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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.

One of the country’s premier motorcycle marketing organizations, Skygo Marketing Corporation, has announced three amazing and thrilling promotions that make owning a Skygo motorcycle even easier.

Choose between the Skygo King 150, Wizard 125, Earl 150, or Boss 150; with Skygo’s Summer Blowout Zero Downpayment offer, owning a brand new Skygo motorbike has never been easier. Simply go to any Skygo location, submit the qualifications, and if you qualify, you will be able to drive away with your new motorcycle with no downpayment.

Furthermore, get a stylish Skygo tube mask with Skygo’s Mid-Summer Freebie for every new purchase of any Skygo business motorcycle. The best ‘pang-trabaho’ at ‘pang-negosyo’ motorcycles like the Wizard 125, Wizard 175, King 150, and Prince 125. Be stylish with Skygo’s Tube Mask as you ride and earn your way.

Accordingly to JP Anore, Skygo’s marketing manager, “We understand how difficult the past years have been to everyone, and this is our way of helping our fellow Filipinos get back on their feet and on the road. We know it will greatly help them to reach their workplace or use our motorcycles for business. Skygo is firm on its promise of being the “best for you” with our wide range of motorcycle choices that fit everyone’s budget, and now the easiest to own one with our zero downpayment offer.”

And to end the summer with a bang! Any brand new purchase from Skygo of its participating motorcycle models will earn you a chance to win a 50-inch crystal UHD 4K Samsung Smart TV, the major prize in Skygo’s Impact A Life Raffle Promo. A minor prize of Oppo A95 will also be raffled off.

Each raffle prize has three winners: one from Luzon, one from the Visayas, and one from Mindanao. The promotion will run from April 1 through May 31, 2022. The raffle will be drawn live on Facebook on June 7, 2022! So grab your brand new Skygo motorcycle and enter the Skygo raffle to win the biggest and smartest TV or smartphone. Visit any Skygo branch now to take the first step toward owning a Skygo motorcycle!

About SKYGO Marketing Corporation

SKYGO Marketing Corporation empowering Filipinos through affordable world-class motorcycles.

For more information visit https://www.skygo.com.ph/

Like and Follow https://www.facebook.com/skygoph/

Climate change is real, and Filipinos are among those who have experienced the devastation it has caused in their daily lives. With roughly 20 typhoons per year, the Asian Development Bank estimated that the overall cost of storm damage will be around US$20 billion between 1990 and 2020. It produces a brief disruption owing to mass evacuations, which result in an annual drop in gross domestic product of 2-8 percent.

Despite the constant damage experienced during natural disasters, Filipinos tend to see the lighter side of life and are frequently cited as one of the world’s happiest people. However, according to the newest UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change study, things are set to become worse as the earth heats up, speeding up the consequences of climate change and making the Philippines more prone to extreme changes in weather patterns.

The Philippines receives over 2,400 millimeters of rain each year on average, making it one of the world’s wettest countries. While this is a concern for the country, there is a silver lining in that it may also be a solution to the country’s water shortage. However, the Philippines now gathers just around 6% of its rainwater, compared to India, which harvests over 60% of the 700-millimeter average annual rainfall it receives.

Rain Water – a friend or a foe?

Water is a scarce resource. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 6 identifies access to clean water as one of the global priorities to be achieved by 2030. Aligned to its environmental responsibility programs, SM takes a closer look at the use of water and how it can be turned from a foe to a friend.

SM builds its malls and integrated lifestyle cities with resilience and sustainability in mind. Understanding the value of water, SM builds rain water catchments in its malls to harvest large volumes of rain water particularly in flood prone areas.

“We approach it two ways: resilience – to help communities be flood free; and sustainability – to optimize water which is a scarce resource so we can use it for other purposes rather than just waste it,” says Architect Fides Garcia-Hsu, Vice President at SM Engineering Design and Development.

Vermont Park and Vermont Royale are two communities that once saw rain as a foe. Every time it rained, their neighborhoods ended up under water, damaging their homes. Today, home owners welcome the rain as water that can be harvested and stored for future use. The reason? SM City Masinag’s rain water catchment facility!   It has a 17,681 cubic meter water capacity. The two communities connected their drainage systems to the mall which is equipped with three 30HP submersible pumps which are used to pump out accumulated rain water.

“Wherever SM is, we try to help our communities become resilient to changing weather patterns,” explains Arch. Garcia-Hsu. “Nationwide, we have 20 malls equipped with rainwater catchment facilities that help rain water management to avoid flash floods for surrounding communities.”

As a company SM invests 10% of its capital expenditure to integrate disaster resilient and sustainability features in its malls and integrated lifestyle city designs. “We take a long-term view on resilience and when we talk about sustainability, we look at how we can address perennial problems like flooding and address systemic change,” Arch. Garcia-Hsu expounds.

Serving as pioneers in the installation of rain water catchment facilities, SM was instrumental in the passing ordinances and inclusion of the installation of water catchment facilities for developments by regulatory bodies. In recent years, Senator Manny Pacquiao passed the ‘Rain Water Harvesting Act – Senate Bill 1309’ mandating the establishment, maintenance and management of rain water harvesting systems in the country.

 “Aside from building resilient infrastructure, we also build the resilience of our stakeholders by providing disaster preparedness training through our SM Cares programs,” shared Chito Bauzon, SM Cares Marketing Asst. Vice President. “We have programs targeted to senior citizens and those with special needs as they are the ones left most vulnerable during times of calamities.” 

Typhoons are projected to get stronger as a result of more rainfall as a due to climate change. With more Filipinos flocking to cities, the Philippines will need to modify old cities for resiliency or create new sustainable communities to ultimately live in a flood-free environment.

Hanabishi Appliances 5-5 Fiesta Sale is the perfect opportunity for you to score the best appliances at discounted prices, whether you’re looking for the perfect Mother’s Day present or a replacement for your old appliances.

“Our sale will run from May 5 to 7, so you’ll have enough time to choose a gift for your mom on May 8, Mother’s Day. Of course, Hanabishi products are great for gifting because they’re made from quality materials. So, if you’re also looking to replace an old appliance or invest in one for your home business, make sure to check our Fiesta Sale,” said Cherish Ong-Chua, Vice President for Finance and Marketing at Hanabishi Appliances.

The sale will happen simultaneously on Shopee Mall and LazMall.

At Shopee, select Hanabishi appliances will go on sale at up to 15% discount. Watch out for the Flash Sale, as you may just score the product you’ve been eyeing at 18% off. When you buy two items, you will also enjoy PhP55 off your purchase. Hanabishi will be giving away PhP50 vouchers and PhP50 free shipping as well.

Over at LazMall, you can also enjoy up to 18% discount on select Hanabishi appliances during its flash sale. From May 5 to 7, meanwhile, you can purchase products at up to 15% off. Buy two appliances, and enjoy PhP55 off! Make sure to collect Lazada Bonus vouchers at PhP100 as well. You can use them to enjoy further discounts. And don’t worry about the shipping costs if you’ve bought too many items; Hanabishi offers up to PhP300 shipping discount.

“You don’t have to leave home to purchase Hanabishi appliances as they’re available in two of the most popular online selling platforms in the country. You can also visit our own e-commerce website, www.myhanabishi.com,” Ong-Chua shared.

Hanabishi is well-known for producing high-quality kitchen and household appliances. Because of its dependability and low cost, it has become a household staple in most Filipino households.

Follow Hanabishi on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up to date on their latest goods, events, and sales promos.

About Hanabishi:

Sa Bahay at sa Business Mo, Hanabishi!

Hanabishi is a Filipino household name for appliances for over 35 years. It is a brand engineered to fit the lifestyle of the Filipino both for homes and businesses. Hardworking, durable and resilient, are the attributes that personify Hanabishi making it the brand of choice of every Filipino mom and businessman when it comes to value and practicality. Hanabishi is the mark of quality that grows with you through the years. Built with passion and an impeccable desire to uphold the quality of life in every Filipino home, Hanabishi will remain to be the PRACTICAL choice and KAPARTNER, today and for the many years to come.

For more information about Hanabishi, please visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop/and like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/

Shiptek Solutions Corp., the creator of XLOG, the world’s first fully integrated, blockchain-based, end-to-end shipping and logistics platform, plans to expand beyond the Philippines and into the larger Southeast Asian region, capitalizing on the growing demand for digital solutions in the regional logistics industry.

Shiptek is confident that it can meet the need for digital solutions throughout the area with the adoption of the Association of Southeast Asian Countries’ (Asean) regional effort known as the Asean Single Window, based on its early success in the Philippine market.

The Asean Single Window aims to expedite cargo clearance and promote economic integration by enabling the exchange of trade-related documents among Asean Member States.

“We have seen remarkable and exponential growth in volume and revenues since our launch in 2018. As the only fully-integrated blockchain-based, end-to-end shipping and logistics digital ecosystem in the country, we are able to serve all the needs of the players in the industry — from shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, trucker associations, and even drivers,” Shiptek Founder and CEO Eugenio Ynion Jr. said.

Ynion added: “This gives us the confidence that we will be able to expand in the Asean region and allow us to become the backbone of the regional shipping industry, providing the tech needed to make logistics more transparent, efficient, and affordable to all players.”

Launched in 2018, Shiptek operates the homegrown supply chain and logistics orchestration ecosystem called XLOG, which houses digital solutions such as digital documentation, online booking, fleet management, payment systems, tracking and tracing of shipments, container insurance, finance management, and a mobile app for truck drivers.

In a nutshell, XLOG streamlines the process interconnecting different players in the industry, allowing them to work with one another to create efficiencies and promote productivity.

The fully-customizable platform caters to all players — including the smaller ones — in the logistics industry.

“Our goal is to continue growing rapidly throughout 2022 by expanding our solutions and services, offering financing and digital solutions as a package. This will help our market address the main pain point of limited cash flow, while enabling them to digitize their operations, thereby promoting transparency and efficiency at more affordable costs,” Ynion said.

XLOG offers financial services by leveraging the open finance platform of its minority investor UBX, the fintech arm of Aboitiz-led Unionbank of the Philippines.

“Digital revolution has had a major impact on the logistics industry. UBx Chairman Henry R. Aguda remarked, “We expect XLOG will empower more businesses in the logistics industry to digitally alter their operations to boost productivity and help to economic recovery, complementing our open finance platform.”

Over 1,000 enterprises and organizations have trusted Shiptek to help them take their logistics operations to the next level.

“In many industries, digital transformation has become the standard, and the logistics business is on its approach to fully embracing this trend. Our technology creates a level playing field by allowing even the tiniest players to digitalize their activities. We at Shiptek are thrilled to expand to additional Asean nations in order to assist more participants in the logistics industry in joining the digital revolution,” Ynion stated.

For more information, please visit https://web.xlog.net

About Shiptek Solutions Corp.

Shiptek Solutions Corp. is a Filipino software development company that operates the pioneering end-to-end digital logistics platform, XLOG. Shiptek is a subsidiary of Yngen Holdings, which takes pride in our Filipino ownership and heritage.