Allianz Volunteers and Kids Join Food Rescue Kitchen Activity with SOS.

Allianz PNB Life, together with its employees, their children, and community volunteers, gathered in Quezon City for a meaningful Food Rescue Kitchen activity organized in partnership with Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Food Rescue PH. Around 20 volunteers from Allianz PNB Life joined the initiative, alongside additional members from the local community.

The initiative is part of SOS and Allianz PNB Life’s ongoing efforts to promote family volunteerism and raise awareness on the pressing issues of hunger and food waste. Volunteers helped prepare, cook, pack, and distribute a total of 500 meals to members of the local community.

The activity reflects Allianz PNB Life’s continued commitment to securing the future of Filipinos—not only through relevant protection and investment solutions, but also by advancing sustainability and community empowerment through impactful partnerships.

ABOUT ALLIANZ PNB LIFE INSURANCE, INC.

Allianz PNB Life, Inc. (AZPNBL) was established in 2016 through a joint venture between German-based Allianz Group and the Philippine National Bank (PNB).

Allianz ranked as the top insurance brand and 29th overall in the 2024 Interbrand global rankings, and it is one of the most sustainable global insurers according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Locally, AZPNBL is certified Great Place To Work and is recognized by the Insurance Business Asia as a Top Insurance Employer in 2024. The company plays an active role in the community, creating a better tomorrow through sustainability advocacies such as food rescue, financial inclusion, and youth empowerment.

AZPNBL currently operates 25 business centers in key cities in the Philippines, with over 400 financial advisors serving customers of its bancassurance partner PNB, and 2,250 active Life Changers™ catering to its agency clientele nationwide. AZPNBL also has an exclusive distributorship arrangement with HSBC Insurance Brokers Philippines, offering insurance propositions to HSBC Wealth clients.

AZPNBL Life Changers™ are committed to the purpose of securing the future of Filipinos in their lifetime financial planning, wealth accumulation, and well-being aspirations, by offering a wide range of life and health insurance products catering to specific needs.

Hemophilia Community Celebrates Success Over World Hemophilia Day 2024.

Hemophilia Advocates-Philippines (HAP), a national nonprofit organization for people with hemophilia and related bleeding disorders, proudly announces the success of its latest awareness campaign. Held at the Festival Mall, Alabang on April 13, 2024, World Hemophilia Day brought together about 250 patients, members, supporters, and advocates from across the country in a collective effort to raise awareness for those affected by hemophilia.

Hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder that affects about 10,000 Filipinos. However, in the 2020 study conducted by the World Federation of Hemophilia, only around 1,600 cases have been diagnosed and registered.

Through educational discussions led by HAP’s medical advisors from the Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Philippine General Hospital, attendees, mall goers, and Facebook live spectators learned more about hemophilia care in the present age. The gathering also highlighted testimonies of how HAP’s partnerships with other organizations created opportunities and positive impact to improve the quality of life of persons with bleeding disorders.

This event also strengthened our efforts to call forth the attention of the Philippine government to hasten the passage of the Bleeding Disorders Standard of Care Bills that have been pending in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The generosity and compassion displayed by the guest speakers, advocates, and performers including Peter Harbinson a renowned Australian Opera Singer, underscored the importance of coming together to increase awareness and provide opportunities for individuals living with bleeding disorders to lead better lives.

HAP successfully commemorated World Hemophilia Day thanks to the commitment of its volunteers, donors, as well as foreign and local partners including Festival Mall-Alabang, Save One Life, Project
Share, Virtualahan, Jollibee, and the media sponsorship by Inquirer.net, Cebu Daily News Digital, Pop!, Preen.ph and Be An Inquirer.

The funds raised through donations and merchandise sold will directly support HAP’s initiatives to make information accessible and comprehensive care available at the grassroots level.

"We are overwhelmed by the incredible support we received during this event," said Andrea Trinidad, HAP's President. "Every donation, every step taken, and every conversation had a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by hemophilia. Together, we are making a difference and providing hope for a brighter future."

HAP extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who participated, donated, and supported the event. The generosity and commitment to their cause are invaluable, and with our continued support, we can all create a world where individuals with hemophilia can live healthier, happier lives.

For more information about Hemophilia Advocates-Philippines and how you can continue to support their mission, please visit hemophilia.ph or contact our Executive Director Ms. France Alviz at 09955505315.

#LiveCleanLiveGreen at home for a Cleaner Future.

Kindness is a trait parents always try to instill in their children, kindness to people and animals, and of course, kindness to the environment. While we try to teach our kids the importance of recycling, reducing waste, and more, we also try to find affordable and accessible ways to extend eco-friendly habits to the products we buy.

Unilever, through its beloved homecare brands Breeze and Domex, empowers parents like you to #LiveCleanLiveGreen and pass on green habits to your kids. Under its Linis Pilipinas campaign, the company remains committed to create a Clean Future, by providing shoppers with good quality products that are good for the environment, as well as accessible ways to reduce, upcycle and recycle.

Starting with the large packs of Breeze and Domex, Unilever has started creating bottle packaging made from 100% recycled plastic, saving up to 19,000kg or 342,000 pieces of bottles from going into landfills or oceans that contribute to pollution annually. Moreover, Breeze Powder is formulated with EcoClean technology and does not contain any hard surfactant that can damage the environment.

To strengthen their commitment to reduce plastic waste, Unilever has also partnered with ThePlastic Flamingo (PLAF). A homegrown social enterprise that collects and upcycles plastic waste to create eco-lumbers and eco-boards, PLAF uses these to build furniture and shelters for communities in need. You can join in by dropping off your clean plastics at the Breeze and PLAF's collection point in UP Town Center.

Shoppers can also participate by purchasing the eco-friendly packed Breeze and Domex via the Linis Pilipinas Sale this coming October 22-24. Enjoy exclusive Buy 2-Take 1, eco bag giveaways and other discounts, deals, and gifts via Unilever Homecare’s official stores on Lazada and Shopee, or shop at any Robinsons Supermarkets, Puregold and Waltermart nationwide to take home a free eco bag when purchasing big packs. A portion of the proceeds during this sale period will be donated to PLAF to fund the collection and upcycling of 16,000 kg of plastic waste into eco-friendly furniture which will be donated to a beneficiary public school. Now, you can get huge savings while helping out the environment at the same time.

To learn more about Unilever’s Linis Pilipinas initiative and how you can take part, visit the Unilever Philippines’ Facebook Page.

Spotlight | oNecklace Pink Ribbon Collection.

One of the bigger, better, or should I say - nobler perks of blogging (aside from augmenting the household income) is being able to write for and about your advocacy, encourage others to take action, and get to know individuals/brands who support the same cause. As some of you may know, Breast Cancer Awareness is an advocacy that I openly support. It's a cause that I have been championing ever since I received my very first pink ribbon pin from my Mum, who is an advocate herself.

This October, as we commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I have teamed up with international jewelry manufacturer oNecklace, a brand that also works with and is duly-recognized by BreastCancer.org

oNecklace Pink Ribbon Collection.

Having worked with oNecklace in the past (you can view my customized Three Ring Engraved Mother Necklace here), I was beyond thrilled to learn that they are just as passionate as I am in increasing attention and support for Breast Cancer Awareness. This month, they launched the Pink Ribbon Collection, an exclusive collection that aims to raise funds for research into the cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure for breast cancer.

Some of the pieces included in the collection.

The collection consists of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that have been crafted into or with the pink ribbon, the global symbol for breast cancer awareness. The necklaces and bracelets can be customized with a name or message of your choice.

I am proud owner of the (Survivor) Breast Cancer Heart necklace.
Had my name engraved on it, instead of the word 'Survivor'.

A piece from this collection would make a truly meaningful gift for someone who has survived the fight of cancer, lost a loved one, or as a way to truly show your support for breast cancer awareness and encourage others to do the same.

Each piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

All of the products are available in 14k gold, 24k gold-plated, and sterling silver.

Jewelry for a cause.

For every purchase made from this collection, oNecklace will donate 15% to Breastcancer.org. The proceeds, as I have mentioned earlier, will be used for breast cancer research.

Championing the cause with oNecklace.

In support of this campaign, I wear my Breast Cancer Heart Necklace with much pride and fervent hope that my friends and readers will join me in my cause.

Rock the Ribbon!

You can view and purchase the complete Pink Ribbon collection here. In addition, you can get to know more about BreastCancer.org, their campaigns, events, and fundraising projects by visiting their website.

Congrats, Globe Telecom! Cheers to Project Wonderful!

If you're an avid reader of this blog, then you might be familiar with 'Project Wonderful', which I have mentioned time and again here and in my social media accounts. Launched in December 2013, 'Project Wonderful' is Globe Telecom's nation-building effort that aims to provide support in rebuilding communities through sustainable development.

I'm a staunch supporter and advocate of this campaign, and I'm very proud to say that Project Wonderful won this year's ARAW Values Award for the promotion and inculcation of positive values for social change and nation building.

Araw Values Awards.

The ARAW Values Awards recognize outstanding and excellent advertising and marketing messages and/or materials for Branded Communications and Advocacy/Institutional Advertising that promote the ARAW 7 Cornerstone Values, a cluster of select and well-defined values.

The biennial program is organized by the Advertising Foundation of the Philippines, the social development institution and advocacy body of the multi-sector Philippine advertising and marketing communications industry.

“We are proud of this award since it proves that through digital media, we can inspire bayanihan using a clear, provocative message:  That anyone, from an ordinary person to a known model, rockstar, sports icon – even a corporate CEO – could help rebuild the nation,” said Yoly Crisanto, SVP for Globe Corporate Communications.

Project Wonderful won in the Branded Communications – Digital category which espouses  “Love of Country and Respect for National Customs and Traditions.” It served as a consolidated platform of Globe products and services that empowered Filipinos to donate time, finances, and talent towards rebuilding the nation.

Project Wonderful.

For Project Wonderful, Globe came out with compelling, documentary-style YouTube videos which recounted the stories of Globe ambassadors Bamboo, Georgina Wilson, Liz Uy, and Chieffy Caligdong as they helped deliver 2,000 Christmas toys to kids in Ormoc, build 100 homes for Ormoc families, and distribute almost 1,000 learning kits to Iloilo schoolchildren.               

Likewise, using the hashtag #ProjectWonderful on social media and blogs, Globe spurred Filipinos from various walks of life to voice hopes and wishes for the country and ultimately, drove them to the Project Wonderful website where they got to know the many ways to donate or even volunteer.               
Project Wonderful was able to raise over P50 million in cash and kind which was used to build homes and school buildings and provide livelihood opportunities to families affected by Typhoon Haiyan.               

The campaign received 779,239 combined YouTube views, 306 million impressions from 112,588 Twitter mentions by 23,894 users on Twitter and Instagram, 136 unique blogger stories, and an average of 50,000 unique visits to www.ProjectWonderful.ph per month for the first quarter of 2014 which resulted in over 1,000 registered volunteers and supporters.

Globe and Gawad Kalinga Inaugurate Tattoo Village in Ormoc, Leyte.

One love, one heart... let's get together and feel all right! 
So goes Bob Marley's epic song 'One Love'. I can't help but hum this song to myself each time I hear or read of stories about people coming together to help even more people in need.

Case in point, Globe Tattoo's partnership with Gawad Kalinga and their continuous efforts to rehabilitate the typhoon-stricken areas in the Visayas. Just recently, Globe and GK formally inaugurated the Tattoo Village in Barangay Tambulilid in Ormoc, Leyte. The unveiling of the new village was formally instituted through the actual building of the first five houses in the village, with Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu, Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Luis Oquinena, and Ormoc Mayor Edward Codilla spearheading the event.

Globe unveiled the marker for the Tattoo Village led by the Globe Senior Leadership Team, Gawad Kalinga and Ormoc’s local government unit. (From L-R) Globe Chief Finance Officer Albert de Larrazabal; Gawad Kalinga Executive Director Luis Oquinena, Tattoo brand ambassador Georgina Wilson; Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu; Ormoc Mayor Edward Codilla and City Council; Globe Head of Human Resources Ato Jiao; Tattoo Brand Ambassador Mars Miranda; (Seated L-R) Globe Chief Operating Advisor Peter Bithos; Tattoo Brand Ambassador Liz Uy; Globe Senior Vice President for Broadband Business Gilbert Simpao and Globe Vice President for Tattoo Nomadic Broadband Business Dong Ronquillo

Joining Cu, Oquinena and Codilla were Globe Chief Finance Officer Albert de Larrazabal, Globe Head of Human Resources Ato Jiao, Globe Chief Operating Advisor Peter Bithos and Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto. The Tattoo team also came in full force with Senior Vice President for Broadband Business Gilbert Simpao, Globe Vice President for Tattoo Nomadic Broadband Business Dong Ronquillo and brand ambassadors Georgina Wilson, Liz Uy and Mars Miranda.

Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu painting the wall in one of the houses.

The Tattoo Village is part the company’s rehabilitation initiatives coming from the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda. Now holistically referred to as Project Wonderful, the rehabilitation initiative is part of a unified platform for the company’s brand, culture, and nation-building efforts.

Globe Chief Operating Advisor Peter Bithos preparing the cement for hollow block laying.

As Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said, “The official unveiling of the Tattoo Village testifies to our dedication to spark hope and progress for the country. Globe is going beyond providing relief assistance to affected communities and instead move towards initiating sustainable efforts like building homes and providing livelihood opportunities, so we can help create a wonderful world for our fellow Filipinos in need.” 

Globe Chief Finance Officer Albert de Larrazabal and Senior Vice President for Broadband Business Gilbert Simpao do the prep work for hollow block molding.

As a response, Tattoo pooled its resources resulting to a P15M grant to Gawad Kalinga to aid in rebuilding homes for 100 families. Together with the initial donation, another P1.2M was raised through a charity dinner hosted by Cu, his wife Arlene, and Ronquillo, attended by Tattoo’s brand ambassadors, business partners and friends from the media. The broadband brand also brought its brand ambassador Bamboo to Brgy. Tambulilid last December led by Globe Vice President for Tattoo Home Broadband Business Jurist Gamban, bringing with them truckloads of toys for children in time for the Christmas season.

Dong Ronquillo and Georgina Wilson help lay the hollow blocks in one of the houses

Project Wonderful ambassador and long-distance advocacy runner Mac Milan also played his part at the event by bringing with him the toys he collected from his fundraiser runs. Milan is gearing up to add a toy library that will benefit the children of the Tattoo Village. The Toy Library aptly called ‘Aralaruan’ consists of educational materials suited for kids of different ages.

Project Wonderful ambassador Mac Milan mingles with the children of Brgy. Tambulilid.

Divided into different groups, Globe executives led groups of employees and friends from the media on various activities throughout the Gawad Kalinga build. Each one had a chance to experience hardworking tasks that included house painting, hollow block laying, hollow block making and sand sifting.

The whole Globe Team joined by Gawad Kalinga and some friends from the press geared up to volunteer for the GK build that also stands as the inauguration of the Tattoo Village.

Georgina Wilson spent some of her time playing with the kids.

After all the hard work, Brgy. Tambulilid residents gave the Globe team a heartwarming thanks through the GK Unity dance. They were joined by Dong Ronquillo, Liz Uy, Georgina Wilson and Mars Miranda.

For over 10 years, Globe Telecom has fortified a successful partnership with Gawad Kalinga. Fundamentally anchored on a common calling to uplift the lives of marginalized Filipinos, Globe and Gawad Kalinga have supported each other and banked on their respective strengths to be able to build and support communities, especially in times of great need or rehabilitation.

Get your Pink on for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services.

Photo credit: Fine Art America.

In an effort to educate and empower women to take charge of their own breast health, Q-T Intimates, an innovator in the world of intimate apparel, is collaborating with the Breast Cancer Charities of America (BCCA). Q-T Intimates is proud to partner with the BCCA and support the work they are doing to make a difference in women's lives.

The BCCA is the leader in integrated cancer care, bringing together progressive breast cancer authorities from different health care and allied health care disciplines to spread their message to the women of America. They focus on bringing the body, mind and spirit to the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Through their program services, BCCA's goal is to educate, teach and provide the latest accurate information about integrated cancer care, cancer prevention, recovery, treatment, early detection and survival. The group is dedicated to ending breast cancer as a life-threatening illness. Their iGoPink campaign hosts several events and fundraisers each year to help fund research on the link between breast cancer and nutrition, educate the public and health care professionals on integrated cancer care, and support the "Help Now Fund," which provides food, clothing, shelter, transportation, mammograms and more to women who are uninsured or in need.

Q-T Intimates has created a limited edition bra, the Breast Cancer Awareness Bra, that is available only through the end of October. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each limited production bra will go to support the BCCA's iGoPink campaign. The fashionable t-shirt bra is made with seamless microfiber and features a low center gore, underwire support and lace trim detail. The black padded plunge bra is also adorned with pink bows and a sparkling pink breast cancer awareness ribbon charm.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Bra.

Crafted with imported materials and made of 90% Nylon and 10% Spandex, the Breast Cancer Awareness Bra is produced in limited quantities and will be available for delivery throughout October only. It's currently being sold at $25, and $5 per bra will be donated to the iGoPink campaign.

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a special discount!

Q-T Intimates will continue to celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by offering 20% off all orders over $50 throughout their online store. Use offer code AWARENESS at checkout to receive this special discount.

P.S. Even the American Gangster is a Breast Cancer Awareness advocate. Thank you for supporting the cause, Chael Sonnen! You truly are a champion. :)

Pink ribbon on his walkout shirt, UFC Fight Night 26.

Crowdfunding the Battle Against Cancer.

I first came across the name cureLauncher last year, while going through the LiveStrong blog. You may not know it, but I've been a cancer advocate for quite some time now. And to be honest, it was actually Lance Armstrong's inspiring battle against cancer that made me one. I may not speak about it often, nor do I have a fortune to donate to cancer research, but I do support the cause in the many simple ways that I can.

Find. Fund. Cure.

Like this, for instance. Telling you about cureLauncher - how it brings together leading medical researchers and private donors to discover advance medical treatments that can eventually save lives. cureLauncher, with its modern platform and gear towards transparency, aims to address the biggest setback of lifesaving cancer treatments - testing recently-developed drugs, and making them accessible to those who need them.

As such, cureLauncher provides pertinent information on emerging treatments, access to the medical experts and researchers involved, and actual enrollment to over 500 breast cancer medical research trials. In addition, the program gives just about any Tom, Dick, or Harry a chance to be involved, to donate to cancer research by means of the 'crowdfunding' model. Finally, it allows people to interact with the researchers themselves.

With all these, cureLauncher hopes to work hand in hand with organizations, raise awareness, and streamline the way drugs are selected for development and treatment. Of course, its biggest hope (and mine, too) is to finally find the drug that can finally bust, eliminate, eradicate cancer for good.

Habagat Aftermath.

Almost two weeks of non-stop rain. That has got to be the craziest, meanest downpour I've experienced so far. And it's not even a typhoon, mind you. That was just Habagat, or the Southwest Monsoon.

Thankfully, San Pablo City isn't a flood-prone area, and my hometown didn't experience power or water outages during the onset of Habagat. Although the strong winds and heavy rains saw me with sleepless nights and days of paranoia (not having the husband around sucks big time), the little man and I remained safe and dry the entire time.

Nobody expected that monsoon rains could be this destructive. Not the weather station, not the government, and definitely not the ordinary Filipino citizen. This recent devastation left us with almost half of the country in shambles - 70 people dead, more than 20 people missing, and almost 2 million people displaced from their homes and their livelihood. The number of affected families have become quite overwhelming, and local authorities are currently seeking aid for the victims of Habagat.

Photo credit: DWIZ

Should you wish to help, you may refer to this list of relief centers that are accepting donations and volunteers. This list is originally compiled by GMA News.

I wanted to instill in my son the spirit of volunteerism even at his early age, so I asked him if we could donate his old clothes. Without further questions, he replied "Yes, Mom! Samahan mo na din ng corned beef para may food sila." (Yes, Mom. Give them corned beef, too, so they'll have food to eat.)

And so yesterday, the little man and I went to the mall to drop off our donations. It wasn't much, but it was enough for the little man to understand the meaning of compassion and the spirit of bayanihan.

Ah, I must be raising this kid right. :)

Social Enterprise Products | Purpose Beyond Profit.

Remember the launching of the Human Heart Nature Laguna Concept Store that happened two Saturdays ago, and how impressed I was with its posh, new look? Here's another thing that really blew me away.

The 'Social Enterprise' wall!

Food products! Lots and lots of food products!
There's Enchantea, a bottled drink made from these five ingredients: lemongrass, duhat, pandan, and calamansi.

Enchantea, Php 35/bottle.

This all-natural and healthy beverage is co-designed, brewed, and bottled by the residents of the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan.

Goodness you can drink!

Also from the same farm are these Golden Eggs.

Golden Eggs, 6 pieces at Php 140. 

Instead of the usual red, these salted eggs are dyed in turmeric yellow - the color of hope for Gawad Kalinga. Food-grade and all-natural dyes are used to color these eggs, making them safer and more fit for consumption.

Cafe de Sug, Php 250/pouch.

Cafe de Sug, on the other hand, is more than just coffee. It's also an attempt, a continuous effort to change the negative mindset about Sulu.

Instead of being in the spotlight for rampant killings and terrorist attacks, Sulu is slowly becoming known as home to this bold and flavorful coffee.This Tausug brew is made with whole roasted, premium Arabica beans grown by the Gawad Kalinga Sulu Sibol community. 

Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates, Php 100/bar.

Craving for chocolate?

Have a bar or two of these artisan chocolates from Theo & Philo - the only bean to bar chocolate from the Philippines. Made from Davao cacao beans, each bar of Theo & Philo is infused with creative and uniquely Filipino flavors.

Dark Chocolate with Siling Labuyo on the left, Dark Chocolate with Green Mango and Sea Salt on the right.

70% Dark Chocolate.

Note that these products do not come from the normal enterprise. Like Human Heart Nature, these brands have more than just profit in mind. They are what we call the social enterprise - a social economy that  operates like a business, produces goods and services for the market, but manages its operations and redirects its surpluses in pursuit of social and environmental goals*.

An equally noble goal of social enterprise (aside from generating income to pursue more of a non-profit's mission) is the involvement of the marginalized - thus creating capacity and self-sufficiency for individuals, and impacting their communities and lessening reliance on the social safety net (eg. the Enchanted Farm, the Sulu Sibol Community). 

So next time you take a sip of Enchantea, or enjoy a cup of Cafe de Sug, or satisfy your craving with Theo & Philo, keep in mind that you are not just delighting your appetite. By supporting these brands, you are - in your own little way - also helping to build a more sustainable economy and a stronger nation.

Enchantea, Golden Egg, Cafe de Sug, and Theo & Philo are also available at the Human Heart Nature Flagship Store in Quezon City. Cafe de Sug can also be ordered online.

*Defining the Social Economy, Fiona Salkie.


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