inspired to share some #PascualLove by giving back and doing something meaningful for their hometown, Malabon. Through the partnership with World Vision, PascualLab’s employees experienced being chosen by children from the child-focused, assisted community in Malabon.

 

The partnership was sealed in a Memorandum of Agreement signed last April, where 125 PascualLab employees committed to sponsoring children. This new and effective way in child sponsorship through Chosen™ is not only transforming the lives of the sponsored children but also of the sponsors.


Giving a child the power to choose is like allowing them to create the future that they want. It’s a critical part of our self-development, and each one of the choices that we make shapes our experiences and brings us to where we want to be in our life,” says Angelie Paje of
Pascual Consumer HealthCare, Corp.

Currently, both World Vision and PascualLab are also endeavoring to make the holiday season more meaningful for the children through letter-writing and other initiatives in the pipeline.

“We at World Vision are grateful to PascualLab for becoming a part of the Chosen™ child sponsorship campaign. This collaboration is a blessing as we achieve hope, joy and justice for all children,” says World Vision National Director Rommel V. Fuerte.

To know how you can change a child’s life by signing up to be Chosen™, you may visit https://www.worldvision.org.ph/chosen/.

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. 


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