Coca-Cola partners with Congressman Nograles for STAR Program in Davao City

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Coca-Cola Philippines and Davao City 1st District Representative, Congressman Karlo Nograles, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement to expand the implementation of the Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program to the women small business owners in the area.

The Coca-Cola 5by20 STAR Program is designed for women micro-entrepreneurs who own and manage sari-sari stores or carinderias, with the goal of addressing the barriers they face by providing an enabling environment for business success. 

The STAR Program has three components: access to training, access to resources, and access to peer mentoring. The STAR Program is implemented in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and reputable microfinance institutions and cooperatives operating at the regional level.

“We are continuously expanding the coverage of the program by partnering with key government officials and offices. The first district of Davao has one of the largest populations of women micro-entrepreneurs. Together with Congressman Karlo Nograles, we will reach a larger audience and bring the program to those who can benefit from it the most,” said Gilda Maquilan, 5by20 Lead, Sustainability Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines.

The 1st District of Davao City covers the central business district and neighboring suburbs, where a great concentration of micro and small enterprises are located. The office of Congressman Nograles will identify the qualified women for the program and provide the training venue, among others.

“The empowerment of women is at the core of our platform. Over the years, we have helped women in our district through our various livelihood programs. The Coca-Cola STAR Program is a great opportunity to enhance the capabilities of our women micro-entrepreneurs and help them provide more for their families,” said Nograles.

The Coca-Cola STAR Program is part of the 5by20 global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company, which aims to empower 5 million women within its value chain by 2020. The program initially targeted Filipino women engaged in micro-retail enterprise such as sari-sari stores but has expanded to include women in other marginalized sectors since its launch in 2011.

Today, the Coca-Cola STAR Program is implemented in over 54 locations nationwide and has impacted more than 80,000 women. The program has continuously embraced other sectors including distressed female overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through a partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs of the Department of Labor and Employment, beneficiaries of the government’s conditional cash transfer program or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development–National Capital Region, Artisan Women of Tondo, and women who are in disaster-stricken areas.

The Coca-Cola STAR Program is also supported by Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, Alay sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI), First Community Cooperative (FICCO), Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, Inc. (NWTF), ASA Philippines, and National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO).

GetGo members earn rewards points with Lazada shopping

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GetGo, the lifestyle rewards program of Cebu Pacific, has partnered with Lazada for its Shop N’ Points feature, rewarding members with 1 point for every P10 spend on clothing and fashion finds, health and beauty products, gadgets and accessories, travel and luggage, and fitness and recreation items at the online shopping site. To earn GetGo points, members must log into their accounts at www.getgo.com.ph, click the “Shop N’ Points” tab under the “My Points” menu, and shop at Lazada. Photo shows Lazada co-founder and CEO Necmi Inanc Balci and GetGo Loyalty Division general manager Nik Laming formalizing the agreement.

Higher Level Kids, Grand Champion at DreamPlay's “King Julien Dance Off” at City of Dreams Manila

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Higher Level Kids, an all-boys group from Cavite, bested the other seven finalists and bagged the championship trophy of DreamPlay's “King Julien Dance Off” at Chaos Manila, City of Dreams Manila on August 27, 2017.

Higher Level Kids

DreamPlay, City of Dreams Manila’s Dreamworks-inspired interactive play space, staged its second nationwide children’s dance competition dubbed as “King Julien Dance Off” to celebrate its second year anniversary and mark its one million visitors to date.

Ace of Spades, a mix group of boys and girls from Angono, Rizal were awarded as 1st runner up. The other six finalists that made it to the grand finals were: Southernside Dance Theater, Super Kids, Small Fries, The Class, GFAM, and Mover’s Impact. They were judged according to creativity, style and originality of choreography; themed-costume based on Dreamworks movie song choice, stage presence and over-all impact or star quality.

Participated in various dance competitions in the country and abroad, the Higher Level Kids dance group stood out when they sent shockwaves of delight and excitement as they performed amazing dance moves and stunts executed with seamless choreography to the remixed Dreamworks movie soundtrack of Madagascar’s “I Like to Move It,” Kung Fu Panda’s “Kung Fu Fighting,” Shrek’s “I’m a Believer” and Troll’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling”.

The children’s dance crew’s dynamic and talented members are also known for their memorable performances in Dance Kids, a dance competition and reality TV show aired on ABS-CBN 2 in 2015 and Super Kids – The World’s Greatest Little Talents TV show in Cologne, Germany in 2016.

The show opened with a dance number featuring DreamPlay’s Dreamers dance group and Madagascar movie’s character King Julien, the charismatic “Lord of the Lemurs” who can’t help but dance to the music and the inspiration behind the children’s dance contest. This was followed by a special dance number by last year’s winners and the first “King Julien’s Dance Off” champions - FMD Extreme.

They wowed the audience once again with their high-flying stunts and electrifying moves.

Higher Level Kids

The main highlight of the program is the performances of eight finalists who set the stage ablaze with their youthful energy and street dance moves ranging from popping, locking and breaking peppered with ballet movements and acrobatic stunts.

The Voice of the Philippines Season 2 finalist Bradley Holmes and Noon Time Show: It’s Showtime’s singing competition segment Tawag ng Tanghalan 2016 contender Nina Espinosa sang a rock duet to entertain the crowd.

The entire bunch of DreamWorks characters Shrek, Fiona, Alex the Lion, King Julien, and Puss in Boots also performed a special dance number. 

(From L-R)  Romina Gervacio, CoD Director of Public Relations; Gelai Aguzar, G-Force Senior Choreographer; Troy Montero and Aubrey Miles; and Marlon Hirsh, City of Dreams Manila General Manager for Non-Gaming Operations.

The judges included City of Dreams Manila General Manager for Non-Gaming Operations Marlon Hirsh, City of Dreams Manila Director of Public Relations Romina Gervacio, G-Force Senior Choreographer Gelai Aguzar, and celebrity couple Troy Montero and Aubrey Miles. 

As the competitions grand champions, Higher Level brought home P80,000 in cash, a DreamPlay trophy, an Annual Pass for unlimited DreamPlay access for each member, a photo op with DreamWorks characters, DreamShop voucher worth P1,000 and Chez Gingy voucher worth P1,000 for each member. The group will also be returning to perform in various DreamPlay and City of Dreams Manila events.

Ace of Spade’s first runner-up prize consisted of P25,000 in cash and a DreamPlay trophy. Every member likewise won a weekend pass at DreamPlay, a photo op with DreamWorks characters, DreamShop voucher worth P500 and Chez Gingy voucher worth P500.

Each of the other highly-talented grand finalists was given P10,000 in cash and a DreamPlay plaque. Each of their members also had a photo opportunity with the Dreamworks characters and brought home a complimentary DreamPlay ticket, DreamShop voucher worth P500 and Chez Gingy voucher worth P500.

To find out the upcoming activities at DreamPlay, interested parties can call 800 8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

Celebrate Football with OPPO F3 FC Barcelona Limited Edition Smartphone

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OPPO as Official Partner of one of the most popular football clubs-- FC Barcelona

Celebrating one of the most popular and loved football clubs in the world-- the FC Barcelona or Barca, OPPO, the top international smartphone brand created the OPPO F3 FC Barcelona Limited Edition Smartphone. 

O-Fans can get a rare opportunity to win one (1) out of the three (3) units in the Philippines through a Facebook fan page giveaway.

The OPPO F3 FC Barcelona Limited Edition smartphone carries special Barca Red color with unique gold accent. Making the limited edition smartphone more special is the official logo of the FC Barcelona made of real 18 carat gold with the print ‘FC Barcelona Official Partner’ underneath. 

Aside from the phone, the packaging is also made more special with a matte finish box and premium case with laser engraved signatures of today’s formidable football players.

Despite not being officially sold in the Philippines, OPPO Philippines gives Filipino fans the chance to win the OPPO F3 FC Barcelona Limited Edition Smartphone by simply visiting the OPPO Philippines Facebook page via http://bit.ly/OPPOFCB and follow the mechanics. A total of three limited edition smartphones will be given away this September 2017.

OPPO continues to push the boundaries beyond a smartphone brand and continues to touch customers through their passion points such as sports. In the Philippines, OPPO is part of the 2017 OPPO-PBA Governor’s Cup, the biggest and premiere basketball tournament in the country. Gilas Pilipinas, the country’s official men's national basketball team has also been supported by OPPO in their recent tournament in the South East Asian Games 2017.

Two More Filipino Acts Impress Judges on the X Factor UK : Boyband JBK, and Singer Elysa V. are Moving to the Next Round

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JBK, boyband from the Philippines, and Filipina-Australian singer Elysa V., took their shot at The X Factor UK and raised the Filipino spirit and flag yet again.

JBK performed Sam Smith’s Lay Me Down, a song well-loved by the judges. Their 24- hour flight paid off as they got 4 yeses from the judges in the 4th episode of the show today.

JBK

JBK members, Joshua Bulot, Bryan del Rosario, and Kim Lawrenz Ordonio, is the first Filipino boyband who made it to the show. Fans are hopeful that they make it far just like the Filipina girl group 4th Impact who joined the show two years ago.

After their performance, Judge Louis Walsh praised the group, “I love your dedication flying from the Philippines, it was good!”

Judge Nicole Scherzinger, who also has Filipino blood added, “You are making the Filipinos so proud right now”. This comment made the group really happy.

After Simon said “4 Yeses”, the boys could not contain their joy as they left the room running.

Another X Factor UK hopeful, Filipino-Australian, Elysa V., performed Fleur East’s Sax in full energy. Judge Nicole was so impressed that she flew all the way from Australia, and told her “For you, your mom, dad, everyone back home in Australia, it’s a Yes.”

Elysa V

Both acts are moving to the next level of the show joining fellow Filipino Gaga Lord, who also got 4 yeses from the judges last week.

The X Factor UK airs first and exclusive on RTL CBS Entertainment same day as the UK on Sundays and Mondays at 10:30am with primetime encores Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00pm. 

RTL CBS Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37(SD) and 313(HD).