#NoPeriodOnLife: DDB Group Philippines joins PCW, stakeholders in forum to break menstruation myths

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Manila, Philippines-- May 28, 2018 is World Menstruation Health Day. With half of the 106 million Filipinos living with monthly menstruation, one can assume, that this is no longer a cause for shaming, bullying and stigma. However, many Filipino women and children still live with deficient menstrual hygiene information, limited access to toilets, taxes on affordable sanitary products, and scarcity of basic clean water.

From Left to Right: Honey M. Castro, Chief Corporate Affairs and Information Resource Management Division of Philippine Commission on Women, Dr. Zenaida R. Sarmiento, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Jessica Marie Bodo, Assistant Brand Manager of Modess, Anna Chua-Norbert, Chief Culture Officer of DDB Group Philippines, Ms. Emmeline Verzosa, Executive Director III of Philippine Commission on Women

On top of these, they also receive in abundance, are outdated passed-on information and behaviors about menstruation hygiene, still taught to this day. Not following the traditional rituals are perceived to result in comical and sad consequences such as illness, interruptions to or increases in menstrual flow, cramps, and insanity.

These unhealthy behavior is the main reason the Menstrual Hygiene Day was created.

The Philippine Commission on Women, in partnership with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Modess and DDB Group Philippines, held a forum entitled "From Womb to Tomb: Forum on Women's Health" on May 28 at PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The forum, aimed to break myths and misconceptions on menstruation and menopause. The event gathered around 300 participants from state universities and colleges, national government agencies, civil society organizations, and women's groups.

Invited resource speakers to the forum are Dr. Carmen Quevedo of the Philippine Obsterical and Gynecological Society (POGS), Dr. Natasha Estemban of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH)- Adolescent Medicine, and Dr. Soliman Dalisay of UP Diliman Anthropology.

Said activity is part of the country’s sustaining initiative in support of the International Menstrual Hygiene Day, celebrated worldwide on May 28. Started in 2014, the international observance is being spearheaded by WASH United to promote awareness of the challenges that women and girls worldwide face due to their menstruation and to highlight solutions that address these challenges, including through media work.

“This forum is just the beginning. We still have a lot of work to do in shaping the mind of the people – women and men alike – about menstruation and menopause. May this activity spark a change in each of us. Our mission is to spread the word in our families, workplaces, schools and communities. The stigma continues until we correct it and break our silence about it.” said PCW Executive Director Emmeline L. Verzosa.

“Today is Menstrual Hygiene day! And if you care about your mom, sister, daughter, wife, cousin, aunt, niece, girlfriend, grandmother, friend and about 51% of Filipino population, you should understand why it's important to get the right education about periods.

The stigma and shaming of women regarding menstruation should end today. Not only is it economically disruptive, but it hinders progress for all humanity. Menstruation is nature's way of ensuring human kind will continue to exist, and the fight to provide basic needs like clean water, toilets in the schools and no taxes on sanitary napkins is not a gender issue, #MenstruationMatters to humanity.” said DDB Group Philippines Chief Culture Officer, Anna Chua-Norbert

For those who want to learn more, join us online and ask your questions in the comments section of the PCW facebook page! Leave all kinds of questions about periods, menopause, or even period preparedness during disasters and emergency situations.

Finally get to know your monthly flow for the event streaming atwww.facebook.com/PCWgovph

Blockchain stirring up the technology and business worlds

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What exactly is Blockchain, and Blockchain technology?  How does Blockchain work?  And why Blockchain is powering crypto-currencies like bitcoin? 

What businesses need to understand about Blockchain... and How It Will Impact Your Operations?

Visit BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATIONS AND ECONOMICS FORUM 2018 on the 28 – 30 May 2018, at SMX Aura Convention Center, Manila, Philippines.

The conference is centered on connecting corporations to blockchain technology and is expected to be attended by 400+ blockchain and non-blockchain practitioners over Southeast Asia.

With the goal is to educate executives from major corporations as well as SMEs in the Philippines on blockchain technology and have them decide if the technology is suitable for their organizations.

The forum consists of the following elements:

• 28 May 2018 – Bootcamps

Bootcamps provide 101 understanding of Blockchain to participants. For the upcoming forum in Manila, there are 2 Bootcamps running on the 28 May 2018:

A:    Ethereum & Smart Contract Development Workshop

B:    Media Bootcamp: Helping the Media Understand Blockchain

• 28 May 2018 – CEO Dinner: Taking the Leap into Blockchain

This exclusive By-Invitation Only Dinner are for CEOs from the top corporations to ask more about blockchain in a comfortable, informal setting.

• 29 & 30 May 2018 – ICO, Blockchain Solutions Showcase & Exhibition

The Exhibition and Showcase Presentations will feature new ICO launches and blockchain solutions and will be attended by investors, blockchain developers and blockchain enthusiasts.

• 29 & 30 May 2018 – Blockchain Applications & Economics Forum

The forum will focus on applications of blockchain and will be attended by business leaders and management not necessarily already involved in blockchain.

For more information, visit our website at www.blockchainasiaforum.com

TechnoMarine Manta Sea - Live larger and go deeper this summer with TechnoMarine

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This summer, live larger and go deeper when you explore the wonders of the sea with the TechnoMarine Manta Sea watch. Ruggedly tough yet elegantly fashionable, the TechnoMarine Manta Sea timepiece is fit for any adventure, on the beach or underwater. 

Designed for recreational scuba diving, TechnoMarine Manta Sea is water resistant up to 200 meters. Its solid black silicone band and smooth Japanese components allow you to move without any restrictions. It also has luminous hands that help you see clearly even in deep waters.

TechnoMarine Manta Sea is also perfect for an after-sunset rendezvous or an elegant dinner. This timepiece comes in a sleek 48.80mm stainless steel case with a metal dial, the ideal watch for those who are bold, adventurous, and dare to explore life’s depths.

With every purchase of TechnoMarine Manta Sea and other top featured collections from April 1- 30, 2018, TechnoMarine is offering a packed summer getaway to one of the hottest dive spots in the country. The winner can spend an amazing summer holiday with three friends at Acacia Resorts and Dive Center, the premium go-to destination of divers in Anilao, Batangas.

Make this summer the best one yet and take underwater dive experience to the next level with TechnoMarine. Visit any TechnoMarine store in Greenbelt 3, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza, SM City Cebu, SM Lanang Premier Davao, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, and TriNoma.

For more information, visit https://www.technomarine.com/ or follow and like TechnoMarine on Facebook and Instagram: @TechnoMarinePH. 

Pioneer Insurance’s #MoveOnLang Songwriting Competition wins two Anvil Awards

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Pioneer Insurance together with Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP) and its communications / public relations agency ComCo Southeast Asia bagged two Anvil Awards at the recent 53rd Anvil Awards organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP).

Pioneer bags two Silver Anvil Awards for the Move On Movement. The campaign won in the category “Public Relations Programs on a Sustained Basis” under two sub-categories: External Consumers, Communities, Special Interest/Advocacy Groups and Youth/Children’s Welfare. (From L-R) Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) Board Member Chito Maniago, Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP) General Manager Atty. Thursday Alciso, Pioneer Life Inc. First Vice President and Marketing Head Len Pozon, FILSCAP Chairman Nonoy Tan, ComCo Southeast Asia Regional Integration and Executive Director Ferdinand Bondoy, and Anvil Awards Committee Chairman Owen Cammayo.

Promoting resiliency and inspiring hope among the Filipino youth through arts and music, Pioneer’s #MoveOnLang Songwriting Competition won a Silver Anvil for External Consumers, Communities, Special Interest/Advocacy Groups category and another Silver Anvil under Youth/Children’s Welfare category.

Dubbed as the Oscars of Public Relations, the Anvil is the symbol of excellence in Public Relations. It is awarded to outstanding public relations programs and tools after careful screening by select PR professionals and judging by a distinguished multi-sectoral jury.

After organizing successful competitions in film-making and playwriting that generated inspiring stories of friendship and hope, Pioneer Insurance launched a songwriting competition in 2016 through the #MoveOnLang campaign, which encouraged the youth to draw inspiration from their own personal stories and taught them to translate these into original song compositions.

“This campaign really means a lot to our company and we are delighted for this recognition by PRSP,” says Pioneer Life Inc. First Vice President and Marketing Head Len Pozon. “Definitely, Pioneer Insurance will be more encouraged and inspired to support the arts through our initiatives and advocacy programs, and we’re extremely excited for our next.”   

Together with FILSCAP and ComCo Southeast Asia, Pioneer Insurance’s #MoveOnLang Songwriting Competition was promoted through channels that resonated with Filipino youth: through influential OPM songwriters and artists; through campus tours and songwriting workshops; and on various digital platforms and media partners including ABS CBN’s One Music PH, for extensive mileage in spreading the advocacy. 

“FILSCAP is dedicated to empower our music enthusiasts, especially the Filipino youth. It’s our pleasure to have been part of this meaningful campaign by Pioneer Insurance and we’re glad that the effort has been recognized and appreciated by the communications industry,” shares FILSCAP President Rico Blanco.

“We have always been supportive of our clients and partners that foster life-changing advocacies,” says ComCo Southeast Asia Regional Integration and Executive Director Ferdinand Bondoy. “We make sure that our engagements have impacts to the lives of our audience and the #MoveOnLang with Pioneer Insurance is definitely a milestone for our agency.”

Pioneer’s #MoveOnLang garnered more than 150 composition entries from 42 different schools nationwide.

Yosef Escoto from San Beda College Alabang emerged victorious as the Grand Winner and won a prize of PHP 100,000 for his original composition “Invincible.” The first runner-up, Benjamin Quijano (“Aking Mundo”) from University of the Philippines Los Baños, and the second runner-up, Kenneth Roquid (“Alive”) from University of the Philippines Diliman won PHP 50,000 and PHP 30,000 respectively.

To recognize the songwriting prowess of the remaining seven finalists, Pioneer awarded PHP 10,000 each to CK Sabillo (“Chronosphere”) from University of Santo Tomas; Julia Dichoso (“Hand In Hand”) from Sorsogon State College; Julien Cloma (“From Now On”) from STI College Novaliches; Luigi Balazo (“Make It Through”) from University of San Carlos; Marie Salvaleon (“Martsa Ni Marta”) from Southwestern University PHINMA; Marie Tayag (“The Biggest Leap”) from De La Salle University Manila; and Patricia Monsod (“Time”) from University of the Philippines Diliman. Julia Dichoso’s song “Hand In Hand” was crowned as Online Favorite, for which she was awarded PHP 10,000. To listen to the songs from the Move On Movement, check out #MoveOnLang (A Songwriting Competition) playlist on Spotify.

Aside from the cash prizes, Pioneer Insurance granted PHP 100,000 worth of insurance coverage to all the 10 finalists for #MoveOnLang Songwriting Competition its Finals Night held at Hard Rock Café Makati last February 2017. 

Keeping their promise to promote Philippine arts, Pioneer Insurance recently launched a T-Shirt design contest entitled “Big Heart” in colleges and universities to uphold acts of kindness among Filipinos. 

Small Hands will do Big Things : BIC® launches a collection of coloring products designed especially for kids

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They say pen is mightier than sword, but there’s nothing more powerful and persuasive than letting your kids write and draw their dreams, in the most creative way. 

The ability to creatively express one’s thoughts and feelings by putting ideas from pen to paper is perhaps the most important stage in a child’s development.  Visualizing, drawing and finally displaying their creation is a fundamental stepping stone used by parents and teachers to build a child’s confidence and self-belief.

BIC®, founded in 1945 in France, has always been passionate about being part of the daily lives of millions of consumers. From their time-honored mission of making simple, inventive and reliable products, BIC® has always been advocating the importance of handwriting and drawing as essential factors in a child’s development. 

Here in the Philippines, BIC® recently launched BIC® Kids to encourage children to use their imagination to develop and enhance their motor skills, concentration, and creativity.

A collection of writing and coloring products especially designed for children aged two to ten years old, the BIC® Kids’ line comprises of high-quality yet affordable products that are all compliant with EN71 European toy industry standard.

Amongst their list of top-notch tools are the erasable and washable felt pens so kids can create fun effects and correct their mistakes on paper (or on their clothes); the wood-free Evolution™ coloring pencils range that are extra-resistant to breakage, do not create splinters and easy to sharpen; and the break-resistant wax crayons that do not stain on hands.

This back-to-school season, start your young ones on their first-ever writing and drawing adventure. Let their imagination run free and their creativity explode on paper. Allow them to play with color, doodle, make mistakes, and get messy. The future is brightest for those who find joy in creating something out of nothing and putting their dreams in writing. Together with BIC® Kids, let’s work hand-in-hand to start drawing a brighter future for the kids!

BIC is a family-owned company listed on the Paris Stock Exchange and a world leader in stationery, lighters and shavers.  For more than 60 years, BIC has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, simple, inventive and reliable choices for everyone, everywhere, every time.  A world leader in the consumer goods, 30.9 million BIC® products are purchased every day worldwide (18.9 million Stationery products, 4.2 million Lighters, 7.1 million shavers and 0.7 million promotional products).

Filstar Distributors Corporation prides itself as having been the exclusive licensee of Hallmark in the Philippines since 1974 and the exclusive distributor of BIC® Stationery products since 2001. Since then, Filstar has evolved to be a distributor of not just these two distinguished brands but of other world class brands that supplement and enhance the self-expression industry.  In 2013, Filstar expanded its partnership with BIC® to cover BIC® Lighters and Shavers categories.

Find more about BIC® from the following online references.

Website: https://www.bicworld.com ; www.bickids.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bicstationeryphilippines

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BicGroup

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bicbrand

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bic/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bic_group/