Miss Universe Candidates Join #IRiseAgainstHunger at Conrad Manila

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It’s not everyday that you see well-heeled, statuesque ladies of the 2016 Miss Universe donning aprons, hairnets and plastic gloves to buckle down and help in the fight against hunger.

But that’s exactly what they did in a jam-packed Taft Ballroom at the Conrad Manila in Pasay City on Wednesday.

As a partner, SM will host the most awaited Miss Universe pageant on January 30, 2016 at the Mall of Asia Arena at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. Several activities of the Miss Universe pageant are being held in various SM venues including Conrad Manila, Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas, and S Maison to name a few.

All 58 girls with 150 volunteers and 20 Miss Universe organizers joined in repackaging 100 boxes of food items equivalent to 3,600 meals. These are rice-based meals using iron-fortified rice, texturized vegetable protein, dehydrated vegetables and flavoring mix with added 23 essential vitamins and minerals for pregnant and lactating women in Pampanga and Zambales as a partnership between the Department of Health and Rise Against Hunger Philippines (formerly Stop Hunger Now Philippines).

“We have different ingredients there but the most important ingredient is your heart. When you pack the meals, you put a piece of your heart there because the women and children who will eat the food will feel your love,” Jose Mariano “Jomar” Fleras, Executive Director of Rise Against Hunger Philippines told volunteers at the event.

The vegetables used for these packs are grown from the Philippines thus creating jobs said Andrew Sullivan, International Affiliate Director for Rise Against Hunger.

“I know how this feels. I have been hungry before and I am totally pleased that we are doing this,” Miss Sierra Leone HawaKamara said who hails from the West African nation that is no stranger to food shortage.

“I am truly grateful to be here and I believe we need more of these things around the world,” Miss Jamaica Isabel Dally, said.

Brighten up your Viber chats with Petron Best Day stickers

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Looking for new ways to express yourself in your Viber chats? Oil industry leader Petron Corporation has just released its set of Petron Best Day stickers, downloadable for free on your Viber from the Viber sticker market. 

Most of the stickers are motorist-relevant, with messages like ‘road trip’, ‘traffic lang, please wait’ or ‘stopover muna’.  There are also safety reminders like ‘mag-seatbelt ka’ or ‘ingat, have a safe trip’. There are also some commonly used expressions like ‘good morning’, ‘congrats’, ‘ok’, and ‘thank you’, giving you a fresh set of images for greeting your Viber buddies.

The sticker set is designed to be upbeat and positive, in keeping with the Best Day at Petron theme. The set is available as a free download from the Viber sticker market only from January 9 to April 9, 2017. However, once downloaded, the set will continue to be part of your Viber app.

Keep using the Petron’s Viber stickers and you might actually receive a surprise Best Day experience at one of the participating Petron stations! 

Download the free sticker set at http://viber.com/stickers/petron_ph now, and start sharing the Best Day experience with your road trip buddies. 

Jr. NBA presented by Alaska - Nurturing Young Talents Through Sports

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Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 presented by Alaska returns to the Philippines. On its 10th year, the Jr. NBA is set to tip off on January 21, Saturday, at the Don Bosco Makati.

Alaska’s partnership with NBA Philippines is in line with Alaska’s commitment to promoting sports and outdoor play in the Philippines. 

Beyond being a sports clinic, the Jr. NBA is an avenue for children to showcase their talents, improve their skills and be trained under Jr. NBA coaches. Side by side with Alaska, the program aims to promote basketball participation, sportsmanship, teamwork and active lifestyle among children.

Jr NBA Philippines 2017 presented by Alaska tips off program with open clinics for Filipino youth

“The Jr. NBA Program is a great fit with Alaska’s mission to nurture young talents and to promote healthy and active lifestyle through sports and outdoor play,” says Wilfred Uytengsu, Alaska Milk Corporation President & CEO.

Based on the 8th National Nutrition Survey in 2013 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), obesity is one of the most prevalent nutritional problems of Filipino children with about 5 out of 100 Filipino children are overweight.

Given the growing issues on health, Alaska believes that there is a need to reinforce its thrust in leading a healthy lifestyle not just by drinking milk but by living actively through sports and other outdoor activities. Alaska seeks to engage the Filipino consumers, especially the youth, through its sports development programs to help nourish children to become champions.

Jr NBA participants work on their agility during the clinic

“With Alaska as our partner, the Jr. NBA program has reached hundreds of schools and communities nationwide and benefited thousands of children, parents, and coaches through grassroots activities like basketball training camps and school clinics, NBA Cares outreach projects, television programs and online initiatives,” says NBA Philippines Managing Director Carlo Singson.

This year, thousands of students, parents, and coaches are expected to benefit through the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA activities. The program is composed of four stages: the school and open clinics, the Regional Selection Camps, a National Training Camp and the NBA experience trip.

The schools and open clinics will be held nationwide from January through March. Clinics will be held in Bacolod, Batangas, Cagayan De Oro, Cavite, Cebu, Metro Manila and Subic. Select players from these clinics will get the chance to showcase their talents during the Regional Selection Camps, which will be held in Cagayan de Oro City on February 11-12, Lucena City on February 25-26, Cebu City on March 11-12, and Makati City on April 1-2.

Jr NBA Philippines 2016 All-Stars with Norris Cole and WNBA Legend Taj McWilliams-Franklin

From the Regional Selection Camps, the top 37 boys and 37 girls will advance to the National Training Camp in Manila. The National Training Camp will have (names of NBA/WNBA talents) in attendance to help train the pool.

In the end of the National Training Camp, eight Jr. NBA and 8 Jr. WNBA aspirants will be selected to comprise this year’s All Stars. They will travel with fellow Jr. NBA All-Stars from Southeast Asia for a unique, overseas NBA experience later in the year.

The Jr. NBA Program is the international youth development program of the NBA. It aims to promote basketball participation, sportsmanship, teamwork and active lifestyle among children. It emphasizes fundamental skills development and the formation of STAR values – Sportsmanship, Teamwork, Positive Attitude, and Respect.

The program is free and open to children ages 5 to 14 years old. It provides children the opportunity to showcase their talent, improve their skills and be trained under Jr. NBA coaches, and participate in friendly matches with high school varsity teams from abroad.

With the success of the Jr. NBA program in the Philippines, Alaska’s mother company FrieslandCampina, extended its partnership to cover 4 countries in Asia – Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. In 2014, Alaska launched the Jr. WNBA program to widen the reach of the sport to girls all over the country.

Interested participants and coaches may register online through www.jrnbaphilippines.com. 

For live updates, follow Alaska PlayPh on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

To learn more about the Alaska Milk Corporation, visit www.alaskamilk.com and www.playph.com.

Coca-Cola 5by20 Artisans present Miss Universe candidates with upcycled neckpieces

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Beautifully handcrafted neckpieces by the Artisan Women of Tondo made from upcycled Coca-Cola pull tabs recently took center stage during one of the preliminary events for the 65th Miss Universe Pageant. The artisan women presented each candidate with her very own neckpiece during a sunset cruise around Manila Bay and a dinner at the exclusive Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast in Batangas.

Beyond the glitz and glamour that surrounds the prestigious Miss Universe event is its heart – women empowering women. During the sunset cruise, the candidates took the time to talk with the artisan women to know their stories and admire their handiwork, while also sharing their personal experiences and journey through the pageant.

“This is a great way of showcasing the artistry of the Filipino women artisans to the world and it also highlights how women are contributing to the empowerment of other women, wherever they may be in the globe,” said Atty. Adel Tamano, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications.

Each of the neckpieces was individually crafted by the women artisans in their workshop located in Tondo, a district in Manila known as one of the most densely populated and economically-challenged areas in the country. The work of art they produce provides additional income for the artisans. The women engaged in the workshop are mostly single mothers and sole bread-winners; they play a challenging role in order to support their respective families.

The Artisan Women of Tondo is among the various women economic empowerment programs supported by Coca-Cola Philippines under the 5by20 global initiative. The women artisan program was made possible in partnership with ASA Philippines Foundation, one of the leading local microfinance institutions in the country that help uplift the poorest of the poor communities.

“In line with its commitment to empower women across the globe under the 5by20 initiative, Coca-Cola will continue to provide an enabling environment for women in its value chain so they can help themselves and their families become sustainable, and uplift their communities,” said Gilda Custodio-Maquilan, Coca-Cola Philippines 5by20 Lead, Sustainability and Community Affairs Manager.

Other than neckpieces and accessories, the artisan women also produce handbags, clutches, and other home décor from the pull tabs found in Coca-Cola beverage product cans. The Artisan Women of Tondo, through the help of Coca-Cola Philippines and its partners, is planning to further expand its product line and market reach in order to achieve sustainable livelihood.

The Coca-Cola 5by20 Artisans is part of the global initiative of the Company to empower 5 million women around the world by 2020. In the Philippines, the Company is enabling thousands of underprivileged women through the 5by20 Artisans and the 5by20 Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program.

For more information about the artisan women of Tondo and their products, visit Gifts That Give Back on Facebook.

Candidates of the 65th Miss Universe Pageant admired the beautiful neckpieces they received from the Coca-Cola 5by20 Artisans. Each neckpiece is made out of the pull tabs from canned beverages of Coca-Cola.

Candidates were unable to resist the urge to try on the neckpieces given by the Coca-Cola 5by20 Artisans. The neckpieces were made by the women artisans from the pull tabs of Coca-Cola products.

“It is a really proud moment for us. For the candidates, and even the universe, to see our creations,” said Marlene Nival, one of the 14 Coca-Cola 5by20 artisan women who personally gave their handcrafted neckpieces to the candidates of the 65th Miss Universe Pageant. The women are joined by James Debauden, project coordinator of the Coca-Cola 5by20 Artisan Women of Tondo.

The Artisan Women of Tondo got to meet the candidates up close and personal during a sunset dinner at Pico de Loro in Batangas.

The First Bato Cup, Make an Ace for Change

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From left PDR OSCAR ALBAYA,  PPDG FRANK UYAMI , PDG BATO DELA ROSA,  ENGR EDWIN GARDIOLA,  ABE AVENTA,  PC SUPT VALRIE TABIAN

A drug-free Philippines, this is the dream of Philippine National Police Chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa.

This dream is definitely not far fetched because last January 14 and 15, 2017 at the Malarayat Golf and Country Club, in Lipa City, what a lovely and picturesque scenes it were , resembling something straight out of a movie, armed with their clubs and dressed in full golf regalia, with their hearts coming together for the greater good. golf lovers participate and unite in the FIRST BATO GOLF CUP. 

The Bato Golf Cup is a special sports undertaking that utilized the gentlemanly sports of golf for a higher purpose - that is to raise funds for the projects and activities of the good hearted general who is fully committed in preserving the peace and order in the country.

The public, by now, has grown accustomed to the amiable and accessible General Dela Rosa. Under his leadership, the Philippine National Police continues its drive against drugs to bring true and lasting peace and order to a nation that has long been dreaming of an environment where we feel safe from lawless elements and people. General Dela Rosa has become the embodiment of decisiveness and sturdiness, making him the voice and the persona who has compassion and the no-nonsense resolve to get things done. Truly, an action man!

General Bato Dela Rosa's Arrival

"If you build it, they will come, " so goes an iconic line from Field of Dreams starring Kevin Costner. To paraphrase it, "when a gathering of organizations call out to every one, people who love golf, peace and serenity will not think twice."

General Dela Rosa led the opening of the golf competition with the ceremonial tee-off. He stayed the whole Saturday afternoon to play. He was also most grateful to the people who joined the event and made sure that it was a resounding success. 

With work of art trophies designed by renowned artist Carlo Magno, the winners of the First Bato Golf Cup are, starting with special awardees during the first day:Dong Mendoza for Nearest To The Pin hole (one foot), Captain Pol Salvador (Most Accurate Drive On The Line) and Ivan Avena (Longest Drive, 324 yards.)

Day Two special awardees include Jere Fregil (Longest Drive, 32 yards), Bong Agojo (Nearest To The Pinhole 41/2 foot).and Hermie Perez (Most Accurate Drive.)

For the Tournament Proper, the victors are: Ladies Division - Second Runner Up is Evelyn Quinsay, First Runner Up - Margorie Lupingco, and the Champion is Glydel Mercado.

For Class D, Men's Division, winners: Col. Ludy dela Paz (Second Runner Up), Morell Manaig (First Runner Up) and Lito Magsino (Champion). For Class C, Men;s Division, winners: Cote Thor (Second Runner Up), Joseph Garcia, (First Runner Up), and Noli Alcantara (Champion). For Class B, Men's Division, winners: Jess Bartolome (Second Runner Up), Bong Agojo, (First Runner Up) and Manolo Agojo (Champion).

The Men's Division. Class A Winners are: Elmer Gardiola (Second Runner Up), Teody Pascual (First Runner Up) and Gerald Katigbak (Champion) Other major winners include Ivan Avena (Lowest Net) and Ayi Beech (Lowest Gross).

Present in the First Bato Golf Cup are Mr. Edwin Gardiola. Chairman and Organizing Committee Head, Lipa City Mayor Meynardo Sabili, multi-awarded actor and actress, husband and wife Tonton Gutierrez and Glydel Mercado, showbiz royal Vandolph Quizon, and popular musical composer Lito Camo.

The very successful first Bato Golf Cup culminated in a night of fun, food, music, and raffle prizes including the grand prize of a brand-new P2.3 million Kia car, and with l performances from The Brothers Unlimited and Reo Brothers bands.

The two-day golf tournament was also made possible through the kindness of generous partners such as EG group of companies and the Gardiola Family; Mighty Corporation, Pacific Union Insurance, DDT Konstract, JAM Liner, Philtranco, Fastcat, SMDC, SM Prime, Mizuno, Edison Builders, Toreja Construction, RGB, Scientific Games, Aristocrat, Zitro, Lydia’s Lechon, MNTC, CIGNAL, Maynilad, Filinvest Development Corp., Peugeot Lipa, MVP Kia Molino, SBYC, Asia Cargo Container, Phoenix Petroleum, Newington Builders, Toyota Philippines, Philpost, Atomy Philippines, FWIL, Kilton Group of Companies, Belle Corp., BMW Philippines (ACC), KIA Philippines (CAC), Mahindra, CATS Motors, Autohub, MOSVELDTT law firm, Ayala Land Premier, MVPTech, Volares Audio, Atoy Customs, Category 7, Dreamwave, New Canaan Insurance, Choi Garden, Pax Libera Mining Inc., Genie Magic KTV and Goodlife Reflex Zone; and various companies and individuals who made valuable contributions. They are certainly an amazing group of organizations that willingly threw in their support to this laudable endeavor.

General Bato Dela Rosa doing the tee off

The Bato Golf Cup is now set as a yearly tournament; with the next one promising to be even bigger. This is indeed a great way to show love and support to the Sport and to the Country!