Enjoying Wonderful World

November 25, 2017

AirAsia and World Vision to help children "See the World"

AirAsia Executives hand over an AirAsia model plane as a sign of commitment and partnership with World Vision. (From left: Mr. Pete Chareonwongsak, AirAsia Regional COO, Capt. Darren Adrian Acorda, AirAsia Philippines’ Chief Pilot for Operations, Mr. Rommel Fuerte, World Vision Philippines’ National Director, World Vision Ambassadors Ms. Gelli Victor, Quest and Christian Bautista, World Vision Philippines’ Media and Communications Manager Mr. Gjeff Lamigo)

AirAsia in partnership with World Vision celebrates the season of giving through a joint Christmas initiative called “See the World,” an awareness building and fundraising effort for the benefit of Filipino children.

“See the World” aims to raise at least one million pesos to provide sponsorship program for many children as direct recipients across the country.

For every AirAsia seats booked or sold in the Philippines from 1 to 31 December 2017, five pesos will be automatically donated to World Vision’s child sponsorship program.

Mr. Pete Chareongwongsak, AirAsia Regional COO talks about the “See the World” campaign.

AirAsia Regional Chief Operating Officer Pete Chareonwongsak said,

“The collaboration between AirAsia and World Vision represents another step forward in our commitment to the philosophy that no corporation can live apart from the community it serves. As a truly Filipino airline, we will always extend a helping hand to the communities we serve.”

“AirAsia as a global brand is honored to partner with an international relief, development and advocacy organization as we both share the same commitment and passion in helping communities especially children see the wonders of the world through sponsorship programs in education.”

World Vision Philippines’ National Director Mr. Rommel Fuerte talks about the AirAsia and World Vision partnership.

World Vision Philippines National Director Rommel Fuerte, meanwhile, said, “As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of World Vision here in the Philippines, we are very thankful to have this milestone partnership with AirAsia Philippines. With this significant initiative, we can ensure that every peso that will be donated to World Vision will help a lot of underprivileged Filipino children attain their dreams.”

“Christmas in the Philippines is very much celebrated and being involved in this exciting project is truly a gift that enables us to reach out and help as many children as we can.”

World Vision Ambassador Ms. Gelli Victor hosts the “See the World” launch.

Capt. Darren Acorda and First Officer Andre Abacan awards an AirAsia Pilot's badge to a World Vision sponsored child who dreams of becoming a pilot.

Aside from fundraising efforts, “See the World” will feature inspiring stories of children from impoverished communities around the country whose lives have changed and caused other children and communities to aspire for better living conditions.

“See the World” was officially launched at Hotel H2O with World Vision Philippines ambassadors led by Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, singer and rapper Quest and radio DJ and host Gelli Victor.

World Vision Ambassador Mr. Christian Bautista talks about the World Vision Child Sponsorship Program and the milestone partnership between AirAsia and World Vision through the “See the World” project.

World Vision Ambassador Christian Bautista and Mandaluyong Children’s Choir sing together for the AirAsia – World Vision See the World launch.

World Vision ambassador Christian Bautista said, “Working with World Vision in the Philippines is really a joy for me. Yes, I am able to touch the lives of these children when we reach out to them. But they don’t know how their smiles are able to change me as a person. And with the wonderful ‘See the World’ collaboration of AirAsia and World Vision, each one can have that chance to touch each other's hearts and celebrate Christmas in a different way.”

World Vision Ambassador Quest touches the hearts of the audience through his sharing about his experience as a World Vision sponsor and performing one of his inspiring songs.

For his part, Quest, also an ambassador for World Vision said, “I don’t feel any burden being a child sponsor. In fact, it makes me feel wonderful being able to help. And through this ‘See the World’ campaign of AirAsia and World Vision in the Philippines, it will be easier for anyone to help.”

AirAsia Philippines will run a web series online and available in AirAsiaPhilippines facebook starting November 20.

Keep updated and find out more about “See the World” through #AirAsiaWorldVision and #SeeTheWorld hashtags.

AirAsia Philippines is a member of the AirAsia Group, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for nine consecutive years running. AAP operates a fleet of 17 aircraft with domestic and international flights out of hubs in Manila, Cebu, and Kalibo. The airline operates several flights to/from Manila, Davao, Cebu, Kalibo, Caticlan (Boracay), Tacloban, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Clark, and Iloilo in the Philippines with international flights to/from Shanghai, Taipei, Incheon (Seoul), Hong Kong, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Guangzhou, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore.

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“See the World” fundraising activity mechanics

Max’s Group partners with GCash on e-payment via QR Codes

Max’s Group, Inc. (MGI), the largest casual dining company in the Philippines, has partnered with GCash, the pioneer in electronic payments using QR codes, to help jumpstart the country’s move into a cashless ecosystem.

MGI is composed of Max’s, Pancake House, Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice, Yellow Cab, Teriyaki Boy, Dencio’s, Maple, Singkit, Kabisera, Sizzlin’ Steak, and Le Coure de France.

“I think there is a great opportunity for us to address the consumer needs especially the phone as a wallet since there is a great amount of convenience that comes with that,” said Sharon Fuentebella, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MGI.

Dave Fuentebella, MGI Chief Financial Officer added: “find the use of GCash scan to pay feature to be seamless so we are anticipating that it will grow as more customers use this payment gateway facility. We’re excited to see how this will evolve. Right now, we are very happy with how GCash is being used. We’re just waiting for it to be rolled out in all our stores for other consumers to experience it as well.”

The GCash scan to pay feature will be available in at least 50 stores across MGI’s network by the end of November, with more stores slated to rollout the service in 2018.

GCash pioneered in the Philippines the use of the reversed QR payments via smartphone, a move which is expected to change the landscape of how Filipinos usually pay for their purchases.

Through the scan to pay feature of the GCash App, customers can use their GCash account to pay for goods and services by simply scanning QR codes displayed by merchants and establishments. For the consumers, this eliminates the hassle of bringing money, waiting for change, or getting into misunderstandings over payments. Merchants, on the other hand, would no longer need expensive machines to process mobile money transactions but only QR stickers with a unique code that is linked to their GCash wallet.

Albert Tinio, GCash President and CEO, on the other hand, welcomed Max’s Group to the fold of early adopters of e-payment, particularly the scan to pay feature of the GCash App.

“We are glad to see a big restaurant chain like Max’s embracing the future of e-payments in the Philippines. QR scanning via mobile phone as a mode of payment is already widely-accepted in China, India and other countries in Asia and we want to replicate its success here through the help of our partners like Max’s Group,” he said.

By making QR codes available to anyone, even to ambulant vendors and sari-sari store owners, GCash will be paving the way for a cashless society which means faster, more convenient, and secure transactions for both merchants and consumers.

Its introduction is in line with the thrust of GCash investors – Globe Telecom, Ant Financial, and Ayala Corporation, to accelerate financial inclusion and upgrade payment services in the Philippines.

November 24, 2017

Stars to align, collide at Golden Fiesta’s Heart Healthy Camp at BGC on Nov. 26

Get ready to be starstruck on November 26, Sunday, when celebrity hotties engage health buffs in a holistic fitness program on the second leg of Golden Fiesta’s Heart Healthy Camp.

To be held at Track 30th in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the Heart Healthy Camp will feature high-profile ‘fitspirations’ who will take time off from their packed schedules to sweat it out with camp participants.

Power couple Solenn Heussaff and Nico Bolzico of the wildly popular ‘hubby vs. wifezilla’ videos will take their “feud” to the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp as they lead other celebrities and fitness enthusiasts in trying out various fitness routines.

The celebrities will be split into two groups—Team Solenn and Team Nico—as they compete in circuit training.

The second leg of Golden Fiesta’s Heart Healthy Camp will also be graced by former Philippine Azkals player Anton del Rosario and his fiancée, fashion designer royalty Sam Richelle; Miss Earth 2015 Angelia Ong; Mr. World Philippines 2016 Sam Ajdani; volleyball superstar Rachel Daquis; actress Maricar de Mesa; Miss World Philippines 2015 Hillarie Parungao; model-mom Angel Jones; singer-actress Ana Roces; and model June Macasaet.

Scores of young professionals who aspire to be heart-healthy will have a chance to interact with their celebrity fitspirations as they learn and enjoy new fitness techniques at the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp—all for free.

Interested participants may register at Track 30th as early as 5 a.m. on Nov. 26. They will get a free test to check their current fitness status using Golden Fiesta’s Karada machines, which will also determine whether they are suited for the beginner, intermediate, and advance levels of activities. They will also receive a special event passport that will be stamped after they finish each fitness activity, plus a Finisher’s Shirt and other special treats from Golden Fiesta upon completing all activities.

Aside from joining various stations of workout activities manned by professional coaches and trainers, participants may watch a live cooking demo—using heart-healthy Golden Fiesta Canola Oil—by celebrity chef and fitness buff Jose Sarasola. The chef-actor will teach participants how to prepare simple but healthy recipes at home, like Golden Fiesta Lettuce Salad with Guyabano Vinaigrette, Golden Fiesta Bangus Back Fillet and Adobo Kangkong Duo, and Golden Fiesta Japanese Chicken Katsu in Curry Sauce. A food sampling will follow. Registered nutritionist and dietician Fia Batua will also give free consultations to participants on how to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.

“It’s not every day that we get a chance to train with our celebrity idols and fitspirations, not to mention jump-starting a new fitness regimen with them—for free. This is why we encourage everyone, especially residents of the metro and nearby areas, to sign up for the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp on Nov. 26,” said Carl Constantino, category marketing manager at NutriAsia.

“It is a great opportunity for you to evaluate your lifestyle and initiate positive changes, including making the right food choices. After all, it’s an event made possible by heart-healthy Golden Fiesta Canola Oil.”

After the BGC leg, the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp will be held at Eton Centris Walk in Quezon City on December 3, Sunday.

The Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp is coming soon to a venue near you, so don’t forget to check out Golden Fiesta’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GoldenFiestaPH/ for updates on upcoming legs.

Golden Fiesta by NutriAsia, the country’s number one cooking oil brand, is available in leading supermarkets nationwide. NutriAsia is a powerhouse of beloved, timeless, and iconic Filipino food brands that include Datu Puti, UFC, Silver Swan, Papa, Jufran, Mafran, Mang Tomas, and Golden Fiesta.

November 23, 2017

World Vision shifts to recovery aid for returning families in Marawi

World Vision commits to support early recovery efforts for Marawi as thousands of its displaced families start returning to the city.

"We will continue to stand with the people of Marawi, especially with the children who are at the heart of our response," assures Rommel Fuerte, World Vision's National Director in the Philippines.

In coordination with the government, local partners and the conflict-affected communities, World Vision continues its humanitarian efforts to address the evolving needs of the affected people.

"We have started our post conflict assessments in some areas of Marawi. Our next steps will be based on the result of the said activity. We will ensure the participation of the affected population and will continue to engage local partners in the implementation of early recovery interventions," explains Ajab Macapagat, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Director. World Vision targets to help at least 1,000 families in the city, focusing on livelihood, psychosocial and education interventions.

Following the Philippine President's declaration of Marawi's liberation from the armed groups which attacked the city last May, the government continues to facilitate the homecoming of families to the cleared barangays or villages.

The 5-month armed conflict has displaced about 400,000 people and affected more than 80,000 school-aged children. It has also disrupted the livelihood of more than 69,000 farmers and around 118,000 workforce.

Macapagat further explains, "The early days of the response focused on home-based IDPs in Iligan City, Balo-i and Munai in Lanao del Norte and Lumbayanague, Marantao and Piagapo in Lanao del Sur. Now that the government has cleared several areas in Marawi, the response will now shift in helping the families as they reintegrate themselves in the city."

39-year old Raisa is one of the many displaced mothers who now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the rubble. She takes care of her three children and is also 5-months pregnant.

"Some people were afraid of us after the Marawi crisis started so more than the relief items, it matters that people come here, talk to us and listen to us," shares Raisa.

She has been attending World Vision's women and young child space (WaYCS) in the outskirts of Piagapo in Lanao del Sur.

"The 10-day WaYCS has also been a good venue for me to mingle with other mothers and get support as I take care of my children, especially the baby inside me," she explains.

Her child Hanzela, also joined the child-friendly space and was given a learner's kit.

To date, the organization, through its local partners Ecoweb, Mindanao Tri-partite Youth Core (MTYC), Rawaten, Lanao Youth Council and Tapukan Farmers' Movement for Progress and Concord, Inc. has reached at least 40,000 people through its multi-sectoral interventions.

About 20,000 children were served through setting up of 14 child-friendly spaces and provision of learner's kits while 4,000 families or approximately 20,000 people were given hygiene kits that included toothbrushes, toothpaste, underwear for both children and adults, sanitary napkin, nail cutter, malong, bath and laundry soaps and other non-food items like mosquito net, fleece blanket and plastic mat. World Vision, through the departments of education and social welfare, has provided 12 temporary learning spaces and 1,000 5-gallon water.

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