What's your GCash Story?

It was a hot day but nothing that could hamper us from watching #GCashStories. I'm sure you've got your own GCash stories too but today it was about a new individual who definitely pulled heartstrings at the venue.

The first one was about a man who lost his job and resorted to drinking. He was lost, but his family suggested to put his love for coffee to good use and made it a business. GCash made it easy to accept payments, buy stocks and rebuild his life again. It was about hope and perseverance. 

There are about 79 Million+ GCash users here and around the globe who also have stories of their own.  His remarkable story inspired a lot of people to post their own stories. They knew every story, big or small should be told.

The new one is about Alma (who was also there at the venue). She's a humble photocopier from Ateneo. Her love for students who she treats like her own was a story of love and care. When typhoon struck, she got her home flooded. Students who she cared for her where obviously was looking for her, but she couldn't go to work since she needed to clean up with her family. The students knew about it, and organized a fundraiser to help her get back on her feet. She was able to fend for her family because the people she cared for helped her back. She went back to work and got surprised as everyone was there to welcome her. She also got to build a new home. It was certainly a touching story. 

We can relate to Alma at one way or the other, and just like her you too have your own story. Believe it or not, her panggas were also there in the GCash event to see her story immortalized by Antonette Jadaone. She helped change their lives, and they changed her life too.

How about you? What's your GCash story?

EMILIO ROSO in Manila for Vision Of The Bible

Emilio Roso is in the country to share the good news from his spiritual journey. He's a director, producer, actor and author based in Hollywood in the US. This time, he's taking you to a visual and audio spectacle of the Holy Bible through an app called Vision Of The Bible.

This one takes those heartwarming stories, teachings, various chapters and verses be accompanied with audio and video effects that make you feel a different experience, especially if you haven't been to Israel or different sites where it all happened. Roso feels everyone deserves to see where these stories happened and help connect the words to reality, something he is glad to share with Filipinos.

He thought about it while on a trip in the US, and this move to Manila beckons localizing the app's content so it would be adept to subscribers from the country, which he did. The quality of videos are courtesy of over 30 of the world's top cinematographers set to follow their footsteps, and tell their stories through their lens and more. The app also features the voice of award winning Rendy Towes and a multitude of voice actors interpreted in English and Spanish. Take the opportunity to download the app today which is available at Google Play or the App Store. See how you can become part of the journey to the holy land without leaving the Philippines today!

Saving Dying Dialects: Lessons from HULAGWAY

I took the lovely trip to Cinema 76 at Anonas in Quezon City to see Director Alvin Yapan's latest work called HULAGWAY: Dokyumentaryo ng mga Wika at Kulturang Filipino (A documentary of Filipino Language and Culture) a few days ago. Dr. Yapan was tapped by the National Commitee on Language amd Translation under the offices of NCCA (The National Comission for the Culture and the Arts) to direct this film. 

Hulagway means "a portrait" and this film lengthily has taken a look at the person, how one lives, how they communicate with their peers or the community. There are also a lot of metaphorical representation of their struggles, even if they're literally not working with a script, the conversations was molded off how language was used as a tool to enrich lives with stories, songs and poems deeply rooted in culture. 

 

Needless to say, he's a genius when it comes to really complex artsy topics like these and interpreting it for cinema must have been a tall task. His treatment in telling this one is like a documentary. He anchors it with two characters Consuelo (played by Sue Prado) and Robert (which is played by Kalil Almonte). They took the long hard trek to far flung communities in the eastern side of Isabela (up north) and islands off Palawan. 

Imagine, they started this in 2018 and had to work together with only 15 other crew carrying with them loads of equipment to capture unadulterated views, communities and the few men and women who still have a grasp of the dying languages Dupaninan Agta and Tandulanen Tagbanua. This is officially the most difficult film Alvin Yapan has ever made, he made mention of this during the talk we had after the screening. Initially, they had planned to include 6/7 of them (dialects/languages) but the material was too precious to cut off the block. It was also a little too tedious as it involved time consuming research, with little information from various universities (mostly from outside the country) who have conducted studies about them in previous years, they roughed the process of filming and took on talking to the few descendants left who still have a grasp of the language. My favorite scene was the boat traversing a line of mangroves in Palawan, they talked about that on the video.

 

Here's the press conference in two parts where they explained the film and the cause of saving the dialects from these two regions.

During the latter part of the press conference I asked about what concrete plans they have about saving the dying dialect, and they replied that this is just the first step, to become aware, educated, and acknowledge that there is something precious to save. 

The plan is to also have this film be viewed by educational institutions to not just prove its existence, but to formulate a way to find ways to have people teach these dialects and pass on to the next generation. To not lose their identity as IP, and celebrate their uniqueness, their differences, which makes them cool. If this sparks efforts to do so not just from the government, but the citizens of this country, then this film made its mark. Make sure to coordinate with NCCA if you want your school to be part of the film's tour in the coming months. There's more languages/dialects to save in the country, and telling their story is essential.

Make sure to watch it. It'll be life changing!

Abizo OFW App: Peace of Mind for OFW's and Their Families This Christmas

Overseas Filipino Workers have been dubbed as the new heroes. Back in 2020, their remittances have amounted to 9.66 percent of the country's GDP which is worth over 33.2 billion dollars. It's a huge chunk and they deserve good news, so here's the ABIZO OFW app which is backed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency.

As you know, employment abroad doesn't always mean greener pastures, rainbows and butterflies. Your family at home and your government worries for OFW's safety, this app solves a lot of that and give you peace of mind. The ABIZO OFW app provides real time updates of your activities in other countries. Through this app, they look after your welfare, and give you the option to tell them where you are when you arrive in the host country. This mobile app platform is convenient, takes a few steps to register and would ease the mind of your families back home. The app also has a button for emergencies, so in case you encounter any difficulties with your employment, they can go and give you needed help.

This would prove useful especially in the Middle East, the US, Europe, or elsewhere in the world. If you need help from the government, this would be your first line of defense and prevent physical, emotional abuse if it occurs at your place of work.

To make things even better, they have published a few videos in the app that will make you remember Christmas in the Philippines, and how the app would work in real life! They actually have a few of these episodes out including Episode 2: Kamusta Ka Na Ate? It will certainly pull heartstrings, because these are short stories everyone can relate from, especially if you have loved ones abroad who work tirelessly for their family back home.

If you want to see the videos, like the link above and their Facebook page, or subscribe to their YouTube channel at ABIZO OFW. Aside from that, you can download the ABIZO OFW app on Google Play or the App Store. Make sure you do before you leave the country, it's better to be prepared especially if you're going out there to improve the lives of your family.

An Inspiring Story of Nilo Omillo from Vista Land

 We all have dreams. As Filipinos, we find ourselves all asking it up unto the heavens and hope that the one above answers it. A few days ago, we met a man named Nilo Omillio. He used to fish in his hometown Leyte in order to live by. He went to Manila at the very young age of 17 and didn't know how he'd put food on the table as education was not in his portfolio. He went on being a tricycle driver, a stevedore, a baker and a janitor. It was really hard and he was already thinking of giving up until a friend approached him and gave him an advise to become a real estate broker for Camella. He was then equipped, trained and given seminars to educate him about selling courtesy of the good folks from Vista Land. Then he went on to do sales activities and open subdivisions. He did this with the hope of selling a house. Then a couple more as the months go by. He decided to take the Real Estate Broker Licensure Exam in 1991 and sure enough... he passed! 

The proud "Waray" then put up a humble office in Libertad, Pasay. With sheer determination and a small amount of money to run this joint, he became part of the esteemed top brokers of Camella in 1992. He also bagged the Young Top Awardee and the respect of his management and colleagues. Now, he's a very successful Real Estate Broker and his meager dream that came to reality was not forgotten. He has inspired people in and out of the company and with this, Vista Land President and Senator Manny Villar rewarded him with a brand new Mercedez Benz E series. 

He also adds "These traits provide a benchmark to all employees of Vista Land. Whoever they are, where ever they come from, they too can reach Nilo’s success as long as they are willing to apply the twin virtues of hard work and determination- "Sipag at Tiyaga" in reaching their dreams." It's something that Mr. Villar isn't a stranger to. He also came from this predicament and I think he's paying forward. This kind of treatment, plus above average rates and incentives for sellers and brokers is but a normalcy in Vista Land and this is part of his dream. Nilo now has his own home, savings for his retirement, traveled to destinations here and around the world, sent his children to good schools, his own building constructed for his own personal business... the possibilities are limitless. This also goes with their vision of fulfilling every Filipinos dream of owning a home and uplifting the Filipino quality of life.

Watch how he did it on this video. This is so inspiring!

For more information about their company:

Vista Land

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http://www.vistaland.com.ph

60th Anniversary of Pioneer: Stories of Friendship Video Competition

A few days ago, I was invited to a gathering in Makati by buddy Gian Viterbo of www.gadgetpilipinas.net indicating "Pioneer" on the invite. I didn't pay attention too much because I knew these guys were friends... so I figured whatever it was, I'm good with it! Since he's a tech blogger, I was under the impression that we were going to a tech event so we could check out electronic devices with the same brand name. Finding a whole lot indicating "Pioneer House" on the building we went to, I was a little dumbfounded when our other friends told me it's an insurance company. I was afraid of these things precisely of their "functions" because I feared they were always going to wait for my untimely demise. I went up their office and did the best thing any civilized guy of my stature would do, I sat down and listened.

They introduced themselves nicely and we all got comfy. They catered to different levels of clientele including huge Hollywood productions to that street vendor who had so little. That last part, of which I found really noble. Micro insurance is a really something they went serious with; and they delved explaining the difference of their company compared to others. Therein lies I guess a more meticulous way of explaining standards, plus rules, plus why they've got to stay in the industry for 60 years and survive as a business. I got more of the answers when their President and CEO Lorenzo Chan Jr. did his part. 

At Pioneer Life Inc. he mentioned that aside from their quest to bringing in business, their main difference is having a "heart". 

Then I said to myself, Heart?! Wait a minute... Where am I?! Care bear land?! 

He shared one of their client's stories; and in a nutshell, they probably would on a normal circumstance only give the benefits when they're in dire straits - medically tested and proven that the person's health is at risk or if they already passed away just like any insurance company. They learned that the claim was for a man who was in the brink of having aneurysm; a condition that would worsen as days go by; and an operation was needed to get him out of harms way. They probably didn't have any responsibility legally if you talk about what's written on paper. He convened the people involved and talked about what would ""humanely" happen if they didn't act fast. Pioneer Life knew that they had to do something for the guy in this situation and got the good man a few days later the money expeditiously. They got so touched when the wife got back to them with a letter saying "Thank you!" in so many ways. He recovered from that ordeal and is still living a few more years with his family. That alone is a priceless thing for Pioneer Life Inc. to see and said that's what they mean by having a heart. Isn't that amazing?

   

Vice President for Marketing Services and Communications Ms. Len Pozon agrees with their Chaiman and CEO. The reason why they've built so much dreams in the years that Pioneer Insurance has been in this country is because they've made it a point that all their claims are made fairly within the limits of the various coverage programs that they have issued. They also have times when they've got to stop, listen and act not just to fulfill what is legally correct and rightfully "within the bounds" of what you have signed up and worked hard for. They have been here helping Filipinos build their lifetime dreams and all we have to do now is ask what they can also do for you.  

Aside from that, they're holding a contest named "Stories of Friendship Video Competition" to university or college students ages 15 to 24 years old. They know how much Filipinos value relationships and this time, they're asking how you would produce a 3 minute or less video showing the value of FRIENDSHIP. It can be a narrative/music video or would be up to the student how to interpret it. Students can submit their entries on a brown envelope  with a filled out submission form (found in www.storiesoffriendship.com) together with a photocopy of their current Student ID, 3 DVD copies of the entry (max resolution 1280/720p MPEG-4/H264) and saved in MP4 video format. Make sure you label it "Pioneer Stories of Friendship Video Competition by (Name of Participant - School) and send it to Marketing and Services Communications at the 4th Floor Pioneer House Makati 108 Paseo de Roxas Legaspi Village, Makati City. This will run until April 21, 2014. Film and Advertising industry experts will judge and pick 8 entries and invite them to an awarding ceremony. Winners could win up to Php 120,000 in cash plus insurance coverage. There's also an Online Favorite Award to be chosen on May 23, 2014. Lucky voters for that part would win Php 5,000 and insurance coverage by the one and only PIONEER. If that isn't great news, I don't know what would!

For criteria and other information regarding the competition, please visit their channels below.

Ciao!

For more information about their contest and company:

Pioneer Is Your Insurance

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http://www.storiesoffriendship.com

Shots From The Grand Press Conference of Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang

I was one of the few guys who probably got so depressed after the Maria La Del Barrio Finale, why you ask? Well let's put it this way, its just so hard to understand that we won't see them every night anymore. Erich Gonzales and Enchong Dee pretty much are like friends and if I don't see them that regularly, you kinda long for them... It's a natural thing. ABSCBN did a pretty nice job reinterpreting and extending the MLDB run. I wonder what projects they have next? Erich Gonzales answered that question a few days ago.

This was the Grand Press Conference of Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang. Shooting this started years ago, even before No Other Woman. It was quite difficult because they had to create a whole other world in the vicinity of Rizal. The whole town and story was a child project of Director Richard Somes and yes he's got a whole production outfit called SKYLIGHT FILMS to back this up. Star Cinema believes that this project will surely be another hit not to mention the two past movies that had Derek Ramsay in it. This is his favorite movie too, he was always telling the press how excited he is about this coming out. It was high time because he knows how important this is in merely telling the story. Imagine how creeped people are in the teasers then later to find out that this is mostly a LOVE STORY and DRAMA. The great story, plot and skilled actors like Derek and Erich, it's surely a formula for International release. We have yet to find out later if its going to happen, I'm sure Star Cinema can do this.

You should definitely watch how PASSION and LOVE come into play in their relationship. How a man loves a woman. How a wife would give it all to make her husband happy. I don't think I really need to convince you to watch Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang, because just knowing Erich Gonzales and Derek Ramsay will be there would spell YES... am I right?! =) Plus Derek says that his LOVE Scene with Erich here is WAAAAAY more passionate than his scenes in No Other Woman... the same person who shot that is the one who shot the scenes here too. So just think about it... you know you gotta watch this! Showing in cinemas on March 14, 2012!

Now I promised you guys that I'll be releasing some photos from the Grand Press Conference right? Here it is! =)

Here's hoping we get over the sadness brought about the end of Maria La Del Barrio! I really miss that show.. =(

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