Miss Earth 2019 National Costume Competition held at Century Park Hotel

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Century Park Hotel (CPH), one of the finest hotels in Metro Manila, recently hosted the very festive Miss Earth 2019 National Costume Competition round at its Grand Ballroom.

Former Miss Earth winners (L-R) Miss Angelia Ong (2015), Miss Nguyễn Phương Khánh (2018) and Miss Karen Ibasco (2017) graced the affair and awarded the medals to the winners.

More than 300 guests witnessed a visual spectacle of colors as over 90 delegates from various countries proudly displayed their national costumes for everyone to enjoy. The competition is one of the most anticipated and most celebratory pre-pageant contests. Relevant environmental issues like forest fires, recycling and climate change were integrated in the costumes.

The event was made possible in cooperation with Carousel Productions, Inc., the official organizer of Miss Earth. Guests from the government sectors as well as ambassadors from different countries were also in full attendance.

The winners in Best National Costumes per region were as follows:

Africas

Gold – Kenya, Ms. Susan Kirui

Silver – Zambia, Ms. Venus Vlahakis

Bronze – Nigeria, Ms. Modupe Susan Garlan

Asia and Oceania

Gold – Mongolia, Ms. Azzaya Tsogt-Ochir

Silver – Philippines, Ms. Janelle Tee

Bronze – Vietnam, Ms. Hoàng Thi Hanh

Americas

Gold – Chile, Ms. Fernanda Mendez Tapia

Silver – Panama, Ms. Marianna Fuentes

Bronze – Peru, Ms. Alexandra Caceres Drago

Europe

Gold – Spain, Ms. Sonia Hernandez

Silver – Czech Republic, Ms. Klara Vavruskova

Bronze – Crimea, Ms. Anastasia Lebediuk

The international pageant will be held on October 26, 2018 at Cove Manila at Okada, Manila.

Holcim Pledges Steady Cement Supply, Innovations For Build, Build, Build

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Top officials of building solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc. recently met with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez to share the company’s initiatives to better support the government in upgrading the country’s infrastructure through stable supply of quality cement nationwide.

Holcim Philippines Chairman Tomas Alcantara, President and CEO John Stull and Senior Vice President for Sales William Sumalinog personally expressed the company’s willingness to further build up its production capacities in light of the increased cement demand driven by the government’s massive infrastructure investments. They also assured the DTI compliance to product standards to ensure highest quality and performance.

Holcim Philippines officials assure Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) their commitment to stable cement supply for the country’s building boom during a courtesy visit to Secretary Ramon M. Lopez on 24 August 2018. From left are Holcim Philippines Senior Vice President for Sales William C. Sumalinog, Chairman Tomas I. Alcantara, DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Holcim President and CEO John Stull.

“DTI has implemented new initiatives and policies to encourage investments to create more employment opportunities, and at the same time support the government’s plans for progress. I am happy to hear Holcim’s commitment to implement cement capacity expansion to ensure that our infrastructure and construction requirements will be well supported and generate additional employment,” Lopez said.

Holcim Philippines is currently implementing projects that will raise its cement capacity nationwide to 12 million metric tons by 2019 from the current 10 million metric tons. The Company is studying further investments on additional clinker lines with the construction sector expected to sustain its strong growth amid the healthy economy.

“The Company recognizes the strong potential of the Philippine market and is committed to continue being a partner in its progress as seen by our efforts to improve operations and competitiveness,” said Alcantara.

For his part, Stull noted that the Company has been rolling out new technologies and approaches that enable local builders to deliver projects within deadlines and budgets. A key focus is blended cements that are not as energy intensive to produce but deliver superior results for building.

“Our Company supports the DTI’s drive to maintain the high standards for cement which is critical especially at this time of high construction activity. We also want to reassure them that Holcim Philippines can be counted upon to provide the market not just with high-quality cement, but innovative construction solutions that help the country build better with certainty,” he said.

Good Real Estate Investment for the Young

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Having your own property may seem like something to think about near middle-age, but making the right investment at this time in your life can open up many opportunities later in life.

Whether used as space for you and your loved ones or a personal wealth-building asset through rentals or sale, making a wise choice of property now will provide financial stability and security for your future.

Rewards for early birds

If you’re in your 20s to 30s, you have the advantage of time since a strategically-located residence can have increased value over the years. This means your home can build future wealth for you – saving you rent if you live there, or giving you passive income if you rent it out to tenants.

Investing early in real estate allows you to lock in payment terms according to your budget, protecting you from the effects of economic fluctuations.

As a personal reward, early property investment will teach you about fiscal responsibility and problem-solving. This will help you grow your cash flow even more. And of course, there’s the sense of fulfillment that comes with owning a home.

Socially, you get more time building relationships within the neighborhood and be part of a growing community.

Factors to consider

Get your financial affairs in order so you’re ready when opportunity strikes. Determine the amount you can commit to for 10 to 15 years. Developments in their pre-selling phase can sell out quickly, so being ready can help you get better deals. But while the price is important, the property’s potential must also be factored in.

Ask questions like: Is the location secure and accessible? Is it near schools, hospitals, commercial centers, churches, and other important establishments? What infrastructure are being built around the location? What options and amenities are offered by the developer? Can the property accommodate growth and change?

The answers can help you determine if you and your family, or your future tenants will be attracted to live there. It’s a good idea to research locations that are forecasted to appreciate over time and can offer a range of units that will fit your lifestyle.

Strategic investment options

Property developers today are competing to appeal to young professionals whose disposable income is expected to grow with the improving Philippine economy.

Among the sites on the rise is the North Belton Communities (NBC) by Lucio Tan-owned Eton Properties Philippines, Inc. Homes in NBC can be practical options for first-time home buyers. Located in Quezon City, it is well within the distance of medical facilities, schools, commercial and transportation hubs of Novaliches, and yet distanced enough from the most congested parts of Metro Manila.

The 5.2-hectare West Wing Villas features American-style homes. Its 70-150sqm units range from single-detached to duplexes designed to promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle of productivity and rest. Down the road, there’s already a supermarket and an upcoming shopping complex to complement other amenities nearby. 

Another exclusive community is the West Wing Residences. Spacious yet secure, it offers enviable comfort with its two- to four-bedroom residences. It is close to a major medical facility and college, along with leisure and entertainment options.

For those who prefer the urban vibe of condominiums while still isolated from the city hustle, The Manorsis  positioned as an address of aspiration and success. It enjoins start-up families, young professionals on-the-go, and overseas workers looking to settle back home to enjoy the comfortable life they worked hard for and deserve.

Eight Advocacy Groups Come Together for a Nationwide HIV Testing Day on 26 May

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LoveYourself, Inc. and its seven partner organizations come together to provide the first-ever multi-site community-led free and confidential HIV test on 26 May 2018 (Saturday) from 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. entailing ten sites in Metro Manila, Luzon and even as far as Mindanao.

Dubbed as “This Is Me: Brave and Free,” LoveYourself invites individuals of various shapes and sizes to avail of the free and confidential HIV test by signing up at www.bitly.com/ThisIsMe2018, and to live their lives free from fear – fear of rejection, getting tested and stigma.

In Metro Manila, LoveYourself will hold testing in LoveYourself Anglo clinic along Shaw Blvd., in Mandaluyong City, and LoveYourself Uni near Gil Puyat LRT and Victoria by LoveYourself at 2/F Torres Bldg., 2442 Park Avenue, both in Pasay City; the Decent Image of South Signal Association (DIOSSA) at the 10th floor of SM Aura in Taguig City; and the HIV & AIDS Support House (HASH) at the National Council of Churches in the Philippines building along EDSA in Quezon City.

For Luzon sites, the Cavite Positive Action Group (CPAG)-JCH Advocacy, Inc. will provide free and confidential testing at 804 Gonzales St., Barangay 11 Sta. Cruz in Cavite City; the Juan Posi+ive Movement at 104-B Roxas Street, Brgy. Lakandula in Mabalacat City, Pampanga; the GAYON at #32 Galang Compound, Sampaguita Street, Old Albay Legazpi City, Albay; and the Project H4 (Health, Help, Hope, Happiness) at Amos Tara Community Center, #41 Abad Santos St., Brgy. Masipag, Puerto Princesa City.

On its Mindanao-leg, the Kagay-an PLUS (Preserving Life, Uniting Society) will set up at Pearlmont Hotel, Limketkai Drive, Cagayan de Oro City; and the Olympus Society of Davao at #36 Loyola St., Bo. Obrero, Poblacion District, Davao City.

Department of Health (DOH) records showed that 912 persons tested positive for HIV in March alone. About 94% of which are males and 32% of the total came from the National Capital Region (NCR) followed by the rising cases in CALABARZON at 17% and Central Visayas at 7%. The DOH records also showed that 99 percent of the newly-diagnosed individuals got the virus through sexual contact, in which 86 percent were among men who have sex with men (MSMs). The 1% of the cases was contracted through needle sharing among injecting drug users.

“With the increasing number of people acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), LoveYourself endeavors to gather fellow warriors in the advocacy for a stronger and resounding voice to promote self-empowerment in taking care of one’s sexual health, as a prelude to curbing the HIV epidemic in the country,” said LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan.

Apart from its primary goal of instilling awareness and action towards ending HIV, “This Is Me: Brave and Free” empowers one’s self-worth that inspires unity in diversity, and brings the message of love, acceptance and finding strength and courage to overcome fear, which are often associated with HIV and AIDS.

The first-ever multi-site community-led HIV testing day is also supported by the DOH through the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and its NCR-Office, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., Save the Children, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Philippines, Philippine NGO Council on Population Health and Welfare, Inc. (PNGOC), AusAID Australian Aid Program and HIVOS Humanist Institute for Development Cooperation. 

For more details on the “This Is Me: Brave and Free,” one may visit the www.bitly.com/ThisIsMeInfo.

LoveYourself is a non-government organization and widely volunteer-led organization that advocates for HIV awareness, testing and treatment. It also the impetus for the first-ever Love Gala, a charity and awards event for HIV-AIDS awareness in Asia by gathering private and public institutions and youth-oriented organizations into the advocacy, and the creator of pioneer Ripple Awards that honors individuals who have had a significant impact in the HIV-AIDS landscape in Asia and the Philippines.

IVO, the purest, cleanest water on tap

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Water is necessary for the survival of all living organisms on Earth, an integral part of many ecosystems that support us and a myriad of other species. Water is a precious substance that meets our physical needs. 

Having safe and pure drinking water start at home. To ensure the safety of our family, an ultimate water purifier can give us the freshest, purest water handily from our faucet.

Here's IVO -  gives you the freshest, purest water handily from your faucet.

IVO easily makes available to you the cleanest, purest water with the turn of the tap.

Thirsty. This word is much used in the current cultural zeitgeist to express a deep and bottomless desire for pretty much anything.

IVO, with its sleek design as well as superior technology will not just make you “thirsty”, it will deliciously quench it.

We’ve been conditioned to buy our water for such a long time that the concept of drinking water straight from the tap is practically revolutionary, not to mention liberating. IVO makes this possible and hands the control of your drinking water back to you. 

IVO is made in Japan and comes from the makers of Torayvino, the number one faucet mounted water purifier brand in Japan. Torayvino has a long history featuring sophisticated, superior filtering technology which has made them the number one brand in Japan since they launched the faucet-mounted water purifier in 1986. They pioneered the world’s first faucet mount type water purifier using hollow fiber membrane filters in 1988 and now have an overwhelming 66 percent market share among faucet-mounted filtration systems in Japan. Their name is synonymous with pure.

In the Philippines, Torayvino is IVO, the WORD in water innovation and evolution. IVO gives you the freshest, purest water handily from your faucet. IVO removes 99.99% of the bacteria in your tap water but retains the calcium, magnesium, and other minerals essential to your body. We’ve all had issues from the water from our taps being over-chlorinated or cloudy or having issues from the main supply. IVO removes all the unnecessary components from tap providing water that is not only safe but delicious.

Here in the Philippines, we have no shortage of water sellers that tout their products as pure and crystal clear, but the fact is a vast majority are not registered with the Department of Health or are compliant with government regulations. The consumer often has no idea how often their filters are changed, and if they adhere to the standard of changing the various components such as the UV and carbon filters regularly.

It is ideal for all homes and establishments, but the convenience it can give people who live in high rises cannot be overemphasized. This means not having to lug your water jugs up flights of stairs and elevators or not needing to constantly have your water delivered.

The ubiquitous 5-gallon blue water jugs or transparent ones that fit in a water cooler that most water companies use not only monopolize much needed space in households and condos, they are decidedly not BPA free. BPA, which stands for Bisphenol-A, a chemical compound linked to cancer and birth defects, that leaches into the liquid that it contains. When you look at the canister of the IVO filter, you wonder how such a compact gadget can pack a lot of purifying power, but bigger isn’t always better. Water purifying companies might have these large filters because of the large volume that has to pass through those filters is for commercial quantities. What many people don’t realize is that those things are often for show. The rocks and paper you see in some commercial water filter stations don’t really filter water as effectively and may even harbor bacteria. 

IVO’s hip design fits seamlessly with any faucet, and the white and silver colors will fit any kitchen interior. IVO makes the push towards healthy lifestyles easier. People are ditching sodas and high-sugar drinks for freshly pressed juices and water. You could say that fruit infused water is the new soda. This makes it even more imperative that your water is the best and purest it could possibly be. Hydration is the new sexy. 

IVO also helps the planet. There is a large ecological impact to filling your own recyclable water bottle. Everyday millions of plastic water bottles are dumped into oceans and landfills contributing to environmental waste. It is estimated that the world consumes a million bottles per minute, 91% of which are not recycled which is a staggering amount (source: Euromonitor). 

Do-gooding has never been this refreshing nor this reasonably priced. IVO is not only easy to use, it’s a lot more economical in the long run than the average P35 per 5-gallon water. A basic IVO unit costs P1,980. The refill filter costs 1,380 and can filter 1,500 liters of water on average. This depends on the condition of the water as well. Hard water will mean you will have to replace your filter earlier than if it comes from the city’s water treatment facilities. It’s easy to tell when it’s time to replace the filter because the water won’t flow as efficiently, but as long as there is water coming out of the filter, the water remains 99.99% bacteria-free. 

IVO Water Purifier fits most faucets, and there is a lever where it can be easily switched to unfiltered water for when you’re only washing the dishes or your hands. The unfiltered water pressure is an ultrafine spray, with 0.4 mm diameter provides soft feeling to your skin, splashes less water and creates the proper water volume for washing dishes, which means IVO is still eco-friendly even when you’re not using the filtered water mode. In fact, the unfiltered spray mode gives you 30% water savings because it has more coverage than water flowing straight from an unfiltered faucet. 

The Philippines or Moduvi, Inc., a Philippine based company, has exclusive rights to IVO, with the Japanese parent company Toray, allowing its distribution to other countries. 

Only three letters separate you from better access to health and life quality. The purest and cleanest water flows easily with IVO.

Asia Brewery Donates Drinking Water to Displaced Families in Albay

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Lucio Tan-owned Asia Brewery, Inc. (ABI) donated more than 60,000 bottles of Absolute Distilled Drinking Water to families displaced by the recent eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay. Volunteers from ABI helped distribute the distilled water to residents of Sto. Domingo, Guinobatan and Camalig in coordination with LGUs.

A report from DSWD indicates that these are three out of four barangays that are holding the most number of affected families with Camalig having 2,492; Guinobatan with 1,413; and Sto. Domingo with 1,844 – or a total of 31,477 individuals as of January 2018. ABI expressed its continuous support in giving the affected families in and out of evacuation centers access to clean, potable water should the situation requires, including those from other affected barangays.

BAVI opens doors of opportunities to PWDs

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Most companies would think twice about employing Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) when they can hire people who are perfectly able. But for Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. (BAVI), providing work to PWDs also benefits companies and their employees.

BAVI is one of the local companies that have partnered with Unilab Foundation for Project Inclusion, a program that helps PWDs obtain and sustain jobs in an actual work environment, giving them renewed hope and confidence in their talents and abilities.

Aljune Atok suffers from visual impairment, having completely lost sight in his left eye. Despite his condition, the 26-year-old has found work at BAVI and has been a junior programmer in the information systems department for nearly a year.

Aljune grew up in Leyte. After earning his college degree and finishing with Latin honors, he went to Manila to find a good paying job. He recounts that at first, he had to face the fear of discrimination.

“Hindi naman nila sinasabi directly, pero alam mo na ‘yon ang ibig nilang sabihin. Bakit nga naman kasi sila mag-i-invest sa ganito, kung pwede naman sila mag-hire ng abled,” said Aljune.

However, Aljune did not allow this fear to hamper his goal of landing a permanent job with regular pay. Through his perseverance and determination, he was endorsed by a former superior to Project Inclusion, which later on brought him to BAVI.

“What we admire most about Aljune is his attitude towards work. He goes to work every day, eager to learn more and develop new skills,” shared Senior Supervisor Alistair Javillonar. He added that the team is inspired by Aljune’s behaviour and they believe in his ability to perform beyond his disability.

Recently, Aljune participated in Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually-Impaired’s (ATRIEV) very first hackathon for the blind with the blind where his team won second place when they redesigned the website of the Philippine Military Academy to make it accessible to the blind.

Another physically challenged individual that BAVI took under its wings is Donna Tolentino. Overcoming hearing impairment, she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Graphics from De La Salle College of St. Benilde and now works as one of BAVI’s finance assistants.

“I felt excited and a bit nervous when I was invited for interview at BAVI. There were many fears. However, I’ve easily overcome those fears with the help of my colleagues and superior,” Donna recounts. “It delights me that there are organizations like BAVI which are open to accepting someone like me to be one of their employees.”

“She is very detailed and careful when making reports and that is something we appreciate,” says Finance Assistant Manager Mae Jane Adem. She also praises Donna’s optimism towards work that motivates the whole team.

Adem added that Donna introduced deaf awareness to the whole team. Now, almost all the team members know basic sign language, which enables them to communicate with Donna.

“We believe that each person has something unique to offer for the progress of the company. What others see as disabilities, we see as something extraordinary that can someday help us reach our goals,” said Ronald Mascariñas, BAVI president and general manager. “At BAVI, we are always open to giving chances to individuals who have chosen to rise over their disabilities to become company assets.”

Going beyond just providing fresh oven-roasted chickens to households, BAVI wants to make Filipinos become part of something meaningful. As a step in that direction, they hope that their partnership with Unilab Foundation will enable them to give more PWDs a chance at a better future by providing them full-time, sustainable jobs.

Planting for the planet by Pioneer Adhesives Foundation, Inc.

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In its continued commitment to preserve and protect Mother Earth, Pioneer Adhesives Foundation, Inc. (PAFI) in coordination with the local government unit under the leadership of the Municipal Mayor Leonila P. Montero spearheaded a tree planting activity called Planting for the Planet in Panglao, Bohol last November 23. 

Over a hundred volunteers composed of Pioneer Adhesives, Inc. employees and business partners rolled up their sleeves and planted 200 seedlings in the beautiful island of Panglao. 

This tree planting activity, which was a meaningful part of the Pioneer Adhesives National Conference, is just one of the many initiatives the foundation has under its environmental campaign “Our Earth Our Responsibility”.

Miss Earth 2017 Press Presentation - Heroines fighting climate change

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Miss Earth 2017 candidates pose at the press presentation at the poolside of The Diamond Hotel Philippines, October 30, 2017. 

The candidates paraded by the pool in white two-piece swimsuits. Beyond their beauties and wit, they shared their slogans calling for everyone to recycle, re-think, reuse, and combat climate change issues.

The theme is "Ecotourism is a key to poverty alleviation," and "re-think," "re-use," "reduce," "recycle," and "respect."

At the International Environmental event hosted by  Carousel Productions, Inc.,  Miss Earth  2017 beauties work together to have all nations unite in our joint efforts to help preserve and protect our one and only home: the Planet Earth.

Ms. Lorraine Schuck, Executive Vice President of Carousel Productions, Inc., shared: 

“Everyone looks up to a superhero, especially the young ones. Superheroes have a strong presence in today’s pop culture. So what better way to connect with the new generation than to create a persona that they can easily identify with.”

Each delegate has her own hero alter ego, which will be revealed on the final night.

During the press presentation event, the Darling of the Press gold medal was given to Karen Ibasco of the Philippines, silver medal by Thailand's Paweensuda Drouin, and bronze for Abigail Chama of Zambia.

Miss Earth 2013 Alyz Henrich, Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrel, Miss Thailand (silver), Miss Philippines (gold) Miss Zambia (bronze), Miss Earth 2016 Katherine Espin and Miss Earth Air 2016 Michelle Gomez

Miss Philippines Fire 2017 Nellza Bautista and Miss Philippines Water Jessica Marasigan hosted the presentation. Also present were Miss Earth 2016 Katherine Espin and Miss Earth Air 2016 Michelle Gomez, Miss Earth 2013 Alyz Henrich, Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrel, and Miss Earth 2015 Angelia Ong.

Eighty-four beauties from various countries and regions will vie for the Miss Earth 2017 crown on Saturday, November 4 at the Mall of Asia, Arena to be hosted by CNN Philippines’ James Deakin, with performances by pop music sensation Shontelle and renowned violinist Iskandar Widjaja.

The grand coronation night will be telecast on FOXlife (formerly Starworld), in participating countries and delayed telecast on Sunday, November 5 on ABS-CBN at 10:00 am and on TFC in 56 countries.

Here are some of photos taken during the press presentation: