City of Dreams Manila celebrates the season of giving through granting a father's wish

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Following a touching father-daughter short video titled “Perfect Moments Made Real” that went viral in October with almost seven million views in Facebook, the luxury integrated resort City of Dreams Manila released another video granting the wish of a father to bond with his family this holiday season, captioned “This was our response to a father who had a simple dream for his family”.

The story of Don Pilapil, an app-based driver and bottling company agent and father of four, was discovered through his comment on City of Dreams’ first viral short video. He expressed a wish to have the time to bring his children to DreamPlay and have the same memorable experiences that his passengers seemed to enjoy when he would drive them to and from the resort. Because Don held two jobs, he got anxious about losing touch with his growing kids because of the little time he spent with them.

City of Dreams Manila’s team reached out to Don to give him the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience and quality time with his family, which included lunch in an elaborate set-up at the Grand Ballroom, play hours at DreamPlay and a staycation at Nobu Hotel Manila. 

“Don’s moving story was something we wanted to share with our audience on Facebook because it resonates with a lot of Filipinos striving for a brighter future for their families. In this season of giving, we take pleasure in making a father’s dream come true to have memorable moments with his family,” stated City of Dreams Manila Property President Geoff Andres.

Barely a week since its posting on November 30, Don’s story on City of Dreams Manila’s official Facebook page has reached over 1.4 million views, garnered more than 40,500 likes and reactions, over 7,600 shares and more than 1,600 comments. Don’s heart-tugging words certainly merit a thumbs-up: “I’ve learned that being a good parent isn’t measured by how much you’ve given. It is felt by caring, by spending time with them. So before they totally leave my side, if there’s something they could bring as they grow, I hope they remember that I have been a good father.”

City of Dreams Manila’s viral video ends with the caption “Make more perfect moments together”, which inspires its viewers to give the gift of time and love for their family this holiday season. 

To view the video, click on the following link: https://www.facebook.com/cityofdreamsmanila/videos/740108586180253/.

Project Headshot Clinic X (2017) 10th Year Series for World AIDS Day

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If your good friend tells you that he (or she) is HIV positive, what would you do?

Award winning photographer Niccolo Cosme responded with his artist’s soul by creating a themed photo exhibit in support of his friend, Wanggo Gallaga., who had been diagnosed HIV-positive in 2008. Headshot Clinic – Aware featured 80+ photos that showed a distinctive red mark on the faces of the friends and supporters who participated in the first Headshot Clinic exhibit on HIV in 2008. Fast forward to 2017 -- the tenth Headshot Clinic on HIV, featuring 226 photos, with friends who had been there from the start as well as hundreds of other supporters and advocates who had become part of the growing movement for HIV awareness advocacy.

This year, Headshot Clinic X, the tenth of a series, was launched online on the eve of December 1, a day globally recognized as World AIDS Day, with an on-site exhibit at Pineapple Lab in Makati on December 6, 2017. The program for the on-site exhibit featured an interpretative dance whose movements enhanced the reading of Beneath my Skin, a poem written by Wanggo Gallaga. The artists who collaborated for the event include Raflesia Bravo, Zyda Baaya, Jobelle Nunez, Jared Luna, Mara Marasigan, Anthony Falcon and Gabby Padilla with costumes by Leeroy New. Plaques of appreciation were given to 10 individuals who had supported Headshot Clinic in various ways through the years. The support of organizational partners and sponsors such as The Red Whistle, Save The Children, Pineapple Lab, #SafelyPH, Drink Manila, Remy Martin, Davinci Gourmet Philippines and Epson Philippines contributed to the success of the event.

The growth and expansion of Headshot Clinic is evident in the hundreds of people who have participated in this social media campaign, the number organizations that have supported the exhibits, and the depth of commitment of people who have played key roles in ensuring the success of the campaign. After conceptualizing and setting up the first exhibit, Niccolo Cosme intensified his engagement in HIV campaigns, and co-founded The Red Whistle, an organization that seamlessly blends advocacy, photography, and social media. The Red Whistle volunteers and celebrity ambassadors tirelessly work in partnership with local governments, universities, and civil society organizations to conduct HIV education that would lead to an increase in the number of people who get tested and know their HIV status. Knowing your HIV status is central to the prevention of HIV, and early diagnosis saves lives as well as prevents new infections. HIV testing and treatment in the Philippines are free and confidential in government clinics and hospitals across the country.

To facilitate access to HIV testing, the #SafelyPh app was developed, serving as a locator for HIV services. The app is being further enhanced to provide additional services and information on HIV. The development of the #SafelyPh app was supported by Save the Children, which serves as the Principal Recipient of the country’s financial grant from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. Save the Children had supported the activities of The Red Whistle in 2016 and 2017, contributing significantly to the expanding reach of HIV educational campaigns using social media, and an increased uptake of testing services.

The Philippines has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the world, and HIV prevention campaigns need to expand faster than the epidemic. Social media has the potential to reach a vast audience, and its potential can be further realized as netizens view, share and comment. The online exhibit of Headshot Clinic X can be viewed at Facebook.com/HeadshotClinic

For videos and a fun approach to HIV education, check out The Red Whistle at www.theredwhistle.com

Download the #SafelyPh app for information on testing services.

As Niccolo Cosme had noted, “We can prevent the spread of HIV, one Headshot at a time.”

Panasonic donates 2,550 solar lanterns

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Manila, Philippines,  December 2017 – As part of its global “100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project,” Panasonic Corporation (PC) donated 2,550 solar lanterns to 10 humanitarian and non-governmental organizations in the Philippines. The latest donation drive has brought this initiative to its 5^th year and with a total of 12,264 pieces of solar lanterns.

Panasonic Corporation (PC) donates 2,550 solar lanterns as part of its global 100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project.  A hand-over ceremony attended by more than 50 guests was held at Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC) in Taytay, Rizal graced by DSWD-Disaster Response Assistance and Management Bureau Director Felino Castro V (10^th from left); PMPC President Shinichi Hayashi (holding a solar lantern board); and PC-CSR & Citizenship Group, Program Management Section Leader Haruhisa Okuda (8^th from right).  Other members of PMPC management include Executive Director Masaru Toyota (4^th from left); Executive Director Yoshiyuki Takahashi (7^th from left); Assistant Director Marlon Molano (2^nd from right); Assistant Director Robert Pacheco (1^st from left); and Air Conditioner Business Division Head Harry Sarmiento (2^nd from left) with the officers and representatives of the 10 recipient-humanitarian and non-government organizations: Center for Excellence in Special Education (Stepping Stone) Foundation; Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation; Davao Medical School Foundation - Institute of Primary Health Care; Interfaith Partnership for the Promotion of Responsible Parenthood; Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation; Josefa Segovia Foundation; Konkokyo Peace Activity Center Information Office; Philippine Business for Social Progress; Pilipinas Shell Foundation; and Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (National Confederation of Small Farmers' and Fishers' Organization). 

This year marks the final year of the said Project. To date, over 92,000 lanterns have been donated through 131 humanitarian organizations in 30 countries since its debut in 2012.

A donation ceremony was held at Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC) in Taytay, Rizal graced by DSWD-Disaster Response Assistance and Management Bureau Director Felino Castro V; PMPC President Shinichi Hayashi; and PC-CSR & Citizenship Group, Program Management Section Leader Haruhisa Okuda.  Other members of PMPC management include Executive Director Masaru Toyota; Executive Director Yoshiyuki Takahashi; Assistant Director Marlon Molano; Assistant Director Robert Pacheco; Refrigerator Business Division Head Angelo Tamayo; and Air Conditioner Business Division Head Harry Sarmiento.

PMPC President Shinichi Hayashi 

Mr. Hayashi commented, “Today’s donation marks the 5th of such efforts in the Philippines under the “Panasonic 100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project,” which is one of the clear manifestations of Panasonic commitment to serve society and help improve the lives of people along with the aspiration of having a world where “no one will be left behind” and in pursuing ‘A Better Life, A Better World’.  Since the time the Project was introduced in the Philippines, we continue to receive positive feedbacks and testimonies that serve as inspiration for us to strive for more, exerting our best effort to carry out our responsibilities as corporate citizens.”

In introducing the 10 recipient-organizations of the donation for fiscal year 2017, Mr. Okuda presented some reports on how the solar lanterns are now helping the beneficiaries. 

“We are glad that our Solar Lanterns Project is really serving its purpose with reports that with the solar lanterns donated by Panasonic, teachers and school children without access to electricity are now conducting tutorial lessons, meetings, making lesson plans, and instructional materials even beyond class hours.  Likewise, teachers are delighted that the solar lanterns allow them to carry on with their classes even when the weather is gloomy,” Okuda said.

The aim of the Panasonic global “100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project” is to improve such electrification needs, namely - access to education, healthcare and business opportunities through the use of the company’s technology and product.  Each donated solar lantern is attached to a solar panel. Through the use of renewable solar energy, the product not only mitigates social challenges, but also contributes to carbon dioxide emission reduction. Till date, the target remains at donating 100,000 units of the compact lighting devices to areas in emerging and developing countries with limited electricity access by 2018, the company’s 100th year anniversary.

The 10 organizations that received Solar Lanterns in the Philippines:

1. Center for Excellence in Special Education (Stepping Stone) Foundation Inc. 

2. Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc. 

3. Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc. - Institute of Primary Health Care 

4. Interfaith Partnership for the Promotion of Responsible Parenthood, Inc. 

5. Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, Inc. 

6. Josefa Segovia Foundation, Inc. 

7. Konkokyo Peace Activity Center Information Office, Inc. 

8. Philippine Business for Social Progress  

9. Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. 

10. Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (National Confederation of        Small Farmers' and Fishers' Organization)

Panasonic hopes its solar lanterns will provide a better life, a better world for the people of the Philippines and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dawn Zulueta Reunites With Vic Sotto

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Dawn Zulueta takes a break from doing drama as she brings comic relief to the public with her new movie Meant to Beh opposite Vic Sotto. 

One of the eight official entries of the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival, 'Meant to Beh' directed by Chris Martinez, marks the reunion of Dawn and Vic who have worked together in Okay Ka, Fairy Ko several years ago.

Meant to Beh is about married couple Ron (Vic) and Andrea (Dawn) whose differences mar their relationship despite living in the same house with their children. How will they reconcile their differences and save their marriage? Find out in Meant to Beh. 

Dawn shares, “I was so excited when I learned that I will be working again with Vic. It’s been years since we did a project together. Meant to Beh is a feel-good movie for the whole family. The holiday season is meant to be shared with our loved ones. The audience will not only laugh as the story unfolds but they will also learn good values that they can bring to their homes. I’m sure they will enjoy watching the movie. Love must always be present in a relationship but spice it up with some laughter and cheer.” 

Meant to Beh also stars JC Santos, Daniel Matsunaga, Sue Ramirez, Andrea Torres, Gabbi Garcia, Ruru Madrid, and Baste. The movie is an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2017. 

Dawn Zulueta is a talent of Asian Artists Agency. For inquiries, please call (02) 855-4765 or (02) 405-4423, email info@asianartistsagency.com, and visit fb.com/asianartistsagency

Coke Studio empowers youth to help rehabilitate Marawi through benefit concert

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Coca-Cola Philippines brought thousands of teens together to help rebuild Marawi through a unique benefit concert that celebrated the Filipinos’ love for music as it empowered the youth to move as one creative force for a great endeavor.

Coke Studio brings together talented OPM artists and, the Filipino youth in a one-of-a-kind benefit concert to rebuild and bring music back to Marawi.

At the Coke Studio Live: Bringing Music Back to Marawi held on December 9 at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds, many of the attendees showed their support by bringing empty Coca-Cola PET bottles for a recycling drive that would help contribute in the construction of a Little Red Schoolhouse for Marawi kids. Coca-Cola Philippines committed to build a Little Red Schoolhouse as part of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation’s (PDRF) United4Marawi campaign.

“This is our way of showing support and solidarity with the Filipino people – to be able to contribute in the rebuilding process. Music is one of the things that threads through every person, regardless of age, religion, culture, and socio-economic bracket. We are committed to help the communities that we serve, especially in times like these that we have to come together to rebuild not just the physical structures, but most importantly, the lives of the people.” - said Stephan Czypionka, Marketing Director of Coca-Cola Philippines. 

“We are committed in helping rebuild Marawi and the communities impacted by this conflict. In partnership with relevant government agencies, we in the private sector will be bringing our sustainability initiatives to the area,” said Jonah de Lumen-Pernia, Public Affairs and Communications Director of Coca-Cola Philippines. “Our 5by20 entrepreneurship programs will be provided for the spouses of soldiers deployed in Marawi, while water systems will also be installed in the communities. We’ll also build a Little Red Schoolhouse.”

All the Coke Studio artists unite to sing a moving rendition of “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” for the people of Marawi.

Bringing music back to Marawi

It was a night filled with music and hope as Coke Studio artists including The Ransom Collective, Gab and John of Urbandub, Abra, Gracenote, Moonstar88, Autotelic, Ebe Dancel, Franco, Reese Lansangan, BP Valenzuela and Sandwich, Noel Cabangon, and Curtismith shared their voices and talents for Marawi. Their amazing performances included renditions of Christmas favorites as well as their groundbreaking collaborations.

To further involve the youth in the advocacy, Coca-Cola also selected artists from the top UAAP schools: SLTO of University of the Philippines Diliman, PAPA PETA of University of Santo Tomas, The Cohens of Ateneo de Manila University, and Matt Junasio of De La Salle University to perform an original collaboration piece. Other artists from different universities were also present to entertain the crowd in the pocket stage at the Tunebayan area.

Aside from the upbeat performances, there were also several emotional moments. Coke Studio artists Noel Cabangon and Curtismith led the audience in observing a few minutes of silence as they offered a prayer for the victims of Marawi. Afterwards, they both sang the empowering lyrics of their collaboration “Payong Kaibigan”. There was also a special group performance where the Coke Studio artists all sang “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” to inspire unity in supporting the Maranaos especially this Christmas season.

During the event, attendees enjoyed exciting activities like singing along to their favorite tunes at the Coke Studio Canraoke and receiving personalized Coke bottles with their names in the labels at the Coke Jukebox. There was even a Christmas food fair and bazaar where guests feasted on good food, best paired with a refreshing drink.

Overall, it was a great night worthy of its even greater advocacy which showed just how music truly unites and inspires Filipinos to come together.

The vocalist of UP’s STLO belts out the lines of the university bands’ special composition for the people of Marawi.

Hip-hop superstar, Abra, raps crowd favorite “Diwata” at the Coke Studio Benefit Concert for Marawi. 

Franco Reyes, vocalist of Franco, rocking out at the Coke Studio Benefit Concert for Marawi at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Reese Lansangan sings a smash hit Coke Studio collaboration, “Off of Center”, with rock band Franco.

Thousands of people come to show their support for the worthy cause at the Coke Studio benefit concert at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Ebe Dancel and Raimund Marasigan happily share the stage as they sing an unexpected duet to the E-heads classic “Magasin”.

Curtismith and Noel Cabangon dedicate the empowering lyrics of their Coke Studio collaboration “Payong Kaibigan” to the victims of Marawi.

Attendees of the Coke Studio benefit concert are all smiles as they enjoy the event’s fun activities. 

The youth donate their empty bottles to help fund the construction of a Little Red Schoolhouse for Marawi children.