What Does It Take to Have a #WorldWithoutWaste?

A couple years ago, Coca Cola launched a global campaign with a very bold and ambitious goal. The aim was to collect and recycle a bottle or can of what the company sells by 2030. Year after year, they stepped up, become successful, and that also included the Philippines. Their movement in the country has spawned different models including this NGO called Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI). A component of what they did in 2019 called Blastik made use of recycling centers that is funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation. In it, they learned to spread awareness about environmental efforts, earn and provide for themselves, and recycle a lot of plastic. As you may know, a lot of companies make products with packaging and these efforts would hopefully make a dent on that challenge. Coca-Cola currently is recycling over 93% of their waste in bottling plants and now utilize plant based renewable material called PlantBottle.

Blastik's success as a pilot project continued in a partnership wtih PeacePond Farmers Organization based in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. Farmers from this organization have empowered their community and provided environmental education so they would learn waste segregation, recycling and putting up livelihood projects via workshops, webinars which they host in a regular basis. The Blastik Project taught them how collecting, recycling used and clean plastic bottles would be beneficial and create opportunities for townsfolk so they could earn from re-using plastics in projects, so they could feed their families. Beneficiary Jo Guanco (who's a 53yo farmer from the same place) says "The Blastic Project showed us how important it is to teach our neighbors about segregation and recycling. We are also working with other communities these days so they too can coordinate and schedule collection of plastic bottles in towns, nearby areas and offices, of which some personally call us so we could collect it for them. We continue to be Blastic Eco Rangers til now."

The movement has gone to other communities like Bakyas Community in Oringao, Kabankalan Negros Occidental, Elite Ads Corp in Paranaque City, and Elite Ads Corporation in Carmona Cavite. They also have active partnerships with Seda Hotel in Bacolod City plus Southland College in Kabankalan also. During the pandemic, they continue to process almost 17 tons worth more or less of mixed bottles, bottle caps, plastic sachets and labels too. As of now, Coca-Cola Foundation is supporting over 40 zero waste communities around the countries, and are continuing to grow more in the next few months. Ms. Cecile Alcantara puts this as Blastik's initial success, and says "we are really happy and excited about it."

If you want to know more about their initiatives, just head on to coca-colacompany.com/reports/business-environmental-scoal-governance-report-2020 or their social channels and be part of that change, make the #WorldWithoutWaste possible today! 

Coca-Cola Music x Spotify

Coca-Cola has been surprising me every day. Aside from the common place it sits on every meal we have at home, the numerous concerts and holidays I've celebrated with them and the countless bottles and cans they shipped at home, here they go again and got me something cool with all the Coke madness that runs through my house this afternoon. They gave me MUSIC.

I guess this is still part of their celebration. They are now 125 years in existence and the pack that they gave me got this commemorative bottle that started it all.

They did not just leave me hanging of course. After this awesome memorabilia, they went ahead and gave me something that I'll be listening to in MY BREAKTIME. Have you guys heard of Spotify?

Spotify is one of the biggest music platforms in the world. It's the leading online music streaming service to ever land in the face of the Earth. Unfortunately, this is NOT AVAILABLE in the Philippines yet but Coca-Cola hooked us up and partnered with SPOTIFY to give us the chance to get exclusive access to over 25 MILLION songs worldwide!  

Since I'm feeling generous today and Coca-Cola said we can hook you up too, we're giving this FREE SPOTIFY Accounts to you too! It's easy! 

1.) Just go to your email client (Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo etc.) and put in Coca-Cola Spotify on the subject.

2.)  Send it to Social_CokePH@coca-cola.com.

3.) You'll receive an auto reply email that contains a specific and UNIQUE CODE plus a link to the secret SPOTIFY registration page so you can download it off the net. 

 

Just install it according to instructions and launch the software on your PC. I allowed it on my firewall when it asked me to. If you've got it installed just launch the program and you're good to go!

Spotify also gets you to create your own community by either connecting with other Spotify accounts or Facebook if you are into it. Aside from that, the software also shows what songs or artists are trending around you. If your friends/neighbors are into loca band Eraserheads, Chicosci or Rivermaya they've got that too! If you're more into foreign ones, you'll have millions of songs to enjoy too using Spotify. I'm a child of the 80's, 90's and house music so you pretty much know where I spent my time favoring each track when I found them all! Aside from that, you can create playlists so you don't have to go back to each individual album when you want music right there and now. You can even get your friends playlists too if you've got the same taste in music.

Out of all the features I've loved in Spotify, I was so surprised when I connected my iPod which I originally just wanted to charge. The thing detected it immediately and asked if I wanted to SYNC music on it too! Geeze, now I don't have to open a separate iTunes software to get the lovely local content I have into my gadgets. The application also classifies tracks by genres, artists, albums etc. so you don't have to have others hogging your resources. I did this on my netbook and it was still working together with my browsers and downloads in the background. Isn't that amazing?

Now that you've got Spotify on your PC, you can stream all the lovely content that Spotify can only bring into Filipino homes. You just have to get it installed on your PC, then your other gadgets when it becomes available soon!

Thank you so much Coca-Cola for not only giving me a great break time but a really a better one because of Coca-Cola and Spotify Music! You guys ROCK!

For more information about their products:

Coca-Cola Philippines

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Visit their official website

http://www.coca-cola.com.ph

COCA-COLA FEMSA PHILIPPINES

Everybody has a perceived dream when they are still young. Funny because I wanted to make Coca Cola when I was a kid. Failure, oddly enough makes you a better person and your goals change as time goes by. I went to a Coca Cola plant back then but didn't know how it happened as it was part of a field trip itinerary. Lo and behold, I was back at it again a few weeks ago. It was an eye opening experience.

For those who don't know, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines was incorporated in January of this year. FEMSA, is one of the biggest companies in Latin America that acquired a 51% stake in Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Incorporated (CCBPI). This means, they are now part of the largest beverage company and Coca Cola bottler int the world.

I was in the company of executives of this prestigious corporation. Had a few jittery moments because I think I was the only blogger there. They wanted to show us how they do things in the Sta. Rosa plant. Shown are pellets of resin that they make into bottles before filling it up and sending it to your homes. These are standardized processes and they are strict in implementing it. I even took the thing home as a souvenir haha. Then we proceeded to the plant.

Quality, safety and sustainability is what they have built in to the process. They are following international and global standards and ensure that they are complying or a step ahead in providing happiness. What's pretty cool is that they even went ahead and did initiatives to help the community, an integral part of their being according to Mr. Juan Dominguez (HR and Corp Affairs Director) of Coca-Cola FEMSA. Their thrust of being the best in the industry for Water, Energy Conservation, Safety Programs and Environment Best Practices is a priority. This is beside their main function of producing, bridging route to market paths and distribute to centers nationwide. Whilst Coca Cola Philippines still sells syrup to them and markets product.

Year on year, there has been remarkable improvement in making their plant more efficient and environmentally friendly. They have even won several awards to date and has been regarded by the local government institutions as a stalwart of solid waste management, environmental runs, tree planting, river and community cleanup drives.

This is their promise to the Philippines as they continue to provide happiness in every home.

Heard they also helped a ton with Yolanda victims. The small chats on how their plant in that area got ravaged and just gave away their products was heartwarming. They had clean potable water which helped countless families in the region. They also have been producing non stop more water and donating them at these times. A noble gesture indeed. They will also be waiting for more information about where and how they could rebuild their lives (and their workers)after one of the strongest typhoons on Earth has landed in the Philippines. I believe Coca-Cola Femsa Philippines will continue to make head way in not only spreading happiness, but start responsible corporate initiatives that change the lives of Filipinos nationwide!

For more information about the company 

Please visit their official website

http://www.femsa.com/en/business/coca_cola_femsa/philippines.htm

The New Glee Cast in the Philippines and Coke Mismo!

Hollywood seems to be just around the corner because stars have been coming to Manila like clockwork. Just recently, Coca Cola launched their new beverage size called COKE MISMO and together with that, they got Filipino celebrities and some of the guys and gals from GLEE. Yes you read that right, they are here live in the flesh!

Hosting the press conference was Iya Villania. Then she introduced them one by one!

Jacob Artist aka Jake Puckerman was here. Oh you bet there were more!

Gorgeous blonde bombshell and cheerleader Becca Tobin who's got deadly legs! I love her!

Next Rachelle Berry to be Melissa Benoist, classy and sweet just the way we like it.

Dean Geyer was also there but he was a little too quick in the front of the stage so I didn't get to take photos of him. He was also VERY good looking... Aussie on all corners but New Yorker by all means I think.

Coca Cola is extremely generous so aside from Coke ambassadors Enchong Dee, Julia Montes, Kathryn Bernardo and Joseph Marco, they brought these new Glee cast members for the launch of the new Coke MISMO which is a new bottle size from Coca Cola. For those who find the 500ml too much or the solo size too "bitin" this is the one in between. It also costs only 10 pesos with all that fizz you get from the original Coca Cola you love all these years!

They were also interviewed by Iya Villania and we had so much fun because the conversation was very casual.

I don't want to disturb you, here's a ton of photos for your viewing pleasure!

Reminiscing Coca Cola's 100 Years in the Philippines!

If you had the chance to celebrate a 100 years of existence how would you do it and why?

That's exactly the task that Coca Cola had on its hands this year; and what a way to answer this question by making it a celebration like no other. They had YOU and your family in mind; no let me correct that... they had the whole PHILIPPINES in mind when they wanted to celebrate their 100th Year!

Coca Cola Concert ng Bayan! Building projection showed the evolution of Coke bottles and even got it to be like a Coke glass. Filling it up later on looked so awesome!

The Coca Cola Concert ng Bayan!

Generations upon generations of Filipinos have grown up with Coca Cola and it's already part of our culture in more ways than one. Each time we have gatherings be it lunch, merienda or dinner it has always been an integral part of every meal... and every family celebration. It brings US together and makes our gathering more happier than the usual. Caloy the President for Happiness in the Philippines thought about it for a second; and asked thousands of Filipinos through "Happiness ng Bayan Survey" who they want to see, hear and perform. That started the concept of The Coca Cola Concert ng Bayan!

Think about your favorite rock stars, your favorite idols from any genre of music. Now imagine if they got them all and put them in one big stage. Then think about Coca Cola having them all perform their hits and greatest songs too! Not to mention making this concert ALL FOR FREE! Wouldn't that be amazing? That's exactly what historically happened last March 23, 2012 at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds and I was to witness this awesome event!

Craig David

The HOT afternoon was turned to quite a refreshing sight when the one and only Craig David graced the halls of Diamond Hotel for a short press conference. It was amazing seeing him in the flesh let alone see him perform a little later on in the evening. He was so excited to see the Filipinos once again and this time he'll be performing his great songs like Insomnia and not so old ones from his previous albums. He proudly brags he only has bottled Coke inside his fridge at home too!

Chino Lui Pio a.k.a. VJ Chino

 Equally good looking and excited as I am, VJ Chino was there too to start off asking questions to David. The day was clearly starting on a great note!

Comedy Team Jose and Wally together with President for Happiness Caloy (Center)

Jose and Wally brought comedic fervor to another level to start off the celebrations at the MOA Concert Grounds.They introduced the performers to that afternoon!

The Itchyworms

Jugs and the band started off the concert. I love hearing their songs all over again. Jazz Nicolas, Jugs Jugueta, Kelvin Yu, and Chino Singson made us all stomp along with the beat. It was addicting!

Ebe Dancel

Memories of Sugarfree just flashed right in front of us. His vocals was uniquely only his and who wouldn't love Ebe Dancel singing his hits all over again. We felt we were in memory lane! He even performed a song together with Callalily!

Kean Cipriano of Callalily

If you only knew how much shrieking girls suddenly went on a frenzy when he came out, Kean Cipriano was really an awesome performer. I loved every bit of his set and yes he did the best songs from his album so it was a treat for everyone there. Not minding his voice problems at that time, he made sure every one enjoyed his music. I know I did!

GLOC 9 and his protege Denise Barbacena with Caloy

I went backstage and got the chance to snap some shots of Gloc 9 and his protege Denise. I can't believe I was this close!

Raymund Marasigan of Sandwich

One of my personal rock icons was there too. Made me think of Eraserheads. It was really nostalgic to see him and his almost poetic lyrics. Artistic in every sense, Sandwich was surely one of my favorites!

Raymund Marasigan and Jay Durias of South Border

Jay Durias was there and even got to mash up his songs in a different way with Sandwich. It was a great collaboration. I wonder if they would have this on DVD!

Tutti Caringal of 6CycleMind

Eunice of Grace Note

6CycleMind, Eunice of Grace Note and Kleggy combined to make a wham bam thank you Ma'am performance that night. It was a mix but it was good!

Basti Artadi of WOLFGANG

Performance in another scale, that's how I would describe WOLFGANG that evening. It was so intense I didn't get to shoot them that much because I had to watch from below. It was really awesome to see them there. They are officially in my ROCK ICONS list especially Basti Artadi!

Basti Artadi of WOLFGANG and Gloc9

Imagine that intensity and add in the rap with the speed of 100 KM/HR by GLOC9 and that's just impossible! They make dreams come true. This is happiness!

GLOC 9's protege Denise Barbacena

Gloc 9

Gloc 9 was just astounding. I wasn't a fan of his before but after seeing him perform live... I take it all back! It was awesome. He also did a song with his protege and that made everything even better! I didn't know OPM could be like this GREAT!

Chito Miranda

Buwi Meneses

Vinci and Chito!

Parokya ni Edgar was just out of this world. Their skits in between songs was really something and you can tell how much fun the people were having. I know I was!

Gino of RX, Caloy and Robi Domingo

These guys introduced the next ones. Yes it looked like they were just starting.

Hey Daydreamer it's SomeDayDream!

Just look at the good looking Rez of SomeDayDream and you'll have that happy face up in no time at all. Everyone was swaying along with him as he sang some of his songs to the enjoyment of everyone there!

Then she came along....

Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo

I haven't seen her perform live. Not until this evening. It was a revelation because she wasn't just a good singer.... she was an awesome dancer! She is a complete entertainer! I love her!

She was awesome!

Gary Valenciano

Concert King Gary Valenciano and his son Gab was there to bring everyone to their feet. It was really a good day and evening for us. I can't believe this is happening all in one day! Even PUPIL, Craig David and a song by Gary, SomeDayDream and Sarah was on the list. That was just EPIC!

Coke celebrated 100 Years in the Philippines with one huge concert and they did this all for the Filipino. I love how they felt they had to give back. I know this isn't the last thing on their list but they started with the great artists this country has ever produced plus an International performer. They are just starting, aren't you excited about what's going to happen in the next few months as they celebrate and open up the happiness in your area?!

Congratulations to Coca Cola Philippines! No wonder you are number one in the Philippines and in the hearts of the Filipinos! ♥

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Coca-Cola President for Happiness