Lifestyle

Smile Train Global Ambassador Catriona Gray joins the organization’s online Speech Therapy session to reach and educate more patients with cleft lip and palate amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

The world’s leading cleft organization, Smile Train Philippines recently held a virtual speech therapy session with its Global Ambassador, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, in an effort to reach and continue educating more patients with a cleft lip and/or palate amid the enhanced community quarantine.

Smile Train recently launched virtual speech therapy sessions with its volunteer Ms. Veronica Yu CSP-PASP, a Speech Language Pathologist and a faculty member of the University of Sto. Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences. She led the discussion on the effects of cleft disability on speech and the impact of feeding difficulties on the physical well-being of children. Ms. Yu also demonstrated her patients’ progress on proper pronunciation, which they were able to accomplish during the separate one-on-one online therapy sessions.

Smile Train Volunteer Ms. Veronica Yu, CSP-PASP, a Speech Language Pathologist, faculty member of the University of Sto. Tomas College of Rehabilitation Sciences, explored topics about the effects of cleft on speech and its impacts on the physical well-being of children.

The session also allowed viewers to ask questions about their family members experiencing difficulties with their conditions. Numerous viewers had inquiries about how many speech therapy sessions are required and what other procedures patients need to undergo if they have cleft lip and/or palate.

In her welcome message, Smile Train Global Ambassador Catriona Gray acknowledged the efforts of the organization to continue providing free comprehensive cleft care including speech therapy, while free surgeries and physical therapy sessions are on hold. She plans to support Smile Train’s upcoming initiatives during the ECQ.

“I was able to work closely with Smile Train for the first time during my reign as Miss Universe and it inspired me to help the organization change the lives of many people around the world. Now as the newest global ambassador, I am committed to supporting its patients in the Philippines during this pandemic through the organization’s online speech therapy classes,” said Gray.

With the support and collaboration of its donors, partners, and ambassadors around the world, Smile Train is able to transform the lives of patients with cleft and help improve their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. Even during the ECQ, Smile Train continues to find sustainable solutions such as social media to help their beneficiaries.

“Smile Train has always been committed to exploring various avenues and utilizing technology to reach more patients and communities in the Philippines, especially during this ECQ. With the support of Catriona, we hope to reach more patients and families so that we can continue to provide them with the care that they need, even during a pandemic,” said Smile Train South East Asia Director Kimmy Flaviano.

Smile Train plans to hold more sessions in the coming weeks to address concerns of patients or parents about receiving cleft treatment during this time and talking about staying positive and productive during the ECQ.

For more information about Smile Train’s global efforts and to donate, please visit smiletrain.org. To learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines, please visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Twitter and Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines.

Different Mother’s Day celebration this year since we are experiencing COVID-19 pandemic so almost everyone is confined to their homes, limiting the options of people to celebrate the most important women in their lives. Compared before we celebrate it by eat dinner in our favorite restaurants, out of town trips, or special activities. With this in mind, Ortigas Malls finds a way to celebrate Mother’s Day through a series of engaging online sessions that our beloved moms will surely find enjoyable.

From making DIY beauty essentials to preparing sweet treats and learning the basics of urban gardening – Ortigas Malls makes sure that moms are entertained at home with these online workshops on May 10 from 2PM to 5PM at Greenhills’, Tiendesitas’ and Estancia’s Facebook pages.

See full schedule below:

Aside from the workshops, Ortigas Malls is also giving away a bouquet of flowers on Mother’s Day to three lucky moms through an online contest. Winners will be announced on May 8, 2020.

Mechanics are as follows:

STEP 1: Change your Profile Photo with our Say it at Home Frame

STEP 2: LIKE Greenhills Mall, Estancia at Capitol Commons, Tiendesitas on Facebook

STEP 3: Comment #OMSayItAtHome down below

STEP 4: SHARE this post to your timeline in PUBLIC status, a message to your mom & HASHTAG #StaySafe #OMSayItAtHome

To complete the celebration, Ortigas Malls makes it even easier to order from your favorite restaurants through their Click & Collect program, available in Estancia, Tiendesitas, and Greenhills from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

1. Check the Ortigas Malls Viber Group (http://tiny.cc/OrtigasMallsViber) to see which merchants offer pick-up services.
2. Contact merchants, place orders, pay, & agree on pickup schedule.
3. Drive to the designated C&C pick-up area to collect your order.

For more information, you may visit their official Facebook pages – Estancia, Tiendesitas, and Greenhills Mall.

PH Army

To support the country’s response to COVID-19 Pandemic, PLDT Enterprise has deployed business-grade fiber internet to quarantine areas manned by the Philippine Army. Among them are, Philippine Army Wellness Center, Gate 5 Barracks, SOQ TRADOC Building, and Libingan ng mga Bayani. The fiber-grade connectivity will allow the army personnel to remain informed of the latest news about the coronavirus, and likewise will enable COVID-19 patients in the quarantine areas to keep in touch with their loved ones.

All quarantine areas manned by uniformed personnel in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila for COVID-19 patients now have business-grade fiber internet which leverages on PLDT Group’s most expansive fiber optic network in the country.

“We at PLDT Enterprise extend support to the Philippine Army in order to strengthen their capabilities in responding to the battle against COVID-19. This service enables health professionals deployed at COVID-19 treatment facilities to be informed of the latest information and stay connected to their families,” said JovyI. Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups.

The initiative is just one of PLDT’s endeavors to enable uniformed personnel with connectivity support. The group’s wireless subsidiary Smart Communications recently provided 540 smartphones loaded with voice, SMS and data packages for the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel at lockdown checkpoints.

“We would like to express our sincerest gratitude for the services the PLDT Group has extended to the Philippine Army in line with our efforts to address the threats of COVID-19. We salute you for not hesitating to provide the services to the Philippine Army. We hope and pray that we can overcome this crisis at the soonest time possible” said Philippine Army Colonel (SC) MNSA PA Mark Edwin B. Moro.

PLDT Enterprise also recently deployed free connectivity to other COVID-19 facilities in Luzon such as World Trade Center and Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay and Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

Commander Doctor as seen along C5 Bagong Ilog

Havas Ortega, leading media and creative agency in the Philippines transformed digital billboards all over Metro Manila during this pandemic crisis into empowering messages of strength for Superhero Filipino frontliners. The agency’s “Frontline Heroes” is a tribute to the Filipinos who brave the dangers of the outside world so the rest of the country can survive inside their homes. Also they urges the public to join the campaign by using #TuloyAngLaban online and tagging frontliners in their personal messages of encouragement and gratitude. Through this, Frontline Heroes can reach frontliners all over the country.

Jos Ortega, CEO of Havas Ortega explained, “Every day our frontliners answer the call of duty, risking their health to take on extraordinary burdens brought about by these extraordinary times. But with the rest of the country in quarantine, they may feel left behind and alone outside. Frontline Heroes is our way of directly expressing our message of strength to the frontliners, cheering them on as they go to work and lifting their spirits as they go home. Hopefully, the empty roads become less a reminder of isolation, more a source of energy and inspiration.”

Characters from Frontline Heroes are now being displayed along Metro Manila’s main thoroughfares, raising the morale of our already tired and weary COVID-19 fighters in Alabang, Makati, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, and Quezon City as follows:

1) Commander Doctor (doctors

2) Power Packners (cashier and supermarket baggers)

3) Kidlat Rider (delivery drivers)

4) Incredible Guard (security guards)

5) Super Nurse (nurses)

6) Truth Twins (journalists and cameramen)

“With the physical, emotional, and mental strength required to do what they do, our frontliners are not just heroes, they are superheroes. But they need our help to keep them going! #TuloyAngLaban is the reaffirmation of support needed to renew our Frontline Heroes’ strength as they continue to fight a long and tiring battle against the pandemic,” emphasized Griffey de Guzman, Associate Creative Director of Havas Creatives.

The other Frontline Heroes included:

1. Johnny Tor (janitors)
2. Pharma Sis (pharmacists)
3. Kalye Ranger (uniformed personnel)
4. Kusina Titan (restaurant workers)
5. COVID Hunter (lab technicians)
6. Virus Blasters (disinfect crew), Pera Sentinel (bank clerks)
7. Boom Bero(firefighters)
8. Metro Manong (garbage collectors)

This campaign was developed by Havas Ortega in partnership with billboard companies HDI Admix, Inc., United Neon Advertising, Inc., Summit Outdoor Media, Luneta Advertising, Inc., Full Linkage (FULITECH) Philippines, Inc., the Out Of Home Advertising Association Of the Philippines (OHAAP) and the Outdoor Media Advocacy Group (OMAG).

Follow the Frontline Heroes story on Havas Ortega’s Facebook Page. Join the campaign by using #TuloyAngLaban and #FrontlineHeroesPH on social media.

With the entire country on quarantine because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, mobility in the country is practically at a standstill. According to a report titled “Consumer Behavior During The Pandemic,” lockdowns and quarantines have reduced mobility by 80 percent in the Philippines and Malaysia, and 60 percent in Singapore and Vietnam. Traffic was reduced due to social distancing between people and encourage them to stay at home.

Other than some essential services remaining open such as food delivery and medical needs, the e-Commerce industry is booming since its services help people buy what they need online and have it delivered right to their homes, thereby making delivery couriers important frontliners as well.

Of course, couriers are allowed to operate and continue doing their jobs as long as they maintain safety precautions imposed by quarantine guidelines, like wearing facemasks and gloves, and being equipped with alcohol and other hygiene essentials, which were also a requirement by their own courier companies.

In the Philippines, riders from motorcycle taxi-hailing apps have shifted their services from providing transportation for people to delivering food and other essential goods allowing riders to continue making a living even in the face of the pandemic. But more than just providing a means of livelihood, these riders are providing an important lifeline to many people forced to stay home through the delivery of food and medicines, not to mention aiding in the government’s efforts in keeping human interaction as minimal as possible.

Honda Philippines, Inc. the No. 1 motorcycle manufacturer in the Philippines joins the country as it works to meet the challenges posed by the global health crisis through the work of delivery riders in ensuring the transportation of essential goods and services.

“I am proud to see that our motorcycles have become indispensable and are being used with a great purpose. A purpose of keeping people safe at home and encouraging social distancing, during this crisis.  We also commend the effort of our Hero Riders as they offer courage and aid during this crisis.” said Susumu Mitsuishi, President of Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI).

The array of cutting-edge motorcycles busy on the streets, such as the Honda BeAT and Honda CLICK, signifies that Honda’s AT bikes are becoming predominant.  This shows that the company has been true to its “ONE DREAM” campaign, which is helping fulfill people’s dream while experiencing the joy of mobility and in today’s reality, provide a safer way for people staying home to still access badly needed necessities.

For more details about Honda products and promos, visit us at our website www.hondaph.com  and follow our Facebook page, Honda Philippines, Inc. and Instagram, @hondaph_mc.

Holcim employees have distributed food and hygiene products to assist communities and government workers in Bulacan, Lugait and Iloilo fighting Covid-19

The company, Holcim Philippines, cement manufacturer contribute to the nation’s in fighting against Covid-19 by providing medical supplies to hospitals assigned to treat coronavirus patients and relief items to its affected communities. Also allocated a substantial share of the budget for corporate citizenship program Holcim Helps to procure much-needed medical personal protective equipment such as surgical masks, respirators and face shields to be donated to the Lung Center of the Philippines (Quezon City) and Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital (Caloocan City). These hospitals are among those assigned by the Department of Health to treat Covid-19 patients.

Holcim Philippines has also started to distribute food and hygiene products to communities hosting its facilities in Bacnotan, La Union, Norzagay and Calumpit, Bulacan, Tondo, Manila, Calaca and Mabini, Batangas, Iloilo City, Lugait, Misamis Oriental and Davao City.Approximately 1,500 families and government front line workers have benefitted from the first batch of distribution completed as of April 14.

Holcim President and CEO John Stull: “Holcim Philippines is one with the country in fighting Covid-19. We are very proud of our people who are actively contributing to their communities and the country in pushing back against this disease. Guided by our overarching value of Health and Safety, our company has taken actions to support the efforts to contain the spread of the disease and ensure the well-being of our people, partners and our communities. Holcim Philippines will continue to support the country’s efforts against Covid-19 and follow the guidance of health authorities on this matter. Our thoughts go to everyone affected by this. We wish everyone safety and good health in these trying times.”

Despite most its plants and terminals closed due to enhanced community quarantine, the goods were successfully distributed thanks to the company’s skeleton workforce led by its CSR teams supported by its partner suppliers and vendors. Holcim Philippines followed strict health and safety guidelines such as:

• careful packing of goods to ensure people are safe during the distribution
• close monitoring of the Covid-19 situation
• enabled it to quickly tighten regulations on social distancing
• personal hygiene
• health screening in all its sites in line with guidelines set by Philippine health authorities
• installation of new hand washing stations
• strict enforcement of social distancing at all its sites
• to limit human-to-human contact, it shifted to electronic means in dealing with business partners
• encouraged use of digital platforms to provide customers a convenient way to continue transactions amid the quarantine
• the company has implemented a Covid-19 information campaign focused on mental health to help its people and their families keep safe during the quarantine

Holcim Philippines is a member of the LafargeHolcim Group, the world leader in the building materials industry present in 80 countries with over 80,000 employees. *LafargeHolcim has signed an agreement with San Miguel Corporation for the divestment of its entire 85.7 percent shareholding in Holcim Philippines Inc. The process is still ongoing. You may get more information on this development at this link: https://www.lafargeholcim.com/lafargeholcim-divests-activities-philippines

In line with the 50th celebration of Earth Day on April 22, SM Cares has partnered with Earth Day Network Philippines for a social media campaign that aims to promote eco-friendly and sustainable practices among Filipinos.

SM Cares’ #LoveEarth campaign is a social media initiative centered around the message of “Healing the Earth” that calls for positive change in behavior and mindset in caring for the environment. The campaign encourages individuals to be more appreciative, mindful, and moderate in their consumption of Earth’s resources such as food, water, and energy, even while staying at home for the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Through this campaign, we want to encourage everyone to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle and work together toward caring for the only planet that we all call home, even in our own little way,” said Liza B. Silerio, VP of Corporate Compliance of SM Supermalls.

#LoveEarth campaign supports Earth Day Network’s recently launched digital campaign Earthrise, a youth-led digital movement whose goal is to mobilize organizations, communities, and individuals all over the world on Earth Day to demand immediate action on climate change from the world’s leaders and policy makers.

Earth Day is an annual celebration led by the Earth Day Network that puts the spotlight on issues that are affecting the environment. First held in 1970, Earth Day was the result of a need for a unified response against various environmental problems like pollution and resource depletion. Today, the event is considered the biggest environmental movement in the world, with millions joining celebrations every year.

For this year’s celebration, Earth Day’s theme centers on climate action. “The enormous challenge – but also the vast opportunities – of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic of the 50th anniversary,” Earth Day Network says in its website. “Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.”

The #LoveEarth campaign is just one of the numerous ways that SM is promoting sustainable living among Filipinos, and the company has other programs aimed at helping care for the environment. These are the Regular Trash to Cash Recycling Market that is held every first Friday and Saturday of the month; daily water recycling systems, and environmental campaigns such as the Green Film Festival and Green Retail Agenda, just to name a few.

To learn more about the #LoveEarth campaign and other environment initiatives by SM, visit the SM Supermalls official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/smsupermalls/.

J & T Express – How to safely receive your package during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Deliver services is very important to millions of Filipinos, especially those in areas under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), are changing their buying behaviors. With the country’s response to stop the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), retail stores, malls, and even restaurants have been closed until further notice.

Since we are under the ECQ the government encourages people to do physical distancing and stay in their homes unless they need to go out to buy food, groceries, and other essential items in grocery stores, markets, and pharmacies, among other establishments that are still allowed to be operational. So one of the solution is to buy online much easier and more practical way to stay away from the crowd and contribute to stopping the spread of the virus. With this it will help the growth in the e-Commerce industry.

According to a report by Google, Bain & Company, and Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, Southeast Asia’s e-Commerce industry is the biggest factor for the region’s growth as it has grown from a GMV value of US$5.5 billion dollars in 2015 to US$38 billion in 2019. Now, the sector is on track to exceed US$150 billion by 2025.

Since online shopping is helping both the people and the economy, J&T Express, the number one e-Commerce delivery company in Southeast Asia, believes that delivery couriers are the “Unsung Heroes on Two Wheels” during this pandemic because it would not be possible for food, groceries, and other essentials to be delivered to people without them.

Delivery couriers will always ensure that they keep their client’s trust and safety when it comes to their services. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) obliged delivery couriers to strictly follow ECQ guidelines such as:

1. social distancing
2. ensure that they are equipped with facemasks, gloves, alcohol and other protective
3. precautionary equipment

According to a new study by MedRxiv, COVID-19 lives for 24 hours on cardboard and 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, thus giving you the option of letting the virus die out first before taking out your package, however that would only be good news for non-perishable goods.

Whether you choose to wait for the virus to die or not, you should always wash any surfaces that the outer packaging touched then throw away the packaging and wash your hands. Sanitize your package immediately, or if it’s perishable goods, immediately put it in a Tupperware and put it in the refrigerator.

Of course, delivery couriers are still vulnerable to the virus, despite the safety precautions, so you must keep minimal contact with the courier, as much as possible. Always practice social distancing, even in situations such as receiving a package; think of it as maintaining the safety of the courier, as well.

Some delivery couriers offer the option of having contactless delivery, where you don’t have to see the courier face-to-face and they leave your package at the doorstep or somewhere you choose, then the payment would be settled online. If not you can simply request the courier to have such an option and come to an agreement.

J&T Express reopens branches nationwide

J&T Express, the number one e-Commerce delivery company in Southeast Asia, offers their services with fast deliveries and affordable rates! They also ensure the safety of your products with real-time tracking for you and your customers, as well as provide insurances and other safety precautions for it!

J&T Express is dedicated to helping local online businesses grow by providing quality delivery services. Today, they have over 400 branches across the Philippines.

To know more about J&T Express and its services, visit their official FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/jntexpressphilippines.