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The 21st anniversary celebration of CHILD Haus, an organization established by “Mader” Ricky Reyes to serve as a pillar of hope for kids affected by cancer, took place in the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. The Sy family has continuously been a major backer of the establishment throughout its history: Henry “Tatang” Sy, Sr. in the early years and SM Prime Holdings Inc. in the last ten years. Hans Sy, the chairman of the executive committee, is carrying on his father’s legacy.

Mr. Sy and “Mader” Ricky led the event, and invitations were sent to a number of people and organizations that have supported CHILD Haus throughout the years. There were also a lot of kids there who had been “adopted” by CHILD Haus and were now living there. The media was also present and acknowledged the significant impact that organizations such as CHILD Haus make, as well as how they serve as the “answered prayers” for countless children and their parents.

Three CHILD Haus stories, featuring Aya, Laura, and Jessa, were turned into video vignettes that highlighted the message of hope and the life-saving work of the organization. While it is easy to describe such events as heartwarming and tear-jerking, it was truly remarkable to witness even the most seasoned press photographers being moved to tears by these videos. This is a clear testament to the profound impact that these testimonials had on the audience at the event.

After ‘Mader’ Ricky’s heartwarming welcome, Mr. Sy himself took the stage to present plaques of appreciation to the many friends of CHILD Haus whose generous donations have made the organization’s life-saving work possible.

Those suffering from cancer and ‘adopted’ are provided food and shelter. There are presently two CHILD Haus locations – one in Manila, near the Philippine General Hospital, and one in Quezon City. Until the children are declared cancer-free and/or have completed their treatments and medical procedures, one child and one parent are allowed to live at CHILD Haus. If it’s an infant, both parents can stay.

Karylle, a CHILD Haus regular and ardent supporter, led the kids in a lively song written by her husband, Yael Yuzon. Subsequently, the daughter of “Mader” Ricky performed a reworked version of “Handog” by Florante, tailored to the emotions of the kids at CHILD Haus. The kids had learned and rehearsed these two songs as a way to say “thank you” to all of the visitors who had contributed to the “haus” becoming a reality.

Ultimately, “Mader” Ricky and Mr. Sy agreed on the importance of this occasion, which honors 21 years of kindness, tenacity, and the giving and sharing attitude.

You can follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com to learn more about SM’s motivational events and stories.

At the 43rd Anniversary of the Civil Security Group at Camp Crame, Gilren Bajado, a female security guard for RJC Security Solutions, was named the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year. PNP Chief PGen Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. presided over the recognition event. Mr. Almus J. Alabe, Senior Assistant Vice President of SM Supermalls Customer Relations Services, and Harold James E. Herrera, Regional CRS Manager, was also present to see the award ceremony.

The extraordinary deed of honesty and integrity that LG Bajado committed on August 3, 2023, in SM Cinema, SM City Marikina, is the source of her extraordinary accomplishment. While performing her clearing duties, she found a misplaced black pouch that contained 64,800 pesos, as well as various ID cards and ATM cards that belonged to Mr. Starsky D. Paunan, a 44-year-old Palarong Pambansa employee.

Without hesitation, she reported this to the CRS office, ensuring the safe return of the lost valuables to their rightful owner. Her integrity, honesty, and dedication have earned her this prestigious recognition and admiration from her peers and superiors.

SM Supermalls and RJC Security Solutions take immense pride in her achievement, as it reflects the company’s core values of professionalism, honesty, and integrity. Her commitment to her duties, her sense of responsibility, and her exemplary character have brought honor not only to herself but also to RJC Security Solutions as a leading provider of comprehensive security services.

SM Supermalls’ dedication to upholding the highest standards of excellence is strengthened by the announcement that LG Gilren Bajado has been named the Outstanding Security Guard of the Year. The organization constantly aims to offer security solutions while making certain that all of its workers uphold the greatest moral standards.

SM Supermalls would like to congratulate LG Gilren Bajado on her remarkable accomplishment and for setting a bright example of professionalism and honesty. Her deeds inspire us all and serve as a reminder of the power one person may have in creating a society that is more reliable and safe.

The Henry Sy, Sr. topping off ceremony was held at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Hall on October 7, 2023, lastly. The ritual honors the final beam’s placement atop the structure and is a custom among builders.

The Sy family, the SM Group, and UST are honoring the SM founder for his advocacy of lifelong learning with the construction of this seven-story skyscraper. It is also a reflection of the 152-year-old UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS), the UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc., Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc. (AFI), and their ongoing aspirations to advance in the medical sector.

As for Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will work as a central location for interactive student-centered learning, collaborative transdisciplinary research, interprofessional education, and medical education simulation. It will house the Sts. Cosmas and Damian Simulation and Research Center.

“The Henry Sy, Sr. Hall will be a state-of-the-art structure designed to meet the challenges and expectations of a digitally-inclined medical education landscape. It will house technologically advanced facilities and equipment, which will complement the existing teaching, learning, and research practices of the University. It is yet another milestone, securing the UST FMS a relevant spot, a significant spot in Catholic medical education in the country, the region, and the world.” FMS Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao said about the Henry Sy. Sr. Hall.

“Medical students can access a broad range of digital tools and resources to enhance their learning and education as we were compelled to shift to e-learning and online course platforms,” UST Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., said.

“Nowadays, keeping up with the advances in medical education is paramount to ensure that our students are competent, agile, and well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the ever-changing educational landscape of modern medicine, and this building, this edifice, will give us state-of-the-art equipment, which will give our medical students a cutting-edge knowledge on how to use robotics as well as other equipment,” Fr. Ang added.

Designed by C.A. Ventura & Partners, the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall is on track to be completed by June 2024. ♦

The process of gathering and preserving rainwater for later use is known as rainwater harvesting. It is a flexible and efficient method of preserving water and lowering dependency on primary water sources. Owing to its effectiveness, it has been used historically by numerous civilizations and is still being used as a sustainable water management method by progressive organizations today.

In order to address this, the social good arm of the SM business, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), has installed rainwater harvesting systems in two of the nearby health institutions that it recently renovated—Brgy. Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s Irawan Birthing Facility and San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility.

This invention was proactively adopted by SMFI’s Health and Medical Programs to support environmental preservation and community health maintenance.

Ready in times of emergency

Dr. Alfredo P. Manugas VI, Municipal Health Officer and Health Department Head of San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility, said that while water is crucial to their operations, water supply is not always available in their municipality, even their center.

“The rainwater harvesting system is essential in our health facility because the water supply in our municipality is not available 24/7,” he said. “We are now provided a source of water in times of emergency or any interruption of water supply. Our staff and visitors can use rainwater for cleaning, flushing the toilet bowls, and watering the plants.”

SMFI ensures that the facility is convenient and manageable to maximize its purpose. It operates without electricity, increasing its sustainability. To harvest water for non-potable use, it collects rainwater from the roof and gutter. The water is filtered through vinyl-coated mesh filters to ensure its quality before being stored in the 800-liter storage tank.

All of the faucets connected to the facility have labels that are visible to help consumers utilize recycled water safely. In addition to this innovation, SMFI employed locally grown plants, LED lighting fixtures, air-cleaning paints, and appliances to create a hygienic and comfortable atmosphere for patients and healthcare professionals.

In the larger framework of the SM Green Movement, these environmentally friendly developments represent the SM group’s dedication to the environment and public health. Due to the two rainwater collection systems’ positive social impact, SMFI hopes to expand this project to more health centers in the near future, thereby enhancing water security despite obstacles.

One of the most well-known drag performers in the nation, Captivating Katkat, is using her victory in the second season of Drag Race Philippines as a platform to advocate for equality.

The drag queen, who is a Quezon City resident herself, shared photos from a courtesy visit with Mayor Joy Belmonte, who recently launched the Right to Care Card in Quezon city. The initiative gives LGBTQIA+ couples a way to participate in crucial medical decisions for their partners and is hailed as a regional civil rights milestone.

696 couples or 1,392 members of the LGBTQIA+ community have registered to acquire their cards since the program’s debut at the Pride PH festival in June. These cards give their partner special power of attorney (SPOA) for medical treatment. As more people demand the same in other cities, the number keeps rising.

The office of the mayor also posted its own set of photos from their meeting. “Boogsh! Maraming salamat, RuPaul’s Drag Race PH Season 2 Winner Captivating Katkat, para sa pagbisita sa Quezon City Hall! Mainit na tinanggap ni Mayor Joy Belmonte si Captivating Katkat sa kanyang tanggapan ngayong umaga para sa isang courtesy call,” posts the official’s account.

The Right to Care Card initiative is a collaboration between the administration of Quezon City and the marketing and advertising firm MullenLowe TREYNA.

Visit  https://www.facebook.com/RightToCareCard for additional details about the Right to Care card. https://www.instagram.com/righttocarecard and https://twitter.com/RightToCareCard

Ninja Van Philippines, a leading provider of hassle-free delivery solutions and tech-enabled logistics, celebrates its 7th birthday by looking back on a path of growth, innovation, and dedication to being a trustworthy logistics and growth partner for companies of all sizes. Ever since, I have always trusted Ninja Van to deliver my parcels to the right place. It’s not only trustworthy; it’s also convenient and satisfying. They are also hygienic and prioritize the welfare and common good of their customers.

Todo Hustle, No Hassle for 7 years

Over the past seven years, Ninja Van Philippines has reached more than 18 million Filipinos with its hassle-free logistics services, achieving 100% coverage of the nation. In order to fulfill its purpose of offering dependable and effective logistics solutions, Ninja Van Philippines’ more than 8,000 employees and workers support everyone from Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to major international e-commerce platforms and brands.

In order to assist MSMEs in navigating the intricate and constantly shifting networks of suppliers, manufacturing partners, transportation companies, and financial service providers, Ninja Van Philippines has also developed a suite of supply chain management solutions, known as Logistics+. This was done in response to the changing needs of Filipino businesses. This gives MSMEs the freedom to rethink their growth potential and allows SMEs to concentrate on the expansion of their companies.

As part of its 7th anniversary, Ninja Van Philippines showcased its Cabuyao Hub – the Group’s largest automated sorting hub in the region. Beyond full automation, the hub sports fully integrated measurement and sortation services which can automatically weigh and scan parcels – making parcel sorting and tracking more accurate and efficient.

“The capabilities of our Cabuyao Hub highlight our ongoing investments in tech-driven innovations that bring quick deliveries for the shippers who have continued to place their trust in us over the past seven years,” said Ninja Van Philippines Country Head Jose Alvin Perez. “Alongside our pursuit of operational excellence, our hustle continues to provide dedicated shipper support to round out a best-in-class logistics experience for our shipper partners.”

Fueling the Filipino hustle

Ninja Van Philippines also highlighted programs and services geared to help MSMEs thrive in an increasingly competitive business landscape. These  value-added services aim to supercharge the growth of  e-commerce businesses beyond logistics, and  include:

• Ninja Rewards – a loyalty programme for shippers to earn points and redeem attractive rewards and exclusive business solutions and services.
• Ninja Direct – end-to-end procurement solutions with comprehensive supplier management and negotiations, crossborder logistics, and customs clearance
• Ninja Fulfillment – an all-in-one storage, order, and inventory management solution that enables online sellers and business owners to save on additional operational costs such as manpower and warehousing.

Creating opportunities for MSMEs

The birthday celebration featured a presentation of seven shippers who pushed their way to success with Ninja Van Philippines as a means of saying thank you to loyal shippers throughout the years. During the press conference, these MSME shippers—Monarchy, Calliah Fashion, Sweet Night, Bona Vita, Arctic Hunter, The Diet Coach, Little Retail PH, and Chef Ayb’s Herbal Tea—displayed their histories and wares while highlighting how Ninja Van Philippines assisted in their growth through effective, tech-enabled logistics.

“As we celebrate our 7th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us to where we are today. Our focus on innovation, reliability, and holistic support has set us apart in the industry –  we are a growth partner committed to the success of our e-commerce sellers, supporting them beyond last mile logistics with a suite of value-added services.  We look forward to many more years of empowering businesses and driving success with them,” says Sabina Lopez-Vergara, Chief Commercial Officer, Ninja Van Philippines.

For more information, visit www.ninjavan.co/en-ph.

Uratex Philippines is still contributing to the improvement of Filipinos’ lives and the creation of memorable experiences as it marks its 55th year. A Filipino success story that brings quality and innovation to every Filipino household is the top foam company in the nation, which sells mattresses and pillows.

Uratex strengthens its corporate social responsibility by giving back to the communities once more to mark this significant achievement. Uratex will donate 2,355 mattresses to charitable organizations along with the brand’s well-known endorsers and a select group of social media influencers.

Some of the institutions that will benefit from our gifts include elderly homes and orphanages, which offer refuge to people who have been left behind by their relatives. The House of Somang (House for the Elderly), Saint Rita Orphanage, Tahanan ng Pagmamahal Children’s Home, and Bethany House Sto.  Niño Orphanage are a few of the particular recipients. Orphanage Nio. When it comes to providing care and assistance to those who need it most, these organizations play a vital role in offering care and support to those who need them most.

This unique opportunity allows Uratex to further reach the communities that it serves and makes a positive impact on the lives of its partners and customers.

The external partners of Uratex have helped in choosing the charities in need of mattresses, including shelters or homes for the aged, women, children and adults with special needs and community hospitals from across the region. Uratex prioritizes underfunded charities or those who do not have sufficient financial resources to carry out their missions effectively.

Moreover, Uratex is mindful of its role in protecting the environment.

Uratex is actively supporting different sustainability programs such as tree planting, mangrove planting, and green initiatives towards use of solar panels and electric vehicles. It has recently launched Trill Seave, a product collection with fabrics that are made from upcycled marine plastics. Through this, Uratex aims to help address plastic pollution that damages our ecosystems and threatens the health of several marine species.  

World-Class Company Sets a World Record

The 2,355 mattresses, the top-selling Classic Uratex Single (36 x 75), were used in an extraordinary event set to become an iconic undertaking. On October 22 at the SMX Convention Center (Halls 2-4), the world-class Filipino company set the Guinness World Record of the largest Human Mattress Domino.

Uratex Philippines is your trusted leader in mattresses, foams, and sleep products that is consistently recognized by Reader’s Digest with 14 Consecutive Platinum Awards in the Mattress Category.

Through the years, Uratex is guided by the vision of its founder, Mr. Robert Cheng: “We will not stop until we provide every Filipino with a comfortable and affordable mattress to rest on.”

As such, Uratex wants to share its mission far and wide as they made the official attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest human mattress domino in celebration of its 55th Anniversary by using a total of 2,355 mattresses.

The initial two numbers, 2 and 3, are derived from the year 2023, while the final two, 5 and 5, were selected to commemorate Uratex’s 55th anniversary in 2023.

The largest human mattress dominoes was previously recorded in Brazil, consisting of 2,019 people. It was achieved by Globo Comunicação e Participações S.A. and Ortobom at Riocentro, in Rio de Janeiro, on August 6, 2019. The attempt lasted 11 minutes and 13 seconds. After which, all the 2,019 mattresses were donated to charities.

The participants were selected from a list of volunteers, which included both Uratex employees and charity representatives. All volunteers who met the height and age criteria specified by Guinness (at least 4’11” in height, aged 16 and above) and were in good physical condition were welcomed to be part of the event.

“Teamwork is what made us last for 55 years, and by collectively striving to set a world record for the largest human mattress dominoes, each individual plays a crucial role in achieving this feat,” Eddie Gallor, Executive Vice President for Automotive. “And because Uratex is dedicated to giving back to various charitable causes. Surpassing a Guinness World Record serves as a meaningful avenue towards making this philanthropic endeavor a reality.”

Icons For an Iconic Brand

The record-setting event was witnessed by Uratex owners and executives led by Mrs. Naty Cheng, the CEO and president; William Lee, executive vice president for furniture and bedding; Eddie Gallor, executive vice president for automotive; Peachy Medina, managing director; and Stephen Cheng-Lee – Sleep Business Unit director.

“As the leading foam manufacturing company in the country, one of the core missions and vision of Uratex is to serve the Filipino community and by beating the record, we bring honor to the Philippines on a global scale,” William Lee, Executive Vice President for furniture and beddings, proudly declares. “Moreover, since it is the Filipino people who support Uratex, we want to give back by making them a part of this historic event.”

Kathryn Bernardo, a Kapamilya actress, attended the event just after her most recent movie, A Very Good Girl, became a local and international hit. The blockbuster ambassadress for the Uratex Classic Line is the box office queen.

“Kathryn is a highly influential and marketable celebrity in the Philippines, particularly among the younger generations (Gens Y and Z). She is well loved by Filipino households and commands a significant presence in the broader mass market, making her the perfect fit to endorse Uratex’s classic foam products,” shares Stephen Cheng-Lee, Sleep Business Unit director.

“Aside from that, we are proud to only get brand ambassadors who are actual Uratex users and Kathryn has been a Uratex user since she was very young. This is also the reason why ‘It’s always been U, Uratex’ is our campaign slogan for our brand ambassadors this year.”