5 mobile apps that help you help the planet

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With almost everything at our fingertips—from shopping, banking to food deliveries and payment of utility bills—you can’t really blame people, both young and old, for spending too much time on their mobile phones.

Though we try to our best to limit our daily interactions with our mobile device for our health’s sake, let’s put our excessive screen time to good use while we are at it by being champions of the environment.

Yes, there are several apps out there that allows you to help save the Earth and fight climate change wherever you are with just a few taps on your phone. If we can’t do a Greta Thunberg in real life, we can do our part virtually but still have real positive effects on the environment.

We’ve listed five apps that help us help save the planet.

1.      Ecosia (free)

It’s like “Googling” with a cause or the greener counterpart of Google or Yahoo. Ecosia is a search engine that allows you to plant trees with every search you make on the Internet. It uses 80% of its ad revenue to finance tree-planting programs in biodiversity hotspots across the world. So far, millions of trees have already been planted by the Ecosia community in Ethiopia, Brazil, Indonesia and Spain, among other critical areas.

2.      GCash Forest (free)

This is a special feature of the Philippines’ leading mobile wallet app GCash that allows users to help the country increase its forest cover by growing virtual trees that will have real-life counterparts at the Ipo Watershed, a critical source of Metro Manila’s water supply. It works like a personal carbon tracker, keeping tabs of how much emission users have avoided by choosing greener activities such as walking, doing cashless transactions, and bringing own bags and utensils in partner cafes. These actions or activities have corresponding “green energy” points that feed the virtual tree.

3.      Oroeco (free)

It’s an app that helps you track your carbon footprint by showing you how your everyday actions and decisions impact the climate like the food you eat, your home’s energy consumption, your spending habits and transportation decisions, among others. The app also gives tips on how to lower your carbon footprint and save money at the same time.

4.      JouleBug (free)

It’s a wellness app that helps you make your daily habits at home, work and play more sustainable through friendly competition and online sharing. It’s also a cloud platform that reinforces and rewards sustainable behavior and climate-smart choices like carpooling, recycling and composting. JouleBug hosts challenges or contests to see who is the most sustainable and eventually move users towards behavior change.

5.      Forest (P99 in Apple Store, free in Google play with optional in-app purchases)

If you want to beat your phone addiction at the same time help the environment, then this is the app for you. Forest is a productivity app that lets you grow a tree virtually and in reality through the credits you’ll earn from staying away from your phone. This is how it works: you plant a seed in your mobile phone by choosing which tree you want to grow (this has a corresponding time you should spend not using your phone). The seed will grow to become a tree as long as your screen stays off. But if you unlock the screen of your mobile phone ahead of time, the growing plant will wither. This app helps you regain your focus on the present and on what’s more important in your life.

With these apps, it’s easy to develop the habit of living a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Tapping on your phone may not seem like much but imagine millions of people becoming more aware of their carbon footprint and their impact on the environment. Little, mindful choices can create ripples, and ripples can create waves of change.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Bring love and joy this Christmas through Hallmark x 7-Eleven’s holiday collaboration

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The air is chilly, the mood is merry, and the lights are out and sparkling. What a joy it is to have the holidays upon us once again. This is the time to give back and share the love and blessings we have received this year, as it is what the true spirit of Christmas is.

This Christmas, Hallmark is inviting you to celebrate the season with the gift of love and care. In hopes to bring holiday cheer to street children, Hallmark is partnering with PhilSeven Foundation, convenience store 7-Eleven’s charity arm, through ‘Gulong ng Karunungan’ (GNK) project. This is a mobile school project that aims to provide education to the less fortunate street children of select local cities in the Philippines. Over the past years, GNK has helped augment the learning, supplemental feeding, and basic medical needs of over 2,000 disadvantaged youth, comprised mostly of out-of-school children and informal settlers from identified city beneficiaries.

Moreover, you as a customer can be a part of this jolly project. With every purchase of Hallmark Christmas products such as their Gift Wrappers, Gift Bags, Gift Tags and other Christmas products from 7-Eleven, a portion of the sales will be donated directly to support GNK project.

Make this season shine by celebrating it, too, wiNth people outside your home. And when you care enough to give back, we believe that the smiles and joy of children in need are more than enough to warm your heart and make your Christmas, the merriest ever.

#CareEnough

#HallmarkChristmas

#HallmarkAtSevenEleven

*Be involved and get your Hallmark products by visiting your neighboring 7-Eleven store.

Hallmark Christmas products are also available in all leading bookstores and select online shops.

Tech Innovator app-based motorcycle taxi Angkas to discuss Good Governance for Start Ups

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Angkas, technology innovator and pioneer in app-based motorcycle taxi services, will join the 2020 Corporate Governance Conference (CGGON) to discuss their advocacy of using technology not just as a solution to ease the burden of heavy traffic and congestion but as a tool for good governance and compliance with safety standards and regulations. 

The CGCON, which will be held in March 2020 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City was organized by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) and will have the theme “How T.R.A.F.F.I.C. Creates Sustainable Businesses.” The conference introduces T.R.A.F.F.I.C., short for Transparency, Responsibility, Accountability, Fairness, Foresight, Innovation, Culture, as a business mindset for companies in achieving sustainability. 

“We have always championed the use of technology to make commuting easier for Filipinos, especially with the challenging traffic situation here in the country,” Angkas CEO Angeline Tham said during a press briefing.  

“Through our discussion at CGCON, we hope to give a better picture of how technology has worked for us both in serving the Filipino commuters and in ensuring good governance and compliance to safety rules and regulations among our biker-partners," Tham added. 

"I personally would like to emphasize that startups--particularly those oriented towards high technology--should always bear in mind that their concern should not be so much about their bottom line but about their impact to society," Tham noted.

"In Angkas, for instance, we have also always advocated safe and affordable transportation while complying with the strictest safety standards and regulations. This is the crux of our work and what we believe is our role in society," Tham maintained. "The safety of our bikers and commuters are of the utmost importance, and we will share how we have worked hard to comply with the highest safety standards and regulations.” 

The conference will feature notable thought leaders who will participate in a dialogue that aims to break the unconscious bias between emerging technology companies and disruptors, and the practice of good corporate governance. It aims to imbibe T.R.A.F.F.I.C. as a mindset for businesses to succeed in long-term value creation for the benefit of all stakeholders. 

CGCON 2020 will have an audience consisting of board chairs and directors, CEOs, CFOs, compliance officers, senior executives and managers, policy makers and regulators, institutional investors, and academics.

It plans to discuss the answer to the question on how principles of Transparency, Responsibility, Accountability, Fairness, Foresight, Innovation, and Culture (T.R.A.F.F.I.C) create sustainable businesses in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe). It also has the goal of promoting stakeholder approach towards long-term value creation among companies that thrive in the various aspects of FIRe. 

CGCON 2020 will also feature global thought leader and acclaimed American roboticist Dr. David Hanson, founder and CEO of Hanson Robotics. He will be bringing his AI creation, Sophia, the world’s first robot citizen and the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme.

Dr. Hanson will be delivering a keynote entitled "Revolutionizing Boardroom Dynamics," which will touch on how artificial intelligence and robotics are changing the way information impacts the boardroom.

As part of the program, Tham will also be speaking with Sophia on the topic, “The Future is Here.” Guests will also have the chance of interacting with Sophia as they can have selfies taken with her after the talk. 

Other topics that will be discussed in the conference are: how IoT is enhancing the workplace environment, transparency, and efficiency; the ethical implications of technological advancement to the business ecosystem; and why T.R.A.F.F.I.C. is important and how it creates value for investors and stakeholders respectively. 

At the Corporate Governance Conference (CGGON) held recently, where the conference introduced T.R.A.F.F.I.C., short for Transparency, Responsibility, Accountability, Fairness, Foresight, Innovation, Culture, as a business mindset for companies in achieving sustainability. Angkas was on of the major speakers to discuss their advocacy of using technology not just as a solution to ease the burden of heavy traffic and congestion but as a tool for good governance and compliance with safety standards and regulations. In the photos are : (L-R) Backrow : Tom Syquia, Subchair for Content, ICD; Tony Cailao Member – CGCON, ICD; Fred Pascual, President ICD; Frank Newmann, Trustee ICD; George Royeca, Chief Transport Advocate, Angkas; Henry Aguda, Chairman UBX /Unionbank; Taimy Cruz, Chair for Logistics, ICD; Bert Manabat, Trustee. Front Row: Amor Maclang, Chair for Public Engagement, ICD; Ida Tiongson, Trustee ICD; Angeline Tham, CEO and Founder, Angkas; Cora Guidote, Chair – CGCON ICD; Tammy Lipana, Trustee ICD.

Historic international meet set in Manila: 2020 FIABCI World Real Estate Congress

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For the first time ever, all roads lead to Manila as the best minds in architecture, design, and real estate come together for the 2020 World Congress of the Paris-based international real estate federation of more than 2,300 members in 70 countries. 

This was announced by chairman Dr. Reghis M. Romero II and president Arch. Nestor Mangio of the Philippines’ chapter of the Federacion Internationale des Adminstrateurs de Biens Conceils et Immobiliers (FIABCI), whose historic 71st World Congress will be staged at the Marriott Convention Center on May 26-30, 2020.

“It will be the very first time that this world congress of FIABCI International will be held in the Philippines, and aptly so as “Urban Revolution” is its theme,” said Dr. Romero, also the chairman of the 2020 FIABCI World Real Estate Congress.

Urban Revolution, as coined and defined by Australian archaeologist V. Gordon Childe as early as 1930, transforms small and kin-based agricultural villages into large, socially-complex urban societies. 

“The same phenomenon is happening in the different regions of the Philippines right now, driven by the proliferation of BPO offices, commercial and industrial hubs, and the rise of masterplanned residential communities in the provincial suburbs around Metro Manila and the regional centers in the Visayas and Mindanao, bringing about the so-called ‘next-wave’ of emerging cities like Laoag, Vigan, Puerto Princesa, Zamboanga, Balanga, Lucena, Iloilo, etc., which have demonstrated the ability to generate employment, sustain a healthy workforce, make effective use of land, and provide the necessary support infrastructure,” Mangio pointed out.

FIABCI-Philippines has members from the various sectors of the construction and real estate industry, including the academe.

“And, also for the first time, the incoming president of this world body is a Filipino,” Dr. Romero stressed, referring to chairman emeritus Florentino Dulalia Jr. of FIABCI-Philippines.

“Dulalia will formally assume the presidency of FIABCI International during the world congress, making it the first time for a Filipino to hold the reins of this huge global industry organization established way back in 1951,” added Dr. Romero, who has been FIABCI-Philippines chairman since 2018, less than a year after it was registered as a non-stock, non-profit organization with the Securities and Exchange Commission in December 2017.

Also highlighting the five-day event is a conference featuring the world’s who’s who in the construction and real estate industry sectors. They include international speaker Daniel Watch of Harvard University, global design director Anthony Cuthbertson of Topshop London, Roland Schnizer of Foster and Partner UK, and our top developers like president Kevin Tan of Megaworld and president Frederick Go of Robinsons Land Corp. among many others, all discussing topics on the various facets of today’s evolving and emerging urban transformation worldwide.

Among the topics are the future and leadership in real estate, township and urban development, digital technology’s huge role in transforming cities, insights on the current and looming prospects of the industry, and its many challenges. 

Other congress activities include leadership training sessions, exhibits, general assembly, board and professional meetings, and such ticketed events as the Prix D’ Excellence, Medal Holder’s Dinner, International Young Members’ Party, Study/Social Tours, and the Gala/Farewell Dinner, each generating business networking opportunities on a global scale for local participants. 

The men behind FIABCI World  - Immediate President Assen Makedonov, Presidend Walid Moussa, President Elect Florentino Dulalia, Jr. and Vice-President Jordi Ribo

FIABCI Philippines President Nestor Mangio with FIABCI World Immediate Past President  Assen Makedonov

 As to why the  country is chosen to host the 71st World Congress, Dr. Romero said:

“The Philippines has the fastest growing economy and real estate sector in Asia, and we (FIABCI-Philippines) can help make the 2020 World Congress an unforgettable experience, definitely showcasing the hospitality that Filipinos are known for.”

Supported by UN-Habitat, Grant Thornton, Reed Midem, and World Urban Campaign as sponsors, the 71st World Congress is being organized by FIABCI-Philippines to help put the global industry on the best track for urban development while generating momentum along its course. “Thus the Congress theme ‘Urban Revolution’,” Mangio added. 

More information about the 2020 World Congress can be found at www.fiabciphilippines.org. Interested attendees may also send an email to fiabci.phil@gmail.com or call tel: +632 3456-4511, +632 8928-6517.

A game of bowling with Best Buddies

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For regular shoppers, it may have been just an ordinary afternoon at the mall, but for Vico, 28, it was a special day to spend a few hours enjoying a game of bowling with his friends from Best Buddies Philippines. The group of friends were at the mall, with other pairs of best friends, for a friendly bowling tournament organized by Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement for one-to-one friendships and inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Best Buddies’ Vico Cham (2nd from right) with (from left) Akio Kawachi, Ralen Tupaz, Ian Borleo, Ryan Poblete, Sachin Mohnani, Nyssa Uy Kua, Gian Mendoza,April Paligsa and his mother Cathy Cham who joined Best Buddies Bowling Game event at SM Megamall Bowling Center.

Photo by Kayla Paligsa

The activity is one of the many initiatives organized by Best Buddies, in partnership with SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. During the event, individuals with IDD like Vico, had a fun afternoon hanging out with their Peer Buddies volunteers who committed to spend time, have fun activities, communicate on a regular basis and enrich their lives through friendships with individuals like Vico. 

Catherine Cham, mother of Vico, said that events like the Best Buddies Bowling Game give her son an avenue to socialize and feel he is a regular part of a group. She is very thankful for Best Buddies which she said helped her find a best buddy for Vico.

“His peer buddy is Buboy Palomares. They’ve been friends for 4 years. They used to jog regularly twice a month or watch a movie. They also engage in group activities. With Buboy, Vico was able to find a friend whom he would text regularly. It is really important for parents because it’s really not easy to entrust your child to somebody.” 

“We are very thankful for the support that we have received from our volunteers and sponsors,” exclaims Michelle Aventajado, executive director of Best Buddies Philippines. “Events like these strengthen the friendship between volunteers and individuals with IDD. It’s a great opportunity to promote inclusion, have fun, and enrich the lives of everyone involved in the Best Buddies program.” 

For SM Cares, the event is another opportunity to support and give back to the community. “At SM, we believe that establishing good relations can positively affect and inspire those with special needs. We strive to make every SM Mall, a mall for all, and by supporting activities such as this, everyone can enjoy the same fun and leisure in SM, as anyone would do,” said Engr. Bien Mateo, program director of SM Cares Program on PWDs. 

Best Buddies Philippines is looking into partnering with private entities like SM who can support them in their advocacy and their other programs. It also aims to widen its scope in the next 5 years by establishing Friendship Chapters in more schools nationwide.

To know more about Best Buddies Philippines you may visit www.bestbuddiesphilippines.com, https://www.facebook.com/BestBuddiesPhilippines/, or send an e-mail to bestbuddiesmanila@gmail.com.

To know more about SM Cares, you may visit www.smcares.com.ph, www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares, or send an e-mail to smcares@smsupermalls.com.