MCU Through the Times

 

The Manila Central University, popularly known as MCU and formerly known as the Escuela de

Farmacia del Liceo de Manila, is a private, non-sectarian institution of primary and higher

education with a campus located on EDSA in Caloocan. Dr. Alejandro M. Albert, who also

served as its first Director, founded it in 1904.

In the past 118 years, MCU has continued to innovate because it understands that changing

one's perspective can result in discoveries that progress technology and education. By

upgrading its systems, processes, and policies, MCU continues to rise to the challenge of being a creative institution in a constantly changing environment.

One of the ways MCU is improving is with the new branding. This will help the community and

raise awareness of the MCU brand as we enter a new era. They have introduced additional

courses in addition to their well-known medical and health programs, and they are expanding

internationally through alliances and collaborations. 

Yes, adults can have acne too

Acne is a rite of passage that few teenagers can avoid, much like abrupt growth spurts, the advent of hair and curves in places there never used to be any and other physical changes. Adolescents naturally experience hormonal changes that drive the production of sebum. When sebum, germs, and dead skin cells clog our skin's pores, it causes unattractive pimples. Acne is characterized by pimples on the face and upper body, including whiteheads (clogged pores that close and protrude from the skin), blackheads (clogged pores that remain open but have a darker top surface), pustules, and red bumps.

 Teenagers are plagued by acne, which at its worst lowers their self-esteem and makes it difficult for them to socialize with their friends. They can find solace in the idea that acne can be managed with the right skincare regimens and a balanced diet and way of life.

But what if it persists well through our adolescent and 20s years? According to dermatologist Elsie Reynosa P. Floreza, MD, who also serves as chair of the department of dermatology and chief of the skin and laser hub at Makati Medical Center, the best hospital in the Philippines, adult acne or post-adolescent acne is defined as occurring beyond the age of 25. (MakatiMed). Similar to adolescent acne, adult acne is generally brought on by an overproduction of oil in the skin, the buildup of dead skin cells, and bacteria, which results in

inflammation.

Amorsolo Masterpiece in Lego on Exhibit at The Art Gallery of The Manila Hotel

 

At the PinoyLUG x Project Amorsolo art exhibition, which takes place at The Manila Hotel's Art Gallery from November 28, 2022 to January 16, 2023, see Fernando Amorsolo's works in a new light as they transform into LEGO brick mosaic art renderings (near Fiesta Pavilion).

Photo of "Early Traders" a painting by Amorsolo at the iconic The Manila Hotel

At the PinoyLUG x Project Amorsolo art exhibition, which takes place at The Manila Hotel's Art Gallery from November 28, 2022 to January 16, 2023, will see Fernando Amorsolo's works in a new light as they transform into LEGO brick mosaic art renderings (near Fiesta Pavilion).

Bayer celebrates 60 years in the Philippines with PHP750M integrated office in Manila

 

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR THE NEW BAYER OFFICE AT SCIENCE HUB TOWER 1, MCKINLEY HILL CYBERPARK, TAGUIG. (L-R) Bayer ASEAN Managing Director and CFO Ernst Coppens; Bayer Philippines Managing Director and Country Division Head of Pharmaceuticals Angel-Michael Evangelista; Her Excellency Anke Reiffenstuel, German Ambassador to the Philippines; Bayer Global Business Services Manila Managing Director Sam Padilla; and Head of Bayer Global Business Services Rob Bullen

In celebration of its 60 years of improving health and nutrition in the Philippines, Bayer unveiled its brand-new PHP 750 million office.

The four-level, hybrid workplace, and forward-looking office, which is situated at Science Hub Tower 1 at McKinley Hill Cyberpark, Taguig City, unifies the central operations of its Crop Science, Pharmaceuticals, 

"To commemorate our 60th year, we invested PHP 750 million in a new office, from which we will continue to provide Filipino farmers, patients, and consumers with our cutting-edge goods, services, and solutions. According to Bayer Philippines Managing Director and Country Division Head for Pharmaceuticals Angel Michael Evangelista, this is in accordance with Bayer's mission of "Health for All, Hunger for None."

In addition to catering to the domestic market, the Philippines serves as the ASEAN hub for the Consumer Health industry. Bayer Global Company Services (GBS), which supports business operations globally, has a significant presence in Manila as well. Out of a network of seven locations throughout the world, GBS Manila employs the most people, increasing the total number of Bayer workers in the Philippines to over 1,800.

This is Bayer's largest office project in ASEAN. The next normal office concept has been adopted by approximately 70 projects at Bayer sites since the company's worldwide transformation effort began in 2021. Five out of six main offices in ASEAN have finished this transformation since the end of the epidemic, according to Ernst Coppens, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Bayer in ASEAN. 

Flexible, collaborative, and inclusive hybrid working spaces

As a life science company and a global leader in healthcare and nutrition, Bayer is reshaping the conventional office model into a dynamic space enabling hybrid work while prioritizing collaboration and employee wellbeing.

Previously located in three locations in Metro Manila and Laguna, the new Bayer office in the Philippines is designed around Bayer’s Next Normal Office Concept (NNOC).

With spacious, and co-work style space, the office features a variety of formal and informal work areas with sit-to-stand ergonomic desks and chairs, stationary bike desks, stand-alone pods for individual calls or virtual meetings, and huddle spaces for quick group catch-ups. Meeting rooms of various sizes feature state-of-the-art video conferencing equipment to help employees easily collaborate with colleagues globally.

As Bayer fosters an inclusive and diverse workforce and culture, the new office has a multi-faith room, deaf-friendly safety alarms, braille on key signages, a mother’s room for nursing moms situated on two out of four floors, and gender-neutral toilets located on all floors. 

Employees can also enjoy recreational facilities such as chess, air hockey, foosball, and sub-soccer tables located along employee locker hallways or in the Work Cafe, a dedicated game room and nap areas, plus a gym with free fitness classes.

Driving sustainability through its Bayer Kubo program

Bayer is also running sustainability programs in the country that combine the expertise of its Crop Science, Pharmaceuticals, and Consumer Health divisions to help address sustainability challenges around agriculture and health. 

Its flagship Bayer Kubo program focuses on supporting smallholder farming communities in partnership with ASSIST Asia. It includes capacity-building programs around reproductive health and family planning, self-care, nutrition, and agri-oriented financial management and best practices.

“With the growing role of women in Philippine agriculture, who are often challenged to care for both the home and the field, we’re supporting women farmers, farmers’ wives’, their families, and the community through various initiatives around health, wellness, and sustainable agricultural practices,” said Evangelista.

The program aims to empower over 100 women farmers, as community champions that will ensure continued knowledge sharing and capacity building to train additional 1,500 community members on the best practices of family planning, farmer self-care, and smallholder farmer support.

Fur-babies and fur-parents bond over Doggo Pawty

 

Doggo recently conducted a free event for all attendees at Bonifacio Global City called the Doggo Pawty in an effort to bring "pawrents" and their doggos closer. The event, which had a carnival theme, was hosted by a dog company run by Filipinos with the aim of strengthening the relationship between pet parents and their furry children through fun activities.

Responsible pet owner understands the importance of providing their furry pals with the best care and quality time. As a supporter of both causes, the company opened their first event by serving as a source for superior canine care.

Free inside booths offering a variety of canine services were constructed to accommodate the pet participants, as pawfectly made by Doggo. Included in this activity are the following: the Clinic, where dogs received free checkups from veterinarians, the Insurance, which offered free insurance to protect them in case of emergencies, and the Photobooth, which offered free and limitless pictures so that pet parents could immortalize their special date with the furry kids.

It's also gratifying to welcome a new furry family member into your house, and thanks to Doggo and PAWSsion Project, an adoption drive was organized at the event. Doggo frequently partners with PAWSsion Project, a nonprofit dog rescue and rehabilitation group that was virtually simultaneously founded as Doggo in order to raise awareness of the realities of strays in the nation and increase adoption rates. At the occasion, Doggo served as a matchmaker for stray dogs and 15 stray dogs can find new homes with the aid of dog lovers. And just like any other parties, goodies and merchandise were also up for grabs which were made possible in partnership with participating brands, Amazon Pumps and Purreetty.

For the tail-wagging-worthy highlights, the canine companions proved to be more than just pets as witnessed at the event’s competition segment. Showcasing their talents, it was cuteness overload at the Trick and Treat Booth as dogs exhibited their learned tricks where they got rewarded with a pack of treats. The Doggo Marathon brought the whole pack howling as they got to do what they love most – running. The track was intentionally designed to be unbarricaded to encourage a deeper connection between dogs and their owners. Each doggo marathoner dashed at their fastest pace while being timed, and the one with the shortest time recorded was pronounced the winner. A speedy Shih Tzu named ‘Panpan’ won the race against 200 other dogs with a record of less than three seconds, bagging a prize money of P10, 000.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines launches Christmas campaign, inspires Filipinos to help build homes for every Juan

 

Habitat for Humanity Philippines encourages each Juan to enjoy a meaningful holiday and inspire hope by assisting in the construction of quality, affordable, and disaster-resistant homes and enhancing lives.

With the launch of its "Pasko sa Bahay ni Juan" Christmas campaign, Habitat Philippines implores Filipinos to establish a custom of charitable giving and support initiatives for housing, community development, disaster response, hygiene promotion, and youth and volunteer engagement in order to help create resilient, sustainable communities.

Habitat Philippines has consistently held the view that there is strength in numbers when it comes to constructing houses, communities, and hope. We hope that "Pasko sa Bahay ni Juan" would serve as a platform for each person to start a tradition of offering limitless opportunities for less fortunate families by contributing to the construction of a quality home. Every Juan has the potential to have an effect.

The holiday season is a time when giving is especially prevalent, but the difference we can make and the hope we can inspire in a family in need of a decent home goes far beyond this time of year. Everyone's contributions and efforts are the basis for everything. when more people are inspired to give, together, we can transform more lives,” said Habitat Philippines CEO Mardi Mapa- Suplido.

As part of its Christmas campaign, Habitat Philippines forms alliances with numerous businesses and places that the general public frequents during the holiday season. This comprises businesses, shopping centers, hotels, BPO companies, and other enterprises with the aim of increasing public awareness of the need for housing and enticing people to donate, assisting less fortunate Filipino families with improving their access to safe, adequate housing.

3 Business Ideas for Beauty and Fashion Lovers

If you’re a big fan of beauty and fashion in general, know that there are tons of great business options that you could try. This sector is enormous too, and one that you can enter with a much smaller investment than many people think. You could decide to sell products, offer services, or provide information if you wish. The most important step is identifying a profitable niche that you’re comfortable with and getting to work. Let’s take a look at a few business ideas for beauty and fashion lovers.

Open a Lash Clinic

One of the things you could do is open your very own lash clinic. This is a booming niche at the moment, and you can open a clinic on a modest budget, but you’ll first need certification to operate and insurance for treatments.

Know, however, that lash extension training is very easy, and you can find online lash training that will allow you to get your formation from the comfort of your home. If you choose the right lash extension course, you will get all you need to perform procedures safely and efficiently. Clinics like

Lash and Brow Studio have a great lash training course that you can complete in as little as four hours. Once you’re done and you have completed your case studies, you’ll have everything you need to start a lash business in the UK lawfully.

Amway Philippines introduces Artistry Skin Nutrition Line for Healthy-Looking Skin

 

At any age, having healthy skin is the key to having attractive skin. Your skin needs sufficient nutrition just like any other organ. The Artistry Skin Nutrition skincare, which is a remarkable advancement that produces results without endangering your health or the environment, is being introduced by Amway Philippines. These skincare products were developed by combining cutting-edge skin research with the power of plants. Together, they provide total nutriment, repair, and skin that looks healthy.

You're just right in time! It's never too early or late to have skin that looks healthy. Amway Philippines' Renewing Solution Artistry Skin Nutrition, helps to deeply feed the skin while repairing early and moderate indications of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Moira dela Torre stars in Home Credit’s The Great 0% Interest Festival campaign video

 

Buy-dol Philippines from Home Credit Philippines

Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the lifestyle partner of every Filipino, recently unveiled a new campaign video for the company's The Great 0% Interest Festival, which features Moira dela Torre, the brand's ambassador. This comes after the launch of the biggest and grandest 0% interest sale in the country.

The new commercial video, which was introduced on Home Credit's Facebook and YouTube accounts, was inspired by a well-known Philippine reality TV singing competition in which Moira served as a judge. Moira appears as one of the panelists on Home Credit's "Buy-dol Philippines" in the recently released ad film.

Home Credit brand ambassador Moira dela Torre with Buy-dol hopefuls

A few Buy-dol hopefuls perform songs about the goods that customers can purchase through Home Credit at 0% interest this Christmas season in the ad video, which aims to promote and raise awareness about The Great 0% Interest Festival.

Mang Inasal wins Miss Earth Australia’s heart in her mukbang

 

Miss Australia Mukbang

Mang Inasal, the country's Grill Expert, has a new chicken inasal aficionado --  Miss Earth Australia 2022 Sheridan Mortlock!

 Mortlock recently highlighted her delight at getting to try Mang Inasal with fans in one of her posts on her Instagram Story.

In one post, she enthused, "We're dining good tonight," holding MangInasal's newest dish, the Mang Inasal Family Fiesta.

 On Kumu, where she livestreamed her Mang Inasal mukbang, she extended an invitation to her followers. Sheridan expressed her gratitude to Mang Inasal for the delectable gift and appeared to enjoy her lunch.

5 Ways a Psychic Can Help You Through the Holidays

 

The holiday season is a time of celebrations and gatherings, but this time of year also poses

emotional challenges. Consulting with a psychic can be especially helpful during the holidays. Get tips for finding a psychic near me or connecting with the best reader for any query at this time of year.

Figuring Out How And Where To Spend Your Time

Many people feel pulled in different directions during the holidays. Between events, family, friends, and work, these months can be hectic. A psychic can help you assess your priorities and direct time and energy toward the most meaningful aspects of your life. 

The holiday season falls at the end of the year. This is a time for reflection during which many

people make resolutions for the new year. A life path psychic can help you assess your personal development, while the best love psychic can direct your energy toward strengthening connections during the holiday season and in the new year.

Calling on ‘eco conscious’ consumers: Take sustainable living to the next level through Home Credit

 

You have three choices to get somewhere when traveling around the metro: you can drive there and pay costly gas prices, book a ride-sharing app that is also a bit pricey, or try your luck with public transport and be hassled.

 

Lines waiting for buses, jeeps, or trains that seem to not end — you might have been at the crossroads and convinced yourself to stay home instead. That has been the situation for many, more so after the reopening of lives after the long lockdowns.

 

However, more recently, many Filipinos have turned to bike commuting. It has become a normal sight to see people riding their bicycles around major cities. Despite the country’s unpredictable weather, more and more can be seen pedaling by themselves or even cycling in groups. They ride their bikes both for recreational and essential purposes like staying physically active, running errands, and heading to work.

 

Furthermore, bicycles are now turning into more ideal modes of transportation as they can easily squeeze their way into the frantic metro traffic and even squeeze through alleys and shortcuts that would otherwise not be accessible by cars.

 

But more than these reasons, many have turned to biking not only to stay away from the hassle of road transport but to lessen their carbon footprint. The conversations on how global warming is severely affecting the environment worldwide, primarily due to the excessive consumption of fossil fuels for transportation, have pushed more environmentally conscious people to look for sustainable alternatives to replace fossil fuels.

 

5 Tips for Dealing With Social Anxiety During Thanksgiving

 

Social anxiety is a common condition. It refers to anxiety that’s specifically experienced in social situations or in anticipation of social interactions. Common symptoms include a rapid heart rate, intense fear of social situations, hyperventilation, and avoidance of all social situations.

If you have social anxiety, the thought of getting together with family and friends during Thanksgiving might make you feel a bit overwhelmed. From taking Brillia ADHD for relaxation to playing the “Worst-Case Scenario” game, here are five tips for dealing with social anxiety during Thanksgiving.

Yankee Candle Philippines: Blissful at 7 + product review of Majestic Mt. Fuji scented candle

Yankee Candles Philippines

I like creating my own sanctuary in the city. I spruce up the condo unit we live in with items that make me feel good such as scented candles, and reed diffusers among many others. I like transforming my home into a fragrant oasis because it gives off positive vibes which motivates me to work better. I once read somewhere that a candle is much more than a fragrant piece of decor. A candle is an olfactory object of expression, a time machine, and a therapeutic tool. 

Many of us have been burning more candles lately than we ever have before. Burning scented candles is a luxury to treat ourselves and there have been real benefits in burning them, especially at a time like now, when many of us have been quarantined and it helps us with our mental health. 

The soothing effect that candles have is based on how the brain processes smell. The smell of scented candles stimulates our limbic system, the part of the brain that is home to our memory and emotions. Hormones like serotonin and dopamine can be produced to help regulate mood. And so there is an emotional state influenced by the relationship that exists between scents, memories, and emotions. 

 So when I was invited to Perfect Serenity Bliss, the Philippine distributor of Yankee Candles in the country to their 7th anniversary, I immediately asked my blog contributor to represent my blog on my behalf as the invitation fell on a Friday and I have work on that particular day. I couldn't just say no to something I'm interested in. I love scented candles! 

Yankee Candle

Turning passions into actions: How Rizza Lana and Aiai Garcia achieved success with Lazada

 

eCommerce pioneer Lazada continues to

build on its technology and logistics infrastructure that enables local businesses to thrive

at every stage of their business journey. With technology, Philippines brands and sellers

have optimized and scaled their operations successfully over the past decade since

Lazada was founded.

More than being an online shopping destination for lifestyle needs, Lazada has been a

strong partner for micro and small medium enterprises (MSMEs) and local sellers who

are digitalizing their businesses. Some online entrepreneurs who have found success

through Lazada’s infrastructure and programs for its sellers include Rizza Lana of Lana

PH and Aiai Garcia of Nala Woman.

Both can attest to Lazada’s strong support and technological strengths that can play a pivotal role to an entrepreneur’s journey. They are shining examples of how Lazada enables its sellers to thrive and #AddValuetoLife by providing a platform for sellers to turn their passions into a livelihood.

A skincare enthusiast, Rizza always dreamed of starting her own skincare brand, and was looking for a way to earn a living to pay off her debts. “I used to be a hotelier with zero experience in business,” says Rizza.

After her stint abroad, she decided to come back to Manila, pursue a day job, and build her first business, Whim Manila, offering wallpapers and stickers. When her business boomed, she decided to quit her day job to focus on Whim.

Realizing that there were a few skincare products that worked well for Filipina skin and being moved by a film called ‘A Plastic Ocean’ in 2017, Rizza came up with Lana PH pursing her dream of having her own skincare line that are mindful and conscious of the environment.

From initially focusing on Lana PH’s website, offering gentle and effective products like their DNA Repair Elixir, Hydrating Rice Toner, and Skin Protect Brightening Sunblock, she then decided to set up shop on Lazada. Getting onboarded as a Lazada seller helped not only Lana PH but also her other brands such as Mink, a skincare brand that focuses on helping women take care of their intimate area, Talaala, a customized and sustainable jewelry brand, and Ambush Clothing, a streetwear line.

She credited Lazada for giving them access to a wide customer base. Getting exposure and promotions was a welcome bonus as well for brand equity. She also cited Lazada’s account managers as invaluable partners to her businesses’ growth, along with

Lazada’s data-driven seller tools. This includes Business Advisor and Lazada University, which equipped Rizza and her team with optimal business strategies using advanced data and analytics. “Do things even if you’re scared. You won’t know what’s on the other side of the fence if you don’t try,” says Rizza.

Another successful entrepreneur who found her footing on Lazada is AiAi of Nala Woman, a company that offers organic and sustainable feminine care products. “Being on Lazada has helped a new business like ours grow exponentially, especially during the pandemic when online shopping was the new normal for essential goods,” says Aiai, who launched the company in response to the lack of feminine care options in the country. She notes that the variety of sanitary pads in supermarkets have not changed since the 70s, and that there are few sustainably-made options in the country.

Nala Woman offers feminine care products made without any chemicals, and are clinically-tested to be hypoallergenic. The company’s goal is to normalize “taboo” topics about women’s and menstrual health. According to Aiai, being on Lazada enables them to promote Nala Woman’s meaningful cause along with their products.

“Some of our customers on Lazada have also turned into partners for our Pledge A Pad campaign,” she says. “Together with our donors and partners, our mission is to collect and distribute eco-friendly sanitary napkins every month to schools, orphanages, and women’s shelters around the Philippines.”

With all the opportunities and innovative eCommerce tools it provides, Lazada proves to be more than a platform and a business partner as sellers continue to trust Lazada in expanding their operations. By supporting its sellers’ causes, building them up for success, and paving the way for exponential growth, Lazada builds a more dynamic and inclusive marketplace to serve and support the Filipino community.

Know how you can start your journey as a seller today by visiting Lazada. Keep posted on the latest updates by following https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines, https://www.instagram.com/lazadaph/, and https://twitter.com/LazadaPH.

UnionDigital Banks 1.73-M Customers in Four Months, Onboards PDAX as First Corporate Account Customer

 

UnionDigital Bank, the digital banking subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines, today announced that it has acquired 1.73- M customers, reached US$ 70-M in loan book size, and collected US$ 50-M in deposits from its first four months of operations in the country. UnionDigital Bank has achieved double-digit growth in digital loans to mass market communities through ecosystem partnerships powered by UnionBank.

“Since our launch, UnionDigital Bank has been focusing on serving the needs of the underserved communities within UnionBank by offering digital deposit and lending products to our ecosystem, and we will continue to support the needs of these customers with additional products over time,” shared Arvie de Vera, co-founder, President, and CEO, UnionDigital Bank. “The series of milestones that we have been able to achieve is a testament to the strong execution power of the team, in accordance with our community-led business model.” De Vera further credits this achievement to the Digital Bank’s “laser focus” on the fundamentals: prioritizing the balance sheet.

“As a bank we’re very clear: it’s not just about having a cool app or millions of users who don’t generate revenue - it’s about a balance sheet. It’s about growing the loan book because that’s where the revenues come from- it doesn’t come from payments, it doesn’t come from sign ups. Valuation is great, but it’s not profitability.”

Have the merriest holiday with Home Credit’s The Great 0% Interest Festival

 

Grab your most desired items at 0% interest rates through Home Credit from almost 10,000 stores nationwide!

 The most awaited season for Filipinos is fast approaching --signaling the most beautiful time of the year for giving and sharing. Get ready to fill your hearts with your most wish-listed items for yourself and your loved one and embark on the most exciting shopping season of the year!

Want something for your monitos and monitas? Or have you been wanting to reward yourself for a year of hard work? Better not pout, better not let your wallets cry because a huge blowout is coming to town!

 

As a holiday treat for Filipino customers, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the lifestyle partner of every Filipino, launches The Great 0% Interest Festival with over 50,000 products offered at 0% interest rates at almost 10,000 partner stores nationwide.

The Manila Hotel Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Kicks off the Holiday Season

 

The Manila Hotel Christmas Tree 2022

On November 9, The Manila Hotel has officially signaled the beginning of its holiday celebration with the lighting of its Christmas Tree. Decked with dazzling lights, flower printed ornaments, red woven birds, and glittering tinsels, the Christmas Tree is befitting to be the focal point of the Grand Lobby.

 

Joining Manila Hotel President Atty. Joey Lina in lighting the tree are special guests, Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Ferdinand “Kokoy” Jumapao, City of Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna Pangan, and City of Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto. The Office of the President Chorale then serenaded the crowd with Christmas carols.

 

This year’s yuletide décor was curated by Manila Hotel Creative Design Consultant Rachy Cuna, who paid homage to the artistry of the Filipino people. This is something the hotel has always championed as the True Heart of the Philippines.

 

The Manila Hotel Christmas hamper 2022

REP CAROUSEL stars share the thrill and weight of mounting one of musical theater’s masterpieces

 

Carousel stars Karyll Tatlonghari and Gian Magdangal

How does it feel being part of a restaging of one of Broadway’s iconic musicals? For the stars of the upcoming Repertory Philippines (REP) production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL, the opportunity is both a thrill and a responsibility.

Sought-after theater leading man Gian Magdangal and singer, actor, and OPM royalty Karylle Tatlonghari, who are both headlining a REP show for the first time, have shared their experiences in the past months of preps and rehearsals. CAROUSEL is directed by writer, director, producer, and congressman Toff De Venecia.

“As theater actors, we are all just so enthusiastic to be given this chance to do what we’re passionate about. As for me, I couldn’t be any more grateful to be working with the best of Philippine theater,” says Karylle who plays Julie Jordan, a sweet yet naïve millworker. “I’m trying my best to keep up with them and it’s a great feeling because I’m learning a lot. My mind is expanding, and every inch of my body is excited and living in this beautiful moment. It’s been a personal rediscovery for me, too.”

“It has been an exhilarating experience, being reunited with theater friends and working with REP for the first time. We can’t wait to see what we have been preparing for the past months. It has been an out-of- the-box experience, and it feels like home at the same time,” shares Gian who plays Billy Bigelow, a

swaggering and charismatic carnival barker. “There is simply nothing like live theater.”

Philippine Heart Association recognizes 21 journalists and media entities with Platinum Heart Award 2022

 

Ms. Leonila Garcia is one of the awarded journalists by The Philippine Heart Association

The Philippine Heart Association-Philippine College of Cardiology (PHA-PCC) presented the 11 journalists and 10 media entities as the recipients of the Platinum Heart Media Awards 2022 at a ceremony held on October 12 at Edsa Shangri-La, Mandaluyong City.

The accolade recognizes the invaluable support from fearless and unrelenting media allies, that has elevated the Association’s Heart Healthy Lifestyle Advocacy to groundbreaking levels and mileage.

Media practitioners, themselves, took on a role as front liners. The majority caught the COVID-19 bug not just once or twice but also lost loved ones to the disease. However, like wounded soldiers, they remained committed to their craft, performing their roles to the hilt.

PHA Past President Dr. Orlando Bugarin acknowledged that through their tireless work, news of the PHA’s campaigns and awareness on cardiovascular health were spread throughout the nation “to all our countrymen.”

Ms. Leony Garcia receives her plaque of appreciation from PHA

Dr. Rodney Jimenez, PHA Secretary, underscored that it is “no secret the success of the PHA-PCC today is because we stand on the shoulders of the giants.” He thanked the “media partners and friends for linking us to the Filipino people” and asked that they continue to let it be known that the Association is “here because your heart matters.“

In the last two years, despite the pandemic, PHA-PCC garnered a media value of P1.4 billion, the highest in the history of PHA.

Selection of winners was based on the criteria of substance, relevance, audience/readership impact, coverage and rapport established with the Association.

The awardees received a plaque that reads, “Your relentless involvement in the Usapang Puso sa Puso forum and strong voice as a credible heart health news conveyor, have put the PHA Advocacy notches higher.”

UBX sets up advocacy body to champion development of inclusive open finance framework in PH

 

UBX, the financial technology (fintech) venture studio of the Aboitiz

Group, is setting up a foundation that will champion the development of an inclusive

Open Finance Framework in the Philippines.

To be called the Philippine Open Finance Foundation, the institution aims to make the

adoption of open finance as a technology that empowers Filipino consumers with the

right set of financial tools and solutions for their needs.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child, and since Open Finance in the Philippines is

still infancy, UBX has decided to launch a shared village we call the Philippine Open

Finance Foundation,” UBX Managing Director for Open Finance Jaime Garchitorena said

at the Singapore Fintech Festival on 2 November, Wednesday.

The Philippine Open Finance Foundation will bring together relevant stakeholders,

including other financial institutions, government agencies, non-government

organizations, civic groups, and the academe to come up with meaningful initiatives

that will support the development of Open Finance in the Philippines.

Initiatives include advocating the inclusion of finance in the Philippine education system,

dialogues with the relevant government institutions, especially the Bangko Sentral ng

Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology

(DICT), and strong collaboration with industry players to realize the benefits of Open

Finance.

Open Finance has the power to accelerate the country’s financial inclusion goal, as it

democratizes access to a spectrum of financial products and services particularly for the

unbanked and underbanked as well as growing business.

Driving access and interoperability among financial ecosystem participants, Open

Finance allows financial institutions to reach the unbanked and underbanked, while

empowering them to tailor solutions that meet the needs of consumers and businesses.

Open Finance enables participants to acquire customers at scale, develop solutions

specific to the unbanked, underbanked, and growing businesses, and provide

consumers with greater choice and control over their data.

“The Philippine Open Finance Foundation aims to ensure that the adoption of Open

Finance as a technology is premised on a well-educated and trusting public and a well-

educated and trustworthy set of participants. One of its core advocacies will be

consumer protection through a strong dispute resolution mechanism,” Garchitorena

said.

Aside from consumer-focused initiatives, the Philippine Open Finance Foundation also

aims to help the BSP craft, develop, and evolve the Open Finance Framework of the

country, allowing “consent-driven data portability, interoperability, and collaborative

partnerships among financial institutions and third-party providers (TPPs).”

“We plan to work on a diverse set of partners and institutions, advocating for the

adoption of open finance, consumer education and consumer protection. We invite and

encourage you to join our village to bring Open Finance to every Filipino,” Garchitorena

said.

To learn more about the Philippine Open Finance Foundation, please visit:

https://openfinance.ph