At Iba Pang Pangyayari

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to affect so many lives locally and globally, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, has allied with UNICEF, Philippine Red Cross – Makati Chapter, and Manila Doctors Hospital (Madocs) to support Filipino communities in need, as well as healthcare professionals and hospitals. “We at AXA are both proud and humbled to come together and reach out to those who need help the most in these tough times,” said Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines president and chief executive officer. “Through our longstanding partnerships with Red Cross, UNICEF, and Madocs, we are able to touch as many communities, health workers, and hospitals as we can.” AXA Philippines is targeting to send relief assistance to hospitals and people in remote areas and those who are in most need. AXA donated funds to UNICEF that will be used to provide triage tents and personal protective equipment for seven hospitals including in Bataan. At Madocs, ...

The newly opened Alfamart branch in Bagong Silang, Caloocan enforces strict social distancing in compliance with ECQ rules. Having “walking distance” Super Minimarts nearby keep residents from having to go out too far just to get supplies. Amid the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), Alfamart, the first and only Super Minimart chain in the Philippines, has resumed its expansion to cater to the needs of local communities. What was once a simple and mundane task has been made more challenging and risky by the ECQ. Grocery shopping is now much more complicated than it used to be, as people now have to contend with curfews, checkpoints, social distancing, and quarantine passes to help stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. To help address these concerns and alleviate the burden on individual households, neighborhood minimarts like Alfamart have become more popular destinations for these errands, as they are closer to home. Most Alfamart employees are local hire...

  MyKuya volunteer runners serve as frontliners at this time by helping run errands for those stuck at home and vulnerable to COVID-19. Photo credit: MyKuya Manila, Philippines — The impact of COVID-19 left many businesses navigating the digital space. Some are caught off guard while others utilize their expertise in technology. Take it from Filipino startups who have been stepping up to help combat COVID-19 in their own ways. To provide tips on how they’re doing it, startup founders gathered for a QLITAN, a bi-weekly networking event hosted by QBO Philippines since 2016. But this time, QLITAN was held online. In this virtual event, founders shared how they are responding to the crisis. Headlining the session titled “Startup Survival Guide — Adapting to the New Norm” are Moritz Gastl, vice-president of Growth of First Circle, a startup which provides business financing and access to credit; Shahab Shabibi, co-founder of MyKuya, an app that allows on-demand services such a...

SL Agritech Corporation believes adding brown rice to the diet of Filipinos, particularly the frontliners, will help in boosting body immunity, a must in the battle against COVID-19 SL Agritech Corporation donates bags of Dona Maria Jasponica Brown Rice to communities and frontliners in a bid to boost the immune system of the recipients. MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 27  April 2020 – SL Agritech Corporation (SLAC), the Philippines’ leading hybrid rice company and manufacturer of Doña Maria Premium Quality Rice, donated 25,000kg of Doña Maria Jasponica brown rice to different foundations, hospitals and donation networks in a bid to boost the immune system of Filipino recipients. Some of the company’s partners are GMA Kapuso Foundation, the Quezon City local government and online food community Let’s Eat Pare. SLAC Chairman and CEO Dr. Henry Lim believes brown rice will help improve the health of those in the frontlines and in other affected communities. According to resea...

Metrobank, through its corporate social responsibility arm Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), donated PhP 2.2 million pesos’ worth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Comprised of gloves and N95 masks, it will benefit more than 12,000 deployed AFP and PNP personnel tasked to ensure peace and order during the period of enhanced community quarantine. MBFI is also set to donate PPEs to PNP General Hospital and Victoriano Luna General Hospital. The AFP and PNP institutions are valued institutional partners of MBFI in the implementation of its CSR programs and activities. Annually, MBFI recognizes exemplary teachers, soldiers and police officers for rendering service beyond their call of duties through the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos.  “Metrobank recognizes the heroic efforts of the PNP and the AFP in these trying times,” said Metrobank President Fabian Dee. The donatio...

Amidst the current health crisis, World Vision in the Philippines has allotted the total amount of ₱60,254,512.70 from different funding sources and donations including corporate partners and individual child sponsors to fund its ongoing COVID-19 Emergency Response. “World Vision is so grateful for the support of all our generous donors in the battle against COVID-19. Like in our past initiatives, your donations are definitely a big help to the Filipino children and their families, and even to the frontliners that we are assisting during these difficult times,” said Rommel V. Fuerte, World Vision National Director. One month on in its health emergency response, World Vision has served and assisted over 1.4 million people nationwide. Proceeds directly went to World Vision’s implementation of COVID-19 response including the distribution of 13 triage tents to the hospitals and the provision of basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the frontliners. In some of the aff...

Looking your best every day is definitely a must and the enhanced community quarantine is definitely not an excuse to skip your beauty routine.   For those who are working from home and frequently need to attend online meetings, remember that you can skip the fancy skirts and opt for comfy PJs but you definitely cant put in less effort on your face. Below are some useful makeup tips to appear smart and crisp for your next Zoom or Facetime meeting: Look fresh. You are no longer beating the rush of everyday traffic so the most important tip is to make your skin look healthy and glowing. To achieve this, apply a small amount of Ever Bilena Pro Flawless Finish Foundation starting from the middle of your face, outwards blending properly using your fingertips or Ever Bilena Blend Me Sponge. This liquid foundation provides full coverage that will give you a flawless finish. Conceal. The last thing you would want to look like on your online meeting is tired an...

Catch the 5.5 Shopee Mart Sale from April 22 to May 5 and enjoy deals as low as  ₱5 and Free Shipping with P0 minimum spend In the middle of the COVID-19 outbreak, we must stay healthy and safe. Shopping at home is the most convenient way to get your daily essential needs, and there’s no better way to get your shopping done from home than with Shopee! Here are some tips to make your #ShopeeAtHome experience easier and help you decide better: Plan ahead and ready your list Make a list and check it twice. This will give you an overview of what items you really need to buy and help you manage your budget. It will also ensure that you don't forget essential personal care items like antibacterial soaps and shampoos before hitting the checkout button. Take a look at Shopee’s collection and sale pages to see the variety of great deals that are available. Shopee’s collections also make it easier for you to find the items on your list, and get great deals to boot! Choose hea...

. .                              Photo 1 and 2. Women of Taguig Livelihood Shoppe repurposing donations of old clothes, blankets, sheets into reusable and washable face masks for donation. In the middle of these desperate times the nation is united more than ever to put an end to COVID-19 with local communities, health workers, private sectors, and civilians working hand-in-hand with the government to adhere to the nationwide enhanced community quarantine. With majority of Filipinos lives disrupted and robust measures around the world attempt to contain the spread of the virus, the outbreak is hitting the marginal sector very hard. And yet, it is also in the middle of these desperate times that the very best in us emerges. The Filipino spirit of bayanihan stays strong — even the affected sectors have shown commitment to help the country through small acts of kindness. Women of the Taguig...

Solane, the country’s leading LPG brand, recently showed appreciation and gratitude to frontliners in Cebu who have been selflessly serving the community during provincial lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Solane employees in Cebu prepared and distributed meal packs, grocery items, and other essentials to police officers, security guards, food vendors, barangay officials, and other frontliners in Mandaue City, Liloan, and Consolacion, Cebu. Previously, Solane, together with Solane Kitchen Hero winner Chef Coke Semblante and his team from Cebu City, also worked together in providing free food to health workers and other frontliners in different areas of the province who are actively fighting the spread of COVID-19. For more information, visit https://www.solane.com.ph/ or https://web.facebook.com/solane.ph/.

Tired of watching K-Drama on Netflix,  it's high time to make use of our time and help the frontliners by giving them their need of protection shield  which is economical and easy to  assemble during this community quarantine period. Be a good help and use our time wisely by making DIY face shields. I found this interesting idea from the Facebook Page of Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation. The Safety and Health Department of MMDC shared how they created face shields for their staff, using available office supplies. Here are the materials you will need: Clear plastic sheet/PVC Cover Recycled hard hat harness Single-hole puncher Scissors Stapler Pen Here’s the step-by-step procedure in making a face shield: Step 1: Prepare all the needed materials. Step 2: Mark the PVC Cover. Use pen to mark holes on the PVC cover to be aligned to holes of hard hat harness. You may use the harness as guide for holes. Step 3: Punch hol...

Emergencies can happen anytime and it’s best to be ready. Nobody could have anticipated the unwelcome surprises that 2020 has so far brought along with it. Some of these include the eruption of the long-dormant Taal Volcano and the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 has infected as many as over 930,000 people worldwide and claimed over 47,259 lives and counting. Statistics like these show that emergencies can happen anytime and it’s best to be ready for anything. Even though there’s no way to predict life’s unpleasant surprises, we can always prepare to ease some of the burden. Life’s uncertainties may include problems related to health, natural calamities, travel mishaps, and more. Stay calm, consider all your options, consult with experts if you can or read up on books and information, and make a plan. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, offers tips on preparing for some of life’s unexpected situations: Live a healthy life. Chro...

In the game of basketball, a good defense is the best offense against unexpected setbacks. In life, as the world fights against the COVID-19 virus, we realize that good health is something we should never take for granted. AXA, one of the country’s leading insurance providers and the official insurance partner of the NBA in the Philippines, shares seven simple but effective defense tactics to help you with your game plan on staying physically and mentally strong, not just during the lockdown but also after the quarantine is over. Eat healthy. What you eat is closely linked to your health. Avoid getting sick by maintaining a balanced diet composed of protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. By making the right food choices, you are protecting yourself from possible health conditions such as diabetes, heart attack, cancer, or stroke. Exercise regularly. Even off the court, you can still follow an at-home workout routine. Jump rope, do squats and lunges, push up...

PRESS RELEASE Child rights organizations call for the protection of all Filipino children during the COVID-19 pandemic We are facing an unprecedented global public health crisis. While children’s health appears to be less directly affected by COVID-19, it must be recognized that the outbreak will deeply affect the environment where children grow and develop. “Sadly, what is often overlooked is the impact this situation will have on children, especially those who are most deprived and marginalized,” said Rowena Cordero, Joining Forces Alliance Convener. “In situations like this, children’s safety, protection, and well-being may be put at risk, and their rights may be violated and compromised,” Cordero stressed. Actions to prevent the spread of the pandemic have been stern — with entire communities on lockdown, economic activities limited, and schools closed. In the Philippines alone, a total of 22,558,138 or 100% of learners are already affected due to suspension of c...

A global alliance of child-focused international non-government organizations calls on the national and local governments to intensify efforts against online sexual exploitation against children (OSEC). MANILA, Philippines — Taking advantage of the quarantine situation, perpetrators could easily groom children online and coerce them to send and receive sexually explicit messages, images, and videos. “With the indefinite suspension of classes due to COVID-19, children are spending more time on the internet, exposed to the dangers of OSEC,” said Euan Crawshaw, Philippine Country Manager of Terre des Hommes - Netherlands. Children and young adults may experience boredom and economic stress as they stay at home for prolonged periods of time, pushing them to engage in risky behaviors in exchange for money. “With parents and guardians preoccupied with economic, health, and security concerns, children may end up browsing the internet unsupervised,” Cranshaw added. “As the lockd...

5 ways to beat mental stress during quarantine One of the sacrifices that many people must make amid the COVID-19 pandemic is to stay at home and distance themselves from other people. While this is one way to protect themselves from the virus, isolation—together with anxiety and fear over the crisis—may raise mental health concerns. If you find yourself struggling to cope with the current situation, you can do more than just browse through Facebook or watch movies. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, shares some activities to help you be productive and fight the blues during this Enhanced Community Quarantine. Exercise. Staying at home doesn’t mean you have to limit your daily physical activity. You can search for exercise videos online that will help you stay fit!  There are so many options to suit your level and preference—from simple but effective walking exercises, high-intensity workouts, zumba, and yoga, among so many other options....

To support healthcare frontliners who are bravely answering the call of duty amid the continuing rise of COVID-19 cases in the country, Landers Superstore recently organized a relief program to provide medical workers with free food and groceries. The Philippine Army was brought in to help in the distribution to key hospitals in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Cebu. Landers Superstore, together with its partners Popeyes, Kuya J, 8990 Holdings Inc. Isla Sugbu Seafood City, and Majestic Restaurant, have been able to distribute 595 boxes of Landers Central pizza, 315 buckets of Popeyes Chicken, and 46 bags of groceries containing essential items like toiletries and snacks to 34 hospitals and 6 army checkpoints. Each box of pizza and bag of groceries contain heartfelt messages of thanks and encouragement from the staff and members of Landers Superstore. Some of the hospitals that received donations are Philippine General Hospital, San Lazaro Hospital, Asian Hospital and Medical Cen...

The Philippines' first and only Super Minimart chain opened its latest store in Sitio Santol, Barangay Tabun, Angeles on Maundy Thursday. The Tabun store, Alfamart’s 816th store in the country, was opened weeks ahead of schedule due to the request  of the barangay. Tabun Barangay Captain Alma Dizon-Mercado saw that her constituents needed a safer, more convenient, and more comfortable place to shop, so she wrote to Alfamart over a week before the store officially opened. “Nakita ko rin po kasi sa social media na ang daming nagpapasalamat sa Alfamart, lalo na ngayung panahon ng Enhanced Community Quarantine,” said Dizon-Mercado. “Kaya minabuti po naming maghanap ng paraan upang makapagbukas sila sa aming barangay,” she continued. Harvey Ong, COO of Alfamart Philippines, saw the barangay’s request as an opportunity to further advance the Super Minimart chain’s advocacy of community development. “We are more than happy to oblige Barangay Tabun. If we can fulfill a nee...

LBC heeds the government’s call to move for the nation, during this time of COVID-19, and commits Php 50 million worth of supply of (washable/reusable) 2-ply masks, to support Filipino communities and mitigate the virus’ spread in at-risk areas. This affirmative action is part of LBC’s response, and in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the temporary shortage of masks and distribution of these in densely populated areas of the country will be addressed. “The current situation calls for people to do their ‘part’: be it by staying at home or having to risk their own safety by going to work, to treat the sick. For us at LBC, our ‘part’ is to move-- together with our courageous frontliners, and join the fight,” said Executive Director of the LBC Foundation, Nena L. Wuthrich.  “LBC is starting this mask program with hopes of being one with all Filipinos--to ‘flatten the curve.’ This initiative is also set to assist in educati...