MVP Group pours in support for COVID-19 Frontliners

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Ethyl alcohol donated to government hospitals

MANILA, Philippines – More efforts to help health workers at the frontlines of the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak have been undertaken by Tulong Kapatid, the consortium of the corporate social responsibility consortium of companies, foundations, and affiliates led by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

Roxas Holdings, Inc., recently turned over 4,000 Liters of 70% ethyl alcohol from Roxol Bionergy Corporation to frontline health workers of key government hospitals, including facilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The alcohol shipment was delivered to the Philippine Navy and the Malacañang Palace through the Manuel L. Quezon University in Quiapo, Manila.

An allocation was also deployed at the Asian Hospital under the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation for distribution to other MPIC hospitals which are also handling COVID-19 cases.

The ethyl alcohol donation was brought to Metro Manila through the assistance of the Metropac Movers, Inc., PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) and the Makati Medical Center Foundation.

“This is the initial delivery.  More are coming.  We are exerting all efforts to get supplies of materials and equipment that are badly needed in protecting our health workers but are very difficult to secure.  This is critical in the fight against COVID-19,” said PLDT and MPIC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

Meanwhile, One Meralco Foundation donated 1,000 masks to frontline workers at the Rizal Medical Center in Pasig City. Another 1,000 masks were distributed to the frontline workers at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City.

Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. of TV5 gave away masks and soap to the frontline health workers at the National Children’s Hospital. The mask and soap donations were provided by Philex Mining Corporation and Beiersdorf Philippines, Inc. (NIVEA Philippines), respectively.

The PSF and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation also deployed ten buses to the Philippine Army. These will be used for ten days to help transport frontline health workers.

In support of ongoing efforts of the PSF, members of MVP Rewards may also convert their rewards to donations via the MVP Rewards app or mvprewards.ph. Donations will be used in the purchase of care packs for frontline health workers, checkpoint officers, emergency response teams and communities in need during the quarantine period. The service is currently available to enrolled MVP Rewards accounts of PLDT Home, Smart, Sun, TNT, Cignal and Maynilad, as well as Delos Santos Medical Center, Makati Medical Center and Easy Trip RFID.

The Metro Pacific Tollways Group will also be distributing relief goods to around 220 barangays along NLEX, SCTEX, and Cavitex.

Meantime, PLDT continued to provide connectivity for government agencies at the frontlines of implementing enhanced quarantine measures.  PLDT installed free WiFi Internet and free landline calls in some areas nationwide, including the Central Command Center in Batangas City. Strategic offices in Lucena, Zamboanga and Davao were also recipients of the free Internet connectivity and free landline calls.

This includes the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center located in Lucena City Hall, Lucena Diversion; Municipal Command Center and the Provincial Information Office in Zamboanga; and the Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Malagos, Davao City. PLDT also provided free Internet connectivity in transportation areas and health centers in General Santos City, including the Bulaong Bus Terminal and City Health local government unit health center.

PLDT wireless unit, Smart continues to provide communication as aid in the form of Wi-Fi connectivity, SIMs, wireless devices, electronic load, and its Infocast SMS broadcast solution to various LGUs, government agencies and their response teams.

Singer-composer Seth Dungca to release heartwarming single “Halika” on April 3

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During times of uncertainty such as now, people seek assurance and comfort. But try as we might, the pervading sense of hopelessness makes peace of mind seem elusive for most of us. Just imagine then what people with mental health issues are grappling with.

Twenty-four-year-old Seth Dungca understands this challenge as he pursues his advocacy on mental health in the different roles he plays—as singer-composer, special education teacher, model and actor. 

As a singer-composer, for instance, Seth strives to uplift people’s spirits through the sweet melody—and calming lyrics—of his songs. His debut single, ‘Halika’ expresses his yearning to inspire and to cheer: “Sa mundong puno ng takot, na dilim ang bumabalot, hahanapin natin ang liwanag sa piling ng isa’t isa . . .” 

The song is consistent with what Seth says his “core” is—emotions. “I write about what I feel; I will never invalidate emotions. I want people to understand that mental health is real; you can’t keep going with the whole ‘huwag-mo-na-lang-isipin-iyan mentality’ because if you keep something in without processing it, it will only get heavier and heavier,” he intones.

Seth’s various roles in life have shaped him into the mental health advocate that he is now. As a special education teacher, he lives his truth every day—making sure that his students know that their emotions are valid. 

“Being a special education teacher lets me write about emotions without the inclination to invalidate them. When dealing with students who are overwhelmed by their emotions, I stay with them until they feel better, instead of telling them not to cry,” he relates. 

Seth adds that being an actor helps as this allows him to feel and convey myriad emotions as he writes and composes his songs. Singing, for him, is “an outpouring of emotion and information—basically acting and teaching your message.” 

In fact, Seth discloses that he wrote “Halika” when he was in a bad place—and wanted to flee. “The song talks about me trying to find solace by going into some dream world where I could cry myself to sleep and wake up feeling a little better after my sadness.” 

Seth hopes that people who hear “Halika” will also allow themselves to feel their emotions—to escape their everyday routines and go where their hearts may lead them. 

Asked about his next goals, Seth shares his dreams and thanks his mentor—award-winning director, producer, and Public Relations expert, Chris Cahilig. “I am in the process of writing more songs because I am blessed with a supportive mentor like Sir Chris. Call me crazy, but I plan on pursuing my childhood dream of having an album.” 

And Seth says he will continue to write about validating emotions until it becomes the norm. “I imagine a day when our response to someone saying ‘Parang hindi ko na talaga kaya’ is no longer ‘Hindi, kakayanin mo iyan, go lang nang go,’ but ‘Pero habang hindi mo pa kaya, nandito lang ako, nakikinig sa tabi mo.’ ”  

Seth earnestly hopes that listening to his debut single will help hearts heal, especially in these times of anxiety and fear. 

"Halika" will be available on Spotify on April 3. 

Music artists create fund-raising platform vs COVID-19 pandemic

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The country's leading music artists are staging a continuing online concert to raise funds for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

(MANILA, Philippines) - Launched last weekend, the Bayanihan Musikahan concert can be enjoyed on Facebook until April 15, 2020, creating the opportunity for every Filipino to be at the forefront of efforts to help combat the lethal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab at the helm, Bayanihan Musikahan calls on nearly the entire spectrum of the country's musical talents to spur a massive community effort to raise funds for food, protection kits, and barangay quarantine spaces for the most vulnerable Filipinos.

The artists engage online with their fans and new audiences as they rally the fighting spirit of the Filipino: to come together as a nation of song, imagination, grit, and a strong sense of camaraderie. In rousing and uplifting this spirit, the artists ultimately shed light and hope.

The funds raised through the Bayanihan Musikahan will be supporting urban poor communities in various cities of Metro Manila that are reached by the organizations Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilyang Pangtawid, Likhaan, and Caritas Manila.

PLDT donates P1-M to Bayanihan Musikahan

Responding to the call of some of the country’s musicians and artists, PLDT donated P1-million to the Bayanihan Musikahan initiative of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Through its Balik-Baterya funds, PLDT is among the pioneer sponsors of this initiative. It is one of the first three companies to respond to this effort. Moreover, PayMaya serves as the official donation platform of the Bayanihan Musikahan initiative.

 “In these trying times, it is important that we come together to help fight COVID-19. We must extend our support to those whose livelihoods have been severely affected by the pandemic," PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

Launched in 2006, the Motolite-PBSP Balik-Baterya Program involves the collection of used lead-acid batteries (ULABs) for proper recycling and production of new automotive and industrial batteries as well as corporate social responsibility projects.

To donate, click on https://donate.paymaya.com/products/philippine-business-for-social-progress. 

To watch some of your favorite artists live from your home, watch the Bayanihan Musikahan at https://www.facebook.com/bayanihanmusikahan/.

Ligo Philippines redirects advertising funds to COVID-19 relief and response efforts

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Ligo Philippines is aware of the challenges that many kababayans face everyday as they protect themselves from COVID-19. It has been prioritizing Filipinos’ welfare since the beginning and like everyone, it puts people’s health and safety as its top priorities.

 As an act of solidarity, Ligo Philippines is reallocating its entire advertising budget this year, effective immediately. The brand will be donating the fund to non-government organizations, charities, and individual groups who are at the forefront of the COVID-19 relief and response efforts.

“We will work hard to provide for you in times that you need us most,” says Ligo Vice President for Advertising and Promotion Macky Tung. “We pledge to deliver food and supplies, including our classic products, to the most affected families and communities; provide relief and assistance to health workers and other front liners; and equip them with Personal Protective Equipment. We will coordinate with Local Government Units to ensure orderly distribution”

Ligo has always been an integral part of Filipino kitchens and it strives to continue to live by its role in both big and small ways. “This is just the beginning of our bayanihan. We know that as one nation, one family, we will persevere and see better days,” adds Tung.

Best ways to brighten skin and boost its glow, look lush, luscious, and lovely with SvelTi’s Lavieen

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Great skin makes you look younger and feel healthier no matter what your age or physical condition.

There are many ways of taking care of your skin give you the opportunity for some serious pampering. 

If you love your B.B. cream, this B.B. Laser is the high-tech version

Let your skin shine despite the gloomy weather and a depressive atmosphere. Your radiance can blaze through the shadow of anxieties that a lot of your friends carry. As for those pesky blackheads and pimples that can get you feeling down, they can vanish from the affected parts of your face. 

You will walk through life with a renewed confidence in your own beauty, starting with a flawless skin.

It all begins with Lavieen, the state-of-the-art laser technology that has elevated the standards of skin care to new heights. Also known as B.B. Laser, Lavieen uses thulium laser to emit pulses of searing, soft light into your skin, penetrating deep into its epidermis and dermis layers. 

That means both layers of your skin are being treated with rigorous medical precision: the surface, which is regularly exposed to skin, dirt, and other risk factors; and the inner parts which actually produce the collagen and other substances that are responsible for healing and rejuvenating your skin. This makes the treatment of Lavieen more effective and long-lasting.

The laser lights do not just remove the external effects of the pollutants (which is important, by the way)---but they release the nutrients that are already in your skin to combat any toxins that enter your body, weeding them out and their effects. After one treatment, your skin does not just glow --- it also becomes healthier and more resistant to disease and the breakout of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and other blemishes.

You can see the positive changes after just one session, so better keep your camera and Instagram account right beside you in your treatment room.

One session only takes 30-40 minutes. You can easily go back to the office, home, or your shopping spree, looking fresh-faced than the people around you. There are no side effects, and no surgery is needed. The treatment takes place in a very private comfortable room. The nurse in charge will go through your medical history and give you personalized advice as to how Lavieen can be maximized to bring about your desired results. 

The procedure is very relaxing because you will spend it lying on a medical bed as it is being administered. You can even sleep while the nurse does her work!

The nurse will cleanse your face first before activating the Lavieen laser tech on it. Once the laser pulses are emitted into the blemishes you want removed, you will feel a trickle of heat that resembles a soothing electrical touch. The nurse can adjust the intensity of the laser, depending on your level of comfort. You will notice that no other equipment is needed: no tweezers or other surgical tools to pry those pimples out.

What you will also see immediately after the treatment is done is a glowing face that looks bright and attractive, sans make-up!

There are a few simple easy rules to follow after the session:

*Use sun protection (SPF 50+) daily at all times. Continue applying it at least 6 months after the completion of the treatment 

*Do not use any make-up for 24 to 48 hours after the treatment. 

*Avoid exposure to natural or artificial light and sources of direct heat up to 72 hours. 

*Washing of treated areas is not allowed 24-48 hours after the treatment.

Nothing makes you feel as confident as having glowing, radiant skin. 

So go ahead--make your skin glow. You deserve to look and feel fabulous.

To know more about Lavieen and/or B.B. Laser, visit SvelTi: the Aesthetics Centre Quezon City branch 5/F, South Insula Condominium, 61 Timog Avenue, Quezon City, phone nos. +63918-878-3584 or (02)83327546; and in the Ortigas branch at the Ground Floor, Millennium Place, Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, phone nos. +63917-578-3584 or (02)8281-922. 

One visit can lead to a better, more beautiful you!