Drew Arellano Is The Male Makabata Star Awardee At The Anak TV Awards 2017

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Drew Arellano is the Male Makabata Star Awardee (Anak TV Seal for AHA! and Anak TV Seal for Biyahe ni Drew) given by the Anak TV Awards 2017. 

Drew is the ultimate Biyahero guide in his show Biyahe ni Drew where he previously received a Best Travel Show Host award from the 31st PMPC Star Awards for Television. In the show, Drew introduces viewers to exciting destinations and provides travel tips and recommendations to them.

Drew also enjoys sharing interesting facts and trivia with his show AHA! “As the viewers gain knowledge from watching the episodes, I also learn a lot from doing my shows. I am grateful and honored to receive this prestigious recognition from Anak TV Awards.”

He adds, “I understand how parents feel now that I am already a father. I want my son Primo to grow up healthy, smart, and well-rounded. I am cautious to what shows he watches on television. These shows must be wholesome, educational, and values-oriented for kids. I am completely aware of my responsibilities to the public as a host.” 

Drew Arellano is a talent of Asian Artists Agency. For inquiries about Asian Artists Agency, please call (02) 855-4765 or (02) 405-4423, email info@asianartistsagency.com, and visit fb.com/asianartistsagency

7-Eleven brings The Force to Pinoys in partnership with Disney

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Avid fans in the Philippines and all over the world are all geared up as Star Wars: The Last Jedi is now in cinemas!

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the second installment of the new generation Star Wars Trilogy, following the box office hit, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. 

Star Wars: The Last Jedi continues the narrative set forth by the films before it. The plot revolves around Rey’s efforts to hone her newly-discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the brewing conflict between The Resistance and The First Order grows as they prepare to face each other.

Aside from the story of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, many fans are eagerly anticipating the last Star Wars film that was completed by the legendary Carrie Fisher, who plays Princess Leia.

To share the excitement of the film, 7-Eleven is working with Walt Disney Philippines to bring three exciting promos for Pinoy Star Wars fans. 

Pick up your lightsabers and join 7-Eleven as it brings you Star Wars: The Last Jedi E-Raffle which will run from November 22, 2017 to January 30, 2018. 

The mechanics are simple and easy to understand. Whether you're supporting The Resistance or from The First Order, you get 1 E-Raffle entry every time you buy P100 worth of products at any 7-Eleven.

For this raffle, 7-Eleven prepared exciting and exclusive prizes, making even the citizens of galaxies far, far away eager to win.  There will be 20​ ​winners​ ​of​​​ ​Star​ ​Wars​ ​Force​ ​Link​ ​BB-8​ ​2-in-1​ ​Mega​ ​Playset, 10​ ​winners​ ​of​ ​BB-8, BB-9,​ ​and​ ​R2D2​ ​set, 10​ ​winners​ ​of​ ​New​ ​Millennium​ ​Falcon​ ​Lego play set, and 10​ ​winners​ ​of a ​​trip​ ​for​ two​ ​to​ ​Hong Kong Disneyland​ ​for​ ​a​ ​Tomorrowland​ ​Takeover​ ​Experience. Also, a helpful tip for the aspiring Jedis or Padawans, you can get an additional E-Raffle entry by simply purchasing booster products such as Big Gulp and Big Bite, which also come with exciting Star Wars: The Last Jedi merchandise. 

Star Wars Collectors alert! When you buy a 22oz. Gulp Pepsi Max, you can opt to add for a limited-edition Star Wars tumbler for just P89, then you’ll only need P20 pesos to refill your Gulp Pepsi Max. And lastly, if you buy any Big Bite flavor from 7-Eleven, you can also opt to add for a limited-edition Star Wars pouch for only P85. Both promos for Big Gulp and Big Bite run from November 22, 2017 to January 2, 2018.

What are you waiting for? Join now and may the Force be with you. 

For more details regarding these promos, please visit the 7-Eleven Facebook Page or the nearest 7-Eleven store in your area. 

City of Dreams Manila celebrates the season of giving through granting a father's wish

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Following a touching father-daughter short video titled “Perfect Moments Made Real” that went viral in October with almost seven million views in Facebook, the luxury integrated resort City of Dreams Manila released another video granting the wish of a father to bond with his family this holiday season, captioned “This was our response to a father who had a simple dream for his family”.

The story of Don Pilapil, an app-based driver and bottling company agent and father of four, was discovered through his comment on City of Dreams’ first viral short video. He expressed a wish to have the time to bring his children to DreamPlay and have the same memorable experiences that his passengers seemed to enjoy when he would drive them to and from the resort. Because Don held two jobs, he got anxious about losing touch with his growing kids because of the little time he spent with them.

City of Dreams Manila’s team reached out to Don to give him the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience and quality time with his family, which included lunch in an elaborate set-up at the Grand Ballroom, play hours at DreamPlay and a staycation at Nobu Hotel Manila. 

“Don’s moving story was something we wanted to share with our audience on Facebook because it resonates with a lot of Filipinos striving for a brighter future for their families. In this season of giving, we take pleasure in making a father’s dream come true to have memorable moments with his family,” stated City of Dreams Manila Property President Geoff Andres.

Barely a week since its posting on November 30, Don’s story on City of Dreams Manila’s official Facebook page has reached over 1.4 million views, garnered more than 40,500 likes and reactions, over 7,600 shares and more than 1,600 comments. Don’s heart-tugging words certainly merit a thumbs-up: “I’ve learned that being a good parent isn’t measured by how much you’ve given. It is felt by caring, by spending time with them. So before they totally leave my side, if there’s something they could bring as they grow, I hope they remember that I have been a good father.”

City of Dreams Manila’s viral video ends with the caption “Make more perfect moments together”, which inspires its viewers to give the gift of time and love for their family this holiday season. 

To view the video, click on the following link: https://www.facebook.com/cityofdreamsmanila/videos/740108586180253/.

Project Headshot Clinic X (2017) 10th Year Series for World AIDS Day

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If your good friend tells you that he (or she) is HIV positive, what would you do?

Award winning photographer Niccolo Cosme responded with his artist’s soul by creating a themed photo exhibit in support of his friend, Wanggo Gallaga., who had been diagnosed HIV-positive in 2008. Headshot Clinic – Aware featured 80+ photos that showed a distinctive red mark on the faces of the friends and supporters who participated in the first Headshot Clinic exhibit on HIV in 2008. Fast forward to 2017 -- the tenth Headshot Clinic on HIV, featuring 226 photos, with friends who had been there from the start as well as hundreds of other supporters and advocates who had become part of the growing movement for HIV awareness advocacy.

This year, Headshot Clinic X, the tenth of a series, was launched online on the eve of December 1, a day globally recognized as World AIDS Day, with an on-site exhibit at Pineapple Lab in Makati on December 6, 2017. The program for the on-site exhibit featured an interpretative dance whose movements enhanced the reading of Beneath my Skin, a poem written by Wanggo Gallaga. The artists who collaborated for the event include Raflesia Bravo, Zyda Baaya, Jobelle Nunez, Jared Luna, Mara Marasigan, Anthony Falcon and Gabby Padilla with costumes by Leeroy New. Plaques of appreciation were given to 10 individuals who had supported Headshot Clinic in various ways through the years. The support of organizational partners and sponsors such as The Red Whistle, Save The Children, Pineapple Lab, #SafelyPH, Drink Manila, Remy Martin, Davinci Gourmet Philippines and Epson Philippines contributed to the success of the event.

The growth and expansion of Headshot Clinic is evident in the hundreds of people who have participated in this social media campaign, the number organizations that have supported the exhibits, and the depth of commitment of people who have played key roles in ensuring the success of the campaign. After conceptualizing and setting up the first exhibit, Niccolo Cosme intensified his engagement in HIV campaigns, and co-founded The Red Whistle, an organization that seamlessly blends advocacy, photography, and social media. The Red Whistle volunteers and celebrity ambassadors tirelessly work in partnership with local governments, universities, and civil society organizations to conduct HIV education that would lead to an increase in the number of people who get tested and know their HIV status. Knowing your HIV status is central to the prevention of HIV, and early diagnosis saves lives as well as prevents new infections. HIV testing and treatment in the Philippines are free and confidential in government clinics and hospitals across the country.

To facilitate access to HIV testing, the #SafelyPh app was developed, serving as a locator for HIV services. The app is being further enhanced to provide additional services and information on HIV. The development of the #SafelyPh app was supported by Save the Children, which serves as the Principal Recipient of the country’s financial grant from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. Save the Children had supported the activities of The Red Whistle in 2016 and 2017, contributing significantly to the expanding reach of HIV educational campaigns using social media, and an increased uptake of testing services.

The Philippines has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics in the world, and HIV prevention campaigns need to expand faster than the epidemic. Social media has the potential to reach a vast audience, and its potential can be further realized as netizens view, share and comment. The online exhibit of Headshot Clinic X can be viewed at Facebook.com/HeadshotClinic

For videos and a fun approach to HIV education, check out The Red Whistle at www.theredwhistle.com

Download the #SafelyPh app for information on testing services.

As Niccolo Cosme had noted, “We can prevent the spread of HIV, one Headshot at a time.”

Panasonic donates 2,550 solar lanterns

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Manila, Philippines,  December 2017 – As part of its global “100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project,” Panasonic Corporation (PC) donated 2,550 solar lanterns to 10 humanitarian and non-governmental organizations in the Philippines. The latest donation drive has brought this initiative to its 5^th year and with a total of 12,264 pieces of solar lanterns.

Panasonic Corporation (PC) donates 2,550 solar lanterns as part of its global 100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project.  A hand-over ceremony attended by more than 50 guests was held at Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC) in Taytay, Rizal graced by DSWD-Disaster Response Assistance and Management Bureau Director Felino Castro V (10^th from left); PMPC President Shinichi Hayashi (holding a solar lantern board); and PC-CSR & Citizenship Group, Program Management Section Leader Haruhisa Okuda (8^th from right).  Other members of PMPC management include Executive Director Masaru Toyota (4^th from left); Executive Director Yoshiyuki Takahashi (7^th from left); Assistant Director Marlon Molano (2^nd from right); Assistant Director Robert Pacheco (1^st from left); and Air Conditioner Business Division Head Harry Sarmiento (2^nd from left) with the officers and representatives of the 10 recipient-humanitarian and non-government organizations: Center for Excellence in Special Education (Stepping Stone) Foundation; Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation; Davao Medical School Foundation - Institute of Primary Health Care; Interfaith Partnership for the Promotion of Responsible Parenthood; Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation; Josefa Segovia Foundation; Konkokyo Peace Activity Center Information Office; Philippine Business for Social Progress; Pilipinas Shell Foundation; and Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (National Confederation of Small Farmers' and Fishers' Organization). 

This year marks the final year of the said Project. To date, over 92,000 lanterns have been donated through 131 humanitarian organizations in 30 countries since its debut in 2012.

A donation ceremony was held at Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC) in Taytay, Rizal graced by DSWD-Disaster Response Assistance and Management Bureau Director Felino Castro V; PMPC President Shinichi Hayashi; and PC-CSR & Citizenship Group, Program Management Section Leader Haruhisa Okuda.  Other members of PMPC management include Executive Director Masaru Toyota; Executive Director Yoshiyuki Takahashi; Assistant Director Marlon Molano; Assistant Director Robert Pacheco; Refrigerator Business Division Head Angelo Tamayo; and Air Conditioner Business Division Head Harry Sarmiento.

PMPC President Shinichi Hayashi 

Mr. Hayashi commented, “Today’s donation marks the 5th of such efforts in the Philippines under the “Panasonic 100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project,” which is one of the clear manifestations of Panasonic commitment to serve society and help improve the lives of people along with the aspiration of having a world where “no one will be left behind” and in pursuing ‘A Better Life, A Better World’.  Since the time the Project was introduced in the Philippines, we continue to receive positive feedbacks and testimonies that serve as inspiration for us to strive for more, exerting our best effort to carry out our responsibilities as corporate citizens.”

In introducing the 10 recipient-organizations of the donation for fiscal year 2017, Mr. Okuda presented some reports on how the solar lanterns are now helping the beneficiaries. 

“We are glad that our Solar Lanterns Project is really serving its purpose with reports that with the solar lanterns donated by Panasonic, teachers and school children without access to electricity are now conducting tutorial lessons, meetings, making lesson plans, and instructional materials even beyond class hours.  Likewise, teachers are delighted that the solar lanterns allow them to carry on with their classes even when the weather is gloomy,” Okuda said.

The aim of the Panasonic global “100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project” is to improve such electrification needs, namely - access to education, healthcare and business opportunities through the use of the company’s technology and product.  Each donated solar lantern is attached to a solar panel. Through the use of renewable solar energy, the product not only mitigates social challenges, but also contributes to carbon dioxide emission reduction. Till date, the target remains at donating 100,000 units of the compact lighting devices to areas in emerging and developing countries with limited electricity access by 2018, the company’s 100th year anniversary.

The 10 organizations that received Solar Lanterns in the Philippines:

1. Center for Excellence in Special Education (Stepping Stone) Foundation Inc. 

2. Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc. 

3. Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc. - Institute of Primary Health Care 

4. Interfaith Partnership for the Promotion of Responsible Parenthood, Inc. 

5. Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, Inc. 

6. Josefa Segovia Foundation, Inc. 

7. Konkokyo Peace Activity Center Information Office, Inc. 

8. Philippine Business for Social Progress  

9. Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. 

10. Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (National Confederation of        Small Farmers' and Fishers' Organization)

Panasonic hopes its solar lanterns will provide a better life, a better world for the people of the Philippines and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).