Waste Wanted: CitySavings Turns Donated Plastic into School Chairs

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City Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift bank subsidiary of the Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), makes supporting public schools more sustainable through its initiative, Turning Plastic into School Chairs.

Spearheaded by the Bank’s Branch Operations and Human Resources teams, the goal was to collect as much plastic waste from the employees in a month. The recycling drive gathered almost 2,000 kilograms of waste plastic from CitySavings branches and corporate offices nationwide. These were then turned over to Envirotech Waste Recycling Inc, a company based in Davao City, which produced the school chairs, each made out of 30 kilograms of plastic waste, at a discounted rate.

CitySavings Human Resources Head Hannah Contreras shared, "We are proud of our CitySavings Bankers for their all-out support as sustainability stewards. The success of this initiative clearly showed how the spirit of Ubuntu moved us to connect and partner with our stakeholders and communities to minimize our impact on the environment for a better and more sustainable future. This is employee engagement and sustainability in action.”

PITCHING IN PLASTICS: CitySavings Bankers donate their plastic waste to produce sustainable school chairs. The recycling drive gathered almost 2,000 kilograms across branches and corporate offices.

A total of 50 chairs were produced and donated to the beneficiaries, Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao City and Tunasan National High School in Muntinlupa City in support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Matatag agenda to supplement basic education facilities and services.

During the turnover ceremony, Principal Dr. Ador Querubin mentioned, “Our school population has grown from 6,000 to 9,000 students in the past few years. With this, there is a need to increase the number of facilities to be used by our learners at Tunasan National High School. These sustainably produced chairs donated by CitySavings will not just help 25 students, but generations of students to come.” Principal Querubin also highlighted how sustainable practices can make the learning environment more conducive and comfortable for students.

SUSTAINABLY PRODUCED CHAIRS: Students from Tunasan National High School try out the chairs made from recycled plastics donated by City Savings Bank.

In Davao City, Principal Riza Lobitos of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School was grateful for the donation. “We are very excited to use these unique and sustainably produced chairs given to us by our partners from CitySavings. We will have them in our Reading Village and Reading Kiosk to help encourage our students to read more.” The school pledged to support the continuation of this initiative by collecting more empty plastic bottles so CitySavings and its partner can produce more chairs.

CONDUCIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: The warm smiles from teachers of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao City as they receive 25 sustainably produced chairs from City Savings Bank for the school’s reading kiosk.

As CitySavings incorporates sustainability practices into its operations, the Bank commits to #BEESustainable by continuing its sustainability-driven initiatives that further support our educators and learners while significantly helping the environment. Principal Lobitos summed it all up as she closed her thanksgiving message during the turnover, “Alam niyo na kung saan kayo lalapit kung nangangailangan kayo. Nandiyan lagi ang CitySavings para tumulong (You know who to turn to when you’re in need. CitySavings is always ready to help.)”.

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About City Savings Bank:

City Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings) is the thrift bank subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) and a member of the Aboitiz Group. It is one of the largest thrift banks in the country, providing a wide range of mass market financial products and services, such as salary loans to public and private school teachers, pension loans to GSIS and SSS pensioners, motorcycle loans, company employee loans, government salary loans, and traditional deposit products.

Today, CitySavings has more than 140 branches nationwide. It is well on its way to becoming the leading digital mass market bank in the Philippines, paving the way for inclusive and sustainable prosperity across the country.

‘The Final Pitch’ invites entrepreneurs across all industries with the launch of its 9th edition

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The ‘Open Edition’ aims to promote inclusivity and democratize access to opportunities for entrepreneurs beyond tech startups

The Final Pitch,  the Philippines' premier business reality TV show, is back for its ninth season on CNN Philippines, with the theme "Open Edition." The new season provides opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and startups from all industries to present their innovative business solutions catering to a diverse panel of investor-judges looking to fund and back their initiatives. 

The show's creator and host, John Aguilar, stated that the Open Edition is poised to be a breakout season for the series as it emphasizes the significance of inclusivity and diversity in the business world, particularly for non-technology startups seeking investment and partnership opportunities and aiming to take their businesses to the next level.

"We have decided to make this an 'Open Edition' to be able to give a chance to entrepreneurs of different sizes, industries, and verticals to be able to participate in both the fundraising, mentoring and market reach that The Final Pitch has been able to give the entrepreneurs who have pitched their enterprises on the show. This is also a way for us to democratize access to everything that show stands for, to go beyond tech startups, which have traditionally been the majority," said Aguilar.

This season's roster of judges also hail from different industries, bringing diverse perspectives and valuable insights to aspiring entrepreneurs. The panel of investor-judges includes Rico Bautista, President and CEO of Etiqa Life & General Assurance Philippines; Brian Poe-Llamanzares, President of Pantheon Holdings; Henry Aguda, President and CEO of UnionDigital Bank and Member-convenor of GoDigital Pilipinas; and Robert Scott, Vice President-Hotel Operations of Okada Manila. For the first time, the show will involve judges from the diplomatic corps with the participation of the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Ilan Fluss, and the British Ambassador to the Philippines Her Excellency Laure Beaufils. According to Aguilar, the judges will serve as not just potential investors, but as strategic partners to the future contestants.

 

In a virtual press launch on May 9th, Rico Bautista expressed his desire to collaborate with entrepreneurs who have strategic, feasible, and technological ideas with clear business opportunities.

Bautista stated, "I am personally looking for startups who can help expand our business in Etiqa, especially when it relates to insurance, customer service, and distribution. I am also looking for an entrepreneurial and passionate leader and a strong business team with the ability to combine art with technology. Their passion in starting up and innovating, to come up with something so simple and yet very relevant, both to the market they're playing in and to the company that they will be helping. Lastly, future potential and clear commercial teams resulting in early Return of Investment (ROI).”

According to Brian Poe-Llamanzares, he is seeking business solutions that directly address significant problems in the country and are both usable and accessible to the public.

"As an investor and entrepreneur, I am always on the lookout for innovative solutions that address real problems and benefit the general public. Simultaneously, I am also keen on identifying opportunities that align with our family business at Pantheon Holdings. However, my ultimate belief is investing in the entrepreneurs themselves. In the Philippines, entrepreneurship is the driving force behind many successful companies, particularly at the startup level, and the person behind the venture is what ultimately makes it successful. I am thrilled to engage with entrepreneurs who possess a clear vision of what their company requires to grow and thrive, whether it be a technological solution, marketing assistance, or networking opportunities," expressed Llamanzares.

Expressing his enthusiasm for finding the next big thing in the Philippine startup scene, Henry Aguda said, "Our main focus in UnionDigital Bank is to provide banking service to the under-banked, unbanked and SMEs, that is why we have an open mind coming into this show to find the ‘diamond in the rough’, an SME that will become a unicorn one of these days. My excitement is here also looking for solutions that we can take to the government and be the ones to scale up. Maybe an entrepreneur or a startup can solve a problem that the government is trying to solve and the government becomes the accelerator to make them a unicorn." Aguda is looking for game-changing ideas that can transform the industry and provide solutions to the government's problems.

Aguilar also announced that this season's mentoring sessions, previously exclusive to the contestants of the show, will be open for the first time to participants outside of the program. The Final Pitch will invite the show’s contestants, students, startups, and other organizations to come together for a one-day learning experience during the filming of the Open House Mentoring Day episode on May 23 at Thames International Business School.

The mentorship program will involve a diversified group of business mentors who will guide the participants. These mentors include Dean Bernales, Founder & CEO of Uniquecorn Strategies; Chris Peralta, Founder of Silicon Valley HQ; Vince Golangco, CEO & Founder of When in Manila; Atty. Marlon Valderama, founder and CEO of LexMeet; Joel Santos, President of Thames International Business School; and Paolo Rentero, Co-Founder of TechShake. Aguilar will likewise give a pitching masterclass based on his best-selling book The Art and Science of the Pitch. 

"We are excited to offer opportunities to a varied range of entrepreneurs and startups to take advantage of the fundraising, mentoring, and market reach that The Final Pitch Open Edition can provide. This is our way of promoting inclusivity and diversity on the show, and we're eagerly anticipating the incredible concepts and companies that will emerge from this season," Aguilar added.

To join The Final Pitch, interested applicants will be required to fill out and submit an online entry form through the link: TheFinalPitch.ph/application via its official website TheFinalPitch.ph. The deadline for submission of applications is until May 13, 2023. Participants who wish to join the May 23 Open House Mentoring Day can register through https://TheFinalPitchOpenMentorship.eventbrite.co.uk or visit the The Final Pitch Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

 

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ABOUT THE FINAL PITCH

The Final Pitch is a reality TV show where viewers see the coming together of the best and brightest startup entrepreneurs, and investors and business leaders searching to back and support their enterprises. The idea was spawned to create a platform to not just serve as a guide and inspiration to those who will trek the long and winding road of entrepreneurship, but for investors to find and invest in the ones they are willing to back. The Final Pitch is produced by independent television production company Streetpark Productions Inc.

For more information, visit www.thefinalpitch.ph.

Exciting deals are coming your way this HONOR Payday Sale!

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Get your dream HONOR smartphones for up to Php 750 discount, with exclusive bundles and free shipping nationwide on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok!

The country’s leading smart devices provider, HONOR, is throwing away exclusive deals and free shipping discounts nationwide this payday sale! Up to Php 750 worth of discounts on HONOR devices, including the viral X series, will be available via Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop!

“HONOR prides itself on its wide range of smartphones and devices that cater to every Filipino lifestyle. We have the DSLR-like phone, HONOR X8a for photography enthusiasts, the HONOR X7a for those who are continuously using their mobile devices and need a long-lasting battery, and the indestructible HONOR X9a 5G for those who are worried of continuously dropping their phones and cracking their screens. We also have the HONOR MagicBook X laptops and HONOR Pad 8 for digital people who are always on the go,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

Enjoy amazing deals and free shipping discounts from May 13 to 17 with Lazada Sulit Sweldo Sale (https://bit.ly/3VGu3OV), TikTok Budol Sale from May 14 to 16 (https://bit.ly/3IMaizo), and Shopee Payday Sale on May 15 (https://bit.ly/3J1Zv5n). Early birds can also get exclusive freebies on selected HONOR gadgets! Get a FREE Magic Keyboard with Php 5,990 when you purchase an HONOR Pad8, and a FREE Premium HONOR bag worth Php 2,000 for every purchase of HONOR MagicBook X 14 or MagicBook X 15.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Step Inside Metro Manila's Most Stunning Homes: Presello House Tours Returns to One News for a New Season Starting this May 13

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Presello House Tours, the best digital real estate firm in the country, is excited to announce the premiere of its new season on One News this month. The upcoming season promises to be the most thrilling one yet, featuring exclusive tours of some of the most exceptional properties in the Metro Manila area. Get ready to explore the art of architecture and interior design as Presello House Tours returns to One News on May 13 at 6pm, with re-runs every Sunday.

Present during the Presello contract signing with One News were Cignal TV Inc. AVP - Head of News, Channels & Content Management Patrick Y. Paez, Presello Host Julia Richards, and Presello Vice President Marvin Sim.

Hosted by Julia Richards, Presello House Tours showcases some of the most luxurious properties, from chic urban condos to grand suburban estates. Each home is meticulously selected for its unique architecture, design, and history, providing an informative and enjoyable viewing experience.

In this new season, viewers can expect to see four (4) elements designed to create an unforgettable experience. First, the house tours are intimate and personalized, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in every interior detail. Second,  the host will be joined by guest reviewers who will provide their insights on the featured houses in three different segments on the show. Third, the show will feature the best designers and builders in the country, sharing their inputs into the structure of the houses. Lastly, viewers can enjoy behind-the-scenes footage of each episode, showcasing the authenticity of the hosts and crew while working together.

“At Presello, we believe that a home is not just a structure made of bricks and mortar. It's a place where memories are made, families are raised, and dreams are created. That's why we're passionate about showcasing homes that not only offer stunning architecture and design but also embody the unique personalities and stories of the people who may one day call them home,” shared Julia Richards, host of Presello.

“Presello is not just about showcasing a beautiful home but also about sharing the stories on how these wonderful homes were drawn, built, and created from scratch. It gives viewers an inspiration to create sentimental memories with loved ones and develop unique design and lifestyle perspectives,” added Marvin Sim, Vice President of Presello Group

Whether you are a real estate enthusiast, an architecture buff, or simply looking for a unique and enjoyable way to spend your evening,  Presello House Tours is the show for you. Tune in to One News every Saturday starting May 13 for an evening of exploration and discovery of the most beautiful homes around the Metro, available on Cignal Ch. 250 HD and Ch. 8 SD, and on Cignal Play app.

Visit Presello’s website on www.presello.com for more information and updates

Let your love for mom bloom on Mother’s Day at Ortigas Malls

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It’s time to spoil our moms with goodies and fun activities the way they always spoil us.

While we strive to show our love all year round, Mother’s Day (May 14) is a day when we go all out in expressing our gratitude. Ortigas Malls recognizes that moms are the coolest people for all that they do for us and for all that they are to us: mother, best friend, cheerleader, confidant, disciplinarian, shopping buddy, fellow foodie and a shoulder to cry on.

 

Ortigas Malls gives us ways to show our love to our moms on Mother’s Day with special treats for them and fun activities we can do together:

Estancia Mall

Bond with mom at We Bloom: A warm treat for the coolest moms on Mother’s Day weekend. Participate in Love Through Ikebana together on May 12 from 3 to 4 pm and enjoy the Ikebana exhibit from May 12 to 14, open from 10 am to 10 pm. On May 13 and 14, Ikebana demonstrations will be held from 3 to 5 pm. All Ikebana activities will be held at G/F East Wing. 

 

On May 13, sit back, relax and enjoy Melodies for Mom from 1 to 2:30 pm at G/F East Wing. Present P2,000 worth of receipts from May 1 to 30 with your Ortigas Community Card at the concierge to get a free Mother's Day magic mug. You may claim your gift from May 8 to 30 or until supplies last.

Tiendesitas

Does your mom love perfume? This workshop is for her! Floral Fragrances Perfumery Workshop demonstrates the art of making scents for mom to have a deeper understanding of mixing notes to create unique perfumes. On May 13, 2 to 4 pm at Level 1, Building B.

 

On May 14, head to Level 1, Building B and listen to music for a memorable Sunday afternoon, from 12 to 1:30 pm, at Melodies for Mom.

 

Meanwhile, pet lovers will have a blast at the Furmom & Me Fashion Show on May 14, from 2 to 5 pm at Level 1, Building B. Pet moms can pick their favorite outfits with their pets and walk the runway.

 

Present P1,000 worth of receipts from May 1 to 30 with your Ortigas Community Card at the concierge to get a free Mother's Day magic mug, exclusive to Ortigas Community Card holders. You may claim your gift from May 8 to 30 or until supplies last.

 

Greenhills

Mom’s in for a shiny, shimmery time as you learn to make accessories together at the Jewelry Making Workshop on May 13, from 1 to 3 pm, at Shoppesville Pasilio near Daiso.

 

Does your mom always stop by the flower market to decorate the house? On May 14, let your mom level up her interior decorating skills with the Flower Arrangement Workshop, from 1 to 3 pm, at Shoppesville Pasilio. This will teach her how to make flower arrangements of all styles and sizes, whether she likes her blooms in the house to be minimalist or all-out maximalist.

 

Melodies for Mom on May 14, from 4 to 5:30 pm, at Shoppesville Pasilio, will surely be a relaxing time for her.

 

On May 21, mothers come together for #MomTribe, a Meet Up of Moms of Influence from 1 to 5 pm at Shoppesville Pasilio. Here, they can exchange ideas and experiences on being a mother, and perhaps spill the tea on what it's like raising children.

 

Present P1,500 worth of receipts from May 1 to 30 with your Ortigas Community Card at the concierge to get a free Mother's Day magic mug, exclusive to Ortigas Community Card holders. You may claim your gift from May 8 to 30 or until supplies last.

 

Cap off your week by taking mom to the Greenhills Skyline, located at the Connecticut Arcade Roofdeck, every Friday to Sunday from 4pm to 11pm. Enjoy good food at the al fresco dining area and have a great night of live music with the city skyline as your backdrop.

 

And because Mother Earth is the mother of all mothers, the one that we call home and sustains us all, Greenhills is holding a Yard Sale Sustainability Drive every second Sunday of the month at P3-GStrip from 6 to 10 am. At this yard sale you can buy and sell your things, upcycle or donate them. There will be a recycled product display to give ideas on how to repurpose things you don’t need or want any more to become usable again.

 

Ortigas Malls celebrates mothers throughout the month of May and helps us show our appreciation for them. There is so much we can do for and with them at Greenhills, Tiendesitas, and Estancia! Download the Ortigas Malls app via Google Playstore or Apple Store, and sign up for the Ortigas Community Card.