Thousands of motorcycle riders nationwide join Unity Ride vs Double Plate Law

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120,000 motorcycle riders nationwide came together Sunday to hold what is currently the biggest Unity Ride ever, this time to show their outrage against the recently signed double plate law which the riders tagged as anti-poor. 

"We are not criminals,' say motorcycle riders at the 'Unity Ride' against the Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act of 2017, authored by Sen. Richard Gordon and Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, which was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte last week.

RA11235 aims to address the rising number of crimes perpetrated by motorcycle-riding gunmen, particularly these riding in tandem by making their two-wheeled vehicles more easily identifiable.

The law thus mandates the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to issue bigger reflectorized license plates which must be placed in both front and rear parts of the motorcycle. The plate numbers should be big enough to be readable even from 12 to 15 meters away.

The motorcycle riders cited safety issues as their main concern over RA11235. The front-mounted plate may become detached due to several factors including vibration, wind, or just simply the failure of the material to hold the plate. This poses a big risk to both the motorcycle rider and the pillion, as well as to pedestrians and other road users.

The riders also claimed that there were no proper consultations from experts and motorcycle riders to determine whether installing bigger plates on both front and back is feasible or safe, and if it is even applicable to all types of motorcycles.

“Old and new motorcycles don't have the provisions for a front-mounted plate. Adding a bracket outside of factory specifications will surely pose a big risk for the riders, their passenger, and even the pedestrians,” stressed Jobert Bolaños of the Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO). "And not all motorcycles have the same front design that can accommodate stickers or decals which takes away uniformity. And without uniformity, there is subjectivity," Bolaños added.

"Motorcycle riders have been hampered by several ordinances and laws that sometimes we think that we are being outcast in our own society," Rod Cruz, chairman of the Arangkada Riders Alliance, stated. "RA11235 is by far the worst law of all so you cannot blame us for doing this nationwide call for fairness and equality. Please do not treat us like criminals."

The motorcycle riders all claimed that motorcycle-riding criminals would still be able to commit crimes by simply taking off the license plates, as the criminals have always been doing, or simply using fake license plates to mislead authorities.

The authors of the law were earlier quoted as saying that by increasing the size and visibility of the motorcycle plates to be able to read the plate numbers from a distance, witnesses and law enforcement agencies are aided in the identification of motorcycle riders who are involved in accidents or criminal activities.

"Safety is of paramount importance to Angkas. That is why we do not agree with the provision requiring the installing of big metal plates at the front of motorcycles,” noted Angkas Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs George Royeca, whose Angkas rider-partners came in the thousands to join the Unity Ride.

"I hope they can find a safer alternative that will not compromise the safety of the riders and the passengers," he added. 

“This piece of legislation is discriminatory, considering that most motorcycle riders belong to the masses and they are not only tagged as criminals, they are made to suffer the consequences for things they didn’t do,” Bolaños stressed. “This law is both oppressive and anti-poor.”

LG Launches Laundry Love: On National Women’s Month, LG empowers alpha-males to do the family laundry with LG washers

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Even with more women joining the workforce, studies have shown that a bulk of the housework is still relegated to the women. 

This is known as “the second shift”, where the family structures are still holding on to traditional roles in gender equality with regard to the chores that the women are still expected to do. One of them is the laundry. This takes up so much time and energy that women often feel that they no longer have time to take care of themselves. Aside from the stereotypes that many Filipinos grew up with, where it was the norm to leave all the homecare duties to the women, another reason that men give as to why they don’t help out is that they don’t know how to do the household tasks properly.

The innovative technologies designed for LG Home Appliances make chores, such as doing the laundry, easier to accomplish - and surprisingly pleasant – especially for men who are trying to do it right for the first time. 

LG’s line of smart appliances with features that offer powerful solutions for tasks often perceived as complicated, such as efficiently doing the laundry for clothes that are clean and even allergy-free. 

This Women’s Month, LG reinforces its commitment to women empowerment by ensuring that its smart home technologies are attuned to the constantly changing and dynamic needs of both women and men who use them. LG’s Laundry Love is an advocacy that wants to give them the opportunity to show that they can and should get the job done, with washing machines that are powerful and packed with innovative features.

To demonstrate that alpha-males, and even working dads can do it, motoring expert James Deakin, actor/model Eric ‘Eruption’ Tai, and PBA’s ‘Ironman’ LA Tenorio went onstage at the LG Laundry Love campaign launch to wash their family’s clothes.

James, who is used to running at high speeds, used the LG Front Load washer with Turbo Wash technology, with a unique jet spray for excellent washing performance in less than an hour. 

Eric, who just had a baby with wife Rona, used the LG Top Load washer with its Baby Steam Care function that offers deep clean for baby clothes, along with Allergy Care that removes 99% of allergens to care for his newborn's sensitive skin. 

For LA, who values his time off from his games, the LG Twin wash was a perfect match because it let him wash his just-used basketball jersey at the same time his children’s clothes. With all these convenient cleaning features and more that are available on the LG smart technology washing machines, it is easier to get the men of the family involved in doing the laundry.

During the Love Laundry campaign launch, LG managing director Inkwon Heo shared, “At LG, we believe in using technology to simplify life and to save time. Our washing machines are top-of-the-line products that are designed to make doing the laundry less complicated and more energy efficient. It is with our hope that the men of the household will see doing the family laundry less as a chore, but more as a way of showing support for their loved ones.” LG’s Laundry Love campaign also wants men to be able to feel that they can contribute to running the household. Through this, the traditional gender roles in the household will become a thing of the past, and with the children, the next generation growing up to see that their fathers are able to take on more responsibilities at home, it will be the norm, rather than the exception. 

LG also opened its doors on the same day to the residents of Barangay Maybunga in Pasig to do their laundry at the LG office using the powerful washers. It is the company’s way of giving back to communities, with the aim of making clean laundry accessible, LG will be rolling out the mobile laundry van soon in the different barangays of Metro Manila.

For more information about the #LGLoveLaundry campaign and to see the lineup of LG’s washing machines, log on to lg.com/ph, like @LGPhilippines on Facebook and follow @LGPhilippines on Instagram.

City of Dreams Manila holds “A Walk to Save the Earth” and other activities for Earth Hour 2019

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City of Dreams Manila in partnership with Bantay Kalikasan, ABS- CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.’s environmental arm, is taking part in the global annual Earth Hour on March 30 through a program dubbed “A Walk to Save the Earth.” 

More than the ceremonial one-hour lights-out activity, the event to be held at the luxury resort’s main casino entrance, highlights both proponents’ pledge for environmental protection and a sustainable future through practicing eco-efficient operations.

The resort’s Sustainability Ambassadors are leading the event with the participation of around 200 employee-volunteers of City of Dreams Manila and a contingent from Bantay Kalikasan for the symbolic walk at 8 p.m. around the property -- representing the two institutions’ solidarity towards Earth Hour’s goal of uniting people to take action on various environmental issues.

The symbolic walk is followed by the observance of the ceremonial switch off from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., simultaneous with other countries. The resort will be turning off the lights of its dome dubbed the Fortune Egg — City of Dreams’ and the Manila Bay area’s iconic landmark. The program then culminates with a set of compelling song and dance performances dedicated for the environment from the resort’s talented employees. 

Other activities also include writing of personal pledges for a greener planet on a “Commitment Wall.” Moreover, to draw further engagement towards this cause, City of Dreams Manila encourages its guests to be part of this global environmental campaign by turning off the lights in their rooms, and join other guests in the resort’s dining outlets and public areas for the one-hour duration.

“City of Dreams Manila, together with Bantay Kalikasan, joins the many countries around the world in the Earth Hour to spark conversation and take action to help protect the environment and curb climate change. Together with the strong support of our more than 5,000 employees as led by our Sustainability Ambassadors, we pledge our commitment in conserving and being good stewards of the environment as well as in continuing to set the bar for a greener hospitality and entertainment industry in the country,” Kevin Benning, City of Dreams Manila Chief Operating Officer said.

An initiative of the World Wide Fund (WWF), Earth Hour started as a symbolic lights out event in Sydney back in 2007. Over the years, it has grown to become a global grassroots movement for the environment that inspired individuals, communities, governments, businesses, and organizations to take tangible action to address pressing environmental issues. In 2018, earthhour.org recorded a total of 188 countries and territories that have participated in Earth Hour. This year, with the theme “#Connect2Earth,” it encourages millions of people to speak up about why nature matters. 

Sustainability at City of Dreams Manila

This year’s participation of City of Dreams Manila in Earth Hour is one of the many sustainability undertakings of the luxury resort to achieve its goals of enhancing eco-efficient operations.

To date, City of Dreams Manila has spearheaded various sustainable initiatives within the property under the program dubbed “Sustainable Dreams,” which implements the resort’s long-term sustainability program.

Among these are: a vermicomposting facility and greenhouse nursery on property; a holistic and sustainable coffee program for which it partners with local coffee farmers, and eliminates wastes by using coffee remains at the vermicomposting area; the use of biodegradable and compostable plates, utensils and take-out bags at The Garage VR Zone and food park; a dynamic employee volunteerism program that also covers coastal clean-up drives along Manila Bay; and mangrove and tree planting activities in Laguna and Cavite.

“There is a growing call to collectively step up for a sustainable future and we, together with the strong support of our employees, our guests, and the communities we partner with, aim to take an even active role to heed this call,” Mr. Benning stated.

For inquiries, call 800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

Shell Advance Ambassador Coco Martin's passion for motorcycles

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Coco Martin, the popular actor of long running tv action series “Ang Probinsyano” fame admitted that motorcycles hold a special place in his heart because he grew up riding tricycles.

His acting skill that has earned him local and international recognition, Coco Martin admits that aside from his family and his craft, one thing that gives him pure joy is riding his motorcycle. 

Whenever possible, Coco would be seen riding a motorcycle in his films or in TV dramas.

“Kung mapapansin nyo, lagi akong gumagamit ng motorsiklo pag gumagawa ako ng mga pelikula at soap opera kasi isa yun sa mga trademark ko eh, at isa yun sa mga passion ko kaya pinapakita ko 'to sa mga pelikula,” Coco said.

He started riding at the age of 16 when he worked as a tricycle driver to have money for school. Not one to hide his modest roots, Coco admits that he used to drive his lola’s tricycle at night till the wee hours of the morning so he could have “baon” for school.

“Bata pa lang po ako, ito na ang ikinabubuhay ng aming pamilya. Ang lolo ko ay jeepney driver at ang tatay ko po ay ganun din. Ang lola ko naman ay may tricycle na pamasada. Noong matuto akong mag-motor, ipinasada ko na ang tricycle ng lola ko pangtulong sa pamilya, at pambaon ko sa eskuwela,” Coco proudly shares.

That started his love for motorcycles so much so that when he started earning, initially from doing indie films, his thoughts turned to making the future for his family which was why he bought three tricycles and a brand new jeepney for his father to continue the family business.

His passion for motorcycles

Coco’s passion for motorcycle continued through the years and he is now the proud owner of not one, not two, but 11 motorcycles.

Of the 11 bikes, he has a current favorite which he says provides both comfort and an adrenaline rush. 

He also treasures his very first bike, given to him by no less than actress Dawn Zulueta.

Coco says that whenever he gets the chance, he rides his bike to the countryside to relax his mind from the stress of work. 

“Masarap po sa pakiramdam yung mag-bike ka at magpunta sa mga lugar na tahimik para makapag-relax,” he says.

Being a responsible biker 

Coco admits that he was a reckless driver when he started and has had a few accidents. 

“Bata pa kasi ako nun, so medyo reckless ako magmaneho at sumemplang na din ako ng ilang beses,” he said. 

Over the years, he realized the importance of being a responsible biker by undergoing proper safety training. 

He adds, “Base sa mga kamalian ko noon, naisip ko nga na kailangan mo talagang dumaan sa training, kasi hindi basta-basta ang paggamit ng motor. Maaring sa isang iglap may mangyari sa iyo na hindi maganda, kaya better talaga na mag-training ka, para maiwasan yung mga aksidente.”

Part of being a responsible owner, Coco said, is making sure that your motorcycle is well-maintained and in tip-top condition.

“Syempre, iniingatan ko yung mga motor ko. Unang-una, yung maintenance hindi dapat pinapabayaan. Shell Advance ang lagi kong ginagamit na langis para mapanatili kong malinis at malakas ang makina ng mga motor ko,” Coco said.

That was the reason why it was very easy for Coco to accept the invitation of Shell to become its brand ambassador for Shell Advance. 

“Alam ko kasing mapapagkatiwalaan ng mga nagmo-motor ang Shell Advance dahil ako mismo, ito ang gamit ko. Kaya madali rin para sa akin na i-endorse din ito sa iba pang motorcycle riders para sa maintenance ng kanilang mga motor,” Coco adds.

Shell Advance has a complete range of motorcycle and scooter oils specifically formulated to give complete engine protection so that you can outride anything. Motorcycle enthusiasts like Coco Martin regularly use Shell Advance because it maximizes horsepower, enhances fuel economy, keeps pistons clean, provides superior wear protection and protects against extreme heat. 

Shell Advance has more offer for bikers.  

Shell Advance is one among the many products that form part of Shell’s 105-year legacy of service and quality, all of which aim to make the future for motorists—whether riders of motorcycles and tricycles or drivers of cars and trucks.

For more information, visit www.shell.com.ph

1CISP Holds Manila leg of HR Summit roadshow

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The 1 Cooperative Insurance System of the Philippines Life and General Insurance (1CISP), the largest cooperative insurance organization in the country, recently held the third and last leg of its HR Summit at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center in Quezon City.

With the theme “Third Path HR: Journey to Cooperative HR Enterprise,” the Coop HR Summit Manila leg aims to level up human resource operations in light of prevailing issues in HR and technology affecting local cooperatives today. The first two legs were held in Davao City and Iloilo City.

Although cooperatives in the Philippines have been over-achieving in terms operational and financial performances, they’re rarely seen as employers of choice, particularly among the younger generation of graduates. This is the challenge that 1CISP aims to overcome through this capacity development activity featuring cooperative thought leaders as well human resource experts as speakers and panelists.

Among the guest speakers were Asia Select Inc. (ASI) President and CEO, Gilbert Camasura, ASI Lead Consultant, Jeremiah Bonifacio, Crawford & Company Country Head, Gigi Geronimo, Geiser Maclang Marketing Communications Inc. (GMCI) Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder, Brad Geiser, GMCI HR and Finance Director, Angela Contreras, BPO Executive, Alpha Omega Aquino, SHRM Sr. Certified Professional, Veronica Estrella, and HR and Quality Management Consultant, Alen Esguerra.

1CISP President Roy Miclat, in his keynote address, stressed that cooperatives in the country have been succeeding in their endeavors and have continually contributed to nation-building yet the public remains oblivious due to lack of promotional efforts. “Adults often say to the youth that there is no future in cooperatives, which is not true at all,” Miclat declares. “That’s one way of thinking that we need to change,” he added.

Miclat also revealed that cooperatives are, in fact, the biggest contributor in the communities they serve and oftentimes even earn more than their corporate counterparts. He also said that cooperatives have some of the most competitive compensation and benefit schemes in the industry. The challenge is how to communicate these to encourage everyone to support cooperatives,” he emphasized.

“1CISP, in comparison to corporate insurance counterparts, is growing at a remarkable rate, and believe it or not, this is not an isolated phenomenon. It is a lot more common than previously thought, with a precedent since 2007,” said Miclat, citing the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation’s (ICMIF) 2018 rankings and industry trends.

Miclat also talked about the need to adapt in an ever-changing technological environment. “Disruption in technology is happening in an unprecedented rate and if the cooperatives will not adapt, they will be extinct,” he stressed. "Our aim for 2019 and beyond is to elevate cooperatives and make them known for what they really are--an important pillar in economic and social development," Miclat added.

Miclat also announced during the event its biggest project thus far, The Koop Leaders Academy - a nationwide training program for young cooperative professionals. 

1Koop Leaders Academy is done in partnership with Asia Select Inc., one of the country's leading human resource companies, and aims to train young minds and build strong foundations in business, tech up their knowledge and skills, and become effective and principle-centered cooperative leaders. The program will have expert HR and marketing professionals as trainers and special lecturers.

"Aside from the 1Koop Leaders Academy, we also have two other projects—Coop Kicks, the first-ever cooperative pitch fest in which young innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs are given opportunities to pitch their ideas on cooperative ventures, and 1KoopMart, the country’s first-ever cooperative sari-sari store chain,” Miclat shares. “But these three projects represent only the beginning of more things to come for 1CISP and its partner cooperatives," he added.

1CISP is the leading insurance cooperative in the Philippines and the go-to organization for the protection needs of its cooperative members. 1CISP has been in operation for almost 45 years and has grown tremendously, having over 2,000 cooperative members and insuring around 900,000 individuals annually.