Panasonic Corporation Donates 2,550 Solar Lanterns

Despite of the advancement in both Science and Technology, it comes as a surprise to learn that 1.2 billion people worldwide still do not have access to electricity. As part of its global initiative, Panasonic Corporation (PC) made a commitment to do its part to alleviate health and economic difficulties through their 100,000 solar lanterns project. 

Panasonic Corporation recently donated 2,550 solar lanterns to 10 humanitarian and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Philippines. The latest donation drive has brought this initiative to its 5th year with a total of 12,264 pieces of solar lanterns. 

Mr. Hayashi and Mr. Okuda of Panasonic 

A hand-over ceremony attended by more than 50 guests was held at Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC) in Taytay, Rizal graced by DSWD-Disaster Response Assistance and Management Bureau Director Felino Castro V (10^th from left); PMPC President Shinichi Hayashi (holding a solar lantern board); and PC-CSR & Citizenship Group, Program Management Section Leader Haruhisa Okuda (8^th from right).  Other members of PMPC management include Executive Director Masaru Toyota (4^th from left); Executive Director Yoshiyuki Takahashi (7^th from left); Assistant Director Marlon Molano (2^nd from right); Assistant Director Robert Pacheco (1^st from left); and Air Conditioner Business Division Head Harry Sarmiento (2^nd from left) with the officers and representatives of the 10 recipient-humanitarian and non-government organizations: Center for Excellence in Special Education (Stepping Stone) Foundation; Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation; Davao Medical School Foundation - Institute of Primary Health Care; Interfaith Partnership for the Promotion of Responsible Parenthood; Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation; Josefa Segovia Foundation; Konkokyo Peace Activity Center Information Office; Philippine Business for Social Progress; Pilipinas Shell Foundation; and Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (National Confederation of Small Farmers' and Fishers' Organization).

2017 marks the final year of the said Project. To date, over 92,000 lanterns have been donated through 131 humanitarian organizations in 30 countries since its debut in 2012. It also coincides the first half-century in business operation of Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC) while next year will be the centennial or 100 year anniversary of Panasonic Corporation (Japan). 

The donation ceremony was held at Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC)in Taytay, Rizal graced by DSWD-Disaster Response Assistance and Management Bureau Director Felino Castro V; PMPC President Shinichi Hayashi; and PC-CSR & Citizenship Group, Program Management Section Leader Haruhisa Okuda.  Other members of PMPC management include Executive Director Masaru Toyota; Executive Director Yoshiyuki Takahashi; Assistant Director Marlon Molano; Assistant Director Robert Pacheco; Refrigerator Business Division Head Angelo Tamayo; and Air Conditioner Business Division Head Harry Sarmiento.

"Today’s donation marks the 5th of such efforts in the Philippines under the “Panasonic 100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project,” which is one of the clear manifestations of Panasonic commitment to serve society and help improve the lives of people along with the aspiration of having a world where “no one will be left behind” and in pursuing ‘A Better Life, A Better World’.  Since the time the Project was introduced in the Philippines, we continue to receive positive feedbacks and testimonies that serve as inspiration for us to strive for more, exerting our best effort to carry out our responsibilities as corporate citizens,” said Mr. Hayashi, PMPC President. 

Cine Latino Free Film Screenings at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall

Just as we all thought that the Free Film Screenings Festivals were all done as the year is about to end, comes the very first Cine Latino Film Festival! Yes, it is the very first Latin American Film Festival which will be held from December 6 until 10, 2017 at the Shangri-La Plaza Cineplex in Mandaluyong City. 

Here are some of the films you guys shouldn't miss! Check these out:

Movie Title: El Hijo de la Novia (Son of the Bride)

Year: 2001

Duration: 124 min

Director: Juan José Campanella

Cast: Ricardo Darín, Héctor Alterio, Norma Aleandro, Natalia Verbeke, Eduardo Blanco,Gimena Nóbile, Claudia Fontán, David Masajnik, Atilio Pozzobon, Salo Pasik

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Synopsis:

At age 42, Rafael Belvedere is having a crisis. He's overwhelmed by his responsibilities. He has achieved success, but continues to live in his father’s shadow. Just when Rafael feels most alone, a series of unexpected events lead him to reevaluate his life. A minor heart attack forces him to slow down and a reunion with Juan Carlos, a childhood friend, helps Rafael to reconstruct his past and look at the present in new ways.

Movie Title: Esperando la Carroza (Waiting for the Hearse)
Year: 1985
Duration: 87min.
Director: Alejandro Doria
Cast: Antonio Gasalla, China Zorrilla, Luis Brandoni, Julio De Grazia, Betiana Blum,Juan Manuel Tenuta, Mónica Villa, Cecilia Rossetto, Enrique Pinti, Andrea Tenuta,Darío Grandinetti, Lidia Catalano, Juan Acosta, Miguel Ángel Porro, Clotilde Borella
Genre: Dark Comedy

Synopsis:

It tells a story about Mamá Cora, a woman in her eighties, her son's wife wants her out of the house as she is driving her mad. Mamá Cora tries to help unfortunately everything she does, she does it wrong. The family goes through lots of troubles trying to solve what to do with Mamá Cora. While all this happens, a confusion makes the family believe she dies.

BRAZIL

Movie Title: Cidade de Deus (City of God )
Year: 2002
Duration: 129 min
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Cast: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Phellipe Haagensen, Douglas Silva,Seu Jorge, Jonathan Haagensen, Matheus Nachtergaele, Jefechander Suplino,Alice Braga, Emerson Gomes, Luis Otávio, Babu Santana, Gero Camilo
Genre:Drama, True story

Synopsis:

Cidade de Deus (City of God) is a housing project built in the 1960's. During the early 80's became one of the most dangerous places in Rio de Janeiro. The tale tells the stories of many characters whose lives sometimes intersect. However, all is seen through the eyes of Busca-Pé, a poor black youth too frail and scared to become an outlaw but also to smart to be content with underpaid, menial jobs. He grows up in a very violent environment but Busca-Pé soon discovers that he can see reality differently than others. His redemption is that he's been given an artist's point of view as a keen-eyed photographer.

Movie Title: 2 Filhos de Francisco (2 Sons of Francisco)

Year: 2005
Duration: 115min
Director: Breno Silveira
Cast: Angelo Antônio, Dira Paes, Márcio Kieling, Thiago Mendonça, Paloma Duarte
Genre:Drama

Synopsis:

It tells the rags-to-riches story of two poor rural boys who grew up to become one of Brazil’s biggest sertanejo (the national "country" music) singers, Zeze di Camargo & Luciano.

CHILE

Movie Title:  Subterra
Year: 2003
Duration: 108min
Director: Marcelo Ferrari

Cast: Francisco Reyes, Berta Lasala, Paulina Gálvez, Gabriela Medina, Héctor Noguera,Consuelo Holzapfel, Alejandro Trejo, Mariana Loyola
Genre: Drama

Synopsis:

A story of a workers' uprising that took place in what was, at the time, the largest coal mine in the world. The quest to improve conditions both spiritual and material begins in the heart of one courageous man. But while the bosses plan the expansion of their vast empire, the workers experience an awakening, and begin to demand change.

COLOMBIA

HERBALIFE NUTRITION-SPONSORED ATHLETE CRISTIANO RONALDO NAMED BEST FIFA MEN’S PLAYER FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

ATHLETE CRISTIANO RONALDO NAMED BEST FIFA MEN’S PLAYER FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Press Release: 

International football super star Cristiano Ronaldo, a Herbalife Nutrition-sponsored athlete since 2013, was recently named “The Best FIFA Men’s Player” for the second consecutive year.

The award was determined through a combined voting process that included the votes of team captains and managers from national teams all around the globe, an online public ballot of football fans, and votes by a select group of global media representatives.

“Cristiano proves once again that his dedication on the field and commitment to nutrition has elevated him to the top of his game, earning him one of FIFA’s top honors, The Best Men’s Player Award,” said Rich Goudis, CEO of Herbalife Nutrition.

Ronaldo, named the most famous athlete in the world by ESPN, adds to other major awards and accomplishments in 2017.  He won the 2016/17 UEFA Men’s Player of the year for the second consecutive year, after once again leading Real Madrid to the UEFA Champions League title and finishing as the top goal scorer, as well as helping his team win the Spanish La Liga cup.  In 2017, he also became the first player to score 100 goals in UEFA Champions League and European competitions.  He currently holds four Ballon d’ Or titles, the annual football award presented by France Football, and is in the running this year for his fifth.

Herbalife Nutrition-sponsored athletes use Herbalife® products before, during and after training and games. As part of its ongoing commitment to improving sports nutrition and performance, Herbalife Nutrition launched Herbalife24® CR7 Drive in collaboration with Cristiano Ronaldo, a sports drink designed specifically to meet the nutritional needs of the global soccer legend and benefit athletes of all levels.

Herbalife Nutrition supports more than 190 athletes worldwide. To learn more about Herbalife Nutrition sponsored athletes, visit http://iamherbalife.com/blog/athletes. To receive the latest company updates from Herbalife Nutrition, follow @HerbalifeNews.

Philcare's ER Vantage: Affordable Emergency Care for All

With the goal of making sure every Filipino can get adequate healthcare services, Philcare has come up with ER Vantage prepaid cards. Somehow, this takes away one's worries of increased hospitalization costs, especially during  times of emergencies.  It is Philcare's initiative and effort to reach out to more Filipinos who still can't afford to have their HMO coverage. 

Philcare's ER Vantage cards are both available for adults and kids.

Cliche as it may sound, but while it is true that nowadays, it is indeed, "Bawal magkasakit." Ironically, based on a survey, only 4% of Filipinos enjoy HMO coverage and most of them get such benefits from their employers. Unfortunately, for the typical hard-working Pinoys, they aren't simply prepared if and when a major health crisis does occur. 

I am speaking based on my family's own personal experience back in the summer of 2014, where me and my mom suffered from an ATV vehicular accident in an adventure theme park in Porac, Pampanga. Since I am working freelance, I did not have an HMO to begin with. It was truly heartbreaking going through that ordeal and because I did not know where could I get all the expenses needed for my Mom's hospitalization and operation since she has fractured her femur during that accident. I remember I had to knock on the hearts of people in order for us to get by. Looking back now, I regret not getting an HMO or at least a prepaid health card like Philcare's ER Vantage. 

ER Vantage Plus prepaid cards are available in ward, semi-private and private

Medical costs can be very expensive. In case of health setbacks, you need to have the right financial solutions so you can focus on recovering as soon as possible. 

When you're sure that your health is covered, you can focus more on the most important aspect: your own recovery.

Depression is a potentially deadly disease but we can fight against it

Life is full of ironies. Three years ago, when comedian Robin Williams hanged himself to end his suffering from drug addiction and chronic depression, everyone got the shock of their lives.  It was but a tragic way to bid his life goodbye. Despite of the glamour and glitz of Hollywood, Williams, who had rose to fame by making people laugh on his films chose to end his life by putting off his "jolly" mask and showing everyone his true emotions. This reminds me of Britney Spears' song entitled "Lucky". The said song rings true to Williams' life, it clearly states that despite the Hollywood fame, there's something missing in his life. Once the spotlights went off, he'd find himself alone and lonely. When he's all by himself, that's when depression creeps into him. 

"The truth shouts: No one is spared from depression."

Depression, a frequently misunderstood illness, seems to get media attention only when it's associated with a celebrity's death by suicide, or a celebrity makes controversial remarks about it. 

In the Philippines, depression was on the news because of now controversial remarks by comedian, TV host, and actor Joey De Leon. The veteran comedian gave such an insensitive remark that irked the public. He said: "Yung depression, gawa-gawa lang ng mga tao iyan. Gawa nila sa sarili nila." (Depression is something people make up. Something they do to themselves.) De Leon has since issued a public apology, explaining that he had wrong ideas about depression and that he was sorry for trivializing the pain of those suffering from it. 

There will really be times when we'd feel that the world will crumble before us. Personally speaking, I've had the worst time this year after having gone through a narcissistic relationship with my ex. So it's understandably so that for quite sometime, I really went through depression because at the time I really thought everything was my fault. I felt so worthless after i was devalued and then eventually discarded by him. But clinging on to God's promises, I know all these things shall pass. If it's not okay today, it's not yet the end. Eight months had passed since he left me hanging and totally left me as he blocked me off his life. I thank God for giving me the strength to carry on and I thank my family, my friends, and fellow bloggers for all the help and inspiration. It's true that there are still times when I feel sorry for myself, but still I am blessed to have been alive and enjoy the company of my loved ones. 

According to ManilaMed psychiatirst Tomas Bautista, MD, it's not surprising for someone like Joey De Leon to make incorrect, or even insensitive statements about depression, which is still a widely misunderstood and even stigmatized disease.

“It’s a wake-up call. Persons like Joey de leon, whom we thought ay educated, ay wala palang alam sa depression. That’s one. Two, kasalanan ba ni Joey yun? E hindi naman niya specialty ang psychiatry.

“So for his part, wag na sana siyang makialam sa mga bagay na hindi naman siya ang expert. Ayoko siyang i-bash. Kung tingin nya na-hurt niya ang mga depressed na tao then humingi siya ng tawad. Para naman sa akin, wake-up call talaga yun for everybody,” said Dr. Bautista. 

What depression means?

Dr. Bautista clarified that the word “depression” means two things. Usually, like Joey De Leon, many people think depression refers to the low, bad feeling we get when we go through loss, defeat, or feel frustration; the pain of separation, or loneliness.

In that sense, every person can get depression.  This type of depression can get really intense for example, when a loved one dies and a person grieves.

“ Pag nonpathological na depression, yes. Kasi ang depression is like you become depressed because you didn’t get what you want. Something happened that you didn’t expect. You lost somebody. May stages naman ang grieving, diba? End part ng grieving is depression and then acceptance na,” said Dr. Bautista.

This type of depression, no matter how intense or painful, eventually passes. It goes away, the person goes back to normal and moves on with his or her life.

This is not the case with pathological depression, which is not simply a bad feeling but an illness in the brain.  It can last weeks, months, years, or even a lifetime. If untreated, there is an increased likelihood that the depressed person may commit suicide.