Lifestyle

Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition, which now comprises over 100 global banks, fintechs, and merchants, is expanding its reforestation work to include 15 new sites around the world ahead of Earth Day on April 22. New projects are being initiated in Asia Pacific, including the Philippines, Cambodia, China, and India, while planting in Australia continues. The Coalition is trying to restore 100 million trees globally by 2025 in order to cut carbon emissions, while Mastercard is also pursuing sustainability initiatives such as the launch of its Carbon Calculator.

At the Philippines, 417,500 trees will be planted in Mt. Mantalingahan, Palawan; Peablanca, Quirino; and Mindoro Island to safeguard animals and ecosystems while also providing economic advantages to local communities and boosting tourism.

A 2022 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sounded the alarm about the urgency of taking immediate action to mitigate climate change. The UN report stated that removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, in tandem with reducing emissions, will play a central role in mitigating the effects of climate change; reforestation is widely acknowledged as one of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to do this. And while a UN Global Compact study found that 81 percent of CEOs are already developing sustainable products and services, research from Bain revealed that nearly half of these sustainability initiatives fail to achieve their stated aims. This is often due to the significant investments required to hire talent and build new capabilities, external factors, and long program durations measured in decades rather than years or months. Uniting in action with partners and experts can help address these challenges and lead to better outcomes.

“Tackling environmental issues is a whole-of-society task, but efforts are often undertaken in isolation or without coordination,” said Sandeep Malhotra, Executive Vice President, Products & Innovation, Asia Pacific, Mastercard. “Given the urgency of the IPCC’s latest findings, now is the time to pull together to combat this challenge that affects every one of us on this planet. At the core of Mastercard’s business is a global network that spans banks, governments, merchants, and consumers. It is this connectivity that makes the Priceless Planet Coalition different and more effective. By pooling resources, it’s possible to rapidly scale forest restoration work and environmental initiatives, while providing businesses with pre-existing infrastructure that easily – and cost effectively – allows them to have a tangible impact.”

The Priceless Planet Coalition works by uniting companies, communities and consumers in collective, coordinated climate action. Guided by its restoration partners, Conservation International and World Resources Institute, the Coalition employs science-based best practices to identify new project sites, select the appropriate tree species and ensure long-term forest health through ongoing monitoring, while also providing economic opportunities for local communities.

In addition to funding the restoration efforts, partners also work to engage consumers by encouraging people to take climate-friendly actions or make personal contributions through a donation platform. Organizations that have joined the Coalition in Asia Pacific include 1derful and Archa in Australia, as well as multiple banks in Taiwan such as The Shanghai Commercial & Savings Bank, DBS, Mega International Commercial Bank, Taiwan Cooperative Bank, Taiwan Shin Kong Commercial Bank, and KGI Bank.

Carbon Calculator: ESG fintech solution enables banks to support eco-friendly spending

To help consumers understand the environmental impact of their spending, the company developed the Mastercard Carbon Calculator in collaboration with Swedish fintech Doconomy. The easily implemented API enables banks and fintechs to embed carbon tracking within their own digital products so that their customers can view the estimated carbon footprint of all their purchases. A user’s carbon footprint is tracked month by month across a variety of spending categories so they can better understand where they are having the greatest impact and make small modifications that can result in real change.

In March 2022, Taiwan’s O-Bank was the first bank in the Asia Pacific region to implement the Carbon Calculator. Soon after, Priceless Planet Coalition partner, Taiwan Shin Kong Commercial Bank, announced that it plans to offer the Carbon Calculator to its customers as well.

Building a sustainable digital economy

Creating a Long-Term Digital Economy With a digital economy that works for everyone, everywhere, Mastercard is committed to creating a more inclusive and sustainable world. The company has expedited its net zero goal to 2040 and recently revised its remuneration model for all employees, which is now linked to three environmental, social, and governance principles (ESG). Mastercard is developing products and services to assist its customers provide more environmentally responsible solutions to consumers around the world through its Global Sustainability Innovation Lab.

Visit PricelessPlanet.org. to join or learn more about the Priceless Planet Coalition

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

Appendices follow.

APPENDIX I: Reforestation work in Asia Pacific

VIDEO: Spotlight on restoration work in Australia (Watch here)

PHOTO ESSAY – Australia: How regenerative agriculture can battle climate change (View here)

APPENDIX II: Reforestation work in other regions

In addition to the Asia Pacific locations cited above, the project portfolio of the Priceless Planet Coalition also includes diverse geographical representation in the following regions: Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala); Europe (France, Portugal, Spain, Scotland); Middle East & Africa (Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, United Arab Emirates); and North America (Mexico, United States). The expansion builds on the Coalition’s existing planting progress underway in Australia, Kenya and the Amazon in Brazil.

BLOG by Conservation International & World Resources Institute (Read here)

Mastercard and Pine Labs have teamed up to launch Mastercard Installments with Pine Labs in response to rising consumer demand for more flexible payment options. Filipino credit cardholders will be able to pay in interest-free monthly installments with their enrolled bank’s credit card anywhere they see the Pay Later identification under the new program. The program is available at local in-store merchants and will eventually expand to include online and cross-border merchants. Cardholders are not required to sign up.

The Mastercard Installments with Pine Labs service is not tied to any one payment network. As long as their issuing bank is engaged, consumers can pay in interest-free monthly installments with any credit card at establishments that display the Pay Later identity. Consumers will be able to pay in installments with their debit cards and even straight from their bank accounts via their mobile banking app in the future.

This installment program supports Philippine’s drive towards a cash-lite and eventually cashless society. In addition, it also provides consumers with greater control to manage their finances as they can split large purchases into interest-free monthly installments.

The Philippines is first among five Southeast Asian markets that will offer the Mastercard Installments with Pine Labs program. Consumers can currently access the program at over 20 merchant locations including selected Mandaue Foam, iSwitch, Autohub and CYA outlets (exclusive distributor of quality home appliance brands like Ariston, Fabriano, Indesit, Mabe, Blueair and others).

At present, there are seven banks in the Philippines whose cardholders will be enrolled in the program. Security Bank Corporation was the first issuer to pilot the program, and in the pipeline are Asia United Bank, China Banking Corporation, Land Bank of the Philippines, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co, Philippine National Bank and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation.

“We’re honored to be the first bank to offer Mastercard Installments with Pine Labs for its customers. Tapping into the expertise of Mastercard and Pine Labs allows us to easily integrate and scale our installment offerings. Having a single access point into an installment network also makes reaching more merchants a lot simpler. This value proposition is aligned with our commitment to provide customer-centric solutions and BetterBanking experiences,” says Maki Tingson, EVP and Head of Retail Banking Segment, Security Bank Corporation.

Mastercard is committed to enabling advances in the payments ecosystem and fostering a more inclusive digital economy for everyone, everywhere. The Mastercard Installments with Pine Labs program delivers on that promise, combining the expertise and technology assets of Mastercard and Pine Labs, one of Asia’s leading merchant commerce platforms.

“After the COVID-19 outbreak, our furniture industry exploded.” We’ve seen an increase in the sale of ‘work from home’ furnishings. While individuals were spending more on home furnishings, we saw a new trend: a growing interest in purchasing these products on a monthly basis. As a result of the Mastercard Installments with Pine Labs initiative, we now have more credit card installment offers, allowing more consumers to take advantage of convenient and rapid payment choices at the time of purchase. “This is definitely having a good impact on our business,” a Mandaue Foam Management spokeswoman stated.

Businesses interested in offering Pay Later as a payment option to their consumers can submit an email to [email protected], and a Pine Labs representative will contact them.

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

About Pine Labs

A leading merchant commerce platform, Pine Labs serves prominent large, mid-sized and small merchants across India and Southeast Asia. The company’s leading cloud-based software platform enables it to offer a wide range of payment acceptance and merchant commerce solutions including enterprise automation systems such as inventory management and customer relationship management. Its stored value platform includes issuing, processing, and distributing digital gift cards for corporate customers around the world. In April 2021, Pine Labs acquired Fave, a consumer fintech platform that provides a smart payment app to the smart generation of consumers looking to pay and save. Fave is currently available in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia with a planned roll-out in India in the near term. Incorporated in Singapore, Pine Labs’ key investors include Sequoia India, Actis Capital, Temasek, PayPal and Mastercard. To know more, please visit www.pinelabs.com.

For this year’s Easter Sunday, One Bonifacio High Street is hosting an Easter Whimsyland complete with fun activities and live festivities for everyone, young and old.

Aside from the classic Easter Egg Hunting, rediscover the excitement of trying something new with a variety of activities planned for children, families, and even your pets! Fun activities, interactive game booths, arts & crafts, and FUNtertainment will be available on April 17 from 3 to 7 p.m., all indoors, as a way to commemorate the occasion.

While at it, enjoy your shopping and dining experience even more at Bonifacio High Street on weekdays from April 1 to 15 for some awesome baskets and bundles with a minimum purchase of Php3,000 for Whimsy Basket for kids and minimum purchase of Php1,000 for the Whimsy woof bundle.

You may redeem your specially curated Whimsy Basket for kids and tweens or a Whimsy Woof Bundle for your pooch on Sunday, April 17 at the BHS Whimsyland Booth (near M Bakery) located at L G/F of One Bonifacio High Street.

This next Sunday, look forward to a wonderful Easter celebration with your family, friends, and furbabies at Easter Whimsyland on Bonifacio High Street. Check out Bonifacio High Street’s Facebook page for more information on the promotion, as well as this post for the mechanics.

The advantages and disadvantages of the standard work setting have been revealed after more than two years of being in a worldwide health crisis.

Avon Philippines revised employee health benefits to include a pilot program for mental health in an effort to mitigate the negative impacts of the “new normal,” and the company is now reaping the advantages.

In 2021, the number one relationship selling company in the Philippines introduced the Mindnation program to Avon associates. The program allows staff to book sessions with a professional psychologist, and attend webinars and programs that address mental health concerns.

After almost a year, these programs have gained high well-being scores in their recent internal survey from employees who have taken part in the program. “Avon takes a genuine interest in their employees’ well-being,” according to one of the feedback.

Avon Philippines has seen improvement in their attrition rate compared to the past year, bucking the global trend of turnovers that have been going on since the start of the pandemic.

“In acknowledging how this global crisis is affecting people differently, it only became apparent that we must provide the personalized support needed by employees so that they can continue to perform at their best,” says Jan Pambid, Director for People Culture & Organization of Avon PH & APAC.

Aside from providing mental health support, additional COVID-19 medical coverage has also been put in place, providing financial aid for employees should they get hospitalized during infection.

Overall, the new mental and well-being benefits were the latest in the company’s string of internal program pivots during the pandemic, which includes service awards and virtual regional mentorship opportunities with Asia Pacific leaders and talents.

In recognition of its internal initiatives, Avon Philippines has been certified as a Top Employer for a second straight year by the global authority in recognizing excellence in People Practices—Top Employers Institute—which held its annual Certification Celebration event last January.

The Top Employer Institute has recognized over 1,800 firms in over 120 countries and regions, affecting the lives of over 8 million employees throughout the world.

“Investing in our employees’ well-being is more than just a corporate obligation,” says Razvan Diratian, Avon Philippines’ General Manager. “In the next years, we expect to continue to provide assistance to clients and associates.”

Avon is part of the Natura &Co Group.  Learn more at www.avonworldwide.com.

Source: Unsplash

Negative words are remembered more than their good ones. This is known as the negative bias From a psychological standpoint, when people lean towards negative information even if something nice is equally or more present. These statements eventually become internal voices that instill doubt, fear, terror, and other unpleasant emotions, preventing a person from being her true self.

While having negative thoughts circling the mind is natural, it also tends to erode one’s own self-esteem, eventually affecting one’s ability to function properly. Acknowledging them when they surface is an ideal first step towards shutting them down.

Here’s a list of the most common intrusive thoughts that most women struggle with in honor of International Women’s Day:

1. In celebration of International Women’s Day, here’s a list of the most common intrusive thoughts that most women deal with: I don’t fit here!

Growing up has people searching for the best social circle to fit in, but sometimes there are children who seem to have their own personal problems and suddenly decide that other kids are not up to their standards. They end up teasing their peers for their physical characteristics, mannerisms, what they brought to lunch, or whatever minute detail that comes to mind.

While having negative thoughts circling the mind is natural, it also tends to erode one’s own self-esteem, eventually affecting one’s ability to function properly. Acknowledging them when they surface is an ideal first step towards shutting them down.

This social trauma often manifests later in adulthood which makes one avoid meeting new people for fear of being judged or simply not fitting in. This is not your voice; it’s from that childhood bully.

2. I can’t do it!

Remember in your younger years when you wanted to try out for the school varsity, and your guardian immediately said no, because you’re just a girl? That memory may later manifest into hesitation to try out experiences and assert oneself, especially in activities that are traditionally dominated by men.

Having the need for validation to do something can pull you from exploring what life has to offer. This is not your voice, it’s from that guardian.

3. I am not enough!

It’s hard enough to juggle relationships, family, and personal goals, more so if you’re a woman. You encounter voices from all fronts, telling you you’re not enough as a mom, not enough as a wife. This is more prevalent at work, with voices telling you you’re not enough as an employee – pushing you to work harder than your male counterparts.

When others disregard your efforts in whatever you do, it lowers your sense of accomplishments, more especially if it’s being done in a team setting. This is not your voice, it’s from those colleagues.

4. I’m too fat/too thin!

While some family gatherings present an opportunity to reconnect with relatives, there’s always that one nosy relative who always has an opinion on your personal life—most especially how much weight you have lost or gained.

Regardless of whether it is true or not, the tumataba ka comment is something most women dread because it’s pointing out something that a woman already knows but can’t change in a snap. Soon, this turns into an insecurity, affecting how she carries herself. This is not your voice, it’s from that tita.

5. I can’t be happy on my own!

Ending a romantic relationship unravels a whole lot of emotions. Sometimes it’s best for both people involved, especially if there are irreconcilable differences. Unfortunately, there are exes who are so full of themselves that they will say you can’t be happy without them; that being alone will get to you eventually.

Being single or in a relationship should have nothing to do with a woman’s self-love. And when someone tells you that being alone will damage you more, don’t listen to that. This is not your voice, it’s from that ex.

I Do Me

Whenever these voices cloud your thoughts, it pays to remember that these voices are not yours—they are from those whose opinions should not have any bearing on your worth.

Avon celebrates International Women’s Day by reminding women that they always have the power to silence these intrusive voices and when they do, they can find their own voice – the one that will make her love herself and empower her to achieve greatness.

As the brand that continues to stand for women for over 135 years, Avon encourages women to build their confidence and say “Let me be. You do you and I’ll do me”.

(Embed: https://www.facebook.com/AvonPhilippines/videos/376323714320325)

Nothing should hold you back from achieving your full potential—not society, not your social media feed, and most especially not what these voices might say.

Avon pushes women to suppress the negative in order to thrive and prosper as a brand and through its products. Because it is incumbent upon women to bloom where they are planted.

Follow Avon Philippines on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to see how women are reclaiming their worth by shutting out negative comments.

Avon is part of the Natura &Co Group.  Learn more at www.avonworldwide.com.

During the continuing health crisis, one out of every four Filipinos, or 25% of the population, has been exposed to some sort of violence. This includes verbal abuse, which has become a daily battle for the majority of women.

Gaslighting, judging, accusing, name-calling, condescending, and verbal threats, among other forms of verbal abuse, can be perplexing not only for survivors but also for perpetrators.

According to the  Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), verbal abuse often contributes to psychological abuse experienced by women and can be penalized as a violation of RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.

“Violence in the homes is not ‘away pamilya’ and is everybody’s concern,” says GWAVE Executive Director, Sheema Bajana-Samson. “People should be vigilant and watch out for signs of abuse through what is heard verbally and body language as well.”

GWAVE is one of many non-government organizations and independent agencies that helps rescue survivors by offering legal assistance and rehabilitation.

“We have survivors also accompany their fellow survivors in hearings, and they do home visitations to other survivors as a form of moral support towards each other.” continues Bajana-Samson. “We’re happy to share that we now have a number of survivors who are emotionally and psychologically ready to become advocates themselves.”

In celebration of International Women’s Month, and the advocacy to build a better world for women, Avon sounds the call to #SpeakOut, take a stand and be more self-aware to help others fight verbal and other forms of abuse.

Based on a global study of more than eight thousand women in eight countries, including the Philippines, found that one in five women are consistently subjected to verbal abuseone in five women are consistently subjected to verbal abuse by an intimate partner. Nearly two in five respondents aged 25-34 are experiencing potential signs of verbal abuse within their relationship – the highest amongst the age groups.

Avon Philippines PR and Communications Head, Marion Limlengco wants to encourage more Filipinos to join dialogues and be more aware of this silent battle that has been affecting more women than actually perceived. “Filipinas are very resilient women, but it turns out, there are some of us who are going through such invisible battles and we don’t even know it. That is why we are tapping a platform where we can freely discuss this issue with no holds barred while still centering on positivity and freedom of expression.”

Podcast fans can also look forward to partnerships with well-known popcasts such:

• Adulting with Joyce Pring, (March 25 via Spotify)
• Camp Confidence Radio Podcast with Ayn Bernos and Rizza Lana-Sebastian, (March 30 via Spotify and YouTube)
• The Eve’s Drop Podcast Delamar Arias, Monica Francesca Tobias, and Gelli Victor with special guest, Ms. Universe 2015 and Avon Intimate Apparel ambassador, Pia Wurtzbach (March 30 via Spotify)

Everyone is also invited to catch Avon’s collaboration with the livestreaming app, Kumu, where viewers can enjoy talks, performances, and fun challenges—all to foster awareness on verbal abuse and raise funds in behalf of Avon’s partner organizations that help abuse survivors. Here’s the full lineup:

• #SpeakOut Dialogues with Women (March 25 via @kumunityheroes)
• #Speakout Kumunity Challenge (March 28 to April 3)
• #SpeakOut Fundraising Livestream (March 30)
• #SpeakOut Dialogues For All (April 4 via @kumunityheroes)

People are also encouraged to support the cause through our fundraising items like the #SpeakOut Avon True Color Lipstick, Women Empowerment Umbrella, Evita Watch, and Self-love Accessory set available on avonshop.ph where part of the proceeds will be donated to partner organizations including Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), Ing Makababaying Aksyon (IMA) Foundation, and Luna Legal Resources Center for Women and Children.“Through these fundraising efforts, we hope to spark courage and reinforce a sense of community so that no one could feel alone or neglected in their individual battles. It’s time we shed light on this invisible crisis and we can effectively do that only if and when we #SpeakOut.” concludes Limlengco.

It’s time to re-define a culture in which everyone takes responsibility for their words, so that no type of abuse, verbal or otherwise, is condoned or used against others.

Join the debates against verbal abuse by following Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more information on the scheduled dates of all podcasts and Kumu livestreams. Visit www.avonshop.ph to shop for your favorite Avon goods, or contact your local Avon representative.

About Avon

Avon has been doing beauty differently for 135 years. Avon is a company that connects people, using the power of beauty to transform lives for the better. Millions of independent sales Representatives across the world sell iconic Avon brands through their social networks, building their own beauty businesses on a full- or part-time basis.  Avon stands for gender equality, and we believe in listening to women’s needs, speaking out about issues that matter and creating positive change. Through Avon and the Avon Foundation we’ve donated over $1.1billion, with a focus on tackling gender violence and breast cancer. Avon is part of the Natura &Co Group.  Learn more at www.avonworldwide.com.

Join eggs-citing activities for kids and parents at Blue Bay Walk this Easter Sunday. Register at https://swiy.co/eastersundaycelebration

Are you looking for something unique to do this Easter? Treat your family to The Great Outdoors Big Easter Bash, which will take place on Sunday, April 17 at the Blue Bay Walk Garden in Pasay City.

Organized by quant shopping retail strip Blue Bay Walk, the event is packed with eggs-citing activities for kids and parents, which will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be an Easter Bunny Photo Wall, Easter Egg Arts & Crafts, Easter Egg Hunt, Pet Show, and Easter Story Time.

The event is free and open to the general public.

Interested? www.facebook.com/BlueBayWalkOfficial is the official Facebook page for the Blue Bay Walk.