Pru Life UK Salutes Every Pinoy Fighter by Bringing Live Coverage of the ‘Fight of the Century’

Press Release:

29 April 2015, Manila – As the nation prepares for the ‘Fight of the Century’ between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr., life insurance giant Pru Life UK is saluting every Filipino fighter by bringing the world title fight live to many who have never before had such an opportunity, particularly those who are still recovering from Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan). 

Pru Life UK is working with 10 communities in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Quezon, Albay, Aklan, and Northern Samar, as well as Bantayan Island in Cebu to bring live coverage of the match on May 3rd. On Bantayan Island, the match will be aired in three municipalities of Santa Fe, Madridejos, and Bantayan. 

Through this initiative, Pru Life UK is continuing its long-term commitment to its rebuilding and recovery efforts in the central Philippines following super typhoon Yolanda in November 2013. On Bantayan Island, Pru Life UK and its charitable arm Prudence Foundation has helped rebuild houses and shelters and has provided new motorized fishing boats and pedicabs with nearly 250 staff and agent volunteers from 10 countries across Asia and the United Kingdom. 

“As the country prepares for the ‘Fight of the Century’, we want to lift the spirits of those fighting to recover from typhoon Yolanda. We are excited about the fight, but more than that, we are inspired by every Filipino fighter from all walks of life. We saw the opportunity to bring the fight to those who do not have access to it, and we are overjoyed to be able to connect them to the rest of the world as we cheer on the ‘People’s Champ’,” said Antonio Manuel de Rosas, President and CEO of Pru Life UK.

“Seeing the Cebuanos in Bantayan Island get back on their feet has been a truly a remarkable experience for our staff and volunteers. Helping them rebuild their homes is just the first step. We hope that watching this fight live gives them the opportunity to set aside their daily struggles as they join in this national celebration,” he continued. 

A TV commercial about this initiative was launched Tueday, April 28, which was shot on location in Bantayan Island as preparations for the live broadcast of the fight were being made. Pru Life UK is also providing the iconic red headbands shown in the commercial to communities across the Philippines to unite them in preparation for the fight. 

The TV commercial will be aired on television, digital and social media, with a hashtag #ForEveryPinoyFighter

“How can we watch the fight if we don’t have electricity?” asked Santa Fe Mayor Jose Esgana. “We are delighted that Pru Life UK is bringing the fight to our island. Everyone is excited about the match, and we support Manny all the way to the end.”

About Pru Life UK

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK is a subsidiary of Prudential plc. Pru Life UK is a life insurance company and is not engaged in the business of selling pre-need plans. Prudential plc is a United Kingdom-registered company. Its regional headquarters, Prudential Corporation Asia, is based in Hong Kong. Pru Life UK and Prudential plc are not affiliated with Prudential Financial, Inc. (a US-registered company), Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company, Prudentialife Plans, Inc. or Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc. (all Philippine-registered companies).

For more information: www.prulifeuk.com.ph

Giordano Launches Avengers Collection for Kids

Just in time before the movie starts showing! Get your kids their favorite designs before the shirts run out!

Press Release:

This April, the Avengers will take over the big screen to stop Ultron, a technological super villain determined to make the human race extinct. But before the youngest fans troop to the cinemas, Giordano Junior will launch a special Avengers collection for kids on April 15. 

Items in the collection evoke some of the main themes in the hit Marvel movie such as courage, sportsmanship and teamwork. The pieces also feature the Avengers: Ironman, Captain America, The Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, and Hawkeye. 

The collection, aptly named Every Kid can be a hero, incorporates the Avengers’ elements into the trendy baseball fashion. Fabrics and prints show athletic influence. Baseball elements like classic black and white stripes and number prints are present in every piece. 

“At Giordano, we always keep our fingers on the pulse, staying abreast of the hottest topics in town. Moreover, we strive to share and re-interpret these valuable moments with our customers through our collections,” said Giordano’s VP for Merchandising Rochelle Tan.

When The Avengers broke summer box office records in 2012, it won the hearts of superhero fans across the globe. Excitement for the second movie came as soon as the first one left the theaters. Fans, especially the young ones, waited eagerly for the sequel.

In just a month, the Avengers: Age of Ultron will hit the theaters and there’s no better way for the kids to show fandom than to watch the highly anticipated mega blockbuster in their own Giordano Junior Avengers tees.

The Virlanie Children’s Choir says MERCI! before flying to France

Godspeed and bon voyage Virlanie Children's Choir!

Press Release:

Some members of the audience were moved to tears during the recent concert staged by the 24-member Virlanie Children’s Choir. Merci: A Send-off Concert was a performance dedicated to the friends and partners of Virlanie Foundation, Inc. a child caring institution established by French social worker Dominique Lemay.

Virlanie Children's Choir
Concert Poster

Virlanie Foundation’s partners and friends from the French community, private and government sector, individual patrons and distinguished guests attended the concert on March 28, 2015 at the SDA Theater, SDA Building, P. Ocampo St., De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, Manila.

The Foundation has been taking care of street children—the abused, homeless, neglected, abandoned, orphaned and the poorest of the poor—for more than two decades. In 2004, a handful of these children were gathered to form the Virlanie Children’s Choir to sing for Her Royal Highness Princess Caroline of Hanover.  

choir folk songs

Since then, the choir has performed in various venues in the Philippines and Europe, including the Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris), Hotel Matignon, Mont Saint Michel, Ieper (Belgium), and the North of France. They sang with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and were invited by the French Prime Minister Jean Marc Ayrault and his wife Madame Brigitte Ayrault to sing at the opening of the French-Filipino National Exhibit in Musee des Arts Primitifs du Quai Branly in Paris.

choir accompanied by acoustic guitar

Having come from humble backgrounds as former street children and young adults from Virlanie’s residential homes; the Mobile Unit, Virlanie’s street-based program; and some of the urban poor communities that Virlanie Foundation is working with, these children were able to overcome challenges and fulfill their young dreams. They don’t only share their music as singing ambassadors, they also serve as inspiration for fellow children and the public at large.

choir with Ms. Hermo

In April 2015, the choir will be on their 2nd Spring Tour in France to raise awareness about Virlanie Foundation’s mission of helping and caring for Manila’s street children. They will be visiting the following French cities with their Choirmaster and Musical Director, Ms. Maria Lourdes Hermo, and their pianist Margarette Kean Villarin: Wasquehal, Nancy, Metz, Mulhouse, Belfort, Lyon, Le Puy en Velay, Beausoleil, Marseille, Montpellier, Toulouse, Brive la Gaillarde, Agen, Urrugnes, Léognan, and Bordeaux.

The trip to France and the Manila concert are made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors: Dr. Stephen Zuellig, Enfance Tiers Monde, Lions Club Douai in France, Virlanie France and all its volunteers, and Madame Brigitte Ayrault. Virlanie Foundation, Inc. also appreciates the support of Regional Director Alice Bonoan of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region, the French Consulate and His Excellency Ambassador Gilles Garachon.

Philippine Hemophilia Community Seeks Public Support

Press Release:

In celebration of the World Hemophilia Day on April 17, the Hemophilia Association of the Philippines for Love & Service (HAPLOS) will spearhead a national gathering of different Hemophilia groups and support organizations at the Glorietta Mall in Makati City on April 11 to 12. 

Dubbed “Count Me In,” the two-day activity seeks to raise awareness and understanding about hemophilia and related bleeding disorders. The event expects to gather around 300 persons with these conditions, along with their families and friends. 

Hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease, inherited platelet disorders, and other factor deficiencies are lifelong bleeding disorders that prevent blood from clotting properly. 

People with bleeding disorders do not have enough of a particular clotting factor, a protein in blood that controls bleeding. The severity of a person’s bleeding disorder usually depends on the amount of clotting factor that is missing or not functioning. People with hemophilia can experience uncontrolled bleeding that can result from a seemingly minor injury. Bleeding into joints and muscles causes severe pain and disability while bleeding into major organs, such as the brain, can cause death. 

According to the World Hemophilia Federation, about 10,000 Filipinos have hemophilia. On the other hand, there are about 1-million Filipinos possibly affeced with von Willebrand Disease and other bleeding disorders. However, only around 1,200 have been identified.

Despite being considered as a serious and lifelong condition, awareness for hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease and inherited bleeding disorders has not gained momentum in most countries including the Philippines. As a result, significant disparities in treatment still exist, with about 75 percent receiving very inadequate treatment or no treatment at all.

Through the event in Glorietta Mall, HAPLOS hopes to educate more people with the help of PWH themselves, and create a call to action in order to close the gap in care and treatment.    

“Unlike other conditions, Hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease and other bleeding disorders receive little public awareness and attention. The World Hemophilia Day, celebrated by countries all over the globe, is an opportunity for the bleeding disorder community to come together, speak out, and focus on the need to improve and maintain treatment, as well as help those with the condition to live as normally as possible,” said HAPLOS President Ric Felipe. 

“Count Me In” lead campaigner Andrea Echavez said the event serves as a call to action to those with hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease, and other bleeding disorders to be more active and be included in the National Hemophilia Registry.  

“We want to encourage people with Hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease and other bleeding disorders that even though our condition is life-long, we can be productive members of the society,” Echavez, who has von Willebrand Disease, said.

A former Inquirer reporter and now a communication consultation of an international organization, she said many patients feel overwhelmed with their condition especially when they experience bleeds.

“Our quality of life is definitely different from those without disorders. And we are not dismissing what our fellow patients feel. Many times bleeds can be overwhelming. But it should not stop us from striving to lead normal lives,” Echavez said.

Count Me In campaign also calls for volunteers from outside the Hemophilia community, public support for the Hemophilia community, and for government to look into the plight of persons with hemophilia.

The two-day event will feature psycho-social activities for children and youth by Kythe Foundation, fundraising activities such as sale of art work and products by persons with Hemophilia and their families, testimonials of persons with Hemophilia, medical lectures on hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, video loops in between programs, as well as entertainment by children and adults with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. 

There will also be a blood donation campaign with the assistance of the Philippine Red Cross.

The activity is co-organized by HAPLOS and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC). It is supported by Glorietta Mall, BusinessMirror Group of Publications, Novo Nordisk Hemophilia Foundation, Philippine Red Cross and Kythe Foundation.

A Fun Fashion Quiz: Which Sewing Machine is Right for You?

Here's something fun for you, fashionistas! 

Press Release: 

Is there a runway icon in you that’s crying to come out? Then take this Fashion Quiz to help you decide, what your next runway collection should be!

1. Choose the word that best describes your personality.

a. Wholesome

b. Classy

c. Adventurous

d. Fierce

2. Where do you usually buy your clothes?

a. Umm, at the mall.

b. My mom buys my clothes.

c. At unique weekend bazaars.

d. I make my own clothes.

3. What would you do if you met your fashion icon?

a. Freeze and instantaneously pass out

b. My fashion icon has unfortunately gone to the other side

c. Ask for relevant fashion tips

d. I am my own fashion icon

4. Which of these patterns speak to you?

a. Embroidered

b. Plaid

c. Modern geometric

d. Houndstooth

5. It’s Fashion Week! What do you do?

a. Life goes on.

b. I’m part of Fashion Week.

c. Perhaps catch a glimpse of it on my feed

d. What’s Fashion Week?

6. Which model best fits your fashion collection?

a. Jessica Stam

b. Karlie Kloss

c. Chanel Iman

d. Coco Rocha

7. How do you feel about fashion magazines?

a. I have 32 different subscriptions

b. I flip through them for inspiration

c. In the digital age? Really?

d. I read them when I’m in the salon

8. Describe your closet

a. Neat and orderly

b. Small but curated

c. Sometimes I can see the floor

d. So. Many. Clothes.

9. An outfit isn’t complete without...

a. A statement diamond necklace

b. An edgy attitude

c. Sky-high heels

d. A leather bag

10.  Which color is the new black?

a. Black

b. Tartan

c. Taupe

d. Marsala

RESULTS for your next runway collection …

If you have mostly A answers, you got: HAUTE COUTURE

From Paris to Tokyo, you are meant to conquer the fashion world! Equipped with your trusted sewing machine and a keen eye for high fashion, get ready to set the runway ablaze with your fabulous creations!

No self-respecting haute couturier would be caught dead using second-grade sewing machine. To make your vision a reality, you need a strong and dependable workhorse. The Brother NV-55P is the sewing machine of your dreams! This stunning piece of machinery features an LCD display, centralized control panel, automatic needle threader, quick set bobbin, LED sewing light, 7-point feed, and 135 built-in stitches that includes letters. For Php 24,995.00, you can start sewing your vision to life!

If you have mostly B answers, you got: EVENING GOWNS

All the weeks of sleepless nights slaving over intricate beadwork and delicate embroidery pays off when you become the only fashion designer to the stars! Celebrities and A-listers alike will fall in line and beg you to design their evening gown for the next and hottest fashion gala in the metro.

The Brother M3034D sewing machine may just very well be a celebrity fashion designer's best friend. This impressive couturier's companion features a whopping 4-thread overlocker for easy threading, fast and simple lower looper threading system, instant rolled hem, and differential feed for perfect seams on virtually any fabric type! At just Php 21,995.00, you instantly get your money back with your first commissioned evening gown!

If you have mostly C answers, you got: STREET FASHION

The who's who of the metro will soon be donning your own brand of edgy urban chic and street fashion wear! Magazine editors and fashion stylists will knock on your door and practically sleep at your doorstep just to have the opportunity to have you and your collection grace the covers of all the glossies!

The Brother JS-1410 is the perfect sewing machine for budding designers and aspiring fashion entrepreneurs! This handy dandy equipment has 14 built-in stitches, 4-step automatic buttonhole, top load bobbin, LED sewing light, and comes with instructional DVD for fast and easy sewing lessons. All that and for only Php 9,995.00, it's practically a steal!

If you have mostly D answers, you got: MEN'S WEAR

Buckle up because you are now part of a modern fashion revolution! Men's Fashion is what the edge of your seat was made for. Every little bit of your creation represents your persona—smart, edgy, and dapper. You are not just a fashion designer, YOU ARE FASHION.

All those crisp lines, clean hems, and fancy needlework require a steady and reliable sewing machine. The Brother GS-2700 is a workhorse on steroids. This impressive piece of modern equipment has a built-in needle threader, quick set bobbin, 1-step buttonhole, manual stitch length and stitch width control, and whopping 27 built-in stitches! For only Php 12,995.00, you can be the men's fashion savior of the galaxy.

For more information on Brother's line of exceptional sewing machines, visit http://welcome.brother.com/ph-en.html

The Real Measure of Intelligence and Success

Press Release:

The time has come to explore and recognize the different forms of intelligences to help children achieve the most success. 

Understanding that success isn’t solely based on how good a child is in math or science means giving the chance to recognize their ability to be good at other things as well, eventually creating a generation that possess multiple intelligences.

“We continue to seek ways for parents and educators to recognize that developing multiple intelligence is just as relevant as academic performance, giving kids today the chance to develop their inherent skills in a motivated and well-rounded environment,” says Rhea Villareal, Senior Product Manager, Progress Pre-School GOLD. “Multiple intelligence can spark multiple achievements – it is the edge that this new generation will have.”

Leading with multiple intelligence

This edge is perhaps best exemplified by some of this country’s young multi-achievers who were recently recognized at Progress Pre-School GOLD’s Multiple Intelligence Recognition Day. Among them are Sofia Pablo, whose excellence in academics is complemented only by equally impressive achievements in dance and sports; Cedric Rafael Uson, whose potential for leadership and the arts are notable; Sean Clarence Cai, who consistently impresses others with his propensity for numbers and excellent interpersonal skills at such a young age; Luis Raphael Danao, whose academic achievements are rivaled only by his passion and excellence in sports; and Ciara Russegger, whose athleticism and academic inclinations prove that a seamless integration of brain, body and people smart is possible with the right support. 

Kim Atienza, multi-achiever and Commencement speaker in the Multiple Intelligence Recognition Day, also expressed that his well-rounded character has been key in achieving success in life. “Multiple Intelligence has equipped me to confidently engage with the world and readily accept challenges with family, passions, and career,” says Atienza.

Improving access to multiple intelligence

Progress Pre-school GOLD’s multiple intelligence advocacy has the opportunity to transform development approaches simply by highlighting the fact that various facets of intelligence combine to create a balanced and successful child that can potentially change the world.  

As a means to further promote multiple intelligence, Wyeth is partnering with the Reading Association of the Philippines (RAP), a non-government organization committed to improve all aspects of the national reading programs and teaching procedures through teacher-training and research. 

RAP calls educators to embrace a comprehensive curriculum to promote students' maximum participation for overall development. It educates school teachers using proven progressive methods to teach kids to learn to read and enhance comprehension — thus, facilitating a better learning environment to help students to progress into multi-achievers. 

Moving up and choosing multiple intelligence

Progress Pre-school GOLD encourages Filipino moms to move up to a more progressive approach to parenting as experts prove that young minds gain knowledge through play, direct experience and social interaction.

"As a parent, my challenge is to help my kids apply their knowledge to everyday life, not just by getting good grades but by being well-rounded individuals that are smart, creative and helpful," says Jenni Epperson, Multiple Intelligence advocate.

Activities have become open-ended and interdisciplinary and the more kids exposed to different fields and interests, the more they are able to perform better and beyond given measures.

"With multiple intelligence, you don't just go one step ahead, you go twice as far," says Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez, Multiple Intelligence advocate.

Progressive moms have a partner in Progress Pre-School GOLD as they further support the development of their child’s multiple intelligence. Progress Pre-School GOLD is now with its best-ever GOLD Biofactors System with higher levels of DHA, Choline, and Lutein to support a child’s multiple intelligence.

Run the Race for Mother Earth! Join Pro Earth Run 2015

Calling runners who are looking for a worthwhile advocacy race!

Press Release:

“The future of humanity is everyone’s responsibility. This is why we never get tired of telling people that Earth Day must be everyday, everywhere, for everyone,” said Earth Day Network Philippines Chairman, Dr. Metodio Palaypay.  

Palaypay underscored the critical role of media in bringing out the message of earth care to the public when he addressed the press and bloggers last 31 March 2015 at Merrell Concept Store, Market! Market! Bonifacio Global City in a media briefing for Pro Earth Run 2015. In the end, he entreated the members of the press, “Into your hands, I commit Mother Earth.”

Meanwhile, DENR Director for Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service Jesus Enrico Moises Salazar commended Earth Day Network Philippines for the environmental work it has been doing over the years. “While the result of your labor may not always be immediately felt, it will eventually yield something good for the country.”

Earth Day Network Philippines is at the forefront of the annual worldwide April 22nd Earth Day Celebration. It actively engages the participation of people from government, corporate, religious, and academic institutions to rally together behind environmental protection, preservation, and promotion. 

Now on its second year, Earth Day Network Philippines stages Pro Earth Run 2015 to encourage people to take active lead in protecting, respecting, and overseeing Earth care by running the race for Mother Earth.  

Happening on 25 April 2015, Saturday, 4:30AM, at the Mall Of Asia MOA Grounds in Pasay City, proceeds of the 3K/5K/10K advocacy run will fund the continuing projects and programs of Earth Day Network Philippines such as Watershed Restoration and Forest Conservation, Re-Charge Tacloban, Zero Basura Olympics, and Mini Carbon Olympics. 

Pro Earth Run 2015 tickets are available at SM Ticket counters nationwide until April 19 and at Merrell Concept Stores in SM North Edsa Annex, Trinoma, Festival Mall, and Market! Market! until April 15. Registration is until April 20 via www.earthdayphilippines.org. 

Presented by Earth Day Network Philippines, in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), United Parcel Services (UPS), and SM Cares, the Pro Earth Run 2015 is supported by Xend, Official Courier Partner; The Medical City, Official Medical Partner; Greenlite Banner (The Reusable Banner), Official Printing Partner; Merrell, Official Shoe Sponsor; Maynilad, Official Hydration Partner; Canon; Timex, Official Timing Partner; Slimmers World, Official Fitness Partner; Gerry’s Grill and Uncle Cheffy, Food Sponsors; Kabayan Hotel, Air Asia, Rudy Project, and Integrated Waste Management Inc. 

Pro Earth Run 2015 is also supported by GMA7, GMA News TV, 97.9 Home Radio, 106.7 Energy FM, 99.5 Play FM, Business Mirror, Malaya Business Insight, and out-of-home-media specialist, United Neon. 

Details on Pro Earth Run 2015 are posted on www.facebook.com/ProEarthRunPH.