Women Make it Happen in Airspeed

There is no better time than National Women’s Month to highlight the ever-increasing role of women in shaping Philippine society in general, and the business world in particular.

In the Philippines’ male dominated corporate world, a woman named Rosemarie P. Rafael has been breaking stereotypes and challenging the big boys since the 1980s. 

In 1985, Mrs. Rafael founded Airspeed, one of the leading logistics solutions and express courier companies in the country. Airspeed is a company that reflects Ms. Rafael’s values and beliefs as a woman, a mother, and a leader. Being Airspeed’s Chairman and President and a true advocate of women, Ms. Rafael chose to empower women at Airspeed because she believes women are naturally nurturing and she knows that when people are supported and enabled, they can do great and impossible things. 

These three women executives of Airspeed – together with the management team, envisioned to help propel the company to greater heights and, in the process, make the company better and reach success.  

Anna Lyn Discaya is the new Chief Administrative Officer under Airspeed Group of Companies Holding Corp. In her new role, Ann will be in charge of managing and overseeing the company’s Administrative Group which comprises the Human Resources Team, Procurement Team, Security Group, Legal and Compliance Team, and Administrative Maintenance.

Claudette ‘Claude’ Lucasan-Canta is the new Chief Supply Chain Officer, and will oversee the supply chain solutions design, warehouse operational processes, distribution, procedures, and work process flow of all companies under the holdings group. She is tasked to align with different business unit heads on the requirements of prospects and accounts, as well as the review of onboarding processes of each account. Claude will also help define the goals and programs for each of the businesses operation units and review financial projections per cost modules for new and existing business.

Liza Fallar-Marquez, the Chief Information Technology Officer, leads the Management Information System Department. Liza has been with Airspeed for 23 years, and has made sure to establish and direct strategic long-term goals, policies and procedures for their information technology department. She leads the implementation of new IT Systems by adapting new technology platforms to improve the client experience, as well as monitor changes in the technology sector to discover ways the company can improve and develop its IT Infrastructure.

In closing off National Women’s Month, Airspeed is committed to pay tribute to females by entrusting them extraordinary roles as trailblazers and forerunners of change. In shining the spotlight on women, Airspeed is confident it can attain greater success for many more years to come.

#Connect2Earth: Globe solidifies climate change support through action-led initiatives

 

 

Earth Hour is the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment, representing large-scale public clamor for a sustainable future and the protection of the environment.

 

On Saturday, 27 March at 8:30 p.m. local time, this global event will virtually bring together millions of people, businesses and leaders from around the world to shine a spotlight on the urgent need to address nature loss and climate change. With evidence pointing towards a close link between nature's destruction and rising incidences of infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19, Earth Hour 2021 will unite people online to speak up for nature. This event comes ahead of key moments when world leaders will take critical decisions on nature, climate change and sustainable development, setting the course of our future.

 

As part of its support to Earth Hour, Globe has also established several initiatives that put the planet first such as WasSUP ('Wag Sa Single Use Plastic), a sustainability program that advocates a zero waste lifestyle and educates Globe employees on how avoidance of single-use plastics can protect the environment. Globe has collaborated with Green Antz Builders Inc. for proper disposal and processing of single-use plastic wastes within their office premises by purchasing a new plastic shredder. Clean and dry plastics are shredded and brought to the Green Antz facility in Arca South, Taguig for further processing and conversion to eco-bricks and eco pavers.

 

It also worked with Vending Experts Night and Day Philippines, Inc. (VEND Phils. Inc.) to come out with first vending machines that operate using the Quick Response (QR) code for cashless and contactless transactions via GCash. 28 machines have been installed in Globe offices and an automatic PhP1.00 GCASH rebate is given every time a Ka-Globe uses his or her own mug.

 

Globe customers may further take part in the zero-carbon initiatives. Here’s how:

 

1.       Donate your Globe Rewards Points

Be part of the rainforestation advocacy by supporting Globe’s rainforestation initiatives through your Globe Rewards points. Globe supports Hineleban Foundation for the rainforestation of denuded primary forests in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. Together with its has already raised a total of PhP 15.6 million equivalent to 156 hectares of reforestation sites planted with Calliandra as pioneer species coupled with multiple native trees such as Narra, White Lauan, Balsa, Bitaog, and Ulayan.

 

Every 100 Rewards points donation is equivalent to one tree. To donate, just download the Globe Rewards app on your mobile device and click the “DONATE” banner. Tap “HINELEBAN100” and press “REDEEM”. Download the app via https://www.globe.com.ph/rewards.html#GRewardsApp

The company also engaged in a long-term partnership with The Mead Foundation for the reforestation of upland forests in Iba, Zambales in collaboration with the local IP community. To support, go to https://mead-foundation.org/trees/ and scan the QR code using your GCASH app. Every PhP100 donation is equivalent to 1 native tree planted.

 

2.       Go Digital - Use GCASH and help reforest the country

Every successful GCash transaction earns you equivalent green energy in GCash Forest. You can collect these green energy by linking your health accounts, switching to online GCash transactions and reducing your carbon footprint. With enough green energy, you can plant a virtual tree and a real tree will be planted on your behalf by partner local communities. Help rebuild Philippine forests and protect our remaining watersheds! Download the app now via Google Play and App Store or go directly to https://www.gcash.com/gforest/

 

3.       Enroll in Paperless Billing

Globe actively encourages its customers to shift to electronic billing in order to reduce paper consumption and decrease environmental footprint. In addition, by automating and migrating to a paperless process, the company was able to save over 781 tons of paper, equivalent to saving 18,753 trees in 2020.

 

4.       Practice Zero waste at home. Donate your old, non-working electronic gadgets through Globe’s Ewaste Zero program

E-waste Zero is Globe´s environmental program focused on responsible disposal and recycling of electronic wastes. The program was formerly called “Project 1 Phone” and remains to be a platform for everyone to donate their old, non-working electronic devices via participating Globe Stores, select malls and offices of partner organizations.

Since its launch in 2014, Globe has worked with more than 66 corporations, private organizations, NGOs and schools nationwide. To date, more than 1.4 million kilograms of ewaste were donated, collected and recycled responsibly.

 

You may drop your e-waste items in more than 120 locations nationwide. This includes select Globe stores, participating malls and offices of partner organizations. To see the full list of drop of points or request for free door-to-door pickups, go to Globe’s Sustainability website - https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability/environment.html

 

5.       Together, let us reduce our carbon footprint. Switch to renewable energy or simply switch off lights when not in use

Conserve energy by being mindful of your power consumption. Turn off lights and home appliances when not in use and, if possible, shift to renewable energy by using solar panels.

Similarly, Globe is constantly finding ways to reduce its impact to the environment by shifting to renewable or clean energy sources. In 2020, a total of 7 key sites have totally shifted to clean energy sources which is a milestone for the company since it started its efforts on decarbonizing its facilities. It has also decommissioned legacy machines to ensure only energy efficient systems are in place for its operations.

 

Globe has been supporting Earth Hour since it was first held in 2007. This year, Globe will again participate by turning off lights and non-critical equipment in its offices and key facilities during the global event on Saturday. Through this action, the company hopes to encourage the public to continuously look for ways to live and operate sustainably.

 

All these are part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as UN SDG No. 12—Sustainable Consumption and Production—which is about achieving economic growth and sustainable development by urgently reducing ecological footprint. It is also about decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, increasing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable lifestyles by changing the way people produce and consume goods and resources; and SDG No. 13, which is to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

 

To learn more about Globe’s environmental initiatives, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html

 

MakatiMed and PayMaya launch Wellness for Women Health Privilege Card

In time for the celebration of Women’s Month this March, the Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with PayMaya to launch the country’s first all-in-one health privilege card for women.

Designed to be used at the newly-launched MakatiMed Wellness Center (MWC), the PayMaya-powered Health Privilege Card (HPC) for women enables clients to schedule medical consultations, receive the latest health updates, enjoy lifestyle discounts, and attend exclusive events designed specifically for them.

 

 And since the Health Privilege Card is powered by PayMaya, cardholders can easily enjoy the many perks associated with having a PayMaya account when they download the PayMaya app and link their HPC cards. 

 

 These perks include: 

• easy shopping experience whether online or in-store using their Health Privilege Card or via PayMaya QR;
• convenient bills payment and discounted mobile prepaid reloading;
• easy sending of money to other PayMaya users;
• hassle-free bank transfers to almost 40 banks and financial institutions;
• cashback deals whenever they pay using their account; among many others.

 

“We are excited to offer another first in healthcare delivery through the Health Privilege Card of MakatiMed Wellness Center. Our partnership with PayMaya allows us to offer this all-in-one wellness card which brings a multitude of benefits and convenience to our clientele, both within and outside the MakatiMed Wellness Center,” said Atty. Pilar Nenuca P. Almira, Makati Medical Center President and CEO.

 

“By offering the Wellness for Women Health Privilege Card powered by PayMaya, MakatiMed is enabling its clients with an all-around tool designed not just to take care of their physical health, but their financial wellness as well. We are glad to partner with them as they push the boundaries of healthcare innovation in the country,” added PayMaya President Shailesh Baidwan.

 

Designed specifically to address the unique medical needs of women, the Women’s Wellness facility is located in a sprawling 1,000-square-meter area at the Ayala North Exchange Tower 1 in Makati. Its partnership with PayMaya for the Health Privilege Card is part of its ongoing efforts to provide unprecedented innovations in healthcare delivery.

 

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payment ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country including "everyday" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants as well as government agencies and units.  

 

 

Through its app and wallet, PayMaya provides over 28 million Filipinos with access to financial services. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 200,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 37,000 partner agent touchpoints nationwide serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved with access to digital services. 

 

To know more about the MakatiMed Wellness Center and its Health Privilege Card, visit www.makatimedwomenswellness.net.ph. To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

MSMEs Share their Digital Journey in Time for Shopee’s 4.4 Mega Shopping Sale

Through Shopee, two sellers gained immense success with their online business

As e-commerce takes on greater importance in Filipinos’ lives, entrepreneurs continue to explore online selling opportunities to reach a new generation of tech-savvy users.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, provides an ideal avenue for MSMEs to quickly shift their businesses to e-commerce, the tools to upskill entrepreneurs, and engagement features to reach even more customers. With about 88,000 new online business registrations in 2020, 86,000 of these businesses registered from March to December when strict lockdown measures were implemented across the country. With many entrepreneurs going digital and turning to online platforms, Shopee shares two business owners’ success stories on the platform.

Jhoanna Tabije (Abubot PH)

Jhoanna Tabije joined Shopee shortly after she lost her job in 2018. It was a low time for her, and it wasn’t easy to find another job that quickly. Seeing her struggle, her friend encouraged her to try selling online. She decided to join Shopee after, and within a year, her ready-to-wear clothing apparel business was thriving. “Being on Shopee helped us a lot. Not only were we able to reach customers from all over the Philippines, but we also got resellers from Mindanao, especially when the lockdown happened,” Tabije said.

Through Shopee and its in-app features like Shopee Feed, Tabije reached more customers and gained better exposure for her store. “I really plan to use Shopee Live soon since there’s probably a market we haven’t tapped into yet.” Tabije also started joining the mega campaigns in 2019 and saw a large increase in sales as a result.

For the upcoming Shopee 4.4 Mega Shopping Day, Tabije and her team stocked up in early March to prepare to meet the forecasted surge in orders. “Last 3.3, we received a total of 41,000 orders and are expecting more this coming 4.4.” Tabije encourages other budding entrepreneurs to try selling online as well. “I think this is e-commerce’s golden era. It’s easier, faster, and safer. Now is the perfect time to sell online. We’ve been on Shopee for three years now, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Richard Salvo (randashoesofficial)

With over 87,000 followers on Shopee and an overall star rating of 4.92 out of 5, Richard Salvo’s store is on the right path to achieving even more online success. He established his footwear business but ran into financial difficulties. He took the risk of renting a stall at the mall, but the costs were too high. To continue his business without spending too much, Salvo decided to sign up on Shopee in August of 2019.

“I was amazed because joining Shopee was very easy. I started exploring the different marketing tools within the app and used them to gain more exposure to potential buyers. We even utilized the ads and vouchers heavily that time,” Salvo said. After realizing how convenient it was to be a Shopee seller, he ended his contract with the mall as it wasn’t generating as much income compared to his Shopee store.

“In 2019, I started out by storing the stocks in our living room and only had one employee. In that same year, we achieved more than ₱2M sales on Shopee despite the lack of manpower and storage capacity,” he said.

However, 2020 was a challenging year for Salvo. “We were not able to sell because our couriers had to shut down their operations for a while due to the pandemic. Despite everything, we even got to expand our business on Shopee, employing 14 more personnel and renting a bigger space.”

The obstacles did not stop Salvo and his team from achieving even greater success. At the end of the year, Salvo’s business garnered more than ₱23 million in sales with the help of his online store on Shopee.

“We are really growing with Shopee. With our earnings, we invested in a warehouse where we can store our stocks. We also established our own Shoe Raw Material Supply Store. We bought the property where our main footwear manufacturing facility was built. We now have a total of 16 employees for our online shop alone and two footwear manufacturing facilities managed by R&A Shoes, plus seven suppliers,” Salvo added.

For 4.4, Salvo and his team are preparing early for the big sale. Two weeks before 4.4, they make sure that they have stocks ready and they study their business insights data to learn which items will sell the most quickly. “Our team also ensures that we have new products to offer our shoppers,” he added.

This coming 4.4, shoppers can look forward to great deals and new items from Abubot PH and Randa Shoes. Users can also expect other brand deals and amazing promotions at the Shopee 4.4 Mega Shopping Day. For more information, visit https://shopee.ph/m/4-4.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play. Shop, buy, load, and pay bills using ShopeePay to enjoy more perks.

PCPPI marks World Water Day with reduced water consumption

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) - the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverage products - recently reported a six percent reduction in its 2020 water usage, compared with previous year. The company saved 5,836,587 cubic meters of water which is more than 2,300 Olympic-sized swimming pools. 

In support of 2021 World Water Day, PCPPI commits to improve its water reduction. The company detailed it recycled and reused more than 100,000 m3 or more than 26 million gallons of water. 

“Despite the challenges from the pandemic, we still upheld our water stewardship principles.  The company respects water as a fundamental right. Thus, we strictly manage our water consumption and water wastes,” said PCPPI President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick D. Ong. 

Internally, PCPPI will replicate its water reuse initiatives implemented in its Muntinlupa plant. The company will mirror the project in its Tanuan, Zamboanga, and Cebu plants this year.  

To bolster its water stewardship initiatives, PCPPI is strengthening its host communities' involvement. This year, the company will partner with more local government units for its adopt-a-river program. 

"Our company does not stop at managing our water resource. We also plan to nourish our sources of clean water to further sustain its supply," added Ong.

Water Stewardship is one of PCPPI's three Sustainability pillars. It is aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), the Philippine Development Plan, and PepsiCo’s Performance with Purpose.

Alagang Jollibee: Safety and extra care for customers served daily

As people continue to take extra precautions and strictly abide by health guidelines, the country’s number one fast-food chain strengthens its commitment to bring joy to its customers—not only through its great-tasting and well-loved offerings but also through its signature Alagang Jollibee service.

#SafeAtAlagaKa sa Jollibee! By wearing their face mask and face shield, and practicing physical distancing and no-touch transactions, every Filipino can drive-thru safely and enjoy their Jollibee favorites

In its newly released and heartwarming safety video, Jollibee underscored its culture of providing care to customers whom they treat as family, anchored on the values of its ‘Alagang Jollibee’ brand of service. Set to the classic Rey Valera song Kumusta Ka, the Safe at Alaga Ka video demonstrates Jollibee’s efforts in ensuring the welfare of its customers and its own store teams now more than ever through enhanced safety protocols, extra care in food preparation and handling, and its signature warm and friendly customer service.

At Jollibee, food safety is a priority. Jollibee riders practice no-contract delivery and delivery bags have safety seals and customer seals to ensure safety.  

The safety journey at Jollibee is made possible with the store’s Alagang Jollibee ambassador, crew and delivery riders who all make sure that everyone’s langhap-sarap favorites are safely handled and delivered. In the video, the store team is seen diligently preparing to serve joy safely, with complete PPE, disinfecting high-touch areas, and strictly following a safety checklist to ensure the team’s compliance.

These safety protocols such as proper physical distancing, cashless payments, and no touch transactions are observed in all its distribution channels – whether for take-out, delivery, drive-thru, as well as order and pick up.

Signed, sealed, for safety. Jollibee provides an extra dose of care to customers, with takeout orders in properly sealed packaging to ensure safety.

Food is prepared and handled with extra care, with store teams ensuring not just the quality and freshness, but also the completeness of orders. For Take-Out and Drive-thru, speakers are installed, and lapel mics are used by the crew members to further minimize direct contact.

Contributing greatly to a more pleasant experience with every Jollibee visit is the unique and genuine way that the store teams attend to and interact with every customer whether behind the counter, a drive-thru window, or during delivery—serving them in an efficient manner and with a smile, even as their faces are covered in the requisite face mask and face shield. 

Service with warmth, joy and a heightened focus on safety—this is what Alagang Jollibee is all about.

“The pandemic has really brought about changes in our lives. While things are different, we remain committed to serving Joy to our customers by strengthening our safety protocols and providing extra care through our Alagang Jollibee,” says Jollibee Global Brand CMO and Jollibee Philippines Marketing Head Francis Flores. “Health and safety are our priority, and this is our promise not only to our customers but to our hardworking and highly dedicated employees and store teams as well.”

The JFC Group has earlier announced that it is setting up a vaccination program to provide free vaccines for all its employees in the Philippines, and is also sourcing vaccines for their dependents, extended family, and household members. This is supported by communication efforts, including webinars on vaccine education, under efforts to enable employees to make informed decisions on their health.

Watch Jollibee’s newest safety video here.

For delivery, dial the #87000 hotline, or order online through JollibeeDelivery.com or via the Jollibee App. Customers may also opt to avail via Take Out or through the 'Order & Pick Up' service in select stores.

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5 Exciting Things to Look Forward to at Shopee's Mega Free Shipping Sale

Shop to your heart’s desire and enjoy free shipping with no minimum spend, cashbacks, freebies, and more this March 27

MANILA, MARCH 26, 2021 - Looking to splurge a little this weekend? Are you thinking of finally checking out items sitting in your cart? This Saturday, you can shop all you want with all the deals available at Shopee’s Mega Free Shipping Sale.

Aside from free shipping, you can enjoy big cashbacks, ₱1 deals, and discounts up to 90% off on Shopee Mall brands. You can also win up to ₱200,000 by tuning in to GMA 7 and Shopee Live this March 27. 

Here are some ways to maximize all the perks at Shopee’s Mega Free Shipping Sale: 

1. Shop guilt-free and redeem free shipping vouchers

This March 27, add as many items as you want to your cart and enjoy free shipping vouchers with no minimum spend, available sitewide throughout the day. 

2. Enjoy irresistible discounts and freebies from top brands

Watch out for awesome deals and discounts from your favorite local and international brands on Shopee Mall. Save up to 90% off on a wide array of products from top brands such as Huggies, Realme, Pampers, Olay, Garnier, and Xiaomi. You can also get freebies when you shop from P&G Beauty and Nestle, and discount vouchers worth ₱300 and ₱500 on Vivo. 

3. Give back with Havaianas Philippines

For every purchase of flip-flops from the Havaianas Official Store, another pair will be donated to Project SMILE Foundation’s beneficiaries. Shop for a cause and show your support for frontliners, farmers, and people with disabilities by getting yourself a pair this March 27.

4. Go cashless with ShopeePay and earn even more rewards

Going cashless isn’t just safe and convenient, it’s also more rewarding. On March 27, shop and pay bills with ShopeePay to enjoy more savings and special perks. Get all-day 15% cashback from participating shops and exclusive ₱1 deals from your favorite brands such as Jollibee, Bonchon, McDonald's, Domino's, and Gong Cha. Pay bills worth at least ₱600 to get 10% cashback. Meanwhile, shoppers who use ShopeePay to buy load/data and pay bills for the first time get to enjoy 20% cashback.

5. Play games to de-stress and win exciting cash prizes

Shake off the week’s stress with Shopee Shake! On March 27, tune in to Sarap Diba on GMA 7 at 10:00 AM and play Shopee Shake for a chance to win ₱200,000. To join, simply open Shopee Shake in-app and shake your phone to get the most coins before time runs out.

Make the most out of your shopping experience with these tips! Get ready to add to cart this March 27 at Shopee’s Mega Free Shipping Day. Watch out for more surprises in store this 4.4 Mega Shopping Day as well. For more information, visit https://shopee.ph/m/4-4. 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Now more than ever, make bonding moments more sweet-sarap with Jolly Spaghetti

 Jollibee’s new ad shows how parents can make bonding time with kids more fun!

Even though the pandemic means kids must stay home to be safe, it doesn’t mean that they can’t have any fun! Now that parents are spending more time with their kids, it’s best to make the most out of the situation and foster a joyful and exciting atmosphere at home.

 

One great way to keep kids happy despite the current situation is to create new family activities that will make quality time together more memorable!  You can learn how to bake, expand their creativity through DIY arts and crafts or even explore the latest video games or social media trends—then complete your child’s day with a plate of the meatiest, cheesiest, and sweet-sarap Jolly Spaghetti.

The latest commercial from Jollibee encourages exactly this, showing that parents can do a lot of at-home activities for their bonding time. From interactive storytelling through role-playing, teaming up on building giant lego castles, and jamming to the new dance crazes and games together, there is always a way to make your children happy.

 

To top it all, the meatiest, cheesiest and sweet-sarap Jolly Spaghetti is always guaranteed to make these daily bonding moments memorable and sweet-sarap na walang katulad, while being affordable, and easy and convenient to order.

 

“Keeping your children happy by spending quality time with them is truly important during these challenging times. We’re glad to contribute to making family bonding moments with the kids sweeter and more fun with their all-time favorite Jolly Spaghetti.” said Jollibee Marketing AVP for Bestsellers Cathleen Capati.

 

The Jolly Spaghetti is available in all Jollibee stores nationwide for only Php 50 solo, and P200 as a Family Pan good for four to five people. Have it safely delivered to you via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda! Also available in Drive-Thru and Take Out.

 

For more info and updates on Jollibee products, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

Japanese scientists discover fabric spray kills >99.9% of COVID-19 virus

Leading Japanese household company Earth Corporation has announced breakthrough clinical studies confirming that Natucair, its brand of fabric and linen spray, kills >99.9% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

Clinical studies show that Natucair was effective in killing >99.9% SARS-CoV-2.

Shintaro Noda, in charge of Regional Marketing of Earth Corporation, disclosed that based on clinical studies made by the Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center in Kobe, Natucair was effective in killing >99.9% SARS-CoV-2 in suspension.

With 17 testing centers in Japan and around the world, the Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center is one of the most credible and trusted institutions when it comes to evaluating the efficacy of products to be used internationally.

The testing involved mixing nine parts of Natucair with one part sample of the SARS-CoV-2 using plaque assay protocol. After five minutes of contact, the samples were re-examined to see the effect on the SARS-CoV-2 particles.

A study led by microbiologist Dr. Katie Laird showed that fabrics pose a risk for transmission of the virus.

Filipinos can make a daily routine of spraying down their shirts, pants, and other fabrics in their outfits including the inner cloth linings of shoes with Natucair.

Natucair eliminates odors from fabrics all around the house while also killing bacteria, germs and viruses.

“We are extremely proud of our team of scientists and researchers who have made this groundbreaking confirmation,” says Yuya Suzuki of Research and Development. “Everyday, Filipinos should be able to have options and products that can help them stay safe from the dangers of COVID-19 and we’re happy to add Natucair to that list.”

This scientific breakthrough comes at a timely moment as COVID-19 cases reported the highest surge in the Philippines since the third quarter of 2020. Since early March, the Department of Health (DOH) reported more than 3,000 COVID-19 cases daily, peaking recently with over 8,000 cases reported in a single day.

 As the numbers continue to rise, scientists and researchers continuously search to identify key risks of transmission that help the virus spread and how to potentially counteract these risks.

One potential point of transmission that should not be taken for granted is fabrics. Recently, the BBC reported a study led by microbiologist Dr. Katie Laird that looked into the survival rate of COVID-19 on commonly worn fabrics.

According to Dr. Laird, these fabrics “pose a risk for transmission of the virus.”

Laird’s study showed droplets of the coronavirus added to three commonly used fabrics: polyester, polycotton and 100% cotton. Scientists then monitored the stability of the virus on each fabric for 72 hours. It was found that of the three fabrics, polyester posed the greatest risk as the virus survived for the full 3-day test period. Serious risks were also discovered on the other two fabrics. The virus lasted for a full 24 hours on 100% cotton and six hours on polycotton.

Laird pointed out that these fabrics—commonly used in the uniforms of healthcare professionals that regularly come into contact with COVID-19 patients—pose a great threat. “If nurses and healthcare workers take their uniforms home,” said Laird, “they could be leaving traces of the virus on other surfaces.”

Shintaro explains that Natucair can become a handy part of every Filipino’s day. “As we all continue to remain vigilant and cautious in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is encouraging to find that Natucair effectively kills SARS-CoV-2. As Natucair is designed to be used on fabrics, we recommend that all Filipinos should make it a daily routine to spray down their shirts, pants, and other fabrics in their outfits including the inner cloth linings of shoes with Natucair.”

Shintaro remains optimistic that Natucair will have a positive effect in helping Filipinos live their everyday lives in safety and comfort.

“We believe that every home can benefit from having Natucair,” says Shintaro. “Natucair eliminates odors from fabrics while also killing bacteria, germs and viruses. Natucair does this with ease, convenience and practicality.”

5 Exciting Things to Look Forward to at Shopee's Mega Free Shipping Sale

Shop to your heart’s desire and enjoy free shipping with no minimum spend, cashbacks, freebies, and more this March 27

Looking to splurge a little this weekend? Are you thinking of finally checking out items sitting in your cart? This Saturday, you can shop all you want with all the deals available at Shopee’s Mega Free Shipping Sale.

Aside from free shipping, you can enjoy big cashbacks, ₱1 deals, and discounts up to 90% off on Shopee Mall brands. You can also win up to ₱200,000 by tuning in to GMA 7 and Shopee Live this March 27. 

Here are some ways to maximize all the perks at Shopee’s Mega Free Shipping Sale: 

1. Shop guilt-free and redeem free shipping vouchers

This March 27, add as many items as you want to your cart and enjoy free shipping vouchers with no minimum spend, available sitewide throughout the day. 

2. Enjoy irresistible discounts and freebies from top brands

Watch out for awesome deals and discounts from your favorite local and international brands on Shopee Mall. Save up to 90% off on a wide array of products from top brands such as Huggies, Realme, Pampers, Olay, Garnier, and Xiaomi. You can also get freebies when you shop from P&G Beauty and Nestle, and discount vouchers worth ₱300 and ₱500 on Vivo. 

3. Give back with Havaianas Philippines

For every purchase of flip-flops from the Havaianas Official Store, another pair will be donated to Project SMILE Foundation’s beneficiaries. Shop for a cause and show your support for frontliners, farmers, and people with disabilities by getting yourself a pair this March 27.

4. Go cashless with ShopeePay and earn even more rewards

Going cashless isn’t just safe and convenient, it’s also more rewarding. On March 27, shop and pay bills with ShopeePay to enjoy more savings and special perks. Get all-day 15% cashback from participating shops and exclusive ₱1 deals from your favorite brands such as Jollibee, Bonchon, McDonald's, Domino's, and Gong Cha. Pay bills worth at least ₱600 to get 10% cashback. Meanwhile, shoppers who use ShopeePay to buy load/data and pay bills for the first time get to enjoy 20% cashback.

5. Play games to de-stress and win exciting cash prizes

Shake off the week’s stress with Shopee Shake! On March 27, tune in to Sarap Diba on GMA 7 at 10:00 AM and play Shopee Shake for a chance to win ₱200,000. To join, simply open Shopee Shake in-app and shake your phone to get the most coins before time runs out.

Make the most out of your shopping experience with these tips! Get ready to add to cart this March 27 at Shopee’s Mega Free Shipping Day. Watch out for more surprises in store this 4.4 Mega Shopping Day as well. For more information, visit https://shopee.ph/m/4-4. 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play