Phoenix Publishing House and Ricoh Philippines Collaborate to Aid Luzon Mission Schools

Phoenix Publishing House and Ricoh Philippines Collaborate to Aid Luzon Mission Schools

Thursday, March 7

Phoenix Publishing House Inc. has partnered with Ricoh Philippines, a technology and imaging company in donating several multifunction printers & projectors to select mission schools in Luzon for the Alagang Phoenix initiative.

Phoenix Publishing House, Inc., one of the leading publishing companies in the Philippines, has been revolutionizing the textbook industry for the past 60 years by providing best-in-class reading and instructional materials. The company has been an advocate of Filipino-authored textbooks and local publishing with their vision of providing quality instructional materials for Filipinos and by Filipinos.

Alagang Phoenix was born out of the company’s firm commitment to continuously improving the quality of Philippine education and the quality of life of our educators. Alagang Phoenix conducts training and workshops for the academe to promote their development and learnings with the latest trends in the global education system translating to the ultimate goal of success for the students.

Ricoh is undertaking a range of initiatives in keeping with its sustainability message, which is Driving Sustainability for Our Future. The message conveys their determination to create new value to resolve social issues and help materialize a sustainable society through business. Ricoh pursues such sustainability through a Three Ps Balance-Prosperity (economic activities), People (society), and Planet (environment). The company aims to resolve social issues through business, reinforce its operational underpinnings, and contribute to society. This will help to Ricoh contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)* agreed to by the international community. Ricoh Philippines has been an active advocate of environmental protection and conservation through its Eco-Action Campaign. It is an annual global initiative where the company holds corporate social responsibility programs with a particular focus on the environment. Ricoh Philippines also gives back to society with its Adopt-a-School program where Ricoh donates Multifunction Printers to less fortunate schools in the country.

Ricoh Philippines’ partnership with Alagang Phoenix is an opportunity to develop the disadvantaged communities thru education by supporting mission schools from different dioceses in Luzon.

Held at the Alegria Lounge at the headquarters of Phoenix Publishing House, the turnover ceremony of Ricoh multifunction printers and projectors were graced by the representatives of the recipient schools namely Rev. Fr. Elmer Jose Dizon, superintendent of the Archdiocese of San Fernando Educational System, Msgr. Mauel Bravo Jr., superintendent of the Archdiocesan of Lingayen Dagupan Catholic Schools, Rev. Fr. Alain Manalo, superintendent the Diocese of Imus Catholic Educational System, Inc., and the Msgr. Michael Feliciano Veneracion, superintendent of Cabanatuan Catholic Educational System (CACES).

The executives of Phoenix Publishing House led by its President, Lynda R. Sibal & Penny Sibal-Balbin, Executive Vice President said, “We are truly grateful to Ricoh Philippines for their donation of Multifunction Printers, these relevant devices will be of great value to the recipients and will help

modernize their documentation system to lessen the burden of the teachers in their manual printing, scanning & document reproduction”.

Rev. Fr. Alain Manalo, the superintendent of the Diocese of Imus, Cavite said that some schools “need to go to the next town to have material photocopied” and that he was very appreciative of the donation of Ricoh multifunction printers (MFP) and projectors as this would go a long way in improving the quality of education in these schools. The other superintendents were amazed by the MFP’s features and say that the schools’ teaching and testing materials will be greatly enhanced.

Eric Sulit, President, and CEO of Ricoh Philippines, mentioned that “We have found through the Alagang Phoenix initiatives that we share common goals and aspirations—the betterment of society through the activities of the businesses that we run. It is also for this reason that this partnership is very close to my heart. And I hope that with this joint program we may make some impact on our youth and on our country.”

Ricoh multifunction printers will help the schools with their scanning and printing needs. The projectors will also aid the teachers with their visual presentations and be more engaging with their students.

To learn more about the latest in multifunction printers and other Ricoh products, visit www.ricoh.com.ph.

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National Book Store Launches Read Out Loud For A Better Future

National Book Store Launches Read Out Loud For A Better Future

Tuesday, April 4

Do you love books? I enjoy reading more than watching television. I even dream of having my own library someday.

Books have their own unique effect on each individual. When we get to hold books in our hands and flip through its pages, words enchant us, opening our minds to new experiences. There are books that inform and educate people, from general facts about life to how to cook exotic dishes. There are also books that take you on exciting adventures, scare you through thrilling feats, and of course, books that make you feel all kinds of love – even the unimaginable. Nothing beats the feeling of finishing a book and adding it to your bookshelf, knowing that you’ve been changed by what you read. While there may be thousands of books published out there, some just stick with us and are worth sharing with the rest of the world.

Spreading the love for reading among Filipinos is at the core of National Book Store (NBS).  This year, the country’s favorite book store is celebrating 75 years of creating a growing nation of readers and being a strong advocate for education. 

 As part of the festivities, NBS recently launched the Read Out Loud Challenge (ROLC) on Facebook and Instagram, aiming to promote the love of reading among Filipinos while supporting a good cause.  The mechanics are simple. Post a video of yourself reading out loud an excerpt from your favorite book and challenge 3 other people to do it. When you upload to either Facebook or Instagram, add the hashtag #ReadOutLoudChallenge and tag National Book Store (@nbsalert).

 For every 75 videos posted, the NBS Foundation will set up a library in a public school, complete with Project Aklat racks that consist of DepEd-approved books. Project Aklat is an initiative started back in 2006 by the NBS Foundation, and 400 libraries have been set up since then. Now, with the ongoing ROLC campaign, NBS aims to set up 100 libraries nationwide.

With such a worthy cause, it’s no surprise that celebrities and authors have taken on the ROLC.  Leading them is no less than the founder of NBS and an advocate for literacy, Mrs. Socorro Ramos or Nanay Coring, as she is fondly called.  

While the ROLC will promote and support Project Aklat, the NBS Foundation will also launch the 8^th year of Project Aral this April 7,2017 in all NBS branches nationwide. Project Aral aims to visit and help over 150 communities who lack basic school necessities. That’s why in this year’s Project Aral, there will be two different kits: The first kit which costs only 25 pesos contains 2 notebooks, 2 pencils, a sharpener, and an eraser. The second kit costs 50 pesos and  contains 2 notebooks, 2 pencils, a sharpener, an eraser, and a pair of slippers – a great gift for children who currently have to make their way to school barefoot. But whatever kit you purchase will surely bring a smile to many Filipino children.

These are just a few of the activities in store for Filipinos as part of National Book Store’s 75^th anniversary. There will be more to come, but for now, celebrate with NBS by accepting the Read Out Loud Challenge to spread the love for reading and help set up libraries nationwide. Time to bring your favorite lines to life! Shop online at nationalbookstore.com. Visit the NBS Blog (blog.nationalbookstore.com) and follow them on social media (@nbsalert) on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. 

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LG Electronics: Innovation For A Better Life

LG Electronics: Innovation For A Better Life

Friday, March 24

House with No Steps Foundation unveils new Laundry Livelihood Project

Global technology innovator LG Electronics Philippines (LGEPH) and ELS Philippines, Inc. (ELSPI), in partnership with Breakfast Ride (BR) and One Ride One Mission (OROM), are set to improve the lives of Person with Disability (PWD) Filipinos starting with the beneficiaries of the House with No Steps Foundation (HWNSF).

The partnership took place due to the strong ties among the four parties. As one of the authorized partners of LG commercial washers and dryers, ELSPI is headed by their Managing Director, Joey Ermita, who is also a member of BR/OROM, a group which creates programs that promote motorcycle safety and unite all riders in a common advocacy “to ride by lifting others”. BR/OROM was founded by Raymon Gabriel, whose father-in-law is a PWD and the founder of HWNSF. With all these groups linked together, LGEPH, ELSPI and BR/OROM converged to create an innovative CSR program for the PWD members of the HWNSF.

The concept is to renovate one of the HWNSF buildings in Cubao, Quezon City and turn it into a facility for a commercial laundry livelihood shop. This aims to establish a sustainable program that will be managed by HWNSF and operated by their PWD members, who will now be given an active role in our society given this livelihood opportunity.

The project was recently launched through a ceremonial turnover of LG commercial washers and dryers at the site. The meaningful event was graced by representatives from PWD (including the musically-talented Rondalla on Wheels), HWNSF, LGEPH, ELSPI and BR/OROM, as well as Koronadal Mayor Peter Miguel, who is also the president of National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs Philippines.

“We are very excited for this unique and heartwarming project, conceptualized with the help of ELSPI and BR/OROM,” LGEPH Managing Director Inkwun Heo said. “As a consumer-centric brand which promotes ‘innovation for a better life’, we believe in the capabilities of PWD members and we are honored to be able to provide our top-quality products to help enrich their livelihood. We hope that this will help set the stage for similar CSR initiatives for people with disabilities.”

While LG’s main contribution comprises 15 commercial washers and 15 commercial dryers, ELSPI and BR/OROM will ask for donations and support from motorcycle clubs and riders as well as various organizations for specific logistical requirements for the completion of the project. For more details on the laundry CSR program, visit lg.com/ph and elsphilippines.com, like LG Philippines’ and LG Commercial Washer and Dryer Philippines’ official Facebook pages and follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.

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Brother PH Back On Track At Relay For Life 2017

Brother PH Back On Track At Relay For Life 2017

Wednesday, March 22

Brother Philippines, Inc. (Brother Phils.) was once more back on the oval track for the annual advocacy and fund-raising event of the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) dubbed “Relay for Life,” where participants took turns walking around the designated path overnight to signify that cancer never sleeps. 

Themed “Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back,” the 24-hour cancer awareness vigil that started late afternoon Friday (March 10) and lasted until early morning Saturday (March 11) was held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Relay for Life 2017 had for its focus the World Cancer Day advocacy message “We Can. I Can.” aimed at reinforcing the community and personal spirit to conquer the third-ranked killer disease in the country. 

Hocson said that their continued support for the event allows the company to contribute funds for cancer patients and support groups, give moral support to all patients battling the disease, and cheer on the cancer survivors who already won the fight against the Big C.

On its sixth consecutive year of participating at the event, Brother Phils. brought a contingent led by its president Glenn P. Hocson and composed of its employees and business associates, along with their partners, family and friends, to take turn in going around the oval track and join the vigil alongside cancer patients, survivors and support groups.

“Cancer as a major killer disease is real. This makes it more imperative for us to join and echo Relay for Life’s battle cry: celebrate life, remember those who died of cancer, fight back against cancer. On top of these, we should prevent cancer by living a healthy lifestyle,” said Hocson.

Indeed, Hocson said that their continued support for the event allows the company to contribute funds for cancer patients and support groups, give moral support to all patients battling the disease, and cheer on the cancer survivors who already won the fight against the Big C.

The 24-hour cancer awareness vigil that started late afternoon Friday (March 10) and lasted until early morning Saturday (March 11)

Proceeds of the relay will support PCS in its outreach program for breast examination and pap smear, patient navigation program, mammography, medical assistance for early stage breast cancer patients and free clinical consultation.

Hocson said that it is also the company’s way of providing its employees, as well as the company’s partners, opportunities to give back to those in need of compassion and support and to make them aware of the health risks that may lead to cancer.

Brother Phils.’s support for the program is in line with the Brother Group’s “Golden Ring Project,” where different offices of Brother worldwide participate in the global Relay for Life events in their respective countries.

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Join TayoNa.Ph Selfie For A Cause To Fund A Scholar

Join TayoNa.Ph Selfie For A Cause To Fund A Scholar

Wednesday, February 1

Facebook and Instagram are flooded every day with selfies that cellphone companies are competing in providing smartphones with the best selfie camera. Why are people so fond of taking selfies? No matter what the motivations are behind these selfies, I'm very sure millions of them will be posted on social media day after day. 

People's opinions about selfies are divided. While most of us like it, there are those who hate it or find it very annoying. TayoNa.Ph finds selfie an opportunity to convert selfie generation into selfless generation. 

What is TayoNa.Ph?

Tayo Na (Let's Go) is a Tambayang Pinoy or social networking website that encourages Filipinos to go beyond networking. The company encourages the Filipinos especially the millennials to take an active participation in nation building.

I attended a roundtable discussion last January 28, 2016 at The Great Goat Adventure (TGGA) Restaurant in Mindanao Avenue and have met Atty. Arthur C. Corpuz, CEO/Chairman and Mr. Manuel G. Eviota, Director/COO of TayoNa.Ph. 

Atty. Corpuz said that most of us are online more than four hours a day. Why not make our online activities more worthwhile? The TayoNa.Ph gives its members that chance to make a wish and win gifts everyday without spending money. All you have to do is log in everyday to earn points that you can use to participate in the activities. You can even send someone to school with the ongoing Selfie for a Cause scholarship program.

You can create an account at https://tayona.ph/ There is also an app available for android users.

Selfie For A Cause

Selfie for a Cause is one of TayoNa.Ph's ongoing advocacy campaign. For every individual selfie uploaded to your chosen nominated scholar, a TayoNa.Ph donates P10 to the scholarship fund. The scholarship program is conducted every quarter of the year 2017. 

Do you know someone who will benefit from this scholarship program? Nominate by clicking this LINK. For the full mechanics, visit https://tayona.ph/?contest_id=112

To support a nominee, all you have to do is upload a selfie. A P10 donation will be given to him by TayoNa.Ph on your behalf.

Let us make good use of technology and social media. Let us show the world that the Filipinos are responsible and very supportive of advocacy campaigns.

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Brother Philippines Renews Commitment To Inigan Elementary Students

Brother Philippines Renews Commitment To Inigan Elementary Students

Tuesday, December 20

For the students of Inigan Elementary School in Rodriguez, Rizal, education is worth crossing a river for. Every day, they make the perilous journey across the river to get to their poorly equipped classrooms to fulfill their dreams of a brighter future.

The young girls and boys of Inigan Elementary have been a constant source of inspiration for Brother Philippines. The business and home tech solutions company has been at the side of the students and the school since 2012, donating school supplies and equipment to help promote meaningful instruction and interaction within the classroom. Fun and engaging lessons on creating a better, greener environment are also provided as part of Brother’s global advocacy.

Last December 8, 2016, Brother Philippines once again renewed its support for the Inigan community this December 2016 with a fresh supply of ICT tools and school necessities, as well as a Lakbay Aral trip to the Museo Pambata and Fort Santiago for a day of fun and learning with the company’s employees.

“The whole Brother Philippines team has been looking forward to this special activity for the diligent students and inspiring teachers from Inigan Elementary School,” said Glenn Hocson, Brother Philippines President. “Their collective passion for learning is truly admirable, and a force that inspires us to develop more products and programs that can help realize dreams in the future.”

Brother Philippines’ commitment to Inigan Elementary School has resulted in various educational assistance activities, since 2012, and annual educational tours.

To date, Brother has helped hundreds of students by providing school supplies, a good number of teachers with ICT tools that can enable further research and learning, and the school with its very own generator set (the school has no formal energy subscription) and a public-address system that come in handy when staging school programs and activities.

“The grateful smiles of teachers and students are more than enough to keep us going,” added Glenn Hocson. “These experiences that some of us take for granted mean the world to them. As long as we can help, we’ll always be at the side of Inigan Elementary School.”

For more information on Brother Philippines corporate social responsibility programs, visit brother.com.ph or call (02)581-9888.

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Efren Penaflorida, A Homemade Hero

Efren Penaflorida, A Homemade Hero

Friday, November 25

The values formation of a child begins at home. Home is where he learns what it means to be kind, to do good and to feel loved even when others show otherwise. When he steps out into the streets, a parent trusts that he will be the bigger person in situations that will test what he learned from home. 

This is the story of Efren Peñaflorida, and how his mom filled their home with loving guidance. As a result, Efren overcame childhood challenges and grew up with a heart for others.

Efren lived in a community that had street gangs, and as a kid, he would often choose to fight back. There were also moments when he’d be uninterested in doing his school work because he’d get so immersed in the gang culture. Seeing that Efren was starting to turn into a problem child out in the streets, his Mom taught him to fight poverty and gangs with education and books instead. At 16, Efren and his friends started youth group Dynamic Teen Company, which eventually pioneered the pushcart classroom—bringing the school set-up to where the kids are to keep them away from street gangs. 

Efren came full circle, and this passing on of kindness and empowerment earned him modern-day hero accolades from CNN’s Hero of the Year to the Philippine’s Order of Lakandula. In partnership with Tang Philippines, Efren shares his story in video to encourage that very same hope, courage and passion. 

“What happens at home matters the most because this is the first training ground of kids. Efren and his mom show how potentially challenging situations can be turned into inspiring stories. Efren is a hero because he thinks of others and gives back—values that any child can aspire to embody. Tang Philippines is proud to share the story of Efren and the critical role his mom played. Parents are indeed role-models and teachers, and heroes like Efren are homemade,” says Doroty Arroyo, Category Marketing Manager for Tang Philippines. 

Tang Philippines believes #WeAreHomeMade and invites you to join in the advocacy of raising kids to become heroes for others. 

Share Efren’s story through https://www.facebook.com/TangPhilippines/videos/633710703467340/ and yours to start a discussion on who were the key persons at home that shaped you into the person that you are today. 

Find out more by following Tang Philippines online, where you can also share with us your stories: 

Facebook: facebook.com/TangPhilippines

Twitter: @TangPhilippines

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Art Sale and Charity Drive For Children With Congenital Heart Disease

Art Sale and Charity Drive For Children With Congenital Heart Disease

Saturday, October 22

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 5.5 million children all over the world. In the Philippines, an estimate of 17,000 babies born every year suffer from CHD and 20% of them need surgery. The Gift of Life International (GOLI) is a Rotarian-based organization that helps children receive medical treatment for CHD.

RCMW Past President Lou del Rosario

The Rotary Club of Makati West (RCMW) together with GOLI raise resources through their various charitable activities, one of which is the Alay Sining, an art exhibit and sale of the works of the country's leading and up-and-coming artists to benefit the treatment of indigent children with CHD.

Alay Sining President Paolo Delgado

Alay Sining 9: Art with a Heart exhibit will be held at The Gallery, Greenbelt 5, Makati City on November 11-13, 2016.

For inquiries, call RCMW at (02) 753-3098 and look for Kai.

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Novuhair Supports Alopecia Areata Awareness in Celebrating Inner Strength

Novuhair Supports Alopecia Areata Awareness in Celebrating Inner Strength

Wednesday, September 21

September marks the month-long commemoration of Alopecia Areata awareness worldwide. Alopecia areata is a condition when hair loss occur due to faults in the immune system attacking the hair follicles which results in partial or total loss of hair on the head and other parts of the body.

Leading this year’s celebration in the country is Alopecia Philippines, a group founded by singer and songwriter Abby Asistio in 2012. She has been championing the cause of empowering citizens with this condition.

Abby is no stranger to alopecia, having been diagnosed with alopecia areata since she was four years old. Abby’s decision to come out in public with her condition was a major turning point in her life. 

On September 2012, Abby decided to start an online campaign in time with Alopecia Awareness Month by inviting family and friends to pose with the double “A” (inverted “V”) sign using their fingers on the photo sharing site, Instagram. It quickly caught on and Abby was overwhelmed by the response from netizens, with over a thousand photo contributions to date.

This paved the way for the beginnings of Alopecia Philippines. It aims to raise awareness about alopecia and correct common misconceptions and perceptions about it, provide encouragement to people afflicted with it, and create an online support community for them. 

Inspired by Abby’s honesty and courage, men and women, kids and teens from different walks of life began sharing their own stories and struggles living with alopecia. What started out as a group of ten is now more than 300 members strong and its Facebook page – Alopecia Areata Awareness, draws followers from all over the world.

Novuhair has been supporting the cause for Alopecia Philippines through Abby Asistio. Abby have been using the brand continuously since March 2013 and she has only praises to share using the product.

Nature has provided a safe and effective answer to hair loss and scalp disorders. Novuhair is the only topical scalp lotion in the market that has the highest concentration of natural ingredients, FDA-certified and ACD-compliant. Novuhair is a homegrown, proudly Philippine-made product that is globally competitive.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, Instagram: @NovuhairOfficial and follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and www.regaloservice.com.

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Gabay Guro: Building The Nation One Teacher At A Time

Gabay Guro: Building The Nation One Teacher At A Time

Wednesday, September 14

I am a proud daughter of an elementary public school teacher. I have witnessed my mom's dedication in her profession for two decades. She never expected recognition. She knows that teaching is not about what she receives. I have met some of her students who are already successful in their chosen fields. They visit the school years after to thank my mom. 

I was at the media launch of PLDT Smart Foundation Gabay Guro last September 13, 2016 and I was so thankful to the PLDT executives who started this advocacy for teachers nine years ago. What transpired after that fateful day revolutionized education-based advocacy efforts in so many levels giving birth to a holistic approach that was anchored on the now famous Gabay Guro pillars - Scholarships, Trainings, Housing and Educational Facilities, Livelihood Programs, Broadbanding and Computerization, and Teachers’ Tribute.

PLDT Gabay Guro executive volunteers Gary Dujali and Chaye Cabal-Revilla
talk about the upcoming activities which will help build the nation one teacher at a time.

The pinnacle of Gabay Guro’s celebration is embodied in the tribute event held every year at the MOA Arena. Year after year, the organizers leave no stone unturned ensuring that it is in Gabay Guro where teachers get to be treated like royalty. Generosity at its finest, raffle prizes have grown to be the staggering house and lot and vehicle showcases and livelihood opportunities that they are today in every Gabay Guro tribute event.

The Gabay Guro’s 9th Teacher’s Tribute this year, the biggest gathering of the country’s celebrities, will not disappoint on Sept. 25 at the MOA Arena. Stellar names set to give the teachers the time of their lives on this day are Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Pops Fernandez, James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Jona Viray, Michael Pangilinan, Ms. Lea Salonga and Mega star Ms. Sharon Cuneta and more surprise guests on the big day.

Singer Jonalyn Viray gives a preview of the world-class performances to expect
in the grand gathering with her smashing rendition of “Hero”.

This is the day where our teachers get to let their hair loose, meet the biggest celebrities, be treated to a whole day of entertainment and huge raffle prizes beginning with house and lot and vehicles., anything to remind them of their invaluable presence in our lives.

This year’s event is made possible through the help of the ff. sponsors: Perry’s Group of Companies (for the house and lot), Foton for the (Gratour Van), Intel, Devant, Motorlandia (for the Honda and Suzuki motorcyles), Ropali, Penshoppe, National Bookstore, Enchanted Kingdom, Splash, Tempra, Flanax, Bonamine, Vivalyte, Mundipharma, Gardenia, Bic, Art Attack, Microsoft, Smart Bro, Ultera, Talk N Text and 51 Talk.

The PLDT Gabay Guro grand tribute event is exclusive for teachers only. Admission is free. Follow Gabay Guro on Facebook, twitter and Instagram at @PLDTGabayGuro or visit the Gabay Guro official website http://www.gabayguro.com/ for more details.

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A Mother's Plead: Wanted Liver Donor for Ndrei

A Mother's Plead: Wanted Liver Donor for Ndrei

Monday, July 11

I was at The Medical City Ortigas this morning when I saw a familiar face at the taxi bay. I stared at her for a few more seconds just to make sure. It was Ndrei's mom who I bumped into. The last time I saw her was two years ago during the Biliary Atresia Pre and Post Transplant Patients Christmas Party. Ndrei was on a wheelchair back then. But this kid is a fighter. 

I am religiously following his facebook account https://www.facebook.com/livertransplant4Ndrei/  and I've seen how he has been fighting for dear life. His mom is also not giving up. Drawing strength from her beloved Ndrei, she was able to raise the needed funds. But there is a bigger problem. There is no available liver donor for Ndrei.

He was hospitalized already in Davao and was in critical condition before they flew to Manila. The need for liver transplant is urgent. 

Here's a screen capture from Ndrei's fundraising Facebook page:

If you know someone who is willing to be an organ donor for Ndrei, please get in touch with Rubi at 0905.497.3654 or 0999.543.9981 They are also accepting any help you can extend. Ndrei has been confined in Medical City Ortigas since June 27, 2016.

I felt so helpless this morning. The only thing I could do was hug Rubi and somehow give her the assurance that Ndrei will find a donor soon. 

Please include Ndrei in your prayers. It will also be a big help if you could SHARE this article and hopefully through this Ndrei will find a liver donor.

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Novuhair Brand Ambassador Abby Asistio Meets Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg

Novuhair Brand Ambassador Abby Asistio Meets Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg

Thursday, March 31

Filipino Abby Asistio flew to San Francisco last January 31, 2016 and had the wonderful opportunity of being chosen as one of the eighteen invited by Facebook on their 12th Anniversary Friends Day celebration with California-based Alopecia awareness advocate, Rachel Regal. Alopecia is an autoimmune condition which results in partial or total head and body hair loss. Abby Asistio have had it since she was four while Rachel just developed it sometime in 2012, the same year she discovered that her 10-year-old daughter, Eliana, had it, too. Six inspiring stories were picked by Facebook among its 1.64 billion users and Abby’s friends were all amazed when they found out that Abby’s Alopecia story was one of them. Imagine that!

Rachel Regal and Abby Asistio

Abby and Rachel met each other through the double A hand sign campaign that Abby started in 2012, and they have been "connected" since then. Last year, Facebook Stories featured how these two were able to build a friendship, as well as campaign for disease awareness through Facebook. Last February 1st, Abby and Rachel had the chance to tour Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, San Francisco, meet and chat with the people behind Facebook (Founder & CEO Mark Zuckerberg, COO Sheryl Sandberg, CPO Chris Cox, and a whole lot of awesome people), get crazy cool gadgets and have one of the best experiences of their lives.

Abby recounted that it was such a surreal feeling to be in the same room as the creator of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg. Mark Z was wearing his trademark look -- jeans, sneakers, shirt and a big smile on his face, and had such a friendly, approachable aura and demeanor about him. Not at all intimidating! He shared stories about how the company started, its mission-vision, the ups and downs that come along, and their future plans. Those invited also had the chance to ask him questions. When Mark Z was asked about achieving success and life’s “impossibilities”, he said, “There’s a difference between impossible and things taking a really long time. Even if you’re not going to be able to do something in a short time period, if you care about something, you want to see the world to move into that direction. So the best thing to do is just get started and not be discouraged. It’s tough because this stuff is hard, or else people would’ve already done it.”

Abby Asistio got the chance to ask a question to one of the world’s 50 most powerful, successful women in business, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg. Aside from Alopecia awareness, Abby is also an active Real Beauty advocate with girls and women struggling with various insecurities, being so consumed by the world’s unrealistic and sometimes superficial standards of beauty. So Abby asked Sheryl about her perception of it. Sheryl said that beauty is just like success and that no one could really define it for you. We are all unique. We have different stories, dreams and desires. We should explore our own inner and outer beauty, believe and embrace that we are beautiful, and never allow anyone to tell us otherwise.

Mark capped off his talk by sharing their company philosophy with everyone present. Though already having over 1 billion subscribers, there are still 7 billion people all over the world without access to all the meaningful connections and information that Facebook brings. One thing that the company stands by is that “things are always 1% completed”. It keeps them grounded, reminding them that there is always so much work, growth and progress to be done, and so many people to reach out to and help.

Everything about the Facebook trip was overwhelming and inspiring according to Abby. More than anything, it reminded her about “responsibility”. We are all given our own platforms, in this case “accounts and connections”, to make a dent in this world. It is up to us to become complacent and take these vehicles for granted, or maximize the opportunities and use them to make a positive impact in this generation. Abby is grateful that Facebook has become a medium for her to communicate disease awareness and touch people beyond the confines of her tiny room and her country. Abby is also glad that she and Rachel are two out of millions of people choosing to recognize the importance of social media in contributing to making this world a better place, and actually doing something about it.

Truly, God plans the best adventures and creates the most beautiful surprises. Abby knows that she wouldn't have been handpicked for this if it weren't for Him, as well as the countless individuals who have cared and showed support for her advocacy. Abby would like to leave a positive thought to everyone that we should really take the time to search for and identify our “purpose” – that one unique, very specific calling that is the result of our talents, dreams, desires, passions and experiences. Once you find it, be faithful to it no matter how long or difficult the journey towards its fulfillment may be. You’ll never know where it could lead to, how far it could go and how large it could grow. 

Abby is also thankful that her campaign continues to spread and reach new heights and she is particularly grateful to Facebook for giving her this opportunity and to Novuhair, Nature's Answer to Hair Loss (www.novuhair.com), for always being so supportive of her advocacy and endeavors. Abby is proud and honored to have represented the Philippines and the Alopecia community in this once-in-a-lifetime, international event.

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Brother Philippines Supports Philippine Cancer Society Relay For Life

Brother Philippines Supports Philippine Cancer Society Relay For Life

Friday, March 18

Probably the biggest and most enthusiastic group at the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS)’s Relay for Life event recently held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, the 250 plus-strong contingent from Brother International Philippines, Corp. (Brother PH), along with their partners, family and friends, took turns going around the oval track in this year’s cancer awareness overnight vigil.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Brother PH joined PCS’s Relay for Life, which annually raises funds for cancer awareness and patients’ services.

Brother Philippines President Glenn P. Hocson said that their continued support for the event allows the company to contribute funds for cancer patients and support groups, give moral support to all patients battling the disease, and cheer on the cancer survivors who already won the fight against the Big C.

Hocson said that it is also the company’s way of providing its employees, as well as the company’s partners, opportunities to give back to those in need of compassion and support and to make them aware of the health risks that may lead to cancer.

The company’s support for the program is in line with the Brother Group’s “Golden Ring Project”, where different offices of Brother worldwide participate in Relay for Life events in their respective countries. A symbolic sash embroidered with the flag of each of the participating countries is being routed yearly so that they can add their latest year of participation in the embroidery work.

“We echo Relay for Life’s battle cry: celebrate life, remember those who died of cancer, fight back and—If I may add—prevent cancer by living a healthy lifestyle,” said Hocson.

In line with Brother’s Golden Ring Project, the global Brother group initiated a symbolic sash which is being routed yearly so that each participating country can add their latest year of contribution in the embroidery work.

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Brother Philippines Teams Up With World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

Brother Philippines Teams Up With World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

Friday, March 11

Brother Philippines employees wearing WWF hoodies in support of the

organization’s pledge to achieve a sustainable society

Brother International Philippines Corporation, a global leader in innovative home and business technology, recently sealed a partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines as part of the company’s efforts to realize a sustainable society.

To contribute to WWF Philippines’ mission of halting the accelerating degradation of the country’s natural resources, Brother Philippines made a donation to finance the organization’s various conservation activities. Brother also distributed WWF hoodies among business and media partners during the company’s 15th year anniversary celebration.

‘Environmentally responsible corporate citizen’

Brother Philippines is part of the Brother Group, which operates in over 40 countries all over the world. The Brother Group Global Charter mandates that company activities be instrumental in achieving sustainability, through the development of eco-conscious products, energy-saving features and technologies, and operation guidelines that minimize environmental impact.

Brother is the first printer manufacturer to achieve the TCO (TjänstemännensCentralorganisation) standard, known as the toughest environmental standard in the world. One impressive innovation Brother introduced is the Coatless Surface Technology, which eliminates the need for using volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and high energy consumption to produce sleek, premium cases for its printers.

Brother Philippines, being ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems) certified, is committed to supporting environmental projects. Brother Philippines encourages consumers to trade-in old machines to get discounts for eco-friendly Brother printers. The company then facilitates the proper disposal of these old traded-in machines through HMR Envirocycle Philippines in order to minimize e-waste. Moreover, Brother also invites its corporate customers to participate in the Green Project, which promotes the environmentally-conscious disposal of printer consumables.

“We take pride in being an environmentally responsible corporate citizen,” said Brother Philippines President, Glenn Hocson. “At Brother, we believe in going the extra environmentally conscious mile in every step of our processes and operations. This partnership with WWF Philippines allows us to do more for the local environment. Like WWF, we envision a future where Filipinos live in harmony with nature and technology.”

To find out more about Brother Philippines and the Brother Earth project, visit brother.com.ph

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Celebrate with Songs of Hope: A Christmas Fundraising Concert for Breast Cancer Awareness

Celebrate with Songs of Hope: A Christmas Fundraising Concert for Breast Cancer Awareness

Monday, November 16

I lost my mom to breast cancer. It was a long battle that has made us emotionally and financially drained. She was on remission for 8 years. We all thought she was completely healed. And then on November 2009, the cancer returned. Eight months later, she gained her wings. 

Breast Cancer is a disease which can affect men, women and children, and can be fatal if not detected or treated at its early stages. The fact is that 3 out of 10 women who live in the Philippines are suffering from Breast Cancer. This means that 30% of the entire female population in the country has this health ailment.

Advanced medical treatments are making it easier for more patients to survive Breast Cancer, but these methods are quite expensive. Because of this, most people cannot afford the procedure. External factors like the present economic state of the nation, the issue of inflation and taxes, or that they are either unemployed or are working for minimum wage or less are not helping things either. It is heartbreaking to know that many individuals choose to ignore Breast Cancer because they would rather use whatever money they have to feed their families or pay the bills.

Lyric Opera of the Philippines and the Resorts World Manila is organizing a special campaign for this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness. “Celebrate with Songs of Hope: A Christmas Fundraising Concert” will be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila on December 16, 2015. The event will start at 7:30pm as part of an ongoing campaign to fight Breast Cancer, a disease that has claimed thousands of lives over the years. The organizers aim to educate people about the symptoms of Breast Cancer, and what they can do to survive it. 

Each ticket you buy will send one Breast Cancer patient to much needed Chemotherapy Treatment.

You will be treated to a night of song and music courtesy of the conductor Chino Toledo and the Grupo 20/21 Orchestra. Artists who are expected to perform at the concert are Jose Mari Chan, Anna Feleo, Noel Azcona, Randy Gilongo, Sherwin Sozon, Franco and Ayen Laurel, John Glenn Gaerlan, Jane Wee, Andrea Melisa Camba, Stephanie Aguilar, Dave de Jesus, David Cicero Pado, Raymond Muyot, Nomher Nival, Mary Patrice Pacis, Naomi Sison and Marie Antonette Pascual.

The ticket prices are as follows:

SVIP -        PhP 3,000 

VIP-           PhP 2,800 

GOLD -      PhP 2,500 

SILVER -   PhP 2,200 

BRONZE - PhP 2,000

Tickets for the event are available at the Ticketworld and www.kasuso.org. 

Please use the code: CelebrateHope086

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Into The Light Project: Results From Philippine Health Information System on Mental Health Condition

Into The Light Project: Results From Philippine Health Information System on Mental Health Condition

Monday, June 8

Stakeholders of the Into The Light Project hosted a round table discussion last June 5, 2015 at the Muralla Ballroom of the Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila. Representatives from different sectors were invited to participate in the said event.

Into The Light is a milestone partnership project that focuses on the creation and development of the country's first-ever information system on mental health. The system aims to generate consistent and reliable information to assess, address and improve the health situation of Filipinos suffering from mental illnesses.

Mr. Wigbert Fontanilla, 

Country Director - Hospital Channel of Johnson & Johnson Philippines

The Philippine Health Information System on Mental Health Conditions (PHIC-MH) was launched last July 2014. The multi-sector group partners and collaborators include the Department of Health, Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and proponents of Schizophrenia Study Group, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, members of the Technical Working Group and the Philippine Psychiatric Association. 

In the opening remarks of Mr. Wigbert Fontanilla, Country Director of Johnson & Johnson Philippines, he mentioned that because of the lack of information system on mental health in the Philippines we don't know how big the problem is. Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson through a grant funded the Into The Light project. The system was setup in 14 public and private health institutions across the country. Mr. Fontanilla also emphasized the need to sustain the project.

Dr. Beverly Azucena, 

OIC Medical Director National Center for Mental Health

Current Mental Health

Dr. Beverly Azucena, OIC Medical Director of National Center for Mental Health presented the National Framework for Action on Mental Health and the Stages of Development in Mental Health. 

Stages of Development in Mental Health:

Hospital Model --> Rehabilitation Model --> Integrative Model --> Recovery Model

Under the Kalusugan Pangkalahatan, the vision is mainstreaming mental health in daily life. The Philippines has not yet reached the Recovery Model wherein the patients are included back into the community to lead a productive life. There's an effort to integrate the mental health services in the community but most health practitioners cannot practice in the provinces because of lack of plantilla.

Dr. Ernie Vera,

Division Chief, Non-Communicable Diseases Department of Health

Dr. Ernie Vera talked about the DOH's current programs on mental health. He said that the role of the Department of Health is policy development and the implementation lies on the hands of the local government. He also stressed the importance of the information system.

Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco - dela Paz,

Vice Chancellor for Research, Executive Director

National Institutes of Health, UP Manila

Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco - dela Paz discussed the role of National Institutes of Health (NIH) in health system strengthening through health information systems. According to her, there is still no mental health legislation in the Philippines. Also, only 5% of the total budget of DOH is spent on mental health. In terms of human resource, there are only 3.5 working on mental health for every 100,000 population.

Prof. Maria Lourdes Amarillo,

Project Leader, PHIS-MH Project

Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health

The Philippine Health Information System on Mental Health or the Into The Light Project started in December 2013 and was launched in July 2014. A total of 113 participants were trained on the use of the software and data collection. Prof. Amarillo stressed that confidentiality of the patient's identity will be protected. The data of each patient will be bar-coded offline and when uploaded to the online system. The information entered into the system can generate reports that will help provide better standardized data. 

"The need to sustain this system is imperative so as to further provide meaningful data for evidence-based policies and programs in the future," Prof. Amarillo of the ICE-NIH-UPM explained.

Dr. Tomas Bautista

Psychiatrist, UP-Philippine General Hospital

The Results of the Pilot Implementation of PHIS-MH

Data coming from 2,500 out of 11,000 information sheets distributed among the 14 institutions involved for the one year period May 8, 2014 to May 6, 2015 revealed the following findings:

• 42% of patients were living with schizophrenia, 15% suffer from bipolar disorder and 6% are into substance abuse. Other disorders listed are major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, schizoaffective disorder, acute and transient disorder and stimulant related disorder.

• 60% of the recorded patients were between the ages of 20 to 44.

• 57% were males while 43% were females.

• 22% are covered by PhilHealth either as members (13%) or dependents (9%). 29% do not have PhilHealth coverage while 49% did not indicate their PhilHealth status.

• more than 25% of the patients were recorded to be between "mildly" or "markedly" ill.

"This new data validates the general information we have on mental illnesses but what it reveals now is that many patients are in their productive years. Appropriate medical interventions are much needed to help ensure these patients regain productivity," said psychiatrist Dr. Tomas Bautista of UP-PGH, one of the leads in the project.

The following reactors from different sector shared their thoughts on the mental health status in the country:

• Philippine Psychiatric Association
• Ms. Laureen Cunanan, Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC-IPBM), Davao City
• Ms. Perlita Opena speaking in behalf of Dr. Montoya, DOST - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development
• Mr. Jacinto Blas Mantaring, Chair, UP Manila, UP Review and Ethics Board
• Dr. Maria Minerva Calimag, President - Philippine Medical Association
• PhilHealth
• WHO
• Mr. Raymond Marquez, Hospicio de San Juan de Dios
• Ms. Sally Bongalonta, Alliance of Filipino Families for Mental Health
• Rolando, Manic-Depressive Patient
• Jaime, Patient

Ms. Sally Bongalonta of the Alliance of Filipino Families for Mental Health Inc., said "we need to integrate mental health care in the Philippines. Right now, medical assistance is given only through the Medicine Assistance Program (MAP) of the DOH. Indigent patients who have been referred to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) and Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) have also received help. Some religious and private organizations are also giving assistance but we need a more sustainable and consistent approach involving appropriate medical care. For example, psychosocial rehabilitation services are needed in addition to medical assistance to reintegrate patients back to their families and society. This is needed to fight the stigma attached to individuals affected with mental conditions."

Rolando, a patient who was able to reintegrate into the community shared his 6 Keys to Recovery:

1. Spirituality
2. Education
3. Medicines / Doctors / Other Health Professionals
4. Family Support / Family Support Group
5. Cultivation of Talent(s)
6. Willpower and Responsibility

USec. Vicente Belizario Jr.

Technical Services, Department of Health

USec. Vicente Belizario Jr. has expressed support in the legislation of mental health in the country and believe in the need for additional budget allocation. He said that the data being gathered by the PHIS-MH is very important to provide the information for creating programs by the DOH.

"Mental Health is one of the major programs of the Department of Health. In fact, we have been pushing for the passage of the Mental Health Act and this is one of the issues to be tackled by the Philippines in the APEC Ministerial Meeting in November," USec. Belizario said.

  

USec. Vicente Belizario Jr of the Department of Health and Mr. Wigbert Fontanilla, Country Director of Johnson & Johnson were the first to sign the Into The Light Project Commitment Wall.

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