Qualcomm and Hapinoy Team up to Support Female Entrepreneurs in the Philippines

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Qualcomm Incorporated, through its Qualcomm® Wireless ReachTM initiative, joined Hapinoy, a Filipino-based social enterprise that has developed programs for small, neighborhood convenience stores in the Philippines, in an effort to provide female micro-entrepreneurs the opportunity to generate additional income and provide financial services to their communities. Through the collaboration, micro-business owners are supplied with mobile literacy training, access to capital via microfinance institutions (MFIs), and technology through mobile money operators and technology developers.

Worldwide, 2.5 billion people lack access to financial services such as banks and credit cards, making it difficult for them to make payments and transfer money1.

The Hapinoy Mobile Money Hub project supports micro-entrepreneurs who own and operate mostly home-based stores, known as sari-sari stores. Since its inception, 3,000 of these store owners in the Philippines, mostly mothers (“Nanays” in Tagalog) have been trained by this program.

Aside from not having the know-how to run the systems and technology, the majority of these Nanays can’t afford a point-of-sale-device or card reader, and 37 percent of municipalities in the Philippines lack banking offices2. However, most shop owners do own mobile devices, which they use for basic communications and selling airtime.

Launched in 2013, the Hapinoy project began with a focus on educating these micro-business owners on how they can use mobile technology to expand their business. Now, by collaborating with Qualcomm Wireless Reach, MasterCard, Smart and Grameen Foundation, Hapinoy sari-sari owners are able to use dual-sim smartphones powered by Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 200 processors to access mobile financial services such as mobile money, remittances, and bill and loan payments. The Snapdragon 200 processor is a product of Qualcomm Technologies Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated.

In addition, storeowners are able to use the Hapinoy Agent Network to sell airtime and offer new financial services to their communities. These storeowners also play an integral role in helping their communities better understand the use and benefits of mobile money accounts.

For these communities, this advanced wireless solution not only increases traffic and revenue for the sari-sari stores, but it also contributes to community growth and allows these Mobile Money Hubs to serve as potential branches for banks, MFIs and other remittance providers.

The Mobile Money Hub program demonstrates the impact that wireless technology can have on communities beyond communication, and the possibility for mobile devices to serve as a means

Breeze pays tribute to hardworking hero moms with nationwide 1 Laba Day

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Sige Moms Christine Bersola-Babao, Dimples Romana and Gladys Reyes tackle their mommy duties with ease, thanks to Breeze 1 Laba guarantee. 

Breeze treated more than 19,000 hardworking moms across the Philippines to a day of rest, games and exciting surprises at the first-ever 1 Laba Day.

Celebrating the heroes of the home, the leading detergent brand took care of their laundry chores, washing a total of 481,536 clothes, in a series of events held simultaneously in multiple barangays in Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Batangas, Cebu, and Davao. 

Sige Moms Christine Bersola-Babao, Dimples Romana and Gladys Reyes tackle their mommy duties with ease, thanks to Breeze 1 Laba guarantee

Celebrity moms and surprise guests, including Sige Moms Christine Bersola-Babao, Gladys Reyes and Dimples Romana, headlined the nationwide events. At Barangay Commonwealth in Quezon City, radio DJ Laila Chikadora also kept the crowd entertained with her witty jokes and led the fun bingo games where moms won bicycles, skateboards, inflatable swimming pools and other toys for their children. These prizes were meant to encourage moms to be Sige Moms who let their kids play and go on exciting adventures. 

While the moms enjoyed their day off from doing the laundry, Breeze Laba Ladies and Laba Machines, sponsored by campaign partners Electrolux, LG, Whirlpool and White Westinghouse, took care of washing their clothes.

“We know how hardworking our mommies are, spending as much as three to four hours a day doing the laundry. Today, Breeze is taking care of washing their clothes so they can have some time for themselves and to have fun, as our way of thanking them and recognizing their admirable efforts,” said Mara Banson, Breeze brand manager. 

Christine Bersola-Babao

“As part of the Circle of Sige Moms, our job is to encourage mommies to allow their kids to be kids, even if it means getting dirty or having stained clothes,” said Christine.  “When we say yes to playing and going on adventures, we say yes to our children’s intellectual, emotional and physical growth.”

Dimples Romana

“My daughter Callie is very artsy and likes working with her hands. We love baking and often, we’d be covered in icing and food color of every hue,” said Sige Mom Dimples. “But I’m glad I allowed her to do that, because it’s very fulfilling when you see your child achieve great things because you allow them to do their own thing and pursue their passions.” 

Gladys Reyes 

“Being a mom is a 24/7 job,” added Sige Mom Gladys. “But because we have a dependable partner in Breeze, doing the laundry becomes easier and effortless. We can spend less time on washing clothes and have more time for ourselves and our family.” 

1 Laba guarantee 

Boasting of a revolutionary formulation, Breeze with ActivBleach empowers mommies everywhere to take on their endless tasks, removing even the toughest of stains in just one wash. Safe for both white and colored clothes, Breeze has a four-enzyme technology that removes more types of stains and a patented whitening technology that delivers visible whiteness in just one wash. 

Breeze with ActivBleach is also the first and only detergent brand with melamine perfume encapsulation technology that blooms in wash and bursts in wear, making sure that clothes keep smelling clean and fresh even when worn. It even has a unique active system for better foam profile and quicker lather, plus percarbonate TAED bleach that takes out bleachable stains without harming the environment. 

From September 1 to 7, mommies can also win a washing machine from Breeze in the Breeze 1Laba Challenge promo. 

To join, participants simply need to like the official Breeze Facebook page www.facebook.com/breezephilippines and look for the 1 Laba Day status update. They should then leave a comment on the post, with a photo of themselves doing the 1 Laba pose holding a Breeze pack and using the hashtag #Breeze1Laba. 

Take on millions of stains in just one wash with Breeze with ActivBleach, available in three sizes at supermarkets and groceries nationwide: 70g, 700g and 1450g packs.

Pioneer Insurance introduces your new ‘Travel Buddy’

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Travellers enjoy great trips together with family and friends.  Finding new places, sharing experiences, toughts and passions. . . Do you always chat with your travel buddy or potential travel buddies? Do you plan to visit your dream country with great company and make new friends all over the world? 

Pioneer Insurance has launched a new travel partner for those who love exploring the world.

Travel Buddy, a personal accident insurance coverage that comes with a Php 100,000 cash benefit, is the first-in-the-market product that lets you travel-all-you-want for 30 days knowing that you’re financially prepared in case of any accident.

The benefits include:

-- Loss of life (Php 100,000) 

-- Disablement of both hands or both feet or sight of both eyes (Php 100,000) 

-- Disablement of one hand and one foot or either hand or foot or sight of one eye (Php 100,000)

-- Disablement of one hand or one foot or sight of one eye (Php 50,000)

For only Php 100, you can let go of life’s what-ifs and enjoy traveling with your family and friends from one place to another. Whether you’re camping in Anawangin, Zambales or food tripping in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Travel Buddy will have you covered.

To know more about how you can get Travel Buddy – which is solely available online, you may visit https://retail.pioneer.com.ph/insureshop. 

LIKE the Pioneer Insurance official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PioneerIsYourInsurance.

Follow Pioneer on Twitter and Instagram: @pioneerph

Contact: Jessica Alexis Lagman Jessica.lagman@pioneer.com.ph Pioneer House Makati, 108 Paseo de Roxas, Legaspi Village, Makati City (02) 712-8888 local 455

#TravelBuddy 

“Giselle” to Celebrate Ballet Philippines’ Sapphire Year on Sept. 19-21

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In a special repeat performance, Ballet Philippines’ highly celebrated restaging of “Giselle” returns this September 19-21 to the CCP Main Theater. The beloved romantic ballet is once again being restaged by the Philippines’ premier danseur, Nonoy Froilan to start off the Blue Moon Series, a two-week fundraising series celebrating the company’s sapphire milestone.

Stella Abrera and James Whiteside from the American Ballet Theatre will perform as Giselle and Albrecht on the fundraising gala on September 19. That evening’s performance will also feature live accompaniment by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Olivier Ochanine.

Stella Abrera

Ballet Philippines principal dancers Katherine Trofeo and Jean Marc Cordero, as well as newly promoted soloist Denise Parungao and junior principal dancer Earl John Arisola will reprise their roles of Giselle and Albrecht for the other 4 shows in the production’s one-weekend run.

The 2013 restaging of “Giselle” earned recognition at the Philstage Gawad Buhay awards, winning the trophies for Outstanding Ensemble Performance for Classical Dance, Male Lead Performance in Classical Dance for Jean Marc Cordero, and Female Featured Performance in Classical Dance for Rita Winder.

Touted as one of ballet’s greatest, “Giselle” is a classical romantic tragedy of loss, forgiveness, and love beyond death. Her story is a familiar one – two men are in love with her, but she chooses to surrender her heart to Albrecht, the suave newcomer who, as Giselle later finds out, is engaged to be married. 

Ignoring her own suspicions and the well-meaning advice of Hilarion, her other suitor, Giselle eventually discovers the truth and ultimately, her heartbreak results in her demise. Yet she chooses to forgive her lover and save his life.

James Whiteside

In a medium like ballet where spectacle often takes the spotlight, such drama and conflict are seldom found. But everyone has a story to tell in “Giselle”. The choreography and the music, not to mention the dancers, all help to create well-rounded and relatable characters.

What lies at the very heart of this ballet is its story. Its message and the emotion it conveys have the power to move an audience to tears. While other ballets may be remembered for a particularly fantastic movement, “Giselle” will be remembered by how it made people feel.

The production also features Mailes Kanapi as Berthe, Giselle’s mother, with Nonoy Froilan and Butch Esperanza alternating as the Duke of Courland, as well as Carissa Adea, Richardson Yadao, Rita Angela Winder, Ma. Celina Dofitas, with Ballet Philippines’ company members, apprentices, and scholars.

“Giselle” will be performed at the CCP Main Theater on September 19 at 3 PM and 8 PM, September 20 at 2 PM and 6 PM, and on September 21 at 2 PM. 

For bulk reservations, show buys, and inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @balletphilippines

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph

Ballet Philippines - The 45th Anniversary Sapphire Season. Rare scenes of power and grace. Love, valour and redemption. A toast to 45 years of dance excellence!

Global Academy wins, the first-ever Philippine Culinary Cup back-to-back Overall Champion

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Global Academy won big in the most prestigious culinary competition in the country. Global Academy was declared the Overall Champion of the Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC) for the second year in a row. 

The top-notch culinary school bagged the title competing against other culinary institutions, hotels, restaurant and catering groups from different countries including Thailand, Korea and Malaysia.

Global Academy awarded 2013/2014 back-to-back Overall Champion at the Philippine Culinary Cup

Global Academy is the only culinary institution in the Philippines that is recognized by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), the same internationally-recognized accrediting body of the Philippine Culinary Cup. With eight gold medals, Global Academy proves faithful to their world-class standards.

“It’s been an exciting time for all of us at Global Academy,” said Chef Mike Yap, program and faculty director who led the team through the competition. “These past few weeks have been filled with intense preparation as both our chefs and students have been determined to defend our title as overall champion.”

The gold medalists of the Dream Team category coached by Yap are Chefs Brando Santos, Anna Katrina Pascual and Summer Salvador. Their menu included a sous vide angus beef flank,a petite beef pie, with rolled saffron-infused spaghetti as the main course; a duo of brill as the appetizer; and a Felchlin Maracaibo layered cake for dessert.

Santos also bagged the highest gold for US Poultry where he prepared a trio of chicken. In addition to that, he, along with his team mate Chef Abigail Almeda, received gold for Amuse Bouche with their chawanmushi (egg custard) and cromesquis (croquette).

Chef Gerd Gendrano’s trio of pork and sautéed snapper with slipper lobster tail and deep-fried mud crab claw received gold medals for the US Pork and Local Fish or Seafood categories, respectively.

Chefs Jun Manalo, Richard Tan and Nino Runas make up the Filipino Cuisine category gold medalists. Their menu is comprised of humbang pato (braised duck), fried rice, rellenong ampalaya (stuffed bitter gourd) with ensaladang hipon at guso (shrimp and seaweed salad) and various roasted seafood.

Awarded the only gold for High Tea, are Chef Anjo dela Cruz and student Michael Madrid with adzuki and genmaicha (brown rice tea) scones; salmon and nori (seaweed) roulade; black sesame, hojicha (green tea roasted in a porcelain pot over charcoal) and miso layer cake; strawberry plum pastry; and a yuzu (citrus fruit) and matcha (green tea) verrine.

Last but not least of the gold medalists of Global Academy is Chef Erika De Leon for the Quickfire Salad category. She prepared Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Salad Greens Tossed in Arugula, Walnut and Feta Dressing with Roasted Mushrooms, Baby Corn and Tomatoes, Pickled Beets and Poached Duck Egg.

Silver medalists and their respective categories are: Chef Jeremiah Go for U.S. Poultry; Chef Gerd Gendrano for Local Fish or Seafood; Chef Erika de Leon for Australian Lamb; Chef Nino Runas, also for Australian Lamb; students Kim Solejon and LA Cedeno for Young Chefs; Chefs Vic Sanchez and AC Agra for Sous Vide; Chefs Brando Santos and Mike Yap for Butcher and the Chef; student Abigail Winco for Pasta; and Chefs Gerd Gendrano, Garie Quiambao, Lorenzo Marcelino, coached by Chef Vic Sanchez for Dream Team.

Bronze medalists and their respective categories are: Chef Cho Marcelino for Wedding Cake; student Jon Rei Juguilion for US Beef; AC Agra, also for US Beef; Chef Abigail Almeda for Local Fish or Seafood; Chef Garie Quiambao for U.S. Poultry; student Jodie Iris Lo for Australian Lamb; Chef Summer Salvador for Plated Desserts; and Chef Kat Pascual for California Raisin Bread.

About Global Academy

Global Academy is an award-winning culinary academy recognized for its world-class excellence and competitiveness. The academy offers professional courses for aspiring chefs, pastry chefs and hospitality professionals for affordable tuition fees. As the first culinary school in the Philippines recognized by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), Global Academy is distinguished for its quality education and unmatched culinary standards.

For more information, visit http://globalacademyph.com.