P&G continues to be a force for good for communities this Christmas

  

MANILA PHILIPPINES – Procter & Gamble Philippines (P&G) is bringing comforts of home to communities by donating hygiene kits and products to thousands of families affected by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. The leading health and hygiene products manufacturer partnered with the Philippine Red Cross, World Vision Philippines, and the local governments of Marikina, Cabuyao and Taguig to bring relief to communities for Christmas.

“P&G has always believed in becoming a force for good and growth for the country, and this is especially true during the holiday season and after what the Philippines and the world have been through. For P&G, our hygiene brands are our main contribution to sharing comforts and experience of home to Filipino families this Christmas,” says Raffy Fajardo, President and General Manager of P&G Philippines. 

P&G and its partners donated products to communities in Albay, Catanduanes, Cagayan, Isabela, and the cities of Marikina, Cabuyao, and Taguig. Philippine Red Cross will distribute 4,000 hygiene packs for families in Cagayan and Isabela, while World Vision hygiene gift packs will reach over 3,000 families in Albay and Catanduanes.

On top of providing relief for affected communities, P&G continues to extend this care for its employees, the company’s number one priority, amid the difficult times. The company launched the Alagang P&G program, which aims to care for its workforce. On top of ensuring their health and safety with various benefits, P&G’s Vibrant Living wellness program was redesigned to champion the new work-from-home lifestyle in the better normal. The program introduced online classes and programs on fitness, mental health, and even spiritual recollections.

For frontliners, P&G repurposed its manufacturing operations in Cabuyao, Laguna to fulfill its pledge with the DOH and partner health institutions to produce one million medical-grade face masks, which has now been doubled to benefit more medical frontliners who continue to need PPEs. The Safeguarding the Front-liners program gave hygiene kits to over 15,000 frontliners and 5,000 PPE suits to COVID-19 hospitals in Metro Manila and Laguna at the beginning of ECQ in March.

P&G also collaborated with the Department of Health (DOH) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to launch a nationwide education campaign for better health habits called BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19 which has also won P&G three special awards from PANAta Awards by the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA).

“Even before the pandemic, P&G has always been guided by our core principles of caring for our employees as our number one priority, serving our consumers with our trusted and essential health and hygiene brands and stepping up for communities in need. This is something we have strongly committed to and we will continue to do in the coming new year as a force for good and a force for growth for the country,” says Raffy.

RUSH launches digital and data program with Unilever U-COIN

 

 

RUSH, a 917Ventures, Inc. loyalty and e-commerce solutions provider, has launched a partnership with Unilever through a digital rewards program called U-COIN. U-COIN is a web-based platform that provides consumers with a more rewarding shopping experience through incentives for customers when they buy Unilever products. Customers can now earn points through engaging with any of Unilever’s channels, be it offline or online, and even through participation in brand activities. Additionally, customers can visit https://www.U-Coin.com.ph/ to  monitor their earnings and redeem amazing rewards from the catalog. 

Membership to U-COIN is free and accessible to all regardless of network, which aligns with Unilever’s value of touching lives across their various brands and initiatives.  As a hub for innovative data-driven marketing and collaborative culture, Unilever’s vision of an agile platform that aggregates digital rewards from different partners was an advantage that RUSH readily delivered. 

 

Wence Wenceslao, Digital Hub Lead for Unilever Philippines, said that meaningful engagement is important to Unilever. “With U-COIN, we get to continuously reward people through a single digital currency for engaging with Unilever. And it also democratizes how they choose their rewards. We recognize that the unique positioning of Unilever as an FMCG is that we touch lives, across our different brands and initiatives. U-COIN helps consolidate that view for us to better provide more relevant experiences for them." 

 

Through this partnership, consumers nationwide are able to maximize the value of their hard-earned peso, while being able to share the perks and rewarding experiences with their loved ones.

 

Glenn Estrella, Head of Acceleration Group for 917Ventures shares that “RUSH remains firm in our commitment to enable businesses in fostering stronger and long lasting relationships with their customers through digital solutions. Through our strength in data collection and processing, we have provided our partners the capability to understand their audience better, allowing them to create the most relevant and appealing offers. With U-COIN, Rush has once again been able to seamlessly  connect Unilever to their customers in a more meaningful and impactful way.” 

 

“U-COIN is a strategic digital program for Unilever Philippines. Aside from making consumer and customer engagement more rewarding, U-Coin also unlocks data, single customer view and lifetime value measurement in an interconnected and data-driven digital ecosystem that is slowly becoming cookieless,” says Dennis Perez, Unilever’s Media Director.

 

The experience encompasses various customer experiences, be it purchasing Unilever products, answering a survey, or simply engaging with a Unilever brand. More so, with U-COINs they’ve earned, consumers may purchase amazing gifts from Unilever’s partners for daily essential needs, mobile load, mobile data, travel, shopping, and more. 

917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe. 

For more information on digitally innovative platforms, visit www.rush.com.ph.

Celebrate the Season of Giving with Huggies, Anne Curtis, And Baby Dahlia; Help Them Raise 1,000 Gift Pack Donations This Christmas

 

 

MANILA, Philippines, 23 December 2020 –Christmas is the perfect time for surprises and gifts. This time around, Kimberly-Clark’s Huggies® brand comes with both as it welcomed actress and first-time mom Anne Curtis and her daughter Dahlia as their newest endorsers. Alongside the announcement was the introduction of a special holiday gift pack aimed to help moms and babies in need. 

 

Introduced via Facebook Live hosted by Patty Laurel-Filart, Huggies revealed Anne and Dahlia as moms’ Secret sANNEta and Dahlia ReinDEAR this Christmas season; bringing with them a specially curated Secret sANNEta gift pack as part of its ongoing Buy 1, Get 1, Give 1 promo.  

 

Starting December 20, every purchase of one (1) case of Huggies Dry Pants comes bundled with one (1) Secret sANNEta gift pack that contains baby care essentials such as one (1) pack of comfortable Huggies Dry Pants, one (1) pack of skin-loving Huggies wipes, two (2) packs of Kleenex Facial Tissues, one (1) roll of Kleenex bathroom tissue, and one (1) Hugsy teddy bear. 

 

With every purchase of this bundle, Huggies and Anne will match and donate the same amount of Secret sANNEta gift pack to Dream Machine, who will then distribute it to families in need from their partner hospitals. A total of 1,000 gift packs will be up for sale. This offer is available exclusively on Lazada until January 15, 2021 or until supplies last. 

 

As we continue to face the challenges of the pandemic, all the more people will need basic childcare supplies, and what better way than Huggies to collaborate with Dream Machine, a platform founded by Anne that stands both as a voice against dream shaming and as an enabler to make dreams come true. One of Dream Machine’s advocacies is the youth, and with this, Huggies is extending its efforts to provide comfort and care to moms and their babies, especially to those who need it the most.  

 

“I’m so delighted to be moms’ Secret sANNEta this Christmas season,” shares Anne. “My Dahlia reinDEAR has been a Huggies user even before we were welcomed in the family, so we feel so grateful to be a part of this special Buy 1, Get 1, Give 1 promo. I hope everyone is as supportive to reach our 1,000-donation goal for Dream Machine’s partner hospitals.” 

 

“Huggies continues to put forward its goal of being the parenting partner, adds Brian Duruin, Head of Marketing, Kimberly-Clark Philippines, Inc. “We should all uplift each other as we remain hopeful for the coming year.” 

 

Since the start of the year, Huggies has also donated over 100,000 newborn diaper packs to children’s hospitals and maternity wards. They also launched the Huggies Club: Facebook Live, a five-week online forum series that aimed to guide and provide moms the reliable support system they need by connecting them to other moms and healthcare professionals to tackle relevant parenting topics and advice.  

 

Now, with the Secret sANNEta gift pack, Huggies affirms its role and commitment to being your trusted parenthood partner for generations to come. 

 

To purchase the Secret sANNEta gift pack, head to Huggies LazMall now. For the latest news and updates, follow the Huggies PH Facebook page or visit huggies.com.ph. Join the Huggies Club for free and get access to more parenting tips, as well as exclusive perks and deals! 

Give back and spread a Merry GCash Christmas through app donations

GCash, the undisputed leader and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, are encouraging Filipinos to give back during the holiday season by donating through the GCash app and giving beneficiaries a Merry GCash Christmas.

Coming from a total of over PHP 23 million gathered from its #UlyssesPHAid and #TulongCagayan donation drives, GCash is looking forward once again to the unwavering Filipino “bayanihan” spirit to spread the yuletide cheer to communities that need aid and support.

“More than an app, GCash has genuinely become a force for good by democratizing donations through financial technology, and removing traditional barriers towards the same. Financial assistance arrives significantly faster, and is mobilized immediately for helping those in need,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash.

A part of GCash’s Merry GCash campaign, customers can donate using the app by simply going to Pay Bills, looking for #GCashGivesBack, and entering the amount they want to donate. Customers will be provided with an SMS receipt as a proof of transaction.

GCash is working with twelve NGO partners, namely, Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation Inc., Animal Kingdom, Kaya Natin Movement, Kusina ng Kalinga, Mama Earth Foundation, Operation Blessing, Project Biyahero, Project Pearls, Pusod Inc, Smile Train, Tanging Yaman Foundation, and Virlanie Foundation, in helping affected communities. All proceeds collected from December 2020 to January 2021 will go directly to the aforementioned beneficiaries.

Previously, some GCash users have also mobilized their GCash accounts to create their own fundraisers for the benefit of affected communities by typhoon Ulysses.

“Coming from a very challenging year, we want as many Filipinos to still feel what the Christmas spirit is all about, and one way of making it possible is through GCash. Your donations will go a long way in making families a little bit happier this holiday season,” Sazon added.

Aside from giving back this Christmas through donations, ninongs and ninangs can still also give pamasko to their inaanaks by sending money through the app through Send Pamasko -- no need for physical red envelopes, while staying safe against the pandemic.

GCash has also launched the Merry GCash campaign this holiday season, with over PHP 30 million in prizes and surprises in store for customers. Customers may visit facebook.com/gcashofficial for more information.

 

Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc.

 

Joy, delivered: Jollibee App gets over 1M downloads!

Jollibee is definitely bringing Joy online through the Jollibee App, with its easy-to-use and convenient features that makes ordering your favorite meals a breeze. In just a few months since the Jollibee App was launched last September 2020, the mobile app has quickly racked up to 1 million downloads to date!

To thank its loyal patrons and as a special holiday perk, Jollibee is extending its app-exclusive promo that gives customers P50 off for every P500 worth of purchase and P100 off for a minimum order of P1,000 for delivery orders. This special treat is available on the Jollibee App until December 31, 2020. Whether it’s to satisfy that craving for a Jollibee Super Meal, Jolly Spaghetti Pan, or for some mealtime family bonding over a Chickenjoy bucket, Jollibee lovers have more reasons to have their langhap-sarap favorites delivered!

 

Ordering through the Jollibee App is not only rewarding, but also convenient and easy to use with its user-friendly design and interface. Once downloaded, customers can create an account and save their delivery address and contact number for future orders. There’s also a store locator feature to help them find the branch that is nearest to their location. 

Payment is also simple and can be done in a few easy steps. Customers can opt to pay cash when their delivery arrives or choose online payment via the PesoPay Portal. The app even allows them to claim discounts for PWDs and senior citizens for every order. 

SCPA Celebrates A Pascong Pinoy

2020 has been a challenging time for the Filipino people. With the lockdown extending beyond the initial 6 months, multiple businesses were affected and millions displaced from their jobs. The last agenda on anyone’s minds is celebrating the holidays as we approach the pandemic’s first anniversary.  

And yet, Sanitary Care Products Asia, Inc. (SCPA) saw God’s covering upon their company from COVID-19's economic and social effects throughout the year. As a response to His goodness, the management decided to push through with their annual Christmas party through virtual means! The goal was to inspire employees to share their blessings with their families and those in greater need. 

As their way of gratitude and in line with their first-ever virtual Christmas party, SCPA commissioned local recording artist, DJ, and producer Silverfilter to write the company’s very own holiday theme song – “Pasco”.

Marketing Director Lea Sio-Pacis shared a bit about the conceptualization. “When we were creating the song, our inspirations were local TV station IDs broadcast over the holidays, SCPA’s purpose of providing Filipinos with high-quality hygiene products, and our core values of Service, Christ-Centered Principles, Passion, and Accountability.   Because of the Christmas theme, it was very organic for the focus to be on our Lord Jesus Christ while also referring to SCPA’s continued service following Christ’s example.” With those ideas in mind, Silverfilter proceeded with writing and arranging. 

 

Isaiah 9:6

To mark this historic occasion, SCPA’s holiday theme song was the driving force behind the Christmas party’s music video competition. Each SCPA branch interpreted “Pasco” by highlighting Pinoy culture, our collective struggle, and our hope in the Lord through distinct, creative visuals.

We are happy to share with you one entry each from SCPA’s Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao branches!

SCPA Luzon:

https://www.facebook.com/scpainc/posts/3654316681273275

 

SCPA Visayas:

https://www.facebook.com/scpainc/posts/3654314874606789

 

SCPA Mindanao:

https://www.facebook.com/scpainc/posts/3654292647942345

  

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Give Yourself the Gift of Healthy Skin this Holiday Season

Without a doubt, the biggest headline of this year is this pandemic, with our greatest achievement being alive and healthy. For having survived COVID-19 thus far, we all deserve some respite. And one way to reward yourself is by giving yourself the gift of staying healthy. 

PRIORITIES 

The skin is the largest organ in the body¹ but skin health is often not given the attention it needs. Priority is given to the organs that give us the sense of sight, hearing, and these days,  the sense of taste and smell. Unless presented with a pressing emergency, our skin usually plays second fiddle. The skin is the first thing we see in a person because it covers most of our body. Moreover, it lets us know if our body is feeling pain, heat, coldness, or some sort of illness. That said, we should give it the same care that we do to our other body parts. 

MISCONCEPTIONS 

Many may think that this pandemic allows our skin to breathe without irritants and pollution from our outside environment. But what people don’t realize is that the pandemic causes us a lot of stress² from facing the invisible enemy and the challenges that come with it. Unknown to most, wearing face masks can also take a toll on the skin, causing friction between the mask and the skin. 

STRESSORS 

Beyond this pandemic, the holiday season can likewise bring harm to our skin. The weather, one of the coldest in the year, can lead to dryness and flaking. 

Moreover, the stress from holiday planning given a new normal can also lead to more stresses on the skin. 

But don’t fear – there's hope for your skin yet this season. From the C in Christmas, turn to another C - collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, ³ for help. 

Collagen provides structural support for connective tissues, muscles, and skin. ⁴ Collagen helps the skin become healthy by maintaining its strength, flexibility, and elasticity. Collagen also helps hydrate the skin, minimizing dryness, flaking, and even wrinkles. ⁵ 

VITAMIN FOR THE SKIN 

Vitamin C, a vitamin that helps promote collagen production making it is essential for healthy skin and hair. Since the body does not produce Vitamin C naturally, the skin needs supplementation. ⁶ 

POTEN-CEE + C 

Poten-Cee is the Philippines’ top adult Vitamin C brand⁷ that has hydrolyzed collagen, that is broken down for better absorption. This Christmas, give yourself the gift of Vitamin C + Collagen for that healthier, hydrated skin, so you can face the holidays and the stresses of the pandemic, full face forward. 

--------------

¹Skin. National Geographic. In https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-body/skin/#:~:text=Skin%20is%20the%20human%20body's%20largest%20organ.&text=Body%20organs%20aren't%20all,2%20square%20meters)%20of%20it. Accessed January 2017 

² Bowe, Whitney, M.D. This Is Your Skin on Stress

In https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/fashion/this-is-your-skin-on-stress.html

³McCintosh, James. "What is collagen and why do we use it”? In https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262881#:~:text=Collagen%20is%20the%20most%20abundant,to%20provide%20strength%20and%20structure. Accessed December 2020 

⁴Howard D. The Top Three Causes of Dry, Dehydrated skin, The International Dermal institute. In: http://www.dermalinstitute.com/us/library/18_article_The_Top_Three_Causes_of_Dry_Dehydrated_Skin.html. Accessed March in 2018. 

⁵ Kim DU, Chung HC, Choi J, et al. Oral intake of Low molecular weight collagen peptide improves hydration, elasticity, and wrinkling in Human skin. Nutrients. 2018. 10(7):826.

⁶ Vitamin C. In https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002404.htm Accessed December 2020 

⁷IMS Certification YTD June 2020.

DOT Launches new “Have a Safe Trip, Pinas” Videos to Guide Local Tourists on How to Travel Safely in the New Normal

“Have a Safe Trip, Pinas” is the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) latest campaign focused on promoting the observance of health and safety protocols among local tourists and the general public when traveling amidst the pandemic. 

The campaign aims to promote safe travels in the new normal and, in this new series, utilizes Pinoy humor to drive the message across. The videos showcase safety precautions on enjoying the amenities, dining in a restaurant, boarding tourist transport, and booking a hotel starring actors Kim Molina, Beauty Gonzalez, and Jun Sabayton. The video also includes guest appearances of comedian and theatre actor Jerald Napoles.

In the video series, DOT advises everyone to observe “Physical Distancing Always” or “PDA.”, while to cooperate in temperature checks and filling up health declaration. The DOT also emphasizes the need to sanitize often, wear a mask and face shield, and opt for contactless transactions.

The videos show that guests are required to book in advance to avoid crowding. The limited capacity in establishments gives guests more “me time” and “space” for peace and relaxation. Also, recycling and taking care of the environment are still a must when going on vacation.

The series highlights that all leisure activities are still welcome as long as guests follow the safety guidelines and that tourists can still experience the beauty and joy in travel amidst the pandemic. As the trio says at the end, “Enjoy guys. Travel safe. Mabuhay! Pag naglalakbay.

Recently, DOT released a rendition of the song “You,” performed by Armi Millare, along with a narrative of a young man and woman meeting on an island to highlight the magic of traveling even in the most unusual of times. 

Visit philippines.travel/safetrip for information on reopened destinations and their respective health and safety protocols. The DOT official app is also available for download at app.philippines.travel.

Watch the series at DOT's social media pages:

1. Facebook

1. https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/posts/4221639637862876 

2. https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/videos/382609846344413  

3. https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism/videos/2483471495280339 

2. Twitter

1. https://twitter.com/TourismPHL/status/1332164745500254215?s=20 

2. https://twitter.com/TourismPHL/status/1337698714895360001?s=20 

3. https://twitter.com/TourismPHL/status/1338423526185783301?s=20 

3. Instagram: 

1. https://www.instagram.com/p/CIFEBhfFjhU/ 

2. https://www.instagram.com/p/CIscmhcFZM8/ 

3. https://www.instagram.com/p/CIzQ_vXlS7z/ 

4. Youtube: 

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4MeGdMHs90 

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41WjsT72j0U 

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98SDRC-oyWk&t=5s  

Inspiring story of the enduring Filipino spirit wins grand prize in UFC Reel Life short film competition

The first ever UFC Reel Life: Nagsasama-samang Sarap Short Film Competition, an event meant to celebrate UFC’s 50^th anniversary as well as highlight the talents of local filmmakers, has officially selected its top three winners.

 

UFC Reel Life Best Film “Cancelled” about how ordinary Filipinos rise up and find hope despite the odds

The competition focused on sharing stories about how ordinary Filipinos rise up and find hope despite the odds. Together, UFC celebrates these special moments of triumph, inspirations of courage, and resiliency for the coming year.

The daunting task of selecting the prize-winning films from the 57 entries that came in fell upon an esteemed panel of judges. This panel included Kip Oebanda, writer and director of Liway, Bar Boys, and Nay; Noel Teehankee, a prolific cinematographer from blockbuster films including The Hows of Us, A Second Chance, and Crazy Beautiful You; Victor Kaiba Villanueva, the director behind films Patay na Si Hesus, My Paranormal Romance, and Ang Nanay ni Justin Barber; and representatives of UFC marketing.

Crismel Gida won Best Film, Best Director, and Best Cinematography for his short film “Cancelled”

Directed by Crismel Gida, “Cancelled,” a hopeful story of two resilient Filipinos working their hardest to make ends meet after their livelihoods were affected by recent events, took home the P100,000 grand prize for Best Short Film. Gida also took home the P15,000 Best Director Prize as well as the P5,000 Best Cinematography award.

In second place, and winning P50,000, was Ken Leviste’s “How’s my Driving,” which tells the engaging narrative of a jeepney driver turned deliveryman. Meanwhile, the third place prize of P20,000 went to Marco Paulo Castro’s “Budjoy,” a light hearted story about a forgetful boy who misses his OFW mother as his family tries to make ends meet.

“How's My Driving” is UFC Reel Life's second best film

Director Ken Leviste's “How's My Driving” bagged the contest's second best film

Aside from the top winners of the competition, excellent performances both on and off screen were given special credit. Acting citations were given to outstanding performers from the competition’s entries. The Best Actor prize of P5,000 goes to none other than young talent Sean Angelo Tutanez for “Budjoy”. Meanwhile the Best Actress prize of P5,000 goes to Andrea del Mundo for “Prank” (directed by James Edward Golla), a short film that tells the story of an innocent prank between husband and wife that takes a dramatic turn.

“Kambal” by Yves Publico is among the competition's honorable mentions

The competition likewise gave recognition for technical skills to highlight the immense talent that filmmakers showed behind the scenes. The Best Screenplay prize of P5,000 went to Jojo Livelo and Miko Livelo for “Anana”, a comedic tale of cheesy dad jokes made real.

“Ma,” by Dexter de Jesus won Best Mobile Short Film, Best Editing, and honorable mention

The Best Editing prize of P5,000 went to Dexter de Jesus for “Ma,”, a beautifully animated film about a young man missing the comfort of his mother’s home cooking.

Special awards were also given in response to the overwhelming amount of talent on display during the competition. Best Mobile Short Film was given to the filmmaker who made the best use of simple equipment such as their very own cell phone cameras. The People’s Choice Award rewards the most popular film in the competitions as determined by the number of YouTube views. Seven honorable mentions were also selected from the shortlist of 30 as their skill and quality could not go unrecognized. 

The winner of Best Mobile Short Film was Dexter de Jesus for “Ma,”. The awardee will receive a mobile filmmaking kit that includes a Kase Four Lens Kit V2, a Zhiyun Crane M2, a Kase Phone case, a Phone Cage 2990, and a Synco Shotgun Mic M1. Lexter Taganas’s “Uli” snagged the People’s Choice Award and the P15,000 prize for getting over 22,000 views.

UFC also awarded a P10,000 consolation prize to each of the seven honorable mentions: “Ma,” by Dexter de Jesus; “Kambal” by Yves Publico; “Rico” by Ronald John Mendenilla-Teodosio; “Tatalon” by Don Ralph Diaz; “Bato-Bato Pik” by Alejandro “Bong” Ramos; “Uli” by Lexter Taganas; and “Anana” by Quentin Tolentino.

Prize winner or not, however, each and every entry in this contest placed the prodigious talents of local filmmakers on full display. The organizers of UFC Reel Life: Nagsasama-samang Sarap Short Film Competition takes great pride in having been able to shine a spotlight on these excellent works. Congratulations go out to all the winners and to the rest of the filmmakers who showcased their abilities for the competition.

All thirty short films that were shortlisted as finalists can be watched right now on YouTube.