A model CBD: Filinvest City's green design guided by LEED-ND certification

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Filinvest City aims to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) certification by using only the best practices in urban planning.

Filinvest City in Alabang is once again making a remarkable stride in transforming the landscape of the Metro South as it actively seeks the prestigious and coveted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) Plan Version Four Certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

LEED for Neighborhood Development was initiated to recognize large-scale townships that successfully protect and enhance the overall health, natural environment and quality of life. The LEED-ND rating system clarifies the sustainability of neighborhoods using an integrated set of smart growth, new urbanization, and green construction principles.

A future-ready, masterplanned urban center

Furthermore, in keeping with USGBC’s thrust, Filinvest City was envisioned as a future-ready, masterplanned community that is responsive to the needs of the changing times.

“Filinvest City embodies the principles of smart growth with walkable streets and an inviting mix of trees and development to foster a sense of community,” says Dean Barone of Barone International, Filinvest City’s LEED consultant. “It is a place with its own unique character and function where people live, work and play and interact with the community.”

Filinvest City has proudly established itself as the world-class Central Business District of Metro South, harmoniously blending modern, state-of-the-art urban lifestyle and innovative masterplanning with green, open spaces and eco-centric features that make it a walkable and bike-friendly community. Its management believes that achieving economic progress and prosperity can and should be done without sacrificing nature and ecological balance. The masterplan was reviewed and enhanced further to includemore nature-friendly features and amenities. With this vision, Filinvest City was also cited for Best Mixed Use Development at the Asia Pacific Property Awards.

A self-contained, sustainable convergence hub

Ease of movement with accessibility at its core, allowing for true pedestrianization, is at the heart of Filinvest City. As a sustainable community, it strives to cater to diverse needs of existing and future city dwellers. It has established itself as a modern metropolis where a quality range of residential options, lifestyle centers, and community hubs are available for every lifestyle, with schools, public and private hospitals, and government institutions nearby. Apart from being a thriving business district, Filinvest City stands in a class if its own Garden City with the enhancement of green spaces and parks and pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly streets. 

"We want Filinvest City to be an experiential CBD, for residents and workers to experience the city at a ground level—that their daily lives won't end at their offices or homes, but rather extend to the parks and other play components provided for them," says Don Ubaldo, Filinvest Alabang, Inc. vice president for townships.

Host to some of the biggest multinational corporations, Filinvest City’s skyline alsoconsists of sleek high-rises and several green buildings, with certified projects such as Axis Tower One, Vector Three, Toyota Alabang, Polaris, HSBC New Alabang, andCapella. Even its premium residential developments like Botanika Nature Residences is Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE)-certified. The Northgate Cyberzone, the biggest, most innovative IT park in the Metro South that is home to a number of these buildings, takes pride in its District Cooling System (DCS)which helps lessen the energy consumption of the buildings. 

A progressive fusion of nature and modernity

A verdant garden and breathable city—where modernity and nature meet—is what sets Filinvest City apart. Lush landscapes and open spaces are provided as areas of convergence for the whole community—locators and residents, as well as their guests. Thus, Filinvest City is a more conducive working and living environment compared to other CBDs which are saturated and have fewer open spaces.

Other streetscape enhancements are in the pipeline, proof of Filinvest City’s further commitment to green living. Plans include the Central Park along Promenade Avenue and the Creekside Park development from Palms Pointe Village down to Festival Alabang.

All these and more are testaments of Filinvest City’s continuous efforts in making the entire CBD a model township—one that uses only the best practices in urban planning.

Adds Ubaldo: “Our vision for Filinvest City is one that is forward-looking and grounded on sustainability, where staying abreast with modernity is balanced with the needs of the environment and the people.”

OPPO partners with Bantay Kalikasan to plant 1,200 trees at La Mesa Watershed

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More than 100K votes and shares garnered from OPPO F9 Jade Green Charity Photo Competition

OPPO partners with ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan to plant 1,200 trees at La Mesa Watershed after the success of the OPPO F9 Jade Green Charity Photo Competition. The online contest got massive support from the public, receiving a total of 106,146 entries.

For every one vote or share, OPPO will donate one peso to Bantay Kalikasan’ s efforts to plant trees in La Mesa Watershed, the only major watershed in Metro Manila. The contest featured a gallery of photos taken from OPPO F9 Jade Green by three local photographers, showcasing the unique and distinct Philippine sceneries and culture. A total of three hectares of trees will be planted which is worth Php 200,000 of donation.

“We are very grateful to everyone who voted, shared and supported our Charity Photo Competition,” said Jane Wan, OPPO Philippines’ VP for Marketing. “OPPO will continue its advocacy of preserving the environment.” Wan added.

The partnership with Bantay Kalikasan is one of OPPO’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects this year. OPPO employees will also take part in the project by planting the said trees. An entire three hectare area in La Mesa Watershed will be filled with newly planted trees and it will be called as the OPPO Forest.

The OPPO F9 Jade Green features the VOOC Flash Charge Technology, which allows the consumer to get up to two hours of talk time in only five minutes of charging. It also features the innovative waterdrop screen, 6GB RAM, dual camera and is priced at just P17,990.00. The Jade Green version of the F9 has limited stocks and is only available in selected OPPO concept and dealer stores nationwide.

For more information on OPPO’s exciting products and activities, like OPPO Philippines’ official Facebook page and follow @OPPOPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.

Write On Track's 5th Year Anniversary celebration presents #JUANEARTH - a JUAN step towards taking ACTION to SAVE Mother Earth

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Celebrating its 5th year anniversary, Write On Track, the marketing services agency, presents Juan Earth, their grassroots effort produce  and its dedicated team of community volunteers.

Write On Track's mission to share awareness and empower people to create a healthier and more sustainable world.

Juan Earth with the tagline “Earth Preservation and Protection, Juan Step at a Time”, Write On Track partnered with various non-government organizations (NGO) and schools in making that “Juan” step towards taking action to continue save our Mother Earth. 

“Juan Earth” held at Bonifacio High Street Activity Center, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City. last September 29, 2018, with NGOs filled the activity area with booths, talks, and workshops regarding their group advocacies. There were advocates, students,volunteers, bloggers and interested individuals were given the opportunity to choose and support projects of their likings such as “Adopt-a-Seedling” by Haribon Foundation, “Adopt-a-Pawikan Nest” by SIFCare-CURMA, “Adopt-a-Giant Clam” by University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute: Bolinao Marine Laboratory, and “Adopt Bruno and Katy (Dogs and Cats)” by CARA Welfare and more.

Write On Track announced the winners of the Juan Earth Photo Contest. Congratulations to Pamela Sembrano, Jeraldine Arevalo, and April Machitar for winning in Juan Earth Selfeet Photo Contest!

Attendees can show support for the environment by joining activities, workshops, or having items- from personal care items, shirt, souvenirs, gifts and pet products.

Haribon advocating conservation of biodiversity. Their activities include tree planting and adopting seedlings.  Haribon Foundation trains and engages an individual to train them in becoming an instrument of change.

SIFCARE-CURMA (Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions) launched its Adopt-a-Pawikan-Nest program wherein volunteers were able to adopt a turtle nest for any amount they can donate and get to release its baby turtles back to the sea.

Attendees were also able to adopt abandoned and rescued dogs and cats by fostering them and giving homes they deserve.

In exchange of a used empty plastic bottle or used rubber slipper., A limited edition Juan Earth shirt were also given away to early registrants. There were items given away to join the different booths in support of their projects. 

Hosting “Juan Earth” are Renz Ongkiko and Rica Garcia of Monster RX 93.1. Performances from FEU-IAS Dance Company and PUP Teatro Komunikado added an energetic vibe during the event. 

And in closing,a attendees were serenaded under the stars by the famous OPM band, Silent Sanctuary.

With blogger friends: {L-R} Azrael Colladilla ( https://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com),
Jeman Villanueva ( http://orangemagazine.ph ),
 Myrns Roman ( https://enjoyingwonderfulworld.blogspot.com ) , host Renz Ongkiko,
Rochelle Rivera (http://www.rochellerivera.com ) , Jonel Uy ( http://www.bloggermanila.com )  , Marjory Pineda-Uy(  https://www.livingmarjorney.com ), Ruth de la Cruz ( http://www.ruthdelacruz.com )and Rodel Flordeliz ( http://www.nognoginthecity.com) 

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to Write on Track and Juan Earth team!

Juan Earth  is a grand and memorable event of the year, with advocate people and groups  with a beautiful and meaningful cause.

As a way of giving back to our planet, let’s all make that JUAN step towards taking ACTION to SAVE Mother Earth!

For more details on Juan Earth, visit www.juanearth.com; their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JuanEarthPH and Instagram page at www.instagram.com/juanearthph.

For inquiries, you may contact Write On Track through emailus@writeontrack.ph, (+632) 805 2302 / 744 1402 and (+63999) 980 0499.

Saving Mother Earth, Juan Step at a Time, Join Juan Earth at BGC this Sept. 29

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Seeing the beauty of our country makes us passionate on doing great things, to take care and save the Mother Earth.

As a way of giving back to our planet, let's join "Juan Earth" on September 29, 2018, at Bonifacio High Street Activity Center, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City,

Having more than 7,000 islands and 20,000 species of plants and animals, the Philippines is one of the 17 mega-biodiverse countries in the world. Yet with all these rich resources, unfortunately the country’s situation is bleak and saddening. 

More than 50% of old-growth forests in the Philippines are lost. More than 30,000 hectares of mangrove trees are degraded. Families who have been displaced by natural calamities reached more than 900,000. More than 640 species of animals in the country are threatened or endangered. Metro Manila alone produces more than 861,967 tons of trash. And every day, more than 40 incident reports of animal cruelty are reported. 

Through time, the Philippines underwent changes and improvements due to modernization and development. Yes, many of us live a much easier life, but on the other side of the coin, the situation of the environment went downhill. It was as though we took Mother Earth for granted, forgetting to be mindful of its importance and significance. As Filipinos, we have our Pinoy duty to protect the only home we have before it is too late. Because where else can we live if the earth fades away? 

In celebration of Write On Track’s (WOT) 5th Year Anniversary, WOT produced a grassroots effort entitled “Juan Earth” as a way of giving back to our planet.

Happening on September 29, 2018, at Bonifacio High Street Activity Center, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City, Write On Track partnered with various non-government organizations (NGO) and schools in making that “Juan” step towards taking action to save Mother Earth. 

From 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., the activity center in BGC will be buzzing with activities. NGOs will have booths, talks, and workshops regarding their group advocacies.

Interested individuals can choose and support projects of their likings such as :

“Adopt-a-Seedling” by Haribon Foundation“Adopt-a-Pawikan Nest” by SIFCare-CURMA“Adopt-a-Giant Clam” by University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute: Bolinao Marine Laboratory“Adopt Bruno and Katy (Dogs and Cats)” by CARA Welfare. 

A limited edition Juan Earth shirt will also be given away, in exchange of a used empty plastic bottle or used rubber slipper.

Attendees can exchange it at the designated booth. 

Hosting “Juan Earth” are Renz Ongkiko and Rica Garcia of Monster RX 93.1. Performances from FEU-IAS Dance Company and PUP Teatro Komunikado will add an energetic vibe during the event. And in closing, attendees will be serenaded under the stars by the famous OPM band, Silent Sanctuary.

Together, let’s all make that JUAN step towards taking ACTION to SAVE Mother Earth! 

For more details on 

What: Juan Earth

Where: Bonifacio High Street Activity Center, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

When: September 29, 2018; 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tickets: Free Admission

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JuanEarthPH

Instagram: www.instagram.com/juanearthph

Website: www.juanearth.com

Take Juan step at a time, here are some simple steps to become a Juan Earth Hero

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Philippines is considered rich in natural resources for we have fertile arable lands, high diversity of plants and animals, extensive coastlines, and rich mineral deposits. We must help in keeping the environment to become more clean and green, preserves the generation as the inspiration of mother nature. 

It takes only a few simple steps, the involvement and commitment of the people concerned, and a few adjustments in existing working and management systems to make environmental awareness a habit. 

Be part of the solution not part of the pollution. Start with a single step and make a giant leap in saving Mother Earth. 

Here are the simple steps to become a Juan Earth  eco-warrior: 

Carry your own mug, straw, and spoon and fork everywhere 

Did you know that in the Philippines 6,237,653 kg of plastic are being wasted per day? If plastic production, use, and mismanagement continue, there is a huge possibility that there will be more plastics swimming in the ocean than fish by 2050. So, small actions like bringing your own eco bag, mug, cutlery, and straws can make a widespread global advocacy to reduce plastic waste and save our water resources. 

Be eco-friendly beautiful 

When buying your makeup, perfume, lotion, or other beauty essentials, always choose the products which ingredients are organic rather than those loaded with harmful chemicals. With that, you’ll be more confident that the creams you are applying to your skin are as friendly as to the environment. 

Bring out your DIY skills and get crafty 

Old magazines are stripped to make picture frames, tansan or crown cork are crafted into necklaces, juice tetrapacks are recycled into stylish wallets and bags you can sell, and pet bottles are transformed into ecobricks to build chairs, tables, stairs, or even a house. See? You have not just avoided throwing them in the garbage, but you have converted trash into cash. 

Think twice before buying or using animal products 

Those charming animal keychains from souvenir shops or that luxurious fur coat you wear may look fascinating but take note that these animals are being poached for their skin or being used for scientific research. Aside from the destruction of their natural habitat, killing them in large numbers for commercial use makes these species under the threat of extinction. The question is: would you really want to wear that glamorous couture or hang those mummified keychains behind its bloody and gruesome history? Think twice. 

Take Juan step to make an advocacy 

Philippines is not just rich in natural resources but with eco-warriors too. Non-government organizations are doing their Pinoy duties towards environment and animal protection. Some of these NGOs initiate projects such as seedling adoption for reforestation, pawikan and giant clam adoption to retrieve these species, and cats and dogs adoption to save these abused home pets. 

Good news is, volunteering to these environmental efforts is just one step at Juan Earth on September 29, 2018 at Bonifacio High Street Activity Center, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Juan Earth is a grassroots effort produced by Write On Track and its dedicated team of community volunteers wanting to educate and empower people to create a healthier and more sustainable world. 

To take that Juan step,  visit Juan Earth’s website at http://www.juanearth.com; LIKE its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JuanEarthPH; or check their updates on Instagram at www.instagram.com/juanearthph. 

It's a habit that is good for the soul, good for the community, good for Mother Nature.

Ten native tree species up for species upgrade

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Tall with beautiful and bold yellow flowers, the Bagoadlau (Xanthostemon philippinensis) is a sight to behold. Found in the forests of Aurora, Camarines Sur, Samar, and Surigao del Sur, it is the hardest and densest of ironwoods, best used for construction. It is also one of the many tree species endemic to the Philippines. 

Unfortunately, rampant logging activities have reduced the Philippines’ once lush forest cover, threatening the species of bagoadlau and other native tree species. As the country began to industrialize, forests were cleared out for timber and for space to develop. To refresh these areas, the government and many private organizations have initiated different greening and other environmental programs. 

However, many of these greening programs are done indiscriminately, planting popular and familiar tree species like Mahogany, Acacia, and Gmelina, which are all foreign and exotic. Unknown to many people, these exotic tree species do more harm to the environment than good. The exotic species invade the biodiversity of our forests and disrupt its balance. This struck uncertainty whether our future generations will still be able to see the beautiful yellow flowers of the Bagoadlau. 

Thankfully, there was still hope in saving our forests. In 2008, the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), the largest vertically-integrated geothermal producer of the country, launched its BINHI program, a species conservation program that focuses on native tree species. A total of 96 threatened native tree species have been prioritized for this search and rescue program as their numbers have been dwindling, with some even believed to be extinct, making the program a pioneer in corporate-led reforestation programs in the country. Many of these identified species can only be found in the Philippines like Malinoag, Philippine teak, Batikuling, Yakal-yamban and the five endemic iron wood species – the Mangkono, Mapilig, Bagoadlau, Sierra Madre Mangkono, and Palawan Mangkono. 

The EDC BINHI team’s arduous search throughout most of the Philippines came into fruition as the 96 identified threatened species were all successfully found in our country’s forests. 

Going beyond rescue 

The BINHI team did not stop there. Just rescuing these tree species was not enough; the next challenge they faced was to multiply and propagate these species. 

To achieve this, EDC has continuously forested the watersheds within its geothermal reservations. Moreover, the BINHI team now has over 150 different partners from different academic and non-governmental organizations, all of which dedicate a specific area for planting of these tree species. 

The BINHI team, then, provides technical support and expertise related to the care of these trees, allowing for their healthy growth. These strategies ensure that more native tree species will be planted in many other areas beyond watersheds within EDC geothermal site. 

Moreover, to further achieve the goal of propagating these species, EDC entered a partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Biodiversity Management Bureau in 2016 under its Adopt a Wildlife Species Program, where selected threatened native trees under the BINHI program will have their ecological statuses updated, as a proof of their successful propagation. This is also in support of the government’s reforestation efforts. Under the partnership, 35 threatened species are targeted for upgrading within three years. 

Entering the partnership has allowed EDC to contribute to the national biodiversity conservation program, focusing on the updating of the Philippine red list of threatened tree species, the protection of the identified trees in surveyed areas, and the planting of these species to save them from extinction. 

Intensive inventory and geo-tagging were done on the first 10 species for status updating from 2016 and 2017. The results of these activities have shown that, through the propagation efforts made by the BINHI program, these 10 species now have enough numbers to have their ecological statuses upgraded with the DENR. These 10 species for status upgrading are the Mapilig, Bagoadlau, Sierra Madre Mangkono, Palawan Mangkono, Mangkono, Samar Gisok, Dalingdingan, Malabayabas, Yakal-malibato, and Yakal-kaliot, most of which are known for their strong and durable wood. 

Scientific breakthroughs 

Currently, the BINHI program is still the only corporate-led greening program that focuses on the rescue and propagation of threatened native trees, so the results of the inventory and geo-tagging are considered new and pioneering to the scientific community. 

Hence, the results will be submitted not just to the DENR for the updating of their ecological statuses, but also to different scientific journals, as contribution to the scientific community. 

With the success of updating the first ten species, 25 more species are still in the process of undergoing inventory and geo-tagging, with the next 10 species slated for upgrading this 2018, and the last 15 species in 2019. 

The BINHI (Filipino for seedling) program lived up to its name. It has planted and spread seedlings to grow for the future generation. This success means our future generations will still be able to see the striking and beautiful flowers of the Bagoadlau and other native tree species. 

Tall and adorned with bright yellow flowers, the bagoadlau is the hardest and densest of all Philippine ironwood trees. It is also one of the ten (10) threatened native tree species for updating of ecological status with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 2017, after the successful inventory and geo-tagging of these species. These native tree species were propagated under the Energy Development Corporation’s (EDC) BINHI project, which focuses on native tree species rescue, preservation, and propagation. 

The Bagoadlau distinguishes itself from other Philippine ironwood trees through its stunning flowers, which exhibit a vibrant yellow color and stamens that resemble the rays of the sun.

DAIKIN’s Green Initiatives in Disseminating R32 Energy Efficient Air Conditioners to Address Climate Challenges

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As Daikin Airconditioning Philippines (DPH) continuously develop its business operations in various fields, it is Daikin’s mission to proactively develop initiatives to respond to environmental issues. Incorporating environmental initiatives throughout Daikin’s management is a priority.

Daikin's  press conference with the theme - Grow Together, Shine Together was held last March 02, 2018 at the Taft Ballroom, Conrad Manila Hotel, Pasay City. (From left to Right) Daikin Philippines Bart Roa - Deputy Division Manager Sales Operations Division , Jed Caburian - Division Manager Sales Operations Division ,Toshiyuki Tanaka - Vice President , Lee Wai Kok - President , Ogie Quitco - Division Manager After Sales Service Division , Gerry Cortez - Division Manager Human Resources and General Affairs.

Environmental Philosophy: 

To be a Company that Leads in Applying Environmentally Friendly Practices 

In all aspects of the business operations of Daikin, including product development, manufacturing, and sales. Daikin formulates initiative that will sustain and improve the environment. Daikin promotes the development of new products and the innovation of technologies that will lead to a more environmentally healthy world.

To mitigate future global climate change, it is important to take a “the sooner, the better” approach. Early implementation is a key to the further reduction of future environmental impact. As soon as the most balanced and feasible solution for an application is found, Daikin will commercialize and disseminate the technology to contribute to the efforts to tackle the issue of global climate change.

Environmental Action Plan 2020

The Daikin Group positions environmental protection as one of its most important management tasks. Based on DPH’s Fusion 20 strategic management plan, under the formulated Environmental Action Plan 2020, Daikin aims to decrease environmental impact throughout the value chain so that Daikin can achieve sustainable business growth and protect the environment. 

Under Daikin’s Environmental Action Plan 2020, Daikin is taking action based on three pillars: 

1-  provide environmental friendly products and services 

2 - minimize environmental impact through manufacturing and other activities 

3 - expand the Green Heart circle worldwide.

Since air conditioners emit a particularly large amount of CO2 during its lifecycle, Daikin is focusing on disseminating the use of energy-efficient air conditioners and air conditioners that use low-global-warming-potential refrigerants. By penetrating the global market, the Daikin group sold about 6.5Million of RAC units in 48 countries, and about 15 million units with R32 refrigerant sold. Estimated 27 million tons of CO2 emission reduced. By converting to R32, Daikin projected the reduction of global warming impact in 2030 by approximately 800 million tons of CO2.

Daikin has identified R32 as a very beneficial refrigerant for single and multi-split type air conditioners. R32 is the next-generation refrigerant that has highest cooling power, zero ozone depletion potential, and lowest global warming potential versus other refrigerants in the market. When looking for a new airconditioning for any application, Daikin believes that consumers should not consumers should look for R32 inverter. 

Daikin believes that the transition to R32 will help to meet both the HFC phase down schedule and the HCFC phase out schedule of the Montreal Protocol.

Daikin is now in the process of further study to identify a suitable refrigerant for the other applications.

VRV X/A Series 

Exceeding Boundaries with Innovative Energy Savings 

The key to innovative energy saving is to increase efficiency during low-load operation. Using data gathered from actual operation, Daikin discovered that air conditioning systems operate at partial – half or less than of 80% of their annual operation period. This inspired Daikin to develop new technologies to enhance energy efficiency when operating only with few units in a multiple airconditioning system. Utilizing these technologies, Daikin’s new VRV X and VRV A series raise the standards for energy efficiency. By uniting advanced software and hardware technologies these greatly increased the energy saving during actual operation. Daikin newest software technology, the VRT Smart Control.

This VRT smart control, optimizes the compressor speed by calculating the required cooling for the entire system and optimal refrigerant temperature based on data sent by each airconditioning unit. With its air volume control, it reduces compressor load and minimizes operation loss. 

VRT control ensures energy savings and comfortable air conditioning to meet the needs of the consumers.

Daikin’s research and development team continuously improve the VRV system. Incorporating a new hardware technology, a new scroll compressor refrigerant leakage is minimized when operating only with few units in a multiple airconditioning system. Operation loss due to refrigerant leakage is reduced by the new mechanism to ensure stable partial load operation.

For easier installation, Automatic Refrigerant Charge Function automates the charging of the proper refrigerant amount and the closing of shut-off valves with just one press of the switch after pre-charging. Simplified installation eliminates excessive and insufficient refrigerant charge amount due to mistakes in calculation, and this led to higher installation quality.

The VRV X and VRV A is the most advanced air conditioning system in the world and is ideal for large and small spaces.

The Daikin press conference  was hosted by  Christian Centenera Ardiente and organized by R & A Events Specialist by Ricci Ang. 

More information on DAIKIN PHILIPPINES visit www.daikin.com.ph. 

Eight reasons to date a treehugger - Let's hug trees together

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What do Leo DiCaprio, Ian Somerhalder, Lily Allen and Gisele Bundchen have in common? Of course, apart from being incredibly gorgeous, they’re also treehuggers! And if their advocacies are not enough to convince you, here are eight really good reasons why you should look for these passionate individuals:

1. They’re caring. They’re definitely not afraid to show their soft side. Just like their mission to nurture the trees and protect the forests, they know how to care for those that have been hurt and taken for granted. Parang ikaw.

2. They’re passionate and they fight for what they believe in. They are outspoken and opinionated. When push comes to shove, they will fight for what’s right. Whether it’s protecting the forests or fixing relationship troubles, hinding hindi ka nila bibitawan.

3. They are socially responsible. They always like to give back to those in need, living a life of mindfulness and sensitivity towards social issues, and staunchly advocating the causes they support. In other words, bigay lang sila ng bigay kahit hindi sila nage-expect ng kapalit.

4. They will take you on meaningful adventures. To them, Palawan is not just a summer getaway, it’s a landscape that has ecological significance and is rich in biodiversity. They don’t just travel for the sake of taking pretty selfies, they travel with a purpose -- willing to travel far and wide to grow trees and help forest-dependent communities. In short, hindi sila takot sa LDR.

5. They’re more than willing to go the extra mile. They’re the type who would volunteer for eco-friendly activities or participate in forest conservation movements. They’re always willing to share their time, effort, and commitment for something they’re passionate about, whether it’s for protecting the forests or spending time with you. Effort, bes, effort.

6. Life with them is never boring. Of course, part of being socially responsible also means that they’re in the loop with the latest rumblings around the world. They will be the first to know of any issues affecting you or the environment. That’s why life with them is always filled with excitement and a sense of purpose. For sure, mas exciting sa ex mo.

7. They’re a great source of comfort. We all know that it is scientifically proven that hugging has a lot of health benefits. But did you also know that hugging trees is also scientifically proven to improve your health? So, why not hug trees together? May excuse ka na rin para i-hug si crush!

8. They’re making the world a better place. Through all their personal advocacies, forest conservation activities, and even those quirky eco-friendly initiatives they ascribe to -- everything they do and work for is ultimately so we can have a clean, green, and sustainable future. Parang yung future niyo lang.

That’s why a group of treehuggers have banded together to start the Best Friends of the Forest Movement (BFF Movement), a community driven by youth advocates that aim to inspire people to protect and conserve the Philippines’ forests. Think you’re a treehugger? Join the movement on March 21, 2018! Malay mo, makasama mo pa si crush.

About the BFF Movement

Organized by Forest Foundation Philippines, the Best Friends of the Forest Movement is a community of environmentalists, travel enthusiasts, artists and social entrepreneurs who aim to inspire people to protect the forests.

What started with a mutual love for the trees and a willingness to take action among millennials and millennial-mindsetted individuals turned into a movement that champions the protection and conservation of the forests. For more information, log on to http://www.forestfoundation.ph/be-a-bff/.

About Forest Foundation Philippines

Established in 2002, under two bilateral agreements between the governments of the United States of America and the Philippines, the Forest Foundation Philippines is a non-profit organization that provides grants to organizations that empower the people to protect the forests.