The country was ravaged by typhoons, floods and earthquakes and so far, the Dig!P|us Foundation has deployed 8 million peseos worth of help for disaster relief in the Philippines.
From the several towns in Bulacan, to help in Northern Cebu hit by the huge earthquake, they have provided efforts to make sure they reach to far flung towns to help rebuild their homes, especially those severely affected by typhoons in the region. This goes the same with the ones in Luzon, who made resource tap in the BayanihanP|us programs they've implemented for resilience projects , also for Typhoon Tino and Uwan with less thank 15k families affected, including Cebu, Nueva Ecija and Central Luzon provinces too. It has totaled to 8 Million pesos, and has inspired even more people til today.
Congratulations to Dig!P|us Foundation and Dig!P|us Interactive corp who never stopped helping people no matter how hard it has been. Visit their social channels and main website because they've got more information about their efforts there.
Recent earthquakes have jolted the country and crippled a lot of lives in Northern Cebu. While the government addresses relief efforts, the private sector also took some of the chores to make sure everybody gets the help that they need. The folks from B!ing0P|us in Cebu (employees) took potable water, packed food and needed medicine to roughly 56,000 individuals in places like Bogo, Medellin, Daanbantayan, San Remegio, Borbon and Tabogon communities as they partnered with LGU's and other private entities in the region.
B!ing0P|us Foundation treats this as a call to action which is why they immediately took 6 million funding to affected folks in Cebu. Through their Bayanihan P|us program, it took them a while to get to these areas but committed to the cause. They were met with aftershocks, heavy rain and transport challenges, but they didn't fret because they knew how much help the folks need including a 5.8 Richter scale aftershock that they experienced too.
Their teams from Manila and local Cebu offices took to the streets together with the AFP engineering brigades to deliver help to far flung areas in Northern Cebu, also doing it house to house including PWD's in the community via PADS (Philippine Accessible Disability Services).
It might be a long recovery process, but they will not hold back helping this part of the country. They plan to monitor and partner up with even more organizations to make sure Cebuanos, Filipinos would get access to supplies at the most trying times. If you want to know more about their efforts, follow their social channels by searching for the foundation name on FB and other channels.
South Luzon is home to various IP groups and communities. Much of its landcape has been continuously hit by natural disasters and their lives have been heavily affected. The folks from DigiP|us, through their social arm Bing0P|us Foundation knew they needed not just material help, but livelihood that could be sustainable. Bicol region always has been in the typhoon's path and recovery after takes time.
Folks from the foundation took time and visited these communities in Manalansay in Oriental Mindoro to get them units of solar lights and solar powered generators so farmers from local organizations would be able to have power in these far flung areas. These are used to light up their homes, power houses that produce handicrafts that provide livelihood for these IP's for years now. Their kids also need it to study, have education and provide power for their phones and communicate with others if needed.
Mothers like Ms. Gayot who want to teach their kids and study at home didn't have these lights in order to help with their studies. This is the first time they've had an opportunity to receive needed resources like these, in over 20 years that they lived there.
In the Bicol region, the foundation provided financial assistance to several affected families of Typhoon Christine, even those in Cam Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes group of islands and Masbate. They have pledged over 37 Million Pesos for it since November 2024. They did it with the help of government agencies such as DSWD in Region 5 and has benefited 74 families in these areas. Over 250K of it will go to house repairs and help affected children in need of education, those orphaned too. This certainly gives hope to those who live in these communities, and this foundation is just starting.
The Philippines, when you hear about our country and the cases of injustice, do you still believe in the system? Most of you probably have given up, thrown in the towel, flipped the table and wouldn't want to even look if you still have rights in this country of ours. Much of us believe that justice is only for the rich, those who could afford it and just suffer not having what is right. Heartbreaking no?
She started doing this January this year on Facebook, and got traction and love from viewers from across the country. When folks from Velvet Media, Inc., Ms. Michelle Perez, Directors Mar Peralta, Ronald Ryan Litao, Producer Jayjay Maghirang of Velvet and Atty. Heyz got into talks about doing the show, things really felt mutual which made mounting this program quite fast on pubic station PTV4.
Atty.Heyz says "The objective is to help people, there's a higher penetration in broadcast so I could reach more. The PTV4 show will be every Saturday mornings, and will be for all ages. There will be someone who can answer law questions, litigation, because that is what I do on a normal day. I also do corporate contracts, and I am effective in explaining things with the masses. This is one of the things I am doing for public service because I've done much in private practice. You can see that in the episodes we have, some simple, some complicated, which you can easily digest. If you could see our FB messages, it's a lot and I couldn't answer all of them sometimes, we need to help them all."
Actress, Host and Velvet Media Inc. Director of Marketing and Public Relations Ms. Bianca Lapus adds "The best thing about our team is when we have an idea, we share it and believe in it because of our core values. Regardless of our roles, we listen to each other. This is also our first time to venture into TV, it's easy to work with her because our brainstorming took a few minutes and now we are having our first program on Saturday. I hope we could feature more celebrities, like Claudine Barretto, Badjao Girl, so they get to know their rights, or even Vhong when the time is right. Atty. Heyz has that gift when she talks because even kids understand it. She can say things even better than layman's terms. She is really someone for the masses."
Here's our video coverage of the interview last Thursday.
Atty. Heyz definitely has the heart to fight social injustice, even if she's already successful in her private practice and law firm, she makes it a point to help those who need it. If you're someone who wants to understand the laws of the land, or need help to fight for your rights as a citizen of this country, go listen to the discussions and learn what you can do to protect yourself, your family and others. They will also be having guests like celebrities, influencers and personalities to also share their experience. They will also be guided by Atty. Heyz and explain in Tagalog what you need to know.
The show will premiere this Saturday at 10:30AM to 11:30AM. If you missed it, they are also on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and on PTV4's social channels. This is produced by Velvet Media Inc.
I've been struggling appreciating the holidays especially when several provinces in Visayas and Mindanao were hit by Typhoon Odette. Although I've helped in my own little way, there are still a lot of people suffering without food, water, electricity and even information because internet connection doesn't exist.
Good thing there are several private entities that are launching donation drives to help in making sure supplies are going to get there. Landers Superstore members and non members can now donate water, hygeine kits, clean clothes, pillows, blankets, and other non perishable items in all their branches nationwide. Aside from that, you can purchase things to donate on their website landers.ph/help-vismin and use the voucher code HELPVISMIN so delivery fees will not be charged, all of it will be picked up by the Philippine Army so they can get them to Typhoon Odette hit areas. As of now, they have a total of 12.5 Million pesos worth fo products delivered and 5 Million from their partner Deca Homes. They are also supplying tap water at the Grand Convention Center in Cebu during office hours, to hopefully not have anyone lacking water wherever in Cebu.
Go visit Landers Superstore branches nationwide and start sharing whatever you can for this cause.
It's so nice to see things getting back to normal and as a yearly tradition, "It's Showtime!" just recently presented their annual "MAGPASIKAT" portion wherein the hosts are pit against each other presenting different causes, in an entertainment form. Judging this year is award winning actor Joel Torre, Miss Universe Catriona Gray, Eheads drummer and composer Raymund Marasigan, and punong hurado Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano.
Amy Perez, Karylle and Kim Chiu presented dance and numbers with sports champions, gold medalists signifying WOMEN EMPOWERMENT. Kim did super good in her dance numbers and the time she did a bit with a drum set. They also had 4th IMPACT together with them, they did good with their theme WOMEN AND GOLD. It instigated goosebumps, almost made the judges cry, had really solid impact.
Ogie Alcasid and Vhong Navarro did a skit with their kids, played by them too. Their theme is S-kid Games. They did several traditional games via 5x5 squid games style, projected it on the floor while they danced. It was like bonding without the need for gadgets or internet. Ogie of course sang his heart out with several TNT singers and champs, Ebe Dancel, El Gamma Penumbra, and Asia's Songbird Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. Jhong Hilario made a cameo and also sent Ogie and Vhong flying. Their message was about the goodness of fun, games, camaraderie, enjoying life's freedoms.
Jhugs, Teddy and Ion had comedy skits with Joey Marquez. They had a couple madlang pipol choose how the story would start, how it ends. Dance numbers like Matrix ensued, Ion was on a Ducati. It was nice because it was interactive. They included their heads being wrapped around by a snake, so it really wasn't easy. It didn't show much, but it was really good entertainement. Maybe, it's about conquering fears. Also, it was Ion's birthday, and he wished for the pandemic to end and his relationship with Vice Ganda to become even stronger. (that was a super sweet moment for Ion to say that!)
Then comes Vice Ganda, Ryan Bang and Jackie. They call themselves TEAM MAGIINA. They started with a comedy skit and talked about their preparations. Then they swithced places with viral online sensations Pipay and Whamos. They also had YouTube star, and sexiest Ivana Alawi, wifebeater clad Darren Espanto. Theirs had a sad start because they implied Vice had passed. Vice was the one who told them to prepare, do all these things, and Jackie got really into character. She was emotionally distraught when she heard the news. The lyrics went "Who would be there to catch you if you fall?". They had Kyla in the number, with Ryan Bang actually playing the piano in the background (we didn't know he could do that!). Team Vice was super dramatic, and was a discovery of talents. It also talked about the pandemic, on how we couldn't have the chance to say goodbye to people, how it hurt us, how we move on from it and still have hope that one day soon, we will meet. And properly, say goodbye. Vice also sang a few songs in this number, but what was moving was the last one when she had a string quartet, a choir at the end. Vice sang "See You Again" which had pretty hurtful lyrics. What broke my heart even more was the actual people who lost people because of COVID writing their messages on white balloons and reliving their memories with them. It was so touching, timely and so sad. Vice brought her cause to front, and how thankful they are for the lives they (those who passed) shared. The ending was so nice as they released white doves and balloons on the rooftop of ABSCBN. It was an epic sight! They came prepared!
In the end, 3rd and 4th Runners won 50,000 pesos. It went to Team Jhugs Teddy and Ion and Team Vhong and Ogie. First Runner Up went to Team Vice, Ryan and Jackie and won Php 100,000 for it. The Grand Champion was Tyang Amy, Kim Chiu and Karylle.
Vice says "We dedicate our performance to our chosen charity The Ruth Foundation. The Ruth Foundation for Palliative and Hospice Care will be the recipient of our prizes. They cater to COVID and Non COVID cases and help them with medical care, pay for bills, death care which has crippled families during this pandemic." Vice adds "We just escape everyday, this pandemic, I lost 4 of my super closest friends. When they were telling me about what we planned to perform, I insisted to do something stronger, something personal. I questioned how I paid for their hospital bills, was it enough to make their burials nice, and how I wasn't able to go to their wake even if they extended their schedules for me because I was their best friend. I'm doing this for the people who weren't able to do that because of the pandemic. We need to understand that it's not our fault, let's face the hurt, understand it, let go and say "Don't worry about us, we are okay and we will see you soon!". Even if we want to hug them, we can't, but I'm here to tell you, you're not alone. God Bless everyone!"
I'm sure a lot of you are using GCash for your transactions during this ECQ. It's convenient, you don't have to go to banks anymore and do it in the palm of your hand with just a few screen presses. Aside from that, it's secure and cheap, costs free most of the time and you get to help a lot of people who are in dire straights during the pandemic.
See, there's a new service in the GCash app called GCash Padala. It's a way for your non e-wallet using friends or family to receive money in an instant that's affordable, fast and easy. They are also waiving Padala fees from August 6 to 20 because it's ECQ. On a normal day, they only charge up to 1% on 500 peso minimum send which is already cheap by any standard. To claim it, they just need 1 valid ID and present it to 2000 GCash Padala partner shops like Posible, Go VIP Center, Tambunting Pawnshops, Panalo Express and tons of other pera outlet and sarisari stores nationwide.
Senders just log in on the GCash app and use the GCash Padala section. You just put in the full name, mobile number and the amount on it. You need to confirm and pay for the fees with the amount you have in your GCash wallet and send it. You'll get a reference number for the transaction together with notifications to both parties real time if it has been done. That's reassuring.
If you wanna know more, visit go.gcash.com/padala or gcash.com/services/padala and see how you can take advantage of it during these times. Quite easy no?
Ever wondered why the Maginhawa Community Pantry has been so successful? It's because they do something that makes sense, don't cheat the farmers, and a lot of good, kind hearted people that choose to help each other in times of need. Although there are thousands of them lining up to fill up their pantries, the help didn't really run out and even the local government noticed, a really good thing.
That little brouhaha over red tagging (by some people that this pantry wanted to also help) was definitely an issue, but hopefully it's been cleared. I wish the support QC is giving the organizer (over security) is enough so that they could still help more people who need it. The good deed has also spread like wildfire in other parts of the country, and I'm so happy that happened. We need to still have HOPE that in some way, we all would get through this no matter how impossible it may look like today.
I've seen some private entities are also lending a hand. Like Pizza Hut who sent 10 whole sacks of rice to the Maginhawa Community Pantry, that's going to benefit a lot of people especially since Filipinos consider this as staple. I hope other organizations, corporations do the same. Aside from that, I hope those who line up only get what they need so that others would benefit from it too. (Although I don't know if this is from the corp or their employees, it still is important to help when you can.)
We can't lose hope even if we feel so burdened these days. There are good Samaritans out there that would still love to do it. We need to look for the opportunity to help in times of crisis, look for organizations that do and share what you can.
It's kinda hard to understand that at this day and age, some companies are still not switching to sustainable packaging - which to me is as simple as a choice because there's a lot of options out there that are affordable, it's not always about costing. Aside from that, it boggles me how there's still Asian hate, racism, unbelievable standards in beauty. We are all beautiful, and Unilever Philippines is literally campaigning for "Positive Beauty" putting their words where their mouth is.
From hereon, Unilever Philippines is putting all their efforts in lowering their carbon footprint by starting with their products being packaged with less materials, more environmentally friendly way. Aside from that, they're holding a huge sale on popular shopping app SHOPEE at the Unilever Philippines official store. They're helping Shopee fund a non governmental organization called Mano Amano which caters educating and training individuals/entrepreneurs so they could change their lives by learning life skills. Proceeds of what you purchase from their store will go to this organization and help them get more people in the program. We also unboxed some items on video so go ahead and check out the video above.
If you haven't downloaded the Shopee app, it's available at the Google Playstore and App Store. If you use POSITIVEBEAUTY on check out, you'll get additional 15% off your purchases. They're also selling some of it 70% off. Remember, it'll only be til the 19th so you've got a few days left! Go check out the flash deals too because some of the discounted products will also be listed there! You can help people just by purchasing :)
Premiere South Korean based innovator LG Electronics joined hands with UHF News and Rescue TV channel UNTV and their subsidiary FM radio station WISH 107.5 recently to help build efforts to fight COVID-19. Through their operator Breakthrough and Milestones Production International, they have conceptualized facilities to cater to COVID-19 patients especially those that may have not been accommodated/spilled over by other health institutions. Now, it stands as a 3-storey building situated in Malolos, Bulacan of which can now accept patients with its 35 rooms, and 18 others dedicated for doctors, nurses, and other medical staff.
LG Electronics Philippines on the other hand committed to raise the comfort of both patients and health workers and began outfitting the facility with a humongous amount of home appliances. LG has donated 65 28” LED Monitors, 4 Top Load Washing Machines, 5 Top Mount Refrigerators, and 2 1HP Split-Type Air conditioners. This amounts to over 1 million Pesos worth of premium home appliances which surely will be put to good use. These patient rooms will have individuals who will stay 14 days for quarantine/isolation, all of which will have their LG LED Monitor so they could keep entertained and up to date of the day's broadcast.
Aside from that, the stay-in staff and medical personnel will also get to use LG's heavy duty washing machines, refrigerators and air-conditioners. This will be a big help for those who will take care of the patients.
LG's Managing Director Inkwun Heo says “Even as the Philippines transition to a General Community Quarantine and restrictions are lessened, Filipinos and these health institutions still need all the help they can get. As long as we can lend our help, we’re more than happy to do it”.
I guess that's where they say "Life is good!". Thanks to these good people, a lot would benefit from it.
This is my attempt to at least make you smile 😉😊
COVID-19 is here and we're all under Enhanced Community Quarantine. Our sole duty as citizens is to stay at home to stop the spread of the virus. But I'm sure you're all either BORED, ANXIOUS, STRESSED, WORRIED, UPSET, ANGRY, HUNGRY and YOU'RE NOT OKAY.
I'm here to tell you first, IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY. I learned that while listening to Jessie J years ago, the lyrics would just hit you... it's okay to cry, to grieve, to be depressed, and you'll get through that eventually.
*Albeit extremely polarized politics is in the way, and no help is being given by my own barangay (some did) or city, I always look at social media and ask people, to continue to be critical so help can be pushed for people who need it, we need to do that as much as we can. You should too!*
Since we are confined to the four corners of our homes, I wrote down things that actually pleased me during this period.
THANK THE FRONTLINERS
If you have friends, family, or know someone who are still working while we are in quarantine, say THANK YOU because they need it. They are risking their lives out there, spare them from further stress and make them feel your love even in your own little way.
DONATE IF YOU CAN
If you have extras, don't hesitate to be human, don't hesitate to be kind and give what you can for those who need it most. GMA has Healing Hearts where their artists perform for you on livestream and ask for donations, and proceeds go to Kapuso Foundation that directly help the needy. Aside from that, get in touch with the Office of the Vice President so they too can help medical personnel go to the hospitals and procure PPE's for them so they'll be safe as they treat those who are getting sick. PayMaya also has a cashless donation channel via the app, simply choose from organizations you wanna help at donate.paymaya.com and do it on the Pay Bills section of your PayMaya app. They already raised almost 8 Million pesos through that which will go to Unicef, Caritas Manila, PLDT Smart Foundation, PGH Foundation and more. Smart, TNT and Sun retailers are also still in operations so you get calls, texts and internet even under these conditions. Private corporations including the MVP group also have done relief efforts with their Tulong Kapatid CSR arm which includes help for health workers to provide them with PPE's and medical supplies. Shopee also did the same and have gotten 3,000 test kits and 100,000 surgical masks for frontliners, but I have my reservations with the politician they channeled this to. GCash on the other hand has pooled over Php 18.14 Million to help support frontline workers and provide assistance for those affected with the pandemic. They will buy medical gears and supplies and the others will be channeled to organizations such as Caritas Manila, ABS-CBN Foundation, Globe BridgeComm, Generation Hope, Hapag Asa Foundation, Red Cross, World Vision and UNICEF. You can donate through the Pay Bills function of your GCash app. I'm so happy private corporations are doing their part.
Which reminds me, Century Pacific Food Inc. (makers of Century Tuna) donated 1M packs of assorted canned goods and milk through the National Government and partner local government units. They're very good people.
SMILE EVEN FOR A FEW MINUTES
To make you strong and encourage you in these trying times, Star Magic Artists have joined to make “Believe” which is an inspirational music video which includes Piolo Pascual, Maja Salvador, Jolina Magdangal, Enchong Dee , Yeng Constantino, Inigo Pascual, Shaina Magdayao, Vina Morales, Dimples Romana and lovely Liza Soberano. Some Covid-19 survivors and patients also are included, that’s just heartwarming to know.
ABS-CBN will also be staging a digital concert series called "ALL MUSIC: Artists At Home Sessions". Over 60 of them including Lani Misalucha, Jake Zyrus, YouTuber Karl Zarate, Janine Berdin, my favorite Hashtag Ryle Santiago and more will be performing to benefit the Pantawid Ng Pag-Ibig Program which they have put up. Donations can be done with their ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc - Sagip Kapamilya bank accounts BPI Peso Account 3051-11-55-88, Metrobank 6363636-08808-1, and other channels.
MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli just joined the roster of endorsers for TNT. Maine Mendoza is also going to be MYX Celebrity DJ this April. (Aba VJ Maine! - She has a new single out called Isa Pa With Feelings) iFlix has a new K-Drama called "When The Weather Is Fine" which they stream express from Korea. It stars Park Min-Young and Seo Kang-Joon (a love story in their old hometown) so they could find love and healing. Gay guys and gals are going crazy over a new BL Thai series called 2gether starring Bright Vachirawit Chivaree and Win Metawin Opas-iamkajorn who play lovers, one is Rockstar and Campus Crush Sarawat and a male Cheerleader Tine.
Anyway, I only wish you all stay at home and attend to your parents. Love them, also your family even if their political sides are different than yours. Pray, we all need to get through this and hope normalcy happens soon. Stay sane!
Since the entire Luzon is under Enhanced Community Quarantine (Lockdown) from March 17 to April 12, a lot of people have no access to public transportation and tasked to stay inside homes. The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases intensified efforts to identify and isolate confirmed Covid-19 cases in NCR and that has affected poor families Luzon wide. The need to purchase food and basic protection needs against COVID-19 has been so hard these couple of days and a lot of them have been deprived of livelihood especially those who only have earnings day to day to put food on the table.
Caritas Manila, the lead social service arm of the Archdiocese of Manila just recently launched their "LIGTAS COVID-19" campaign which aims to provide Caritas Ligtas COVID-19 kits and Caritas Manna food bags to 6,000 poor families in the NCR. This has been a priority to augment barangay and local government efforts as there are still thousands of families left to fend for themselves as the capital faces a lockdown to put a curb in the spreading of the virus.
Each 2000 Peso donation goes to purchase Caritas LIGTAS COVID-19 kits for a family of 5. It includes:
1 liter of 70% ethyl alcohol
5 handy bottles of 30 ml alcohol
5 washable face masks
1 liter of antibacterial liquid soap
1 box of 100 tablets of vitamin C with zinc
A pair of reusable gloves
1 liter of liquid bleach
3 pieces of cleaning cloth
Eco bag
While the 700 Pesos worth of Caritas Manna bag for families contain:
5 kilos of rice
munggo beans
9 assorted canned goods
2 packs of Caritas Margins kalabasa/malunggay noodles
1/4 pack of sugar and salt
Eco bag
For those who would like to help Caritas Manila, you can simply donate any amount through GCash. Simply scan the QR code above in your GCash app and you can donate as low as 1 peso to help protect these families from COVID-19. YOU can help.
It's been a while since I've been in the World Vision offices in Quezon Avenue. This day was a little special though because we were invited by fellow blogger Jeman Villanueva as he was celebrating the 5th year of his site Orange Magazine. In true fashion, he's making this celebration count by partnering with World Vision so they could come up with enough money to fund the education of 5 kids. Orange Magazine and World Vision call this 5x5 Campaign. They also got rapper superstar GLOC9 and talented compatriot Lira Bermudez to be their endorsers for the project. Here's their performance during the launch a few days ago.
The last time I watched GLOC9 was during a Coca Cola event a few years back. I became a fan eversince. I wouldn't be surprised if people admire him, and his music. He's also genuinely helping a lot of artists, foundations and world vision so this isn't really new to the awesome artist. For those who would like to help, you can donate for even Php 100 online through the accounts I indicated on the video or through world vision's channels.
Photo credits to Photographer Jude Ng and Orange Magazine
If you may, please forward a copy of your deposit slip together with your complete name, address and contact numbers to katrina_gratuito@wvi.org, wv_phil@wvi.org, online@orangemagazine.ph or fax at (02) 374-7660 so they could properly acknowledge your donation and do proper accounting. This is going to run until July 30 but of course you can always donate through World Vision even after this project. Come on, let's send those kids to school!
You know about TOMS when I wrote about them on this article. They're still doing good deeds these days by collaborating with young and rising Filipino talents. They commissioned Bambina Jacinto, Carlo Ongchangco, David Bonifacio, Gil Angelo Ibe, Nicole Wisenhunt, Lilianna Manahan and Nix Alanon to create one of a kind pieces so they can have it in a silent auction for the benefit of their chosen charities. They used their own chosen mediums plus pairs of TOMS canvass shoes so they could whip up these gorgeous looking pairs of shoes for this exhibit that will run until May 13, 2015.
Bambina Jacinto is an art curator, painter and visual artist. She's also a member of Slate Manila. She did 2 pairs, one is Blue China which was inspired by fine china. The other is called Full Bloom which is inspired by spring. She's going to give the proceeds of these shoes to CRIBS Foundation.
This one's Carlo Ongchangco. He's a painter and a visual artist. He made two pairs as well. One is called Being Silly which is inspired by a normal day of a child. The other one is called Happy Life, inspired by smiles and a happy life. He'll be donating the proceeds to Real Life Foundation which caters to street children and how to get them education.
This guy is David Bonifacio. He's a social entrepreneur, artist and poet. He was inspired of escapes while on a trip. He likes the quiet life, away from everything. He's donating the proceeds of this auction to Real Life Foundation too.
This graphic artist and illustrator is Gil Angelo Ibe. He's a top digital artist and recognized by idesign.co.uk. He was inspired by "insignificant ideas" in making this pair. He's donating the proceeds of this to PAWS, a non governmental organization that cares for the welfare of animals in the Philippines.
Nicole Wisenhunt is a very successful jewelry and accessory designer. She's in top international fashion magazines and she made these with inspiration from spring and disco. She also wants to donate the proceeds of this to PAWS.
She's Lilianna Manahan. A young artist from Studio Magee, Hive and an apprentice of Kenneth Cobunpue. She was inspired by table top creatures and hammered brass in making these pairs. She's donating the proceeds to Fairplay For All. It's a foundation that helps children from Payatas, making opportunities for the kids no matter what economic condition they may be.
He's Nix Alanon. He's a very successful interior designer. He was inspired by Marble and Wood to make these pieces. He's donating the proceeds of these shoes to Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation which caters to less fortunate children in Manila.
If you're interested to see the exhibit, please do not hesitate to visit them at the 3rd Floor of SM Aura Premier. They will only be there until the 13th of May and will be ending the silent auction until then. You are going to get one of a kind pieces that are made by real deal artists. You'll also be helping their chosen charities in the process so don't hesitate to bid if you're thinking about it. TOMS and these artists would really love your help!
I went to a TOMS event a few days ago. It was when they opened their new store on the ground floor, right wing of Mall of Asia. TOMS for me then was just something off the shelves, something fashionistas would wear and repeat again next season or when their pair gets worn out. Prejudice? Yes, but it's cool to be schooled every once in a while.
TOMS was founded by Blake Mycoskie. When he was in Argentina, he befriended kids and found some of them didn't have their feet protected. He made this company specifically so that he would match every pair of shoes so he could purchase another one for a child in need. He called it One for One.
TOMS also went into eyewear in 2011 (called it TOMS Eyewear) and helped restore sight to people in need. This also benefits some of our less fortunate Filipinos who have been affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan. He also has put up TOMS Roasting Co. to provide worthwhile jobs and clean water in every purchase of their premium coffee. He also has put up TOMS Bag Collection to provide services for birthing and kits that would help in this goal. Now, there are over 35 Million pairs of shoes that have been given away, they also have restored the sight of about 275,000 people, and provided over 67,000 weeks of safe water worldwide, the Philippines included.
This season, TOMS is bringing in their products a step towards adversity. They want you to take a shot at the island life, feel how you can walk comfy with Majorca Booties, new TOMS Bags, breezy sandals, travel sneakers and huaraches (a type of mexican sandal). The mix of faux leather, canvas, rubber in different levels makes them a worthwhile brand to look at when you think about style that's got global acceptance and exceptional quality.
Though you may think this is a bit on the pricey side, they have some that are still in a good price range, especially the canvass shoes. Though remember, your money goes a long way in every pair of TOMS shoes that you buy. I love their faux leather boots and the winter camouflage canvass shoes and I think I'll go back for that soon.
It's not a joke when they say that it'll go to make an impact in 70 countries for the shoes, and about 13 countries for the eye wear. Oh and yes, you might think they're in this business for fashion, but they're here to improve lives. TOMS has already proven that over the years. As for me...
I got my first pair of TOMS, and I'm off to get my second one perhaps this week. You should too!
