Save the Children Philippines launches eSave Natin ang Pasko

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Christmas is the most awaited season for most Filipinos, especially children, but the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way the upcoming holidays will be celebrated—it’s going digital!

Save the Children Philippines is launching eSave Natin ang Pasko, an online fundraising campaign that encourages everyone to unite in saving the Christmas spirit through a series of joyous and meaningful activities to provide joy and hope to children. These include 22 million learners, who have been experiencing major challenges such as the lack of access to learning materials and internet connection, as they struggle to learn from home.  

The proceeds of the Christmas fundraising campaign will support the learning needs of children in poor households in Metro Manila, typhoon-stricken places in Eastern Visayas, and the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. It will also support children with disabilities, those from indigenous communities and from hard to reach areas.

“Even if classes are conducted through distance learning or will resume via face-to-face, millions of children will still need our support as they continue to be deprived of their right to education since their families do not have the means to support their learning needs,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines.

eSave Natin ang Pasko also promotes the importance of a nurturing home through the “Mapagkalingang Tahanan” advocacy – where every member of the family, especially children, receives the support they need so they learn, survive, and are protected.

“Mapagkalingang Tahanan” emphasizes the critical role of parents, guardians, and caregivers in the continued learning of children and aims to provide them the knowledge and skills to facilitate their children’s learning. 

Also, in keeping with the tradition of Christmas caroling, eSave Natin ang Pasko features “Namamasko po!” – a fun group activity by schools, families, and companies showcasing their musical talent and creativity.

eSave Natin ang Pasko will be highlighted by a digital concert entitled “Awit Para Sa Mga Bata” on December 18 where Gary Valenciano, Lea Salonga, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez Alcasid, Ogie Alcasid, Arnel Pineda, Bamboo, Gian Magdangal, Lara Maigue, Kayla Rivera and Sam Shoaf will serenade the audience in the Philippines and those living abroad with Christmas songs. The digital concert will be produced by prominent theater artists Menchu Lauchengco Yulo and Michael Williams, together with Save the Children Philippines’ Bianca Elizalde. Catch Awit para sa mga Bata online on December 18, 2020, starting at 7pm. If you can’t catch the concert live, the video link will be active until December 19, 2020.

To watch the concert, make a donation through https://ticket2me.net/e/32182.  Each ticket is P800. Your donation will provide one family with a Family Learning Kit to help children learn during the pandemic. 

Donors and participants who will pledge their support to eSave Natin ang Pasko will receive tokens of appreciation and a chance to be featured on the social media pages of Save the Children and its Ambassadors Katarina Rodriguez, Xia Vigor, and Ria Atayde. 

“Education empowers children especially those in dire situations, and supporting their learning needs will save their lives and their future,” said Muyot.

You can read about all the projects under eSave Natin Ang Pasko and how you can help here: https://www.savethechildren.org.ph/get-involved/esavenatinangpasko/

 

UNIQLO Brings LifeWear Shopping Experience to the Sucat community with its Store Opening on December 18

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Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO will open its store at SM City Sucat on December 18. The store provides 1,041 sqm of new shopping space to bring UNIQLO’s LifeWear clothing and unique shopping retail experience closer to the community of Sucat and nearby areas.

“In strengthening our LifeWear philosophy to improve the lives of everyone, we hope to give shopping convenience to locals and encourage new customers to experience UNIQLO and LifeWear,” says Masayoshi Nakamura, COO, UNIQLO Philippines. "We aim to make our core products more accessible to locals to help them with their everyday clothing needs."

Located at the ground level of Building B of the mall, the new store will showcase the latest line-up of UNIQLO LifeWear — including a wide selection of LifeWear pieces for men, women, kids and babies.

On the opening weekend, from December 18 to December 20, 2020, customers can receive two (2) Eco Friendly Bags – one Medium and one Large - with a minimum single-receipt purchase of Php 3,000.

Shoppers should also check out these exclusive limited offers from December 18 to December 24, 2020:

	Men’s and Women’s U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt Made with durability and versatility, the Men’s and Women’s U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt is the ultimate basic t-shirt that has a simple and modern design to give the outfit a casual and sophisticated look. Now available at Php 390 from Php 590
	Women’s Cotton Relaxed Ankle Pants The Women’s Cotton Relaxed Ankle Pants is updated with a new design. This season features a slightly different silhouette to provide a more relaxed feel and new fashionable drawstrings to keep one comfortably stylish, whether outside or at home. Now available at Php 590 from Php 790
	Men’s Chino Shorts The Men’s Chino Shorts has been updated to give a relaxed silhouette feel—perfect for creating a casual and trendy look. Now available from Php 790 from Php 990
	Men’s Dry Stretch Easy Shorts Made with pre-washed twill jersey fabric, the Men’s Dry Stretch Easy Shorts can be comfortably worn either indoors or outdoors. Also made with sweat-drying technology, this item is perfect to keep an all-day fresh feeling. Now available at Php 590 from Php 790

Visit UNIQLO in SM City Sucat, located at Building B, Dr. Santos Avenue corner Carlos P. Garcia, Parañaque City, Metro Manila. Mall Hours are from 10:00AM to 9:00PM. 

For more updates, download the UNIQLO App via Google Play Store and Apple Store. Visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at www.uniqlo.com/ph and follow social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) and Instagram (Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).

iACADEMY Student wins International Film Festival – Manhattan for “Blue Room Feelings”

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Ruka Azuma, Multimedia Arts and Design Program student from iACADEMY and his short documentary film: Blue Room Feelings won an award from the International Film Festival – Manhattan (IFFM).

 

Ruka Azuma received the Independent Achievement award alongside other top Filipino directors. He is also the youngest director of his co-winners in the category.

 

“The results are in and I’m ecstatic to receive my first international award. All my thanks to the International Film Festival Manhattan NYC for awarding ‘Blue Room Feelings’ the Independent Achievement Award!”, Azuma said.

 

Blue Room Feelings is a short film that was solely directed and written by Ruka Azuma. It revolved around a student-artist staying at home for 85-days as he courses through online classes, mental struggles, and physical challenges brought by the quarantine while being enclosed in his blue painted room. The film demonstrates innovation in the industry and its relevance to current situations.

 

Blue Room Feelings is not new to the spotlight as it has already won 2 awards locally prior to the IFFM. Azuma’s win is also the second one for iACADEMY in the IFFM, with the first one being “Yolanda” by Krizia May Villanueva and Jennelyn Castillejo who won “Best Student Film” last 2015. 

 

“Tapping into the feeling of a true game changer and inspiring our Multimedia Arts and Design community, our very own Ruka Azuma once again delivers a groundbreaking win with his short documentary "Blue Room Feelings", making his first international impact with the Independent Achievement Award from the recently concluded International Film Festival Manhattan NYC.” said Mario Serrano, Chair of The Multimedia Arts and Design Program of iACADEMY.

 

Held last November 19 to 22, 2020, the International Film Festival – Manhattan is a film festival that aims to bridge the gap between the vast culture of New York and its people. One of its missions is to support the filmmakers in finding their audience in New York. 

 

iACADEMY’s Multimedia Arts and Design (MAD) program prepares students for the growing need for highly qualified, multidisciplinary professionals in the creative industries. MAD students are meticulously guided by highly experienced professionals to make the best out their artistic skills.

 

“iACADEMY empowers the Filipino Creative.” Serrano said.

WATCH: Bianca Gonzalez and Erwan Heussaff share how the Samsung Galaxy Note20 allows them to take control of their lives

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The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Series empowers #TeamGalaxy ambassadors Bianca Gonzalez and Erwan Heussaff to thrive despite challenges. 

In their videos, Bianca and Erwan share how Samsung’s power phones help them be more creative and productive. 

Bianca believes in "controlling the controllable.” When feeling overwhelmed and anxious, she chooses to focus her energy and effort on the things she can manage. She uses the Galaxy Note20 Ultra to find different ways of doing things, learning new crafts, and uncovering her power to work and play. 

Meanwhile, Erwan relies on technology to create his content even if he is miles away from The Philippines. He uses the Galaxy Note20 Ultra to research and develops recipes, coordinates with his team in Manila for shoots, and even draw plating concepts with the S Pen. Heussaff reveals in his video how he also makes the most of technology for his family. 

Watch how Gonzalez and Heussaff stay empowered amid the new normal. Watch Gonzalez’s video at www.instagram.com/p/CINiqGEBFjw/ . 

View Heussaff’s video at www.instagram.com/p/CIchWmDD6S8/ . 

To know more about the Galaxy Note20 series, visit samsung.com/ph .

Globe, Gawad Kalinga unveil partnership to power residents with affordable internet

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Globe Telecom formally announced their new partnership with Gawad Kalinga to provide access to high-speed, reliable, and low-cost internet for Gawad Kalinga village residents in Parañaque, Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Imus, Cavite last December 10.

This recent initiative is part of Globe’s long-standing mission to sustain and develop communities by providing and enhancing internet access for underprivileged Filipinos who have zero or limited access to basic connectivity, which is a critical need for learning, livelihood, and work online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the active support of the Parañaque, Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Imus, Cavite local government units, the project allows Gawad Kalinga village residents in the respective areas to connect to the internet through KonekTayo WiFi — for as low as P15 per day, without any need to spend for devices, monthly fees or modems.

Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO said, “During this time, internet access serves as a vital means for communities, especially for the disadvantaged, to empower them to access health services, livelihood opportunities, financial services, online education, and work from home. We are happy to be partnering with Gawad Kalinga so we can make connectivity within reach for families that need it the most.”

Globe’s KonekTayo WiFi and Gawad Kalinga’s partnership is set to bolster efforts to widen the availability of affordable internet in Gawad Kalinga villages with the deployment of KonekTayo WiFi across various locations in the country which include Quezon City, Laguna, Trece Martires, Cavite, Iloilo City, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City.

Luis Oquiñena, Gawad Kalinga Chairman remarked, “We thank Globe and KonekTayo WiFi for this partnership that puts community support and nation-building through digital transformation and inclusion. And, of course, we are grateful for the leadership and support of Sta. Rosa, Laguna Mayor Arelene Arcillas; Imus, Cavite Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi; and Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, paving the way for this shared vision to come to fruition. By capacitating our residents with an affordable means to connect, we’re able to empower them to meet their everyday needs, whether it is for distance learning, remote working, accessing digital services or starting their small online businesses.”

Paranaque

Standing from left to right: Cong. Eric L. Olivarez, Congressman First District of City of Paranaque, Jane Roanne Choi, Business Development Director, Channel Management Group of Globe; Dan Bercasio, Executive Director of Gawad Kalinga

Imus

Standing from left to right: Hon. Emmanuel L. Maliksi, Imus, Cavite Mayor; Head of New Business of Broadband Business Group, Debbie Obias; Luzon Coordinator of Gawad Kalinga, Bods Oquiñena; Edgar Purification, Gawad Kalinga Head, Cavite

Sta. Rosa

Standing from left to right: Janis Racpan, Globe Digital Solutions Group Director; Hon. Arlene Arcilla, Sta. Rosa, Laguna Mayor, Luis Oquiñena, Gawad Kalinga Chairman; Mari Oquiñena, Gawad Kalinga CEO

Formerly known as KapitWiFi, KonekTayo WiFi is a fast and secure community WiFi service that aims to provide households with affordable internet. With KonekTayo WiFi, customers simply need to connect to a KonekTayo WiFi hotspot, purchase a promo, and surf all day.

Globe supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically UNSDG No. 9 which emphasizes the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.