Verde Creatives Gives Back to Payatas

February was certainly a lovely month especially for the folks from Verde Creatives. They're a public relations and creative agency who's always had a knack in combining what they could do for PR and combine it with social advocacy. I've had the pleasure of working with them in several occasions, and I could see the passion burning every time they go out for campaigns, including how they care for the media too. 

This time it's different, as they took off their gloves for work and changed into plain clothed angels together with partners at community organization Munting Hiling, all for the people of Payatas in Quezon City. 

For those who don't know, Payatas was previously a dumpsite for Metro Manila and nearby cities. For years, it has been converted into communities, but still have some who are poverty stricken. Armed with their gusto to bring LOVE, JOY and SUPPORT, Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling held an event called "Verde Gives Back for Feb-Ibig" last February 13th at Payatas B Elementary School. Taking cues from their theme "All Kinds of Love!", they prepared gift bags, ice cream and more treats for folks at the venue. They also taught the concepts of universal love, family, romantic love, having dignity and inclusivity for everyone and several groups. This "Verde Gives Back" activity is just one of the many things that Ms. Bemz Benedito (their Founding Managing Director) used to do back in college, and still continues to this day. Her immersions were done in the same area, with the same people from Munting Hiling.

For them, this is now their CSR activity, which all started from that old academic requirement. She reiterates this kind of love to reach everyone, no matter what social or economical level they're in, especially those who are often overlooked. Ms. Bemz Benedito has been the previous chair for Ladlad Partylist and still continues to support LGBTQIA+ organizations til now. 

 

She also received the Global Transgender Hero award from the True Colors Fund which 80's icon Cyndi Lauper co-founded. She plans to do this service with Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling for the poorest of the poorest sector. She hopes these gestures would create more opportunities for the townsfolk, and have them gain access to help with health, social programs, food security, love, equality and more.

This certainly has helped a lot, but seeing how their efforts continue and include more sustainable ways is like teaching them to fish. It's a good thing. You are doing awesome work Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling! 

LG Gets Laundry Love in Flood Affected Communities in Pangasinan

The monsoon rains, typhoon and flooding was felt in Central Luzon. Taking up the task of Laundry Love are the folks from LG Philippines together with laundry soap brand Breeze and appliance center Addessa. It's their social efforts to provide free laundry services for families affected by calamities done last August 13 to 15 in Barangay Malued Dagupan City. They are so grateful for the help of Breeze who sent over 900 detergent sachets. Using huge LG washers and dryers, it has been able to help over 135 locals who are also trying to rebuild homes damaged by strong rains and flooding.

This isn't the first time LG is doing this as they've done similar help in 2023-2024 for those in La Union, Zambales, Marikina and Cainta. This will be done in several cities in the same predicament, to help even more people and their families. According to LG Philippines Managing Director Nakhyun Seong, they will continue these CSR efforts as part of their commitment in doing community service. He sends his thanks to Breeze and Addessa who made sure they could source machines and laundry detergent during a very delicate time. They emphasize on giving back to help rebuilding efforts and support communities any way they can.

They are making lives better for Filipinos with this gesture. It's a small act, but has helped a lot during trying times. If you want to experience the same clean clothes, visit their social channels or their official website lg.com/ph to know more.

Foundations Strengthen Efforts in Crisis Relief and Supports DSWD

While the country is being ravaged by storms, typhoons and monsoon rains, the CSR efforts of DigiP|us Interact!ve Corporation through their subsidiary B!ng0P|us Foundation are continuing to support the Department of Social Welfare and Development specifically the Crisis Intervention Unit in Quezon City. This includes provisioning furniture and logistical support to make sure their help gets to where it is needed in the locale and nearby cities. 

This center in Paragon Place in Commonwealth was put up to take in those who need assistance from DSWD through their AICS and AKAP programs which gives financial help to those affected by natural disasters including these recent weather disturbances that have left a few homeless and need of aid. The foundations have supplied over 1034 chairs and 204 tables for use in these centers via their adopt a center program. They have long done these efforts and plan to continue in the coming years to make sure people get services when they need it most. 

Celebrating Women's Month with Mary Rose Marbil: A Story of Love, Compassion, Family and Service

She was all smiles when she went in. Donned in a white crisp top, hair tucked back and a presence I couldn't put to words. She has this presence signifying power, poise, posture that make known strictness. But once she uttered words, it felt like we were welcomed home, like no strangers... getting a warm hug. 

She's the beautiful Ms. Mary Rose Marbil, loving wife to PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil and caring mother to recently engaged Robyn Marie Marbil. She's also the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. (previously Officer's Ladies Club) Adviser, an honor she doesn't treat as an obligation, but an opportunity to help through charitable causes, now geared to help PNP Personnel and their families. This is also something that she is passionate about. 

Photo from the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. Facebook Page

 

This strong disposition must have come from somewhere, so I asked about who she gets the inspiration from. She immediately answered her Mom. She says "The woman who made a big impact is my Mom. Not just because she is my Mom, but because of how she is, and how she handled things. She's always objective about things. When we got married, we stayed with her for 3 years. She didn't want me to stay in PSG quarters because there would be a lot of chismis there. It might have been difficult to have 2 queens in one castle, but it wasn't with her. If there are conflicts, she never asked why, but just be present and be there for me. Even with the siblings, she's the most level headed. That's my Mom."

With the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc., she was involved in spearheading their ongoing project called LAB Virus (which they coined from Love and Blessings). She usually goes with the PNP Chief in various locations in the country but didn't participate much in efforts. With the project, she was able to start helping PNP personnel and their beneficiaries. With the foundation, she didn't have to wait for a regional visit to help people. It also rarely happens, and this was able to put them in a more pro-active state. 

The foundation sought help from health services to identify over 500 individuals that are critically ill. This was a huge number, even the Chief PNP was surprised. Much of them were suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease and needs lengthy dialysis treatments in their respective regions. They provided them needed financial assistance that would help for medical bills and for their daily spend. 

While it was a huge help, they wanted their actions to also be more sustainable. One of the regional leaders in Cebu was teaching life skills in making soap. It's a business they could easily teach PNP personnel and their beneficiaries, so they could fend for themselves, and put food on the table after getting help from the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. Very soon, they will also be teaching and giving away business kits to street sweepers in Camp Crame. They are excited to do this in Manila/Laguna too.

 Here's our interview with Ms. Mary Rose a few days ago:

Spreading love with every touch, the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. is continuously going around regions including BARMM. With help from private individuals who signified support through their organization, they would be able to lend a hand to more people especially PNP personnel and their families.

Recently, they also had a concert with singing PNP personnel to raise funds for the foundation. They also get help from individuals, other foundations (and the public) so they could come to the aid of more people in times of need. Her experience in the corporate world has helped her organize a structured operation to cater the underprivileged. They now have officers that will be able to continue efforts and ensure it would be addressed after her term. This is such a selfless and noble task, but she finds insurmountable fulfillment doing this.  

Her message to women out there, "There's always something you can do. You're not just a wife, let's not limit ourselves to what people think you can do. We are limitless, especially as women. It shouldn't be a hindrance, I even think there's more power in that. We have our charm, use it to move and make things happen. With our talents, we can use it for the welfare of the people around us. Do what you need to do!" Her story of love, compassion, her family and the service the foundation does for others is so inspiring.

Thank you for sharing your time Ms. Rose, it was certainly a pleasure getting to know you!

Foundation Benefited 1,000 Individuals with WishP|us Program

Looks like the holidays have been very apt for the folks from DigiP1us and their social arm Bing0P1us Foundation because they've been a very giving mood through their "Sagot ng Bing0 ang Regalo Mo Program" which is part of their community efforts aimed to help those who need it most in 24 cities just last year. 

Their executives and employees (mostly volunteers) made sure wishes from 45 folks were screened meticulously, as part of their W!shP|us program and their holiday activities nationwide. This was supported by their Executive Director Anglea Camins-Wieneke who puts this as one that could spark hope, love, that could impact the lives of those who are in the community.

To solidify the campaign, they also created a series called ChristPlus Stories, mostly about love and sacrifice that were shown on their social channels. The heartwarming videos elicited really good feedback from netizens, and those who were able to learn a thing or two about relationships, and kindness. Make sure you visit their pages for more of it today!

DigiPlus Interactive/BingoPlus Foundation Continue CSR Efforts in Typhoon Stricken Areas

It's been a devastating couple of months as typhoons ravaged the country. The recent one being Typhoon Carina and has affected people from Metro Manila and the island of Luzon. This prompted DigiPlus Interactive and their CSR efforts to make sure they get mobilized in different communities especially those who have been severely affected by it. Together with the DSWD, they got to bring essentials for 15,160 families. They went there with Digibuddy volunteers to make sure re-packing and distribution would be done without a hitch.

The affected barangays in Marikina, CAMANAVA, Rizal, and Central Luzon were given relief goods and toiletries including those who are in the DSWD shelters that function as a home for street children and the homeless. They also provided rice and milk for them during the activity.

With the help of their foundation, they also built rainwater collecting tanks with filters so they could benefit those who are also struggling with potable, clean water. They also taught children in school needed disaster preparedness skills so when the time comes, they would be able to weather through challenges. This includes IP's from the Dumagats, and vulnerable communities. This is part of their efforts to make sure that the Philippines remain resilient and stronger, and implement their CSR programs in line with it.

These are good things that should be multiplied!

LG Philippines Initiates LG Library on the Go

Went to this quaint little school nestled in the heart of Nagcarlan Laguna this morning to celebrate what could be a great start for kids to learn reading. Folks from LG Philippines is in town as they roll out their "LG LIBRARY ON THE GO", aimed to benefit the population of Manaol Elementary School. This is part of the CSR activities called LG Ambassador Challenge -100 Days of Miracles which they put up with representatives of LG Electronics and their beneficiary, Korean Food for the Hungry International.

This was sparked by a wish from LG Ambassador Charlene Aguilar who wanted to have a transport with books on it. This will have a capability to go to other places as well so it could serve even more children in this side of the world. The event was attended by LG Philippines Managing Director Nakhyun Seong, LG Philippines Head of Corporate Marketing Ana Marie Salapantan and LG Philippines Marketing Communications Manager Anthony George Constantino. It was covered by a few media outlets, and bloggers too.

LG Philippines Managing Director Nakhyun Seong says "I am happy to meet you today, my simple message is READ A BOOK. Make it a habit to do it so you can have a bright future. Even if it takes you one book every month, it'll make your dreams come true! I am so happy to see the kids here, they are so energetic!"

Take a look at this new Life's Good Mobile Library!

The 7 Barangays is just the start and they plan to do more in the next few years. In the past they have been doing community based projects and this year they are concentrating on often overlooked needs which is EDUCATION. They also have eye checkup and glasses for the kids courtesy of Monloy this morning. 

It was touching to see the kids get excited about the books they are about to read plus the reading/storytelling sessions they prepared for them. These are the times where you can really say, Life's Good!

URATEX Celebrates 55th Year with World Record and Meaningful CSR Efforts

Uratex Philippines just celebrated their 55th Anniversary by breaking a Guinness World Record for the largest Human Mattress Domino. The fun didn't end there as it was part of their CSR initiatives. Those 2,355 mattresses actually went somewhere after the event, particularly to different charity organizations in different parts of the country.

Their CEO and President Mrs. Naty Cheng mentioned "We've already given to 40 charity institutions during our 40th and 50th year, we've checked and saw that their mattresses were still in good condition. We opted to give even more to a different set of foundations so we could continue to help others."

The beneficiaries include actual orphanages, community hospitals, Muslim communities, homes for the elderly, non profit organizations and those who are in need. This also made them help in different locations like Cebu, Agusan, CDO, Batangas, Metro Manila and nearby cities. They provided to those who need it most as it aligns with their corporate values. Their founder Robert Cheng always reminded them to not stop til they get every Pinoy a comfy and affordable mattress. Wouldn't that be a nice future?

Recipients also were quick to thank the corp for going above and beyond of just being a business. Some of them conveyed how grateful they are that they wouldn't have to sleep on the ground because they got the mattresses now. That I think is even more meaningful than the world record, and certainly a good way to celebrate their 55th year!

TCL Philippines Works with TESDA to Encourage Healthy Food Consumption

Promising to see how global electronics brand TCL Philippines has been working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in various efforts in food preparation and skills training at their TESTA Technology Institution centers in the National Capital Region. Recently, they donated units of the state of the art TCL AAT Inverter+ Refrigerators. They also added some training supplies for the center's trainees which will surely benefit more people in the long run.

Eric Li, TCL's Product Manager for Washign Machine and Refrigerators says "Our collaboration with TESDA hopefully inspires everyone. We are looking forward to work with more entities in the near future." They also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TESDA officials at the TCL Philippines Headquarters witnessed by stakeholders. TESDA actually trains individuals in food processing to equip them with skills to perhaps bring source of income for their families. July is also Nutrition Month, so it surely is perfect timing!

TCL produces home tech products and puts them at a reasonable price, and make sure it's environmentally friendly and easy to use.

TESDA is currently doing a lot of community based training, they promise to put it to good use and benefit a lot of individuals who go through their courses. TESDA was also represented by their Manila District Director Niña Connie G. Dodd. This is just the start of TCL's movement, and they hope to work with even more organizations in the years to come.

For more information about their CSR efforts, make sure to follow their social channels by searching for TCL Philippines on various platforms.

A Meaningful Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day

It was festive and fun over at Shopee's 9.9 Super Shopping Day celebrations at BGC last week. It's been a while since they've done a physical event and it's been ages since bloggers and media guests have seen each other. Announcements of what's going to happen for the weeks going to Shopee 9.9 were in session, and from my seat, I'm quite happy with what I heard especially about the community part which I'll explain in a bit.

BARANGAY SHOPEE

During the sale day, of course you'll get the usual fare. This time however, Shopee is launching Barangay Shopee which is a part of their CSR initiative where users would be able to win a community project for their respective towns. From renovations of basketball courts, multi purpose halls, school supplies, all for the love of their own barangays. All you need to do is post public videos on Facebook with posting guidelines included, send the link on the Barangay Shopee page and you get the chance to win. Details for this are also listed on the Barangay Shopee page in app so make sure you join.

INTENSE "MAS MURA SA SHOPEE" DEALS THIS MONTH  

Starting today til the 11th of September, there will be huge offers on essentials, free shipping sitewide, and even Php 1 deals for items the whole duration. I've seen brands like INSPI, Garnier at the event and some of their other partners who are willing to make sure you get the best price at the app during these dates. 

Chance to Win Php 1 MILLION 

If you shop from September 1st to the 9th, you get the chance to win Php 1 Million if you claim codes for the draw. There will be a guessing game during the draws so you can also win thousands of pesos just by being a viewer and participating in the game. This will all be done during the Shopee Super Shopping Day TV Special which will be streamed live on the app and on GMA with the lovely Marian Rivera and other GMA stars taking part in it.

Here are some snippets of queen Marian Rivera at the Shopee event.

 Make sure you download the app and shop on the dates mentioned so you too have a meaningful Super Shopping Day like me! :)

 

 

Ayala Foundation, Huawei Partner Up to Build Sustainable Communities

It's been long standing, as two companies signed through a virtual session last September 13, a partnership so they could provide digital education for Filipinos. Ayala Foundation Inc. and Huawei Technologies Philippines Inc. are doing this to continue their goal to build sustainable communities and be a part of nation building.

Present during the occasion were AFI Senior Director for Social Development Joanna Maria Duarte, Huawei Philippines Vice President Daniel Guo and Huawei Philippines Director for Globe Telecom Zeh Zhang. This also coincides with AFI's 60th anniversary. They dubbed it as "Faith in the Filipino: 60 years of partnerships in nation building", a pretty apt theme for what Huawei and Ayala Foundation is doing now.

Huawei is donating USD 200,000 to support Ayala Foundation Inc's programs. This includes disaster recovery and emergency response, education, training and building sustainable livelihood for woemn and IP's. Huawei will also support globe with a USD 100,000 grant for their environmental programs. They've been doing this for several years now because they know how hard it is especially in the education sector where tons of students and their families won't be able to afford sending their kids to school. They promise to give more through Ayala Foundation's CSR programs as a way to give back to the Philippines.

It's a good thing.

Google and Employees Gives Pandemic Aid Through Internal Efforts

Following the announcement of Google's USD7.5 million grant to help Asian countries with the pandemic response, the company's employees in the Philippines have also volunteered to provide additional aid to the country. This is part of its efforts to fight the pandemic.

In support of the Philippines' volunteer program, iVolunteer, Google employees can donate to the organization through their company's giving campaign. The funds will be used to support the program. If the donation is made for a specific organization, iVolunteer will split it equally among the following: Citizens Disaster Relief Center, Solar Hope, and Kid's Who Farm.

In the Philippines, Google employees have been able to contribute to programs that benefit communities affected by natural disasters. One example of this is the company's matching campaign launched in 2020 for individuals affected by the severe flooding that occurred due to the typhoons Rolly and Ulysses.

That's a good thing.

CHRIS EVANS for “Live Smarter for a Better World”

Just got off the press conference of Chris Evans. The good looking guy has been on your timeline for a couple days now, and how do you feel seeing him talking in Filipino a couple of times and asking you to “Live Smarter for a Better World”? You see, SMART Communications aim to inspire people like you to commit to personal revolutions. It's like collective action, so we live like we're not just talk.

Chris Evans is the face of this campaign. The reveal was done over Twitter the other day by MVP Group head honcho Manny Pangilinan. He also appeared in the two minute commercial directed by Pascal Heiduk who has worked with Hugh Jackman and Lewis Hamilton and did ads for BMW, Montblanc and Mercedes Benz AMG.

What's cool with this campaign is that they want you to take action on your dreams and make a positive impact to society. They want to support efforts (just like they did in the past few years) especially those which encourage innovation, sustainability and help in nation building. They don't want you to just settle for "good", they want you to do "BETTER". Isn't that awesome?

Chris has supported various social causes including A STARTING POINT (NGO helping community leaders connect with technology), also Breast Cancer Care organizations, charities and other efforts. He's just looks, he's doing something, acting on it.

Darwin Flores VP and Head for Community Partnerships Smart Communications "It is in acting locally that we change the people around us. Connecting, working together, this is why this means more to us. We recognize that life is only one, human connections can be enabled by technology, it should be for all. At Smart, we have efforts and CSR programs across the country, not just help, but livelihood programs. Tech should enable you to fulfill what is important to you, to make sure there si food on the table, livelihood not just today, but the future. This should enable learning, within and outside the classrooms, it could be anywhere anytime, like with our school in a bag that has made smart communities. Food security, we realized the importance of our farmers, if they don't plant, we don't eat. It's why we buy from our local farmers, while getting quality products for our families. Simple solutions can make a difference. We can overcome things when we act together."

Ms. Jane J. Basas the SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart says “This is of course a collaboration with Chris, and we know how he captivated the world not just by being a hero but also in real life as he uses his influence in making a better world for all. In support of our campaign, we hope we get to inspire people to bring out inner hero to help change the world. It can be done with one positive action at a time. Social advocacy has been in our DNA, it has been in our goal to make Filipinos be connected more than ever. This same driving force that pushed us all these years. ”

 Mr. Alfredo S. Panlilio President and CEO of Smart adds “The pandemic made us all realize that we are all connected and how our actions have broader impact. Our “Live Smarter for a Better World”  campaign aims to create that spark in everyone so we can change the world for the better. We can't settle for good. This is one of our biggest initiatives. Smart intends to inspire people, ignite passion, to empower more Filipinos in their own way, that we can make a difference."

 

Chris says "Start off reading. It can do a lot. It was born in recognizing that there are proliferation of fake stuff, getting the people in office to directly communicate facts rather than fiction is important. This is where "A STARTING POINT" started. I can't wait to get out there because I've heard so much about the nice beaches, can't wait to visit and say hi!"

Smart has an open invitation to come to the country and perhaps, get to look around our beautiful islands (hopefully soon). If you haven't seen it yet, go visit Smart Communications FB, Twitter and IG accounts as it is all posted there. Chris Evans, Captain America, America's... good looking guy that does it all.

The Launch of GCASH for Good

GCASH For Good just launched today. It’s a CSR work by the same people behind GCASH and their partner non governmental organizations. Since the platform has free transactions, taking advantage of the cashless system to transfer funds to help different advocacies will be easier now. YOU can use it to help those in need.

Ney Villasenor, MYNT’s Vice President and Group Head says “We have 35 willing enterprises. We are the number one mobile wallet in the country today. Send money, buy food, at the heart of what we do is we are safe, secure and reliable. Now we have a chance to use the app to empower people and do good. Now it’s easy, everybody wants to be part of something bigger than their everyday lives. We have well meaning organizations that can be brought together, in environment, education, children's rights, just about any charity organization to use GCASH FOR GOOD. Later on you will see stories, who in their own little way can use it for good, you all tell us how to do it, we are appealing for Filipinos to do more. When you buy medicine, there are people who could help, if you have GCredit, it’s easier for you to do that. It’s a true story, we welcome you to join us and make this a reality, we believe GCASH can be used for good.”

Ms Mabs Niala, MYNT’s Sustainability Head says “All our programs and activities are geared towards a sustainable nation. We encourage generosity that will allow people to give, a community of do gooders, an easy job for us. Join us in GCASH for Good, all our partner NGO’s have their advocacies and we can be enablers. With your help, the power of good prevails.”

Currently, they have ABSCBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, ECHOsi Foundation (social enterprises), Caritas Manila (Catholic Charities), WWF Philippines (Wildlife and Nature Conservation), Hero Foundation (For Soldiers and their families scholarship), Alagang Kapatid Foundation (TV5’s CSR Arm), Animal Kingdom Foundation (Animal welfare), Benilde SDEAS (Deaf student scholarships), BIOFIN (for nature biodiversity), Segunda Mana (social service), Childrens Hour Philippines Foundation (child welfare), Fishers and Changemakers (fishing social enterprise), Daluhay Daloy ng Buhay Inc. ( nature and agricultural foundation), Great Women (women empowerment), Hope Foundation (education and classrooms), House Foundation (sustainable enterprise), ILOVE Foundation (Gina Lopez), Kythe Foundation (for hospitalized children), Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (biodiversity in Mindoro Island), Philippine Dogs and Cats Rescuers Association Inc. (Animal welfare), Pusod Inc (marine, water ecosystem conservation), Saret Organic Farmville (indigenous tribe farming), ICanServe Foundation (early detection and breast cancer causes), Haribon Foundation (habitat and wildlife conservation), PHAPCares Foundation Inc. (Pharmaceutical and Healthcare org), Save the Children (Childrens org), The Philippine Red Cross and a whole lot more soon!

Since the app is online, any individual capable of using the app for their transactions (in any age too) can now help agencies involved in education in depressed areas, animal welfare, kids with special needs, cleanup activities, civil society and people organizations of which they showed videos during the event. It’s an opportunity for you to also be socially responsible too. Filipinos can now donate, give and care for the advocacies of their choice. The app is going to send money, send money to accounts, as quick as sending an sms and you can join the movement by downloading the app today.