Tindahan Extra Mile: Coca-Cola Philippines' Innovative Recycling Program Takes Metro Manila by Storm

Tindahan Extra Mile: Coca-Cola Philippines' Innovative Recycling Program Takes Metro Manila by Storm

Friday, January 19, 2024

Consumers in Metro Manila now have a convenient and environmentally friendly way to dispose of their empty PET bottles, thanks to the Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM) initiative. Coca-Cola Philippines, in collaboration with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST), has rolled out this Balik PET Bottle Program, involving over 2,200 sari-sari stores and carinderias. Not only does this program extend the life of PET bottles, but it also provides financial incentives for participating store owners.

Promoting Environmental Sustainability and Earning Incentives

The TEM collection bins are strategically placed in front of participating stores, making it easy for consumers to drop off their empty bottles and cans for recycling. After collection, PET bottles are weighed at each store, and the data is recorded in the store owner's bXTRA app account. Points are earned based on the quantity of bottles collected, and store owners can exchange these points for cash or opt to acquire Coca-Cola products and merchandise.

Carolina Catimbang, a store owner in Brgy. West Bicutan, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Malaking tulong sa amin ‘tong programa, kaya salamat talaga sa Coca-Cola. Kumikita na kami, nakatutulong pa kami sa kalikasan” (This program is a big help to us. We are earning while also helping the environment).

Inspiring Collective Action Toward Recycling

Store owners like Lolita Repia find inspiration in recycling, noting that it is exciting to know that the collected bottles will be reused. The program has gained such momentum that customers now automatically deposit their PET bottles in the bins, showcasing the success of collective action toward recycling.

PASCO National President Elilyn Gadia and National Treasurer Emma Alvarez commend the TEM Program for setting an example for children and promoting responsible waste management. They highlight the positive impact on children witnessing their parents segregating waste and cleaning their surroundings.

Advancing Circularity of Plastic Packaging

In 2024, Coca-Cola Philippines plans to expand the TEM Program to 2,400 stores, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. The collected PET bottles are sent to PETValue Philippines, a groundbreaking partnership that enhances the circularity of plastic packaging.

Jan Vincent Mercado, Senior Vice President for Business Development of BEST, praises the partnership, stating, “Our commitment to sustainability and waste innovation comes full circle through this partnership. Indeed, it is refreshing to walk the talk in circularity.”

Coca-Cola Philippines' commitment to plastic waste reduction is further exemplified by the introduction of new bottles made from 100% recycled PET plastic. These innovative bottles are available in Coca-Cola Original (190ml), Wilkins Pure (500ml), and Sprite 500ml, contributing significantly to reducing the use of virgin plastics.

Coca-Cola Philippines' Tindahan Extra Mile program is not just a recycling initiative; it's a testament to how collaboration between corporations and local businesses can create positive environmental and economic impact. As the program expands, it inspires consumers and businesses alike to actively participate in the journey towards a more sustainable and circular future. To discover more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ recycling initiatives and locate the nearest collection points, consumers can visit the Coca-Cola Sustainability Hub.

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Sining Filipina National Art Competition: A Celebration of Filipina Creativity and Empowerment

Sining Filipina National Art Competition: A Celebration of Filipina Creativity and Empowerment

Thursday, January 18, 2024

In a groundbreaking initiative that fuses art, women empowerment, and creative expression, BDO Unibank, Inc. and SM Supermalls, in collaboration with the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, proudly present the inaugural Sining Filipina National Art Competition. This all-female art competition aims to provide a unique platform for Filipina artists to showcase their talents and perspectives, reinforcing their role as originators of art. With both Figurative and Non-Figurative categories, Sining Filipina invites participants to explore and express their visions of the contemporary woman.

Submission Details

Entries for Sining Filipina are currently being accepted until January 31, 2024. This national art competition encourages contestants to submit original artworks that are entirely conceptualized and executed by themselves. This deadline provides artists with an opportunity to contribute their unique perspectives to this pioneering competition.

Prizes

Sining Filipina offers a substantial cash prize of up to P250,000 for the First Place Winner, not only providing well-deserved recognition but also offering a significant boost to their artistic journey. The competition recognizes the importance of empowering women in the creative realm, reflecting the commitment of BDO Unibank, Inc., SM Supermalls, and the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs to champion the flourishing talents of Filipina artists.

Mechanics and Guidelines

For a comprehensive understanding of the competition's mechanics, application process, and guidelines, interested participants are encouraged to visit the official website at https://zontaclubme.com/sining-filipina/. Any inquiries can be directed to siningfilipina.secretariat@gmail.com.

Celebrating Filipina Creativity

Sining Filipina stands as a testament to the commitment of its sponsors to amplify the voices and visions of women in the realm of art. This initiative not only recognizes the richness of Filipina creativity but also aims to celebrate and empower female artists. Join us in this celebration of art, creativity, and empowerment as Sining Filipina awaits your masterpiece!

For more information on exciting events at SM Supermalls, please visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. Don't miss the chance to be a part of this historic celebration of Filipina artistry!

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Immerse in Cinematic Splendor: Shangri-La's 18th Spring Film Festival Showcases Today's Best Chinese Films

Immerse in Cinematic Splendor: Shangri-La's 18th Spring Film Festival Showcases Today's Best Chinese Films

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Welcome the new year with a cinematic flourish as Shangri-La Plaza, the Philippines' cinematic hub, gears up for the 18th Spring Film Festival. From January 23 to 30, the Red Carpet Cinema will come alive with a spectacular lineup of films, cultural events, and partnerships, making it an unmissable experience for cinephiles and culture enthusiasts alike.

Cultural Exchange Beyond Borders

In collaboration with the Ateneo Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies, Ateneo Celadon, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Shangri-La Plaza presents the 18th Spring Film Festival in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. This event goes beyond being a mere film festival; it's a profound cultural exchange, offering Filipinos a window into the richness of Chinese culture and the vastness of one of the world's largest film industries.

Film Highlights

Immerse yourself in the gripping narrative of "The Captain" directed by acclaimed Hong Kong director Andrew Lau. Based on a real-life incident, this action thriller follows the heroic efforts of a captain played by the award-winning Zhang Hanyu as he faces a mid-air crisis.

Experience the touching story of "Looking Up" directed by veteran Chinese actor Deng Chao, which explores the enduring bond between an astronaut and his father. This heartrending film has received acclaim at prestigious international film festivals.

"White Snake", an animated Sino-US co-production by Amp Wong and Zhao Ji, takes viewers on a fantastical journey based on a popular Chinese folk tale. The film explores the challenges faced by star-crossed lovers as a magical transformation tests the strength of their love.

Delve into the mystical world of "Legend of the Demon Cat" by influential Chinese auteur Chen Kaige. This film follows a poet and a monk as they investigate the death of the emperor’s concubine, adding an element of fantasy with the appearance of a demon cat.

Thriller enthusiasts will be captivated by "Full River Red" a period film by award-winning director Zhang Yimou. Set in the Southern Song dynasty, this dark comedy explores themes of betrayal and patriotism against the backdrop of a murder mystery.

The festival concludes with the riveting disaster film "The Bravest" directed by Tony Chan. Starring Huang Xiaoming, the film depicts the harrowing efforts of Chinese firefighters battling a massive fire after an oil pipeline explosion, drawing inspiration from a real-life incident.

Beyond the Screen

The 18th Spring Film Festival offers more than just film screenings. Join the Chinese Painting Workshop on January 27 at the Grand Atrium, led by Master Fidel M. Sarmiento, President of the Art Association of the Philippines. Additionally, an exhibit featuring intricately crafted fans and scrolls will adorn the venue.

Visit the East Atrium for "Nihao, China," a photo exhibit organized by the Embassy of China in the Philippines and Chinatown TV. Running throughout the festival, it showcases iconic landmarks, Chinese New Year celebrations, and zodiac predictions for the Year of the Dragon.

Embark on a cultural odyssey and indulge in the wonders of Chinese cinema at the 18th Spring Film Festival from January 23 to 30 at Shangri-La Plaza. Stay updated by following Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook and Instagram (@shangrilaplazaofficial). Don't miss this enriching experience that promises to captivate hearts and minds alike.

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UNIQLO's Four New Stores Set to Elevate Fashion Retail in the Philippines

UNIQLO's Four New Stores Set to Elevate Fashion Retail in the Philippines

Monday, January 15, 2024

As the Philippines welcomes the new year, global apparel retail giant UNIQLO is gearing up to make a significant impact on the fashion scene with the announcement of four eagerly anticipated store openings. Anticipated to coincide with the vibrant Spring/Summer season, these new establishments promise to offer an enhanced shopping experience for Filipinos.

UNIQLO Venice Grand Canal

Mark your calendars for March 1, 2024, as UNIQLO unveils its latest masterpiece along McKinley Drive in Taguig City, Metro Manila. The UNIQLO Venice Grand Canal is set to captivate fashion enthusiasts with its strategic location and promises to bring the brand's signature LifeWear products closer to the heart of the bustling capital.

Expanding Horizons in the North

UNIQLO has set its sights on expanding its footprint in the northern part of Metro Manila and Central Luzon. Keep an eye out for the soon-to-be-announced openings of UNIQLO SM City Caloocan and UNIQLO SM City Tarlac. These additions aim to make high-quality fashion more accessible to a broader audience and contribute to the brand's mission of providing comfortable and innovative clothing for all.

Elevating the Shopping Experience at UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia

Building on the success of the country's first UNIQLO outlet launched in 2012, the brand is all set to unveil an elevated experience at the new UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia. Boasting an expanded and thoughtfully curated space, the upgraded branch promises a bigger and better shopping adventure for customers seeking UNIQLO's renowned LifeWear products and more. While the official opening date is yet to be revealed, eager shoppers can still explore and shop at the temporary UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia branch.

With these four new store openings, UNIQLO is not just expanding its presence but also redefining the fashion retail landscape in the Philippines. As the brand continues to grow, Filipinos can look forward to a heightened shopping experience, enhanced accessibility, and a diverse range of LifeWear products that seamlessly blend style with comfort. Stay tuned for further announcements and be prepared to embrace a new era of fashion with UNIQLO in the Philippines.

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SB19’s PABLO opens 2024 with genre-blurring single “DETERMINADO”

SB19’s PABLO opens 2024 with genre-blurring single “DETERMINADO”

Blending hip-hop with rock music influences, the prolific songwriter/producer teams up with his brother Josue on this astounding new jam

SB19’s PABLO is back with another bop!

The Filipino singer-songwriter/producer blurs the line between hip-hop and rock on the new single “DETERMINADO,” his first offering this year under Sony Music Entertainment.

Produced by his brother Josue, the genre-averse track pushes experimentation as far as it can go while retaining the La Luna act’s distinct qualities as an artist who is comfortable in his own identity and sonic direction. 

Speaking highly of his favorite collaborator, PABLO praised Josue for infusing game-changing ideas during the incubation period of the track and allowing him to shine with a solid production style that doesn’t necessarily have to confine to trends. 

“We're a team, we always work hand in hand, always learning from each other, and drawing inspiration back and forth,” said the multi-talented soloist. “We grew up in the same environment so we just vibe and connect easily.”

Integrating dense instrumentation with gloomy synths and booming, confrontational beats, “DETERMINADO” not only impresses listeners with its scale and ambition but also reveals a different side of the SB19 vocalist and main rapper: someone who finds moments of vulnerability and strength in the face of chaos. In the words of PABLO himself, “It’s a realization when we find the courage to actually do what we want, and what kind of artist we aspire to be. We are confronting our fears and roadblocks, but still moving forward.”

Determined to jumpstart a new phase in his career, PABLO is more confident in his undertaking as a musician, going to a sonic space that remains untouched even by his contemporaries and peers. 

He adds, “Our music is not just the output; it’s a collective of all the micro-things that happen behind the scenes and all throughout the process. We are more assertive now. Also, this song marks a departure from our previous releases; it's a blend of hip-hop and rock genres.”

Aside from “DETERMINADO,” PABLO is also gearing up for a more exciting 2024. He’s looking into dropping more solo releases apart from his work with SB19, and possibly a debut album to be released soon. 

As the prolific artist puts it, “Again, going back to the song title, we are indeed on this journey. I have so many things planned to do in 2024, and definitely one of those is to release my own album.”

PABLO’s “DETERMINADO” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

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Nicholas Cage Goes Meta in ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’, Coming to Lionsgate Play

Nicholas Cage Goes Meta in ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’, Coming to Lionsgate Play

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Nicholas Cage takes on his most eccentric role yet: himself.

What happens when Nicholas Cage morphs into a fictionalized, unhinged version of himself? Answer: Tom Gormican’s hilarious action-comedy, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. The film by Lionsgate Play portrays the character of “Nick Cage” as a creatively unfulfilled actor on the brink of financial ruin. When Nick gets invited to appear at superfan Javi’s (Pedro Pascal) birthday party in exchange for $1 million, things get intense – just like Cage’s best movies always do. Cue CIA operatives recruiting him to spy on said superfan, shootouts, high-speed car chases, and Mexican standoffs. 

Cage lives up to his legend status in Unbearable Weight – channeling his iconic on-screen characters and even going through a “Cagedom” shrine of props and costumes that signify the actor’s storied career. It immerses the audience in nostalgia, precisely what Director Tom Gormican aimed for when he created a movie that’s “an homage to [Cage’s] body of work.”

Talking about why he chose to create a film about Cage, Gormican says, “Nicolas Cage is unbelievably talented and can do any genre. You’ve seen him in romantic comedies like Moonstruck. You’ve seen him in comedies like The Family Man. You’ve seen him in dramas. You’ve seen him in avant-garde films like Mandy and Wild at Heart. You’ve seen him in big tentpole franchises, action movies like Con Air and Face/Off and National Treasure. There are very few actors that can do every genre equally well, who can switch from comedy to drama – sometimes within the same project – and that’s fascinating to me.”

Gormican adds: “Nick has become something that transcends being an actor. He’s become a cultural figure. As culture gets stranger and stranger and fashion choices get more outlandish, you can trace a direct line back to the patron saint of strangeness, Nicolas Cage. Just seeing his face makes people happy. That’s really interesting and made me want to dig in further and find out who he actually is.”

Meanwhile, Cage revealed that he was initially reluctant to participate in the movie since he “had no interest in playing himself.” But when he read the script and understood Gormican’s vision, reluctance turned into excitement.

On what drew him into agreeing to Gormican’s intriguing and off-kilter ideas, Cage says, “I call Tom ‘The Mind’ because the film really is his fantasy, culled from perceptions in the media and on the internet, as well as blips in my personal life that have gone public. It’s mixed with knowledge of interviews I’ve done and things that have always interested me and drew me down this path. Essentially, the film is an imagination based on Tom’s interpretation of what my life might be like.”

Watch Nicholas Cage perform yet another iconic role on The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, streaming exclusively on Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home on January 19.

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Unleash Your Inner Shine with Pantene Nourished Shine Shampoo

Unleash Your Inner Shine with Pantene Nourished Shine Shampoo

Embrace the Power of Pantene for Hair that Radiates Confidence

We've all been there – struggling with dull, lifeless hair that leaves us feeling far from our best selves. Your hair plays a pivotal role in how you present yourself to the world, and it's time to take charge of those locks. With Pantene Nourished Shine Shampoo which revolutionizes haircare solutions with its micro pro-vitamin formula, it promises to bring out the best in your hair and boost your confidence to new heights.

Sometimes, all it takes is one small change to make a big difference in our lives. For many of us, that change begins with our hair. As we welcome the year 2024, you have the power to take charge and choose what’s best for you, especially the hair treatment that you deserve. This year, let your hair shine as brightly as your aspirations and let Pantene be your secret to unlocking a world of endless confidence and beauty.

Why Settle for Less?

When it comes to our hair, we should never settle for less than perfection. We deserve to shine and feel confident every single day, especially as we step into a new year. Dull and lifeless hair can affect our overall confidence, making us feel less capable of conquering the world. That's where Pantene Nourished Shine comes in – it's here to help you unleash your inner shine.

The Pantene Difference: Nourishment from Within

Pantene Nourished Shine Shampoo is not just another shampoo; it's a haircare revolution. Unlike ordinary shampoos, Pantene harnesses the power of micro-pro-vitamins to nourish and strengthen your hair from within, making it smooth and shiny on the outside. No more relying on luck for good hair days – with Pantene, you can count on it.

Confidence that Shines

When you choose Pantene Nourished Shine, you're choosing to be the best version of yourself. Our nourishing formula doesn't just make your hair look good; it empowers you to face each day with confidence. Say goodbye to dull hair and hello to the radiant, healthy shine you've always wanted.

Stop Settling – Choose the Best for You

As we step into the new year, let's make a resolution – to stop settling for anything less than the best, especially when it comes to our hair. Pantene Nourished Shine is your trusted companion on this journey to achieving the confidence you truly deserve. No longer shall your hair hold you back; instead, choose Pantene and embrace the promise of making every day a remarkable hair day. 

Pantene's dedication to delivering superior haircare solutions aligns seamlessly with Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines' vision to positively impact the lives of Filipinos by consistently offering high-quality products. Together, P&G Philippines and Pantene strive to empower individuals, ensuring they not only look their best but also feel confident in their own skin.

Embrace the power of Pantene Nourished Shine Shampoo and experience the transformation for yourself. Make great hair days more predictable by using Pantene Nourished Shine for ultimately smooth and shiny hair. Remember: it's not luck, it's Pantene!

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Lionsgate Play to exclusively LIVE stream 2 big global awards - the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards and 29th Critics Choice Awards in the Philippines

Lionsgate Play to exclusively LIVE stream 2 big global awards - the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards and 29th Critics Choice Awards in the Philippines

Catch the action live from the comfort of your home on January 15 and 16!

Get ready to mark your calendars for an exciting event! Lionsgate Play, the Home of Awards, has announced that the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards and 29th Critics Choice Awards will exclusively stream LIVE on the platform. This comes after the successful livestream of the 81st Golden Globe Awards earlier this month.

"We are thrilled to bring these prestigious award shows to the Philippines," said Cecile Marino, Lionsgate Philippines General Manager. "At Lionsgate Play, we are committed to providing the best entertainment experience to Filipino audiences, and what better way to do that than by broadcasting these highly anticipated awards shows?"

75th Primetime Emmy Awards

The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards will be hosted by actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, known for his role in the hit series Black-ish. 

With an impressive 27 nominations, including 14 acting nods, Succession has emerged as the frontrunner for the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, tying its own record from the previous year. The series has also achieved a historic feat, becoming the first to receive three nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Initially scheduled for September 2023, the 75th Emmy Awards faced delays due to Hollywood strikes. The ceremony will take place on January 16 at 9 AM (PHT), LIVE and exclusive on Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home in the Philippines.

29th Critics Choice Awards

Meanwhile, the hilarious Chelsea Handler will host the 29th annual Critics Choice Awards. Leading the pack with a total of 18 nominations is the critically acclaimed film Barbie, followed by Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer and Yorgos Lanthimos' Poor Things, with 13 nominations each.

The 29th Critics Choice Awards will take place on January 15 at 8 AM (PHT), LIVE and exclusive on Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home in the Philippines.

Don't miss out on the excitement and drama! Lionsgate Play, the Home of Awards, is your go-to destination for all things awards season. Tune in to Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home on January 15 and 16 to catch the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards and 29th Critics Choice Awards live.

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Creation of Beauty: A Peek into the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2-inch, MateBook D 16 2024, and FreeClip Earbuds

Creation of Beauty: A Peek into the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2-inch, MateBook D 16 2024, and FreeClip Earbuds

Huawei Philippines is poised to set new industry benchmarks with its upcoming releases, showcasing the latest in portable technology. The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2-inch, MateBook D 16 2024, FreeClip Earbuds, and HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 Light Gold Version promise seamless multitasking, stunning visuals, and unparalleled productivity.

HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2-inch: The Epitome of Productivity and Creativity

The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2-inch stands as Huawei's thinnest and lightest tablet yet, striking a perfect balance between work and creativity. With a 94% screen-to-body ratio and a flexible OLED display, it offers a sleek design coupled with powerful performance. The tablet's maximum brightness of 1,000 nits and ultra-high contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 ensure stunning visuals under any lighting conditions.

The tablet supports 88W wired HUAWEI SuperCharge, reaching 85% charge in just 40 minutes. Certified by TUV Rheinland for eye protection, the MatePad Pro 13.2-inch ensures a comfortable viewing experience during extended usage. Quality of life additions like the 3rd generation Huawei M-Pencil, Smart Magnetic Keyboard, and Huawei Sound™ enhance its versatility for both work and play.

The tablet also boasts compatibility with various applications, from productivity tools like Zoom and Huawei Notes to creative apps such as Canva and CapCut. Huawei's PC-level WPS Office, included in the package, transforms the tablet into a powerful productivity hub.

HUAWEI MateBook D 16 2024: High-Performance Laptop for Everyday Excellence

The HUAWEI MateBook D 16 2024 epitomizes performance, utility, and design excellence. With a sleek metal body and dual eye protection certification, this laptop prioritizes user comfort. The 16-inch eye comfort FullView display, flexible 180% degree hinge, and 16:10 golden aspect ratio deliver an immersive visual experience.

A recipient of SGS Switzerland’s 5-star Wi-Fi signal capability certification, the MateBook D 16 2024 ensures optimal Wi-Fi connectivity at remarkable distances. Powered by Intel Core i9 processors and Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics, this laptop excels in tasks ranging from number crunching to graphics-intensive gaming.

Pre-installed WPS Office, exclusive for the APAC Region, incorporates AI features for text summarization and PDF reading. The laptop also introduces smart conference features, utilizing AI camera and AI sound effects for an enhanced user experience.

With a variety of models offering different configurations, including the i9 variant and i5 alternatives, the HUAWEI MateBook D 16 2024 promises to cater to a wide range of consumer needs.

HUAWEI FreeClip: All-day listening with Leakproof and Boundless Audio

Featuring an innovative C-bridge Design and air conduction audio technology, the HUAWEI FreeClip earbuds offer a comfortable and immersive listening experience. With an impressive 36-hour battery life with a fully charged charging case, it becomes your partner for everyday listening. Made more durable with IP54-level water and dust resistance. Its customisable multi-touch Gesture Control, helps users conveniently control music playback or pick up a call without having to fumble for the controls on a smartphone.

A stylish clip-on earring design, and an industry-first automatic left-right ear recognition technology, the FreeClip Earbuds seamlessly blend fashion, comfort, and intelligent functionality. Whether you're in the office, at the gym, or on a jog, the FreeClip Earbuds provide leakproof sound technology and AI call noise reduction, promising the best of everyday listening. 

Experience Being the Best with the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2-inch, HUAWEI MateBook D 16 2024, and FreeClip Coming to Stores Soon!

Unleash Your Inner Artist with GoPaint

Injecting inspiration into the art of creating, HUAWEI also opens the call for artists to pick up their brush through the HUAWEI GoPaint Worldwide Creating Activity, which will reward the best entries with a creation fund of up to $5,000, fuelling a wave of creatives and innovators to imagine art, work, and play with Huawei. The competition is open to all from January 5 to February 29, 2024. Explore the possibilities of art with GoPaint and Huawei’s latest products. 

Unleash your artist, see more of GoPaint and get inspired to create.

To learn more about the products, visit Huawei Store, and official stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok.

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Celebrating everyday Filipino heroes

Celebrating everyday Filipino heroes

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

‘Not all heroes wear capes’ and this is especially true for the everyday heroes who selflessly and consistently go the extra mile to improve the daily lives of others or help those who are in need.

HOPE, an impact organization that invests 100% of its profits for the building of public school classrooms and environmental interventions, recently paid tribute to everyday heroes by recognizing three Filipino heroes through the recent virtual HOPE Hero Awarding Ceremony.

“Our Hero Awards was inspired by the many stories we have heard over the years at HOPE. Whether it is a farmer who has so little and yet decides to donate part of his parcel of land so that a school may be constructed for the village children, or a teacher that walks 4 hours each way to accompany her students who live in a remote area to school - we are constantly blown away by the selfless actions that guarantee - HOPE for others.,” said Nanette Medved Po, HOPE founder and chairwoman.

Leading the roster of inspiring awardees is Cynthia Caridad Abdon-Tellez, who won Hope Hero of the Year, the top award of the recognition program, for establishing the Mission For Migrant Workers in (MFMW) in 1981. The organization provides essential services to approximately 30,000 domestic workers in Hong Kong, many of whom are women from underdeveloped countries. Her work extends to addressing issues of underpayment, overwork, debt, discrimination, and even physical and sexual abuse.

“The recognition means a lot to my organization. It is giving light to the plight of migrant workers, which is not a bed of roses,” exclaimed Abdon-Tellez. 

But her work doesn’t stop there. In order to keep her advocacy going, she also admitted that she needs the support of others. “We need more people to help us raise funds or connect us to people and organizations who can financially support our work. Support services for migrant domestic workers is one of the least-funded sectors in Hong Kong.”

Another HOPE Hero is runner-up Anton Mari Lim, co-founder, president and CEO of the Yellow Boat of HOPE Foundation. Through this project, he was able to donate safe transportation in the form of 5,000 yellow boats, ensuring that children in remote areas can access education which has led to increased school attendance in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

With this recognition from HOPE Hero Awards, Lim hopes to raise more awareness about their work, drawing more attention to the challenges faced by children in remote communities in the Philippines. “Getting involved in our advocacy is open to everyone who believe in the power of education and community empowerment. People can contribute by volunteering their time and skills, donating to our cause, or simply spreading the word about our mission,” he concluded.

Like Lim, HOPE Hero runner-up Zacarias Mansing is also focusing on education of children. A wheelchair-bound PWD, Mansing embodies the spirit of a socio-civic volunteer and motivational speaker. Despite being paralyzed from the chest down, he continues to inspire others through his initiative “Books for Kids” that aims to be a catalyst for children to develop a love of reading and elevate literacy levels in public schools, especially in the remote areas of Negros Oriental.

“Being the only finalist and runner-up with physical disability is a huge honor because I was able to prove that community service is not exclusively meant for the physically abled,” said Mansing, adding that the award will help him gain the attention and respect, especially among school children because they can easily relate and connect the lesson they have learned in class about being a hero. 

HOPE Hero Awards is a recognition program that shines a spotlight on those who have dedicated time, resources, and creativity towards uplifting the lives of others, earning them well-deserved recognition for inspiring others to follow their footsteps to create meaningful and lasting change.

To know more or if you are interested to volunteer for their advocacies, contact the following:

Mission for Migrant Workers: Call / WhatsApp 95290387

Yellow Boat Project: Email chief.hopepaddler@yellowboat.org

Books for Kids: Email zmansingjr@yahoo.com

To know more about HOPE, visit https://www.generationhope.ph/

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