Save the Children Philippines launches eSave Natin ang Pasko

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Christmas is the most awaited season for most Filipinos, especially children, but the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way the upcoming holidays will be celebrated—it’s going digital!

Save the Children Philippines is launching eSave Natin ang Pasko, an online fundraising campaign that encourages everyone to unite in saving the Christmas spirit through a series of joyous and meaningful activities to provide joy and hope to children. These include 22 million learners, who have been experiencing major challenges such as the lack of access to learning materials and internet connection, as they struggle to learn from home.  

The proceeds of the Christmas fundraising campaign will support the learning needs of children in poor households in Metro Manila, typhoon-stricken places in Eastern Visayas, and the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. It will also support children with disabilities, those from indigenous communities and from hard to reach areas.

“Even if classes are conducted through distance learning or will resume via face-to-face, millions of children will still need our support as they continue to be deprived of their right to education since their families do not have the means to support their learning needs,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines.

eSave Natin ang Pasko also promotes the importance of a nurturing home through the “Mapagkalingang Tahanan” advocacy – where every member of the family, especially children, receives the support they need so they learn, survive, and are protected.

“Mapagkalingang Tahanan” emphasizes the critical role of parents, guardians, and caregivers in the continued learning of children and aims to provide them the knowledge and skills to facilitate their children’s learning. 

Also, in keeping with the tradition of Christmas caroling, eSave Natin ang Pasko features “Namamasko po!” – a fun group activity by schools, families, and companies showcasing their musical talent and creativity.

eSave Natin ang Pasko will be highlighted by a digital concert entitled “Awit Para Sa Mga Bata” on December 18 where Gary Valenciano, Lea Salonga, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez Alcasid, Ogie Alcasid, Arnel Pineda, Bamboo, Gian Magdangal, Lara Maigue, Kayla Rivera and Sam Shoaf will serenade the audience in the Philippines and those living abroad with Christmas songs. The digital concert will be produced by prominent theater artists Menchu Lauchengco Yulo and Michael Williams, together with Save the Children Philippines’ Bianca Elizalde. Catch Awit para sa mga Bata online on December 18, 2020, starting at 7pm. If you can’t catch the concert live, the video link will be active until December 19, 2020.

To watch the concert, make a donation through https://ticket2me.net/e/32182.  Each ticket is P800. Your donation will provide one family with a Family Learning Kit to help children learn during the pandemic. 

Donors and participants who will pledge their support to eSave Natin ang Pasko will receive tokens of appreciation and a chance to be featured on the social media pages of Save the Children and its Ambassadors Katarina Rodriguez, Xia Vigor, and Ria Atayde. 

“Education empowers children especially those in dire situations, and supporting their learning needs will save their lives and their future,” said Muyot.

You can read about all the projects under eSave Natin Ang Pasko and how you can help here: https://www.savethechildren.org.ph/get-involved/esavenatinangpasko/

 

"Let it Love, Let it Rock": Valentine's Concert with Arnel Pineda in February 2020

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Arnel Pineda , well known Filipino rockstar and international sensation with hit songs like "Faithfully" and "Open Arms ."

Pineda's journey is far from over as he is set to hit the concert stage of the Philippines once again next year.

Titled "Let It Love, Let It Rock", the rock icon will perform alongside pop rock royalty Yeng Constantino in a post-Valentine concert at the New Frontier Theater (formerly Kia Theater) on February 16, 2020 at 7:30pm.

Pineda started singing in a band at the age of 15 in Manila and has since then performed in different stages. He was discovered by Journey co-founder Neal Schon after posting cover videos of bands like Led Zeppelin and Journey on YouTube.

Pineda became Journey's new vocalist in 2007 and toured with the band since then, singing classic ballads like Open Arms and Faithfully.

"I'm so excited to sing again for the Filipino fans. I've been performing in different places, but nothing beats performing in front of your very own kababayans, who love you dearly and who you know will always root for your success," said Pineda.

"Let this concert be one of my ways to thank my Filipino fans for always being there for me, cheering me on as I fulfill my passion of performing while showing the world the immense talent of the Filipinos."

Tickets for the concert will be available at Ticketnet.com.ph.

Arnel Pineda: The 50th Birthday Concert at Okada

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Partake in a heartfelt celebration of Arnel Pineda’s colorful life as he turns 50. The Filipino rockstar is marking his golden year with an intimate birthday dinner show on September 5, 2017 at Okada Manila, where he will be singing the songs of his life. 

The night’s setlist follows Arnel’s life story, from his beginnings in local bands to conquering the world stage as frontman of the legendary Journey. The artist will delight the audience with renditions of his personal favorites and original compositions. Surprise performances await both the audience and the artist himself.  With acclaimed video and event director Paul Basinillo at the helm, the night will surely create lasting impressions for those in attendance.

Our Cause

Arnel’s humble beginnings has shaped him into a man of goodwill. Majority of the event’s proceeds will go to the Arnel Pineda Foundation, Inc. (APFI), a non-stock, non profit, and independent foundation that provides underprivileged children quality education, health services and medical attention. Arnel and his family personally oversee the Foundation and are always present in its events.

The Celebrant

Arnel Pineda is the lead singer of celebrated American rock band, Journey. Since landing the coveted gig in 2007, he has showcased his powerful pipes at the biggest venues including the Hollywood Bowl, Wembley Arena, and Tokyo Budokan. He has collaborated with the likes of Foreigner, Deep Purple, Santana, Joan Jett, Rascal Flatts among others.

Arnel was born on September 5, 1967 in Sampaloc, Manila. After his mother’s illness and eventual death put the family in a dire financial situation, he volunteered to live independently, taking on odd jobs to provide for himself at the age of 14. At 15, he became the lead singer of the band, Ijos. In 1986, along with some members of Ijos, he formed Ammo and the band went on to win the Rock Wars contest. In 1988, Ammo won the Philippine leg of the Yamaha World Band Explosion and competed in Hong Kong for the finals.  In 1990, Pineda and other Ammo members formed another band called Intensity Five which came first runner-up at the Yamaha World Band Explosion, with Arnel winning Best Vocalist. Arnel also fronted the bands New Age, 9mm, Most W@nted, and Zoo.

Our Venue

Okada Manila impresses anyone who enters its halls. This biggest and grandest integrated resort in the country occupies an astounding 44 hectares of land in the Entertainment City. With a five-star hotel, a wealth of dining destinations, exciting retail options, and gaming experiences, Okada sets the bar high in the hospitality and gaming scene.

Tickets

Tickets to the event are now out at Ticketworld branches and online atticketworld.com.ph. A seat is PHP 7,040.40, inclusive of a full-course sit-down dinner and covering tax and other mandated charges.  

For inquiries, get in touch with Up North Productions at upnorthproductionsinc@gmail.co m, or at mobile number +63 917 652 7463. 

GSK with Arnel Pineda presents the winners of 2015 Search for the Winners Against Asthma

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Christine Jacob-Sandejas and Arnel Pineda

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), one of the world’s leading, research-based pharmaceutical companies announced the winners of its of its Search for the Winners Against Asthma (SWAA).

With the mission to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer,  after months of deliberation and almost 2,000 entries nationwide, GSK and the winners presents defying the odds and prove resilience against asthma.

2015 Winners Against Asthma campaign

“A lot of asthma patients have accepted lifestyle restrictions resulting from uncontrolled asthma as the norm, assuming that frequent symptoms, exacerbations and lifestyle limitations are an inevitable consequence of having asthma. With the Search for Winners Against Asthma campaign, we hope to encourage and inspire more young people to live their lives to the fullest and not let asthma prevent them from doing the things they love.”

Dr. Barangan also credits actress Kim Chiu, International Rock superstar Arnel Pineda, and Filipino Olympic Figure Skater Michael Christian Martinez for helping them spread awareness of this campaign. 

“Kim, Arnel and Michael are asthmatics who have proven not only to themselves but to the entire world that they can take control of their condition and never let their asthma stop them from following their dreams and achieving success in their very competitive careers,” Barangan added.

Launched in February 2015, the Search for Winners Against Asthma is a nationwide search for young asthmatic achievers aged 30 years and younger who are outstanding in their respective fields despite having asthma and inspire asthma sufferers that they, too, can win against the condition.

“We decided to target this particular age group because asthma is a common chronic disease of childhood leading to reduced activity, school absences, ER visits and hospitalizations, says Dr. Gio Barangan, GSK Medical Director. 

“It is also during this stage that young people are in the process of developing the necessary knowledge and skills that will enable them to achieve their goals in life, and as such we want to let them know that asthma should not deter them from realizing their full potential,” Barangan added. 

In the youth category of 19 years old and below, Christian Lacza, a student from Navotas City was judged as the grand prize winner. 

Christian is one of the 2014 Kabayan Ten Outstanding Public School Students, and 2014 Ten Outstanding Youth Leaders of Navotas City. He was also an awardee of the 2010 Gawad Huwarang Kabataan of the Antolin Oreta Sr. Foundation and Gawad Modelong Kabataan: Galing at Dangal ng Malabon of the Arnold Vicencio Foundation. He is also the youngest recipient of the Orator of the Year Award in Navotas National High School. 

“When I was young, my asthma attacks were so severe that my mother would have to bring me to the hospital almost weekly. This made me realize that if I cannot excel in physical activities, I have to discover and focus on my other strengths,” says Christian.

“Going to my pediatrician was a constant necessity, and she made sure I get the proper medication and treatment, but more than that she never failed to cheer me up and would always give me words of encouragement whenever I visited her.” 

“Instead of letting asthma stop me I stopped asthma from interfering with my life as I pushed myself as a holistic learner-- excelling in academics, student leadership and in various competitions.” 

The runner up winners in the youth category are 15-year old student and dancer Christina Chua; taekwondo twins Andre Rafael and Anton Joachim Montero; consistent student scholar Kenneth Angelo Bagay and Dave Andre Labaton who is also a taekwondo medalist.

In the adult category, incoming third year medical student Teesha Banta was judged as the winner. The 23-year old student from St. Luke’s College of Medicine, was a full scholar in her first two years of med school and graduated Cum Laude from University of the Philippines Los Banos with the degree of BS Biology Major in Wildlife Biology. 

She is a lifetime member in two international honor societies but besides her academic achievements, she is also actively involved in community service. As an active Girl Scout, Teesha received two of the highest awards given by the organization-- the Chief Girl Scout Medal and is one the 75 GSP National Young Awardees. She had represented the country in national and international events, specifically as an advocate and a National Peer Educator on Adolescent Female Health. 

“Asthma runs in our family but symptoms of severe asthma began when I was in college, which, unfortunately, was also the time when I was so involved in my schoolwork and scouting. My mother, who is a doctor and is also an asthmatic, helped me through most of my journey by taking care of me and reminding me to take my medicines. Actually, because of my asthma, I had to temporarily stop med school because bed rest was advised. But it did not stop me from taking a part-time job as a high school Science teacher. Besides being a doctor, teaching was my second dream job”, Teesha narrates.

“Every time I have my asthma attacks, the only thing on my mind is to get well so I could go back to studying and become a doctor to prove that asthma should not stop you from pursuing your dreams.”

Teesha said she plans to become an OB-GYN or specialize in Pediatric Pulmonology so she could treat asthmatic children.

Her message to other asthmatics? “During our many asthma attacks, we may feel powerless and helpless. We do not have the strength that non-asthmatics have and it may feel like it is the end of our dreams, I had that feeling when I had to temporarily stop med school because of my asthma. Well, these are all lies. Our condition is but another challenge that adds more meaning to each of our achievements, an opportunity to push harder, aim higher, and be better persons and citizens of our country. Perhaps we were given this condition because we have the ability to turn these "setbacks" into “set-ups” of better things to come. We can defeat asthma and we can conquer our dreams!”

The other winners in the adult category are UP student Ianna Engaño an athlete, musician, artist and social activist; Yasmin Versoza a firefighter and member of the Marikina City Fire Truck crew; Christianne de Vera a triathlete; and Yliah Nina Bosch a registered nurse who is working as an Emergency Nurse Responder at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The winners receive the prizes: Huawei P7 Smart Phone; Five Thousand (PhP5,000) worth of GCs from Folded & Hung and Twenty Five Thousand (PhP25,000) worth of Sodexo gift certificates.

For more information about the Search for Winners Against Asthma campaign, visit www.facebook.com/WinAgainstAsthma

GSK launches the Search for Winners Against Asthma 2015

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Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes with increased production of sticky secretions inside the tubes. People with asthma experience symptoms when the airways tighten, inflame, or fill with mucus. Common asthma symptoms include coughing, especially at night; Wheezing; Shortness of breath; Chest tightness, pain, or pressure.

People should know the early symptoms of Asthma. Early warning signs are changes that happen just before or at the very beginning of an asthma attack. These signs may start before the well-known symptoms of asthma and are the earliest signs that your asthma is worsening.

These signs are not severe enough to stop you from going about your daily activities. But by recognizing these signs, you can stop an asthma attack or prevent one from getting worse 

 Do you know what Kim Chiu, Arnel Pineda and Michael Christian Martinez have in common? They all have Asthma yet have accomplished so much in their respective fields.

Do you know of a friend, loved one or relative who are winning against asthma as well? Do you want them recognized as winners against asthma just like Kim, Arnel and Christian?

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies  launches the Search for Winners Against Asthma 2015 last February 5. 

GSK launches the Search for Winners Against Asthma 2015 last February 5 held at the Makati Shangrila Hotel, Makati City.

The campaign aims to choose and recognize 10 young asthmatic achievers from different walks of life. 

The advocacy likewise introduces Olympic figure skater Michael Christian Martinez as the new face of the campaign. Martinez, an asthmatic, began experiencing asthmatic bronchitis when he was just two months old. 

He recalls being in the hospital frequently and says the cold rink actually helped improve his health. “Year after year my health keeps improving, so my mother fully supported me to continue skating saying it's better to spend the money on skating than in the hospital.” 

The program is a nationwide search for young asthmatic achievers aged 30 years and younger who are outstanding in their respective fields despite having asthma and inspire asthma sufferers that they, too, can win against asthma. 

The Search for Winners Against Asthma will run from February until May 2015 and will be touring different schools and drugstore outlets to spread the advocacy and invite more people to join the campaign.

The deadline for submission of entries is on March 31, 2015. All entries will be screened during the first week of April. As we celebrate World Asthma Day on May 5, the top 20 finalists will be announced and will be immediately followed by online voting. The top 10 Winners Against Asthma will be announced and awarded by the 3rd week of May 2015. 

This advocacy campaign is supported by the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP), Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (PSAAI), Huawei and Folded & Hung.

For more information please visit http://www.facebook.com/winagainstasthma

Last February 2014, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) launched Win Against Asthma Today -- an integrated advocacy campaign aimed at increasing awareness and amplify existing efforts to spread information about asthma and how it can be managed. 

The campaign also encourages patients to consult their doctors and discuss the best way to manage their asthma. 

A lot of asthma patients do not realise that they are settling by accepting as normal the lifestyle restrictions resulting from uncontrolled asthma. Patients unnecessarily accept symptoms, assuming that frequent symptoms, exacerbations and lifestyle limitations are an inevitable consequence of having asthma. They may feel that although current treatments can alleviate their asthma symptoms, they just need to accept and bear that it normally happens. This is where the partnership and constant consult with their doctors become very important. 

To prove that the disease should not be a deterrent from living one’s life to the fullest, real asthma patients were invited to provide testimonies of their experiences and how won against the illness. Celebrity asthmatics, Kim Chiu and Arnel Pineda became the featured ambassadors for the first wave of the campaign. 

As more asthma patients become aware that they can win against asthma just like Kim and Arnel, the campaign aims to strengthen its pool of ambassadors to continuously inspire more patients to take control of their asthma. 

About GSK 

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com.

For further information on asthma, please consult your doctor. A health service message brought to you by GSK.