SM Prime, UPLB Team Up for Sustainability Scholarship

SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has partnered with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to further promote the country’s pursuit of sustainable development.

Through a scholarship grant, SM Prime aims to assist select students pursue undergraduate degrees in Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology (BSHE) and Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) – courses geared towards sustainability.

The scholarship will be awarded to students from low-income households in Pasay City intended to provide better employment prospects and help reduce poverty and inequality, which are major obstacles to sustainable development.

Members of the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) and SM Prime Holdings Inc ink partnership to create scholarships geared towards sustainable development. Present during the signing are (From left) UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources Dean Marlo Mendoza, UPLB College of Human Ecology Dean Dr. Ricardo Sandalo, SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo, UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho Jr., and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Janette Malata-Silva.

Collaboration for innovation and sustainability
In an interview, UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr. shared his optimism about the partnership, citing the impact of education, especially sustainability-related fields of studies, in social and economic mobility.

“The scholarship will enable more students to pursue their studies in areas related to sustainability such as environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. By investing in education in these areas, we are preparing a new generation of leaders who will have the knowledge and skills to address the complex environmental and social challenges facing our world today,” Dr. Camacho said.

“It will encourage research and development in areas related to sustainability. By providing support for students to pursue advanced studies, we are creating a pipeline of future researchers and innovators who can develop solutions to pressing environmental and social problems,” he added.

Aside from enabling students to pursue their education without financial burden, the UPLB chancellor believes that the scholarship can produce competent leaders capable of solving complex environmental and social challenges, and create a pipeline of innovative researchers.

He further stressed how fostering collaborations and innovation in sustainability between the academic community and the private sector can lead to new environmentally and socially responsible products, technologies, and services that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo signed the memorandum of agreement alongside UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho Jr. The scholarship formed under the partnership continues SM Prime’s pursuit of sustainable development.

Ripples of social good
SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo shared that the partnership between SM Prime and UPLB is a testament to the shared commitment of both institutions towards promoting sustainability and creating a better future for the next generation.

By supporting the education of would-be scholars, SM Prime hopes to create ripples of social good within families and communities, ultimately contributing to the development of a more sustainable and equitable society.

“Improving the well-being of its partner communities and investing in people’s growth have long been among SM Prime’s sustainability pillars woven at the core of its business strategies and operations. As such, SM Prime deems it important to create programs that would provide access to quality education for all, and in the long term, create a pool of proactive human resources who can responsibly carry out and balance the economic, social and environmental aspects of a society’s sustainable development aspirations,” Castillo said.

“SM Prime believes UPLB would be the best partner to support its sustainability initiatives in promoting a conducive learning environment while honing new Iskolars ng Bayan leaders committed to knowledge creation and public service,” she also said.

The SM Prime Sustainability Scholarship is open to students from Pasay City, under UPLB's BSHE and BSF programs with an annual gross family income of not more than PhP150,000.00

For more information, interested applicants may contact the UPLB OSG +63 49 536 3209 or email at osg.uplb@up.edu.ph..

Regional insurtech Igloo Launches New travel insurance product - Travel Master with COVID-19 in partnership with GCash and Malayan Insurance

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Regional insurtech firm Igloo, in partnership with GCash and leading local underwriter Malayan Insurance, recently launched Travel Master with COVID-19, a comprehensive travel insurance product to be offered and purchased on the e-wallet. The brand-new product offers coverage for personal accident, emergency medical treatment, hospital cash allowance, travel inconvenience benefits, and COVID-19 protection. With tourism on the upswing due to the easing of restrictions, Travel Master with COVID-19 will enable Filipinos to undertake trips with assured protection in the event of a medical emergency due to the pandemic.

In the forum titled ‘The Philippines and Revenge Tourism – Are We Ready?’ Tourism Secretary, Bernadette Romulo Puyat shared that ‘Revenge Travel’ or leisure travel that follows a period of being unable to travel is driving the tourism boom in the country. Since easing restrictions in February 2022, the country has seen a gradual rise in travel - particularly to local destinations - among Filipinos. In fact, 85% of tourism contribution to the gross domestic product can be attributed to domestic travel, which is expected to grow further with the opening of more local destinations. Travel Master with COVID-19 will help Filipinos be prepared for health and travel risks for their trips.

“As more Filipinos become more comfortable with traveling, our new travel insurance product in collaboration with our long-term partner GCash, will work as a key enabler to facilitate safe travel for Filipinos. Being an affordable, yet comprehensive product, that addresses common travel risks including contracting COVID-19 it will offer travelers the coverage they need so they can enjoy their trip and have peace of mind,” shared Mario Berta, Country Manager for the Philippines at Igloo. “GCash Travel Master with COVID-19 once again highlights Igloo’s commitment to co-creation of insurance products that are relevant and accessible to all Filipinos.”

Underwritten by Malayan Insurance, the benefits of Travel Insurance include Personal Accident with Emergency Medical Treatment for COVID-19 for up to Php 2,500,000, Hospital Cash Allowance due to COVID-19 of up to Php 4,000, and Travel Inconvenience of up to Php 50,000. It also has value-added features such as Car Rental Protection of up to Php 500,000 and Sports Activities Extension of up to Php 100,000. The insurance product is also supported by 24-hour worldwide travel assistance in partnership with Assist America for the medical needs of the insured.

GCash Travel Master with COVID-19 powered by Igloo
Topline benefits
Personal Accident with Emergency Medical Treatment for COVID-19	Up to Php 2,500,000
Hospital Cash Allowance due to COVID-19	Up to o Php 4,000
Travel Inconvenience	Up to Php 50,000
Value-added benefits
Car Rental Protection	Up to Php 500,000
Sports Activities Extension	Up to Php 100,000

Available through GCash’s GInsure marketplace, premiums start at Php 950 for local or inbound, Php 970 for Asia, and Php 1,190 for worldwide travel with up to a 90-day maximum coverage period. 

GCash Travel Master with COVID-19 is the fourth product launched under Igloo and GCash’s partnership. In September 2021, the partners launched the first Online Shopping insurance in the market, followed by Mobile Insurance products and Pet Insurance in 2022.

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About Igloo:

Igloo is the first full-stack insurtech firm to emerge from Singapore. It has offices in Singapore, Indonesia,  Thailand,  The  Philippines,  Vietnam  and  Malaysia  and  tech  centres in China and India.  With a mission of making insurance accessible for all, the firm leverages big data, real-time risk assessment, and end-to-end automated claims management to create B2B2C insurance solutions for platform companies and insurance companies. Igloo’s insurance solutions enable companies  to  eliminate  their  exposure  to operational  risk,  create  new  revenue  streams,  and optimise  and  enhance  existing  products  and  services.  Igloo  has  partnered  with  over  55  well-known   brand   names   across   the   markets   in   various   verticals,   including   insurance, telecommunications, e-commerce, hospitality, health tech and financial services.

For more information, please visit https://www.iglooinsure.com/.

PCPPI Marks 33 Years with Activities to Push Sustainable Agenda

In celebration of its 33rd anniversary, various regional units of the Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) held environmental activities to support communities and further promote the company’s sustainability agenda. On July 25, 2022, PCPPI’s Metro Sales region participated at Manila City’s Clean Up Drive. Its Batangas plant and the Bicol Region Operations (BRO) each held tree planting activities, while its Zamboanga plant conducted a blood-letting activity in partnership with Blood Bank, PNP Culianan, and PNP Special Action Force.

Aside from nurturing communities and the environment, PCPPI also recognized its loyal employees. The Loyalty Awardees have been with the company for 25 and 30 years. PCPPI’s growth and success for 33 years is greatly attributed to the hard work and contributions of the employees. PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines. 

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About Pepsi Philippines

 

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages & snacks in the Philippines, with a relationship spanning 70 years. PCPPI manufactures and sells well-known food and beverage brands: Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, Premier, Sips, Milkis, Let’s Be and Aquafina. It has established 14 manufacturing facilities across the country, serving more than 700,000 outlets and providing employment through its extensive distribution network.

 

PCPPI is committed to create a positive impact on society with programs focused on environmental sustainability, nutrition, education, and livelihood. For more information, visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.

Celebrating the Unsung, Everyday Heroes in Every Filipino

Pasig City, Philippines – [May 19, 2022] – Amid the global health crisis, Filipinos have seen the courage and strength of frontline workers—our doctors, nurses, grocery cashiers, public transportation drivers, and many more.

We also saw people stepping up for others, especially their families, friends, or those vulnerable, immunocompromised loved ones safe from COVID-19. And yes, no matter how small our actions are, it reflects the heroes in all of us.

To honor the unsung heroes in every Filipino, Santé, a premier natural and organic health and wellness product and services provider, welcomes, today, Jane De Leon as the newest ambassador for Santé Barley and Daily-C.

“More than all the characters that Jane De Leon portrays in her movies and teleseryes, we know that she is always kind and compassionate and uses her strength and influence to help others. And because it is our commitment to helping everyone live better lives, Jane perfectly embodies what Santé is all about. She represents the hardworking and dedicated Filipinos who have risen to become heroes of their families, especially amid these uncertain times,” said Joey Marcelo, chief executive officer of Santé.

However, unlike any other superheroes in television and movies, everyday heroes need to strengthen their immune systems with the right supplements, good exercise, and diet to stay away from sicknesses, enabling them to live more and do more for their loved ones. As health is their primary source of power, this is where Santé Barley™ and Daily-C come in to help empower the revolution of the modern-day heroes in every Filipino.

Santé Barley™, the company’s flagship product, is made of barley grass gathered at a young age and turned into powder and capsule forms. It is composed of pure organic barley grass rich in vitamins and minerals that help to detoxify the body, lower bad cholesterol, aid digestive health, deliver a good number of antioxidants, assist wound healing, bone formation, and many more.

A glass or capsule of Santé Barley™ fortifies the body with Vitamin C, zinc, calcium, amino acids, magnesium, iron, B-vitamins, and carotenoids, which are essential to giving the immune system an extra boost. The healthy goodness of Santé Barley™ is certified organic by New Zealand’s renowned organic produce and products organization, BioGro.

Daily-C, on the other hand, is ascorbic acid neutralized with sodium. It has three variants, including Daily-C 500mg, Daily-C 750mg, and Daily-C Plus, sodium ascorbate fortified with zinc to provide an extra level of protection. With a pH range of 7.0 to 8.0, all variants are gentler on the stomach and safe for daily consumption.

Vitamin C helps reinforce the immune system, decreases Vitamin C deficiency, and aids in the body's iron absorption, collagen formation, and wound healing. The Daily-C variations come in vegetable capsules that make it ideal for those living the vegetarian lifestyle.

“Before we can become heroes for others, we need to ensure that we are strong and healthy. I have always considered health and wellness very important, especially now that we face a global health crisis. I am very grateful to be a part of the Santé family. As the new brand ambassador of Santé Barley™ and Daily-C, I hope that I can encourage more Filipinos to take care of their health so that they can take good care, even more, of their families and loved ones,” said De Leon.

Santé Barley™, Daily-C, and other Santé products are organic health and wellness products offered by Santé, known for developing a comprehensive selection of everyday barley-based products. They are designed to improve people’s quality of life to live more and do more.

Santé is one of the leading global manufacturers of certified barley grass grown and harvested from New Zealand. With its mission to help people live better lives, the company promotes, produces, and distributes premier natural health and wellness products and services. Today, Santé has expanded its offerings, including a fitness and rehabilitation center with Santé Fitness Lab, staying true to its thrust of promoting a healthy lifestyle.

To learn more about Santé Barley™, Daily-C, and other Santé products, visit its website at mysante.com.

Be C-gurado Every Day

Pasig City, Philippines – [February 15, 2022] – As the Philippines detected the highly infectious Omicron variant, Filipinos have seen a sudden and tremendous surge in the COVID-19 cases. And while the infections in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces are already starting to decrease, the Department of Health (DOH) still recognizes the country, especially NCR, as high risk for the virus. 

For that reason, people must be C-gurado amid these uncertain times. It is essential to always keep our health in check with sufficient vitamins and nutrients for doubled-up protection against the invisible enemy even if we’re wearing masks outside and completely vaccinated, along with a booster shot. 

 

Hygiene and health must start at home. And while no supplements can directly cure COVID-19 and its variants, taking vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and Zinc can help provide adequate nutrition to double up one’s immunity, lessening severe symptoms. 

 

Benefits of Vitamin C and Zinc to help boost one’s immune system 

Vitamin C is a well-known vitamin to take in the new normal. Since it provides added protection, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), this vitamin is vital to maintaining your health.  

 

Vitamin C also assists a person’s immune system combat sicknesses, making it significant to include in your diet. In addition, a foreign study indicated that regular Vitamin C intake helps reduce the severity of colds. 

 

Other than that, as an essential medicine, it can assist in faster wound healing and minimize the risks of having long-term illnesses like cancer. 

 

Another winning supplement to increase our immune functions is Zinc, a mineral that may have antiviral activity. According to a study, this mineral improves immune cell function that counters viral infections or may reduce the ability of viruses to multiply. 

 

Another study found out that Zinc may not prevent colds, but evidence proves that it plays an essential function in shortening cold symptoms. 

 

No wonder why Vitamin C and Zinc are necessary to be taken this new normal. It’s because of the powerful benefits of these supplements to people’s immune systems. 

 

Doubled-up protection with Santé’s Daily-C Plus 

While certain foods can be good sources of these vitamins and minerals, some people have difficulties including them in their daily diet.  

 

That is why Santé, a premier natural and organic health and wellness product and services provider, brings you the new and improved Daily-C Plus, helping you get an extra dose of vitamins for doubled-up protection so you can live beyond the limits and confidently care for your family. 

 

“Because of the health scares brought by 2020, everyone must improve their daily health care and lifestyle. The new and improved Daily-C Plus is our way of helping everyone so they can become more C-gurado even amid these uncertain times,” said Joey Marcelo, CEO of Santé. 

 

Daily-C Plus is the doubled-up version of Daily-C, which helps the immune system and decreases Vitamin C deficiency. It also aids in enhancing iron absorption, collagen formation, and wound healing in our bodies. 

 

Packed with non-acidic sodium ascorbate fortified with Zinc, it provides an extra level of protection to you and your family while being gentler on the stomach and safe for daily consumption. It comes in a 500mg natural vegetable capsule, so it’s like eating your greens with just a pill. 

 

“Because of uncertainties at times like this, I always make sure to put effort and work to protect my future, family, and health. And because I’m a certified C-gurista, the best way to guard myself and my loved ones from sickness is with the doubled-up protection of Daily-C Plus,” said Catriona Gray, ambassador of Daily-C Plus. 

 

So, if you are a certified C-gurista, be sure to double up your protection with Santé’s Daily-C Plus and be C-gurado to face each day in this new normal. 

 

Daily-C Plus is at a 20% discount from February 14 to 28! Avail of this limited time offer by visiting mysante.com/shop. 

 

 

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About Santé 

 

Santé is one of the leading global manufacturers of certified barley grass grown and harvested from New Zealand. With its mission to help people live better lives, the company promotes, produces, and distributes premier natural health and wellness products and services. With Santé Barley as its flagship brand, the company has dominated the local market with its barley grass certified organic by BioGro, New Zealand’s largest and best-known certifier for organic produce and products. With the proven health benefits of Santé Barley, Santé has developed a comprehensive selection of everyday barley-based products. Today, Santé has expanded its offerings, including a fitness and physical rehabilitation center with Santé Fitness Lab, staying true to its thrust in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Headquartered in the Philippines, Santé has offices worldwide in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, Singapore, UAE, Qatar, Nigeria, and Cyprus. 

  

To learn more about Sante, visit its website at www.mysante.com.   

6 Tips to Help Strengthen Your Immune System

A strong immune system is more vital than ever during these times. Taking the necessary steps to further strengthen our immune system by maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help us fight COVID-19 and common illnesses such as the common cold or flu viruses. 

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, shares six self-care tips to strengthen your immune system by maintaining a healthy body.

1. Stay hydrated. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when too much water is lost from the body, the organs, cells, and tissue fail to function at optimal levels, leading to dehydration, headaches, indigestion, and kidney and heart failure. For your body to function properly, it’s important to replenish your water supply by consuming enough water. The recommended water intake is 2.7 liters per day for women and 3.7 liters per day for men. You can also stay hydrated by eating water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, peaches, oranges, cucumber, celery, and lettuce.

2. Get moving. Exercise can help you feel better, sleep better, maintain a healthy weight, and even reduce stress and anxiety. While staying at home, why not organize a 30-minute Zumba or yoga session with your family? The CDC recommends doing at least 150 minutes of exercise a week, which you can spread out in smaller chunks of time throughout the day. You can also start a moderately intense exercise routine such as bicycling, brisk walking, or jogging.  Any of these activities will allow you to spend quality time with your loved ones while keeping your body strong and fit.

3. Manage your sleep schedule. Studies show that sleep loss can affect the immune system, which can lead to a wide variety of illnesses, such as hypertension and diabetes and can trigger depression and anxiety disorder. As recommended by the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, you need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to feel well-rested and for your body to function at its best. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you can try these suggestions:  avoid using your smartphone and gadgets before bedtime since the light from the screens may affect your ability to fall asleep; do not eat, consume caffeine, or exercise at least 2-3 hours before bed to avoid overstimulating your body.

4. Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol. Alcohol and tobacco use may lead to major health risks like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. If possible, avoid alcohol consumption, and if you can, seek safe options to help quit smoking. If you have a loved one who consumes these substances, it’s also important to note that giving them your support may help them avoid picking up the habit entirely. 

5. Manage stress. Stress or anxiety can cause the body to produce stress hormones that can suppress the immune system and cause inflammation and imbalances in immune cell functions, all of which can put your health at risk. While it’s normal to feel stressed out sometimes, managing and handling your stress levels can help you start making changes that are good for your mind and body. If you think that the way you’re handling stress is taking a toll on your physical or mental health, you can always talk to your loved ones, consult a therapist, or practice breathing exercises or meditation.

6. Start a health care plan.  Having a health care plan can be your financial safety net just in case you or your loved ones fall ill. To help Filipinos prepare for unexpected health conditions and complications, AXA Philippines offers Health Care Access, which provides comprehensive and affordable health care coverage for hospitalization and other medical needs through a quarterly or annual premium. This health care plan comes in two types: Health Care Access Prime and Lite. Health Care Access Prime is ideal for those who have no employee health plan like entrepreneurs, freelancers, and consultants, while Health Care Access Lite is perfect for those with coverage from their employer but need additional protection. Both policies come with a Longevity Health Fund, which you can tap into for health setbacks even beyond the age of 75, life and accident coverage up to PHP500,000, emergency care coverage, inpatient care coverage for hospital admission costs including doctors’ fees, inpatient surgical and special diagnostic procedures, and free access to 24/7 teleconsultation with a medical professional. Moreover, you can enhance the coverage of your plan with outpatient care, optical care, or dental care benefit. 

Now more than ever, adopting healthy habits for a healthy immune system and having a backup plan can help safeguard your and your family’s well-being, especially during the pandemic. To know more about AXA Health Care Access, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/health-protection/health-care-access.

Secrets to Successful Tidying Up and Home Improvement Featured in First Run of AXA Rewards Real Sessions

Clearing your house of clutter will not only free up space, but can also help you and your family sleep better and become more healthy and active. This is why, when your home is overrun with clutter, it’s time to take action and focus on getting organized so you can start the new year on a cleaner, healthier note.  

This was the main message during the recent AXA Rewards Real Sessions workshop, organized by AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers. Real Sessions is a workshop series exclusively for AXA Rewards members that cover different aspects of life, all designed to help members achieve the life they want.

One of the perks of the rewards program is exclusive access to a series of workshops, the first of which was a talk on home improvement and decluttering by Christine Dychiao, the first certified Konmari consultant in the Philippines. Konmari is a simple but effective tidying method that helps people organize their homes and transform their lives. This was the first in the workshop series that will cover topics such as mental health, fitness and nutrition, financial empowerment, and more, happening throughout 2022.

Here are six KonMari rules of tidying that Dychiao shared during the online workshop:

Commit yourself to tidying up. Many people think that tidying up is a chore and something that takes too much time. But if you think about decluttering as a celebration - that you’re liberating yourself from clutter - you’ll be able to make more room for what truly matters. The less clutter you have, the more you can organize and lessen your stress. Committing at least three hours of your time a day to decluttering can go a long way.

Imagine your ideal lifestyle and space. A great way to start decluttering is by simply visualizing how the space will look, how you’d feel when moving in that space, and how you’d use that space. Do you want your books to be placed on a specific side of the room? Would you be staying in that space for a long period of time? It should be clear in your head on what the space will look like so you can organize it exactly the way you want.

Finish discarding first. A lot of people just move things around when they tidy up. They put the clutter on another bed, closet, drawer, or room, but it’s better to physically get the stuff out of the house. Ask yourself, “Do you really need this certain item that you haven’t used for a long time?” At some point, you have to let go of things that you don’t use anymore. You can donate them or practice regifting these items, just in time for the holiday season. This way, you can focus on things that really matter. 

Tidy by category, not by location. When you simply tidy up the same things together, you’ll see how much clutter you have of that particular thing. If you have a lot of books or clothes, you’ll see piles when you’re decluttering. It may also help you realize that maybe you don’t want to spend more money on the same stuff. You can start with your clothes -- gather everything in one spot, and decide on what you want to keep. For your books, don’t just pull them off the shelf. You have to go through each book. Ask yourself these questions: Are you done reading this book already? Do you have a friend that you think may love that book? After organizing them in piles, simply put back the unused or unread books on your shelf. 

Follow the right order. Start with the easy ones: books, clothes, papers. Then, you move on to the “komono” which translates as “miscellaneous.” And finally, end it with the sentimental items since these things are typically the hardest to let go of and you want to save them as long as you can. 

Ask yourself if it “sparks joy.” When you can’t figure out what to do with an item, always ask yourself, “Does it spark joy?”, “Is it functional?”, “Does this thing give me fulfillment and will it bring joy in the long run?” The key is to surround yourself with things that ignite your happiness. 

Once you’ve done tidied up, all you have to do now is make decluttering a habit in your life, and keep moving toward the decluttered, stress-free, and better life you want to live. Stay tuned for more life learning from upcoming Real Sessions next year.

AXA Rewards is an exclusive loyalty program for pre-qualified customers who meet a fixed set of criteria. To know about the AXA Rewards program, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/multimedia/articles/get-to-know-axas-exclusive-loyalty-program.