“LifeWear: Made for All” Quality Clothing for All People and All Situations

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Global apparel retailer UNIQLO launches “LifeWear: Made for All,” a multimedia campaign featuring personal, insightful interviews with tennis legend Roger Federer, renowned NYC artist Futura, UNIQLO Team Sweden’s table-tennis champ Anna-Carin Ahlquist, UNIQLO U Artistic Director Christophe Lemaire of the UNIQLO Paris R&D Center, the company’s social mission partners, and other voices from all over the globe.

LifeWear is the unique UNIQLO philosophy regarding clothes, rooted in the belief that rational and excellent design, plus the best in modern production techniques, creates perfect high-quality and affordable clothing that meets the needs of everyone’s daily lifestyles. This practical philosophy underscores how UNIQLO views the world, and LifeWear guides the company in everything it does - from creating thoughtful, life-improving clothing to its efforts around sustainability and community engagement.

“I support the company’s LifeWear philosophy. LifeWear’s mission goes beyond creating great quality clothing - it’s about improving the lives of all people, all around the world.”

            Roger Federer, UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassador

Watch the short film and explore the interviews to hear individual stories and learn about what LifeWear means to UNIQLO employees and friends. Through their eyes, the company sees how LifeWear is relevant to everyone, everywhere, in everyday situations - from a spirited NYC street soccer game to the dedication of a volunteer Milanese Alpine rescue team. These and other inspiring stories show that LifeWear is a positive force helping people live better lives.

LifeWear: Made for All

Visit the special site at uniqlo.com/LifeWearStories and follow @uniqlo to experience 

the simple beauty of the LifeWear message.

Finance for all: GCash helps trike drivers and vendors to cope up with the pandemic

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Tricycle drivers and market vendors in Pasig City who have been searching for a safe and secure way to sustain their businesses while following safety protocols have found a reliable way to receive payments from their customers – GCash QR.

A safe and effective alternative to send/receive money without having to share one’s mobile number, GCash QR is a solution introduced by GCash as part of its partnership with AMTODA (Antipolo Market Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association) and ASCLP TODA, and with vendors at the Pasig City Mega Market.

“At the heart of this program is financial inclusion. We envision to enable micro and small businesses with the digital finance platform so they can enjoy its benefits at a time when they need it most. Many of them are frontliners too. We should also focus on helping them by providing them with tools so they can continue growing their businesses and serving their customers during the pandemic,” says Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash.   

According to Restituto Bayote, President of AMTODA, which has over 500 members, they have been encouraging members to use QR on Demand as a contactless way to safely and securely receive payment from their passengers. They have been working closely with GCash to orient drivers, especially the elderly ones, of its beneficial features. 

To this, Antipolo TODA driver Zalde Guiruela agrees. “Mas magandang paggamit ng GCash kasi kailangan nating umiwas sa pagkahawaan ngayong pandemya.Kaya mas komportable gumamit ng GCash para makaiwas tayo sa kumakalat na virus.”

Having a cashless payment option like GCash QR also helped Ronnie Fabian, a textile store owner at the Pasig City Mega Market, attract customers outside of the public market.  “Nakakatulong siya, lalo na for transactions outside of the public market. Pag may mga tumatawag sa ‘kin para magpadeliver, usually hindi kami tumatanggap ng COD. Dahil sa GCash, ita-transfer na lang nila sa GCash ko yung payment.”

Entrepreneurs like Coleen Lopez, who has an RTW stall and owns an online shop called Coleen’s Businezz, is a long-time GCash user who is looking forward to using the Digital QR feature because it’s a faster and more secure way to accept payment from customers.  “Hassle free ang app na yan. Minsan may customer ako na kinulang yung dala niyang cash. Pero merong laman yung GCash nya. Yun na lang pinang-bayad niya instead na mag-withdraw pa siya sa ATM.” 

“Since last year we have been pushing for cashless transactions among vendors and trike drivers to promote the health of all, para mawala yung physical transfer [ng virus]. It’s also a secure way to accept payment and to avoid circulation of counterfeit bills.  It’s about time our vendors and trike drivers adapt to this new business model, they need to enjoy the benefits of e-wallets and contactless payment,” added Pasig City Councilor Rhichie Gerard Brown. 

Having empowered by the GCash platform, these owners of small businesses and drivers of TODA can further enjoy the benefits of using the app with its financial services products such as savings, investment, insurance, and credit. Since most of these palengke vendors and TODA drivers are among the financially underserved, empowering them to do their business through the app just like any other big merchant will help them cope up during these trying times.

“Our partner MSMEs and drivers are at the very soul of our existence as a mobile wallet. More than being a lifestyle brand, GCash is committed towards working with every sector in the society in order to tailor digital financial solutions relevant to the situation they may be in. With our expanding effort to bring GCash QR to MSMEs, we bring financial services closer to those who have no traditional access to these products. Truly this is a manifestation of our vision of for finance for all”, Sazon added.

To date of writing, GCash has on-boarded over 1,200 TODA drivers and over 100 palengke vendors. The company envisions on-boarding more of these businesses to provide better financial services access to all sectors in the society. Currently, TODA drivers around Antipolo area accept GCash as a payment method. Paying through GCash in palengkes is currently available in Farmers market and Pasig Mega.

Shopee Princess Alex Gonzaga Dishes Akinse Shopping Tips for the Upcoming Shopee 5.15 Payday Sale

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Excited for payday? Alex Gonzaga shares shopping pointers to help you make the most of your paycheck this May 15

MANILA, MAY 13, 2021 - Actress and social media personality Alex Gonzaga may be one of today’s hottest celebrities, but when it comes to online shopping, she’s just like everyone else—always on the hunt for the best deals!

As the newest Shopee Princess and Filipinos’ Payday Sale shopping buddy, Alex Gonzaga shares tipid and sulit tips just in time for akinse. Here are some of Alex’s shopping hacks to help you maximize your sweldo at the 5.15 Payday Sale this May 15: 

1. “‘Pag sumweldo ka na, deposit mo muna. Tsaka ka lang mag-withdraw. ‘Wag mo i-spend ang money na wala pa sa’yo. ”

First thing Alex does when she gets her paycheck? She deposits all that hard-earned money to her bank account. Only then does she withdraw cash to buy essentials and pay bills. This way, she gets to budget her income and control her finances better.

2. “‘Pag may gusto ka, ‘wag mo binibili agad. Pag-isipan mo muna 3,000 times!”

Like the best of us, Alex used to be prone to impulsive purchases. However, her husband taught her to mull things over before checking out her shopping cart. Here’s a handy trick from Alex: add the products you’re eyeing to your cart and leave them there for a few weeks. If you still want them after that long, go ahead and check them out. 

3. “Don’t live grandiosely. ‘Wag mong sanayin ang sarili mo na luxurious all the time.”

It’s perfectly fine to treat yourself from time to time, but for Alex, it’s also important to stay practical. Her dad frequently reminds her that life will not always be as full of blessings, and she needs to save some for a rainy day. 

4. “Before a sale, add to cart niyo na ‘yung na namamatahan niyo. Pagpatak ng 12, check out na!”

Pro tip from Alex: Two days ahead of a big sale, add all the items you’re planning to buy to your shopping cart. Picking them out during the sale itself can get stressful, especially when other shoppers beat you to in-demand items. You don’t want that awesome deal to get sold out just as you’re adding to cart!

5. “Andaming good deals on Shopee. You always have to check kung ano ‘yung deals. I-maximize mo ‘yung pagiging user of the app.”

Users can avail plenty of big discounts on Shopee, but for even more deals, Alex advises shoppers to explore the app and always check their notifications. Alex herself recently discovered a big money-saver on Shopee: ₱1 restaurant vouchers! Shoppers can also enjoy other amazing promos such free shipping vouchers, cashback, free coins, and more on the app.

This Payday Sale, more deals are in store, such as ₱15 deals, free shipping with no minimum spend, and 15% cashback. For more information on these akinse deals, visit https://shopee.ph/m/payday-sale. 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

“Taste True Australia” as Robinsons bring Woolworths brand to the Philippines!

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Woolworths, the no. 1 food retailer in Australia, partners with Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace and Shopwise to bring to the Philippines the Woolworths brand. The exclusive launch gives Filipino customers the opportunity to “Taste True Australia” introducing over 150 products across various grocery categories.

The Woolworths label will be initially available in 35 stores and will expand to more stores in the next months. Woolworths great selections of Australian honey, crackers, beverage, cereals, pancakes, salad dressings, sauces and pasta will delight the Filipino market. What’s even better is shopping for Woolworths products will be more convenient with just one click with GoRobinsons.ph, the Group’s e-commerce platform. The GoRobinsons mobile app can be downloaded in IOS and Google Play.

“Australia is globally recognized as a reliable supplier of superior quality products so it is with confidence that we bring in world-class products from Woolworths to the Philippines. We want to share with our customers these household favorites from Australia. It has always been our thrust to continue offering new products that will excite our shoppers every time they visit our stores.  Woolworths’ values are also consistent with the Robinsons Supermarket Group’s focus on health and wellness.” said Jody Gadia, Managing Director of Robinsons Retail’s Supermarket Segment.

Andrew Goudie, Woolworths International General Manager said: ‘We are thrilled to partner with the Robinsons Retail’s supermarket group and launch the Woolworths brand throughout the Philippines. Woolworths products reflect changing needs across many popular grocery categories where consumers are looking for not only trusted Australian quality, but healthier options. We are confident the range will be a great addition to Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, and Shopwise stores and we look forward to partnering with Robinsons Retail to deliver Woolworths product innovations into the Philippines.”

Australia and the Woolworths brand are globally renowned for being a trusted supplier of safe, quality Australian products that adhere to strict, world-leading manufacturing standards. Woolworths has also embraced the trend towards healthier eating and is committed to innovation, ensuring products are produced with no artificial flavors and colors, reduced salts, sugar and fats, and more whole grains and fibers - meaning food that’s better for you.

Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO said:  "I am very pleased that products from the Woolworths brand are now available locally.  This partnership between Woolworths and Robinsons Retail Group adds to strengthening the ties between our countries, especially as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations. I look forward to Australians and Filipinos enjoying these products as much as Woolworths’s customers do across their stores in Australia.”

Now, for a limited time only you too can ‘Taste True Australia’ with a Woolworths exclusive launch promotion, offering a FREE Woolworths Foldable Shopping Basket with any minimum spend of PHP3000 which includes PHP500 of Woolworths products.

Established in 1924, Woolworths is Australia’s most valuable brand with over 1,000 supermarkets in the continent.

PHINLA conducts Waste Bank Forum, introduces BinBank mobile app to improve waste collection system

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The concept of cash from trash is not new to most people, especially since waste banks have been established to manage materials that can still be recycled. However, proper and effective management of these facilities might be a different story.

To help local government units (LGUs) improve their ecological solid waste management systems, the PHINLA Global Program rolled out its Cooperative Waste Bank Forum this February and March across Quezon City, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro City.

Rey Palacio, PHINLA Waste Management Specialist, explained that operating a waste bank requires the cooperation of household members, waste collectors, material recovery facility (MRF) managers, recycling companies, and LGUs.

More importantly, Palacio discussed that a waste bank is not only a repository of materials. Waste management through waste banks can increase the income of poor people in the community, assist local governments in empowering communities to manage waste wisely and reduce waste for disposal, and help community members initiate their own income-generating project or program that can be incorporated from waste bank scheme of managing waste.

PHINLA team also introduced the BinBank mobile application, developed by World Vision to facilitate easier collection of materials that can be deposited to MRFs. Using the application, community members can request the nearest waste collector to pick up their recyclables in no time. Schedules can be arranged through the app. Deposited items and their monetary equivalent will also be recorded in the holder's account. “The BinBank Application is aimed to improve the collection and transportation of the recyclables in our communities as well as increase the volume of waste collected, thus increase in the waste banks’ profit. Members can input the data electronically and monitor it in real-time at the comfort of their homes,” said PHINLA Program Coordinator Joben Asuncion.

Waste worker explores BinBank through their personal smartphones.

Empowering waste collectors

Most of the forum participants admitted that waste collection is their only source of income and saving money has not been a priority—something that PHINLA seeks to change. More than equipping them with technical know-how, PHINLA also wants to develop the discipline of finding income opportunities in the resources available to them.

One of such opportunities is establishing a community-based savings group among waste collectors and barangay health workers. Michael Macabasag, World Vision Development Foundation Program Officer, shared how joining such group allowed him to recover from a financial crisis. "Ni singkong duling walang wala talaga kami noon," Mike recalled. He even remembered asking a papaya from a neighbor just so his family can survive before his next expected salary. One time, he borrowed Php 50 from a friend but had a hard time paying it. “Naiiyak na ako noon. Hiyang hiya ako sa sarili ko, hiyang hiya ako sa asawa ko. Wala man lang akong singkwenta pesos.”

It could have disheartened Mike, but he looked at it as a motivation to look for other sources of income. Mike then joined World Vision’s Community Managed Savings and Credit Association (CoMSCA) and has since helped organize more than 200 CoMSCA groups in his hometown in Laurel, Batangas. Now, Mike pays it forward by helping PHINLA beneficiaries do the same. "Kaya nating baguhin ang kalagayan natin," Mike shared.

Eduardo Ablazo, head barangay health worker of Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City, was among those who was deeply moved by Mike’s personal story. “Nakita ko ang kahalagahan ng pag iipon. Dito ko rin narinig kung paano tulungan ang sarili kong umahon sa kahirapan para matulungan ko rin ang iba,” said Ablazo.

PHINLA is set to conduct more virtual training activities to continue empowering members of waste banks and waste collector associations and to assist the stakeholders in drafting procedures and regulations pertaining to the waste bank’s relations as well as dealings with the collectors and concerned recycling companies.

More than 70 waste collectors and members of BESWMC from Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Quezon City participated in the event.

PHINLA stands for the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka: the three countries implementing the Global Program to Develop Livelihood for Poverty-affected Population through a Multi-sectoral Established and Monitored Waste Management System. It is a partnership project of World Vision Development Foundation and EcoWaste Coalition.