Nestlé is conducting this new reforestation initiative with One Tree Planted, a non-profit environmental organization focusing on global reforestation

Nestlé launched a new initiative to plant two and a half million native bamboo clumps and a million trees over the next three years in the Philippines. This reforestation effort supports Nestlé's goal to plant 200 million trees by 2030. It also forms part of the company's plan to scale up actions in regenerative agriculture and deploy nature-based solutions to absorb greenhouse gases and contribute to achieving Nestlé’s net-zero target by 2050.

Chris Johnson, Executive Vice President Nestlé S.A., Chief Executive Officer, Zone Asia, Oceania and sub-Saharan Africa, said: "We are facing a global climate emergency today. Forests stabilize the climate because they store significant amounts of carbon, maintain healthy water and soil systems, and provide habitat to plants and wildlife. Millions of livelihoods also depend on healthy forests. Planting trees in areas where we source our ingredients helps protect and restore food systems. It helps our supply chain and the local communities that grow our ingredients to be more resilient."

Alaistar Jones, Major Projects Manager (Asia Pacific) of One Tree Planted underscored the importance of carbon insetting and the role of reforestation in tackling climate change.

Nestlé is conducting this new reforestation initiative with One Tree Planted, a non-profit environmental organization focusing on global reforestation, and EcoPlanet Bamboo Group who champions the industrialization of bamboo as a sustainable fiber source. Nestlé has kicked off its global reforestation program across the Americas supported in part by its ongoing partnership with One Tree Planted, before expanding it to several countries.

The project is targeting the island of Mindanao for this reforestation initiative. Nestlé sources coffee beans from this region. Planting bamboo native to the Philippines in this sourcing region (known as ‘insetting’) aims to absorb greenhouse gas emissions, conserve local biodiversity, improve water quality and restore degraded soils. 

Camille Rebelo, founder and Chief Operating Officer of EcoPlanet Bamboo said that bamboo is vital in forest restoration when it is planted in the right place and setting.

Nestlé's reforestation initiative is a pillar of the company's Forest Positive strategy, which looks beyond stopping deforestation, to protecting and restoring forests over the long term.  It aims to make a positive impact on the critical agricultural areas where Nestlé sources its ingredients. In addition, it contributes to advancing regenerative and equitable farming systems that help conserve and restore the world's forests and natural ecosystems, while promoting sustainable livelihoods and respecting human rights. This supports the company’s efforts to accelerate the transition to a regenerative food system.

This reforestation effort in the country adds on Nestlé Philippines' wider sustainability efforts. Nestlé Philippines is taking a leadership role in tackling climate change by pioneering major environmental programs.

Leading the launch is Kais Marzouki, Nestlé PH Chairman and CEO (upper right), joined by Alastair Jones, One Tree Planted Major Projects Manager (upper left), Camille Rebelo, EcoPlanet Bamboo co-founder and COO (lower left) and Emily Kunen (lower right), Nestlé Climate Delivery Leader for Forests.

"We recognize that there is much more to do, and this new reforestation initiative will strengthen Nestlé Philippines in pursuing our programs tackling urgent environmental issues. We will continue our trailblazing involvement in the private sector as a Kasambuhay, a trusted companion for the environment, as a force for good," said Nestlé Philippines Chairman and CEO Kais Marzouki. 

Last April, Nestlé Philippines made commitments supporting the country's Nationally Determined Contribution to reduce GHG emissions by 75% by 2030. Today, 71% of Nestlé Philippines' electricity comes from renewable resources, and 77% of its packaging is designed for recycling.

Music Runners partied at the second edition of The Music Run by Philam Vitality

An infectious and energetic blend of music filled the atmosphere at McKinley West as over 10,000 participants, a.k.a. Music Runners ran, danced and partied at the second edition of The Music Run by Philam Vitality. The event, hailed in other countries as the Ultimate 5k Running and Music Festival, returned to Manila bigger and bolder following a smash-hit debut at the Philippine Arena last year.

A phenomenal and futuristic run, The Music Run is an award-winning event that offers a unique total music immersion experience and has been making waves all over the world, including multiple sold-out events in Asia this year, and new tour dates announced in India, Europe and South Africa for next year.

The Music Run by Philam Vitality started on a high note at the Music Village with a pre-party featuring local alternative soul band Sud, who rocked the crowd with upbeat renditions of their hits ‘How We Play’ and ‘Sila’. Pre-race energy levels were further pumped up with a mass warm up by Gold’s Gym, the much-loved music and dance infused workout.

Music Runners ran, danced and partied across a 5km route comprising of five 1km Music Zones – Rock, Pop, Old School, Hip Hop and Dance. Lined with over 120 concert-quality speakers pumping 150,000 watts of music the entire way, The Music Run by Philam Vitality is the world’s loudest 5k fun run. The soundtrack for run was voted for by the participants through a bespoke online music app developed in partnership with Spotify.

In each of the Music Zones, Music Runners were treated to special interactive activities: From cool, cold pyrotechnics in the Philam Asset Management Inc Rock Zone; a tunnel with hanging balls at the BPI-Philam Pop Zone; a stage featuring AirAsia crew lip syncing to the top-voted songs with an electric “Superbowl” performance in the AirAsia Old School Zone with a chance to win exclusive flights and prizes; photo opportunities with graffiti artists, dancers and photo walls in the Hip Hop Zone; to a mobile disco tunnel with glowing lights in the Philam Vitality Dance Zone.

Presenting Sponsor Philam Life, who recently launched the Philam Vitality Active App, hosted a series of engaging running, swimming, and cycling challenges at their booth. A few lucky Music Runners who downloaded the app also walked away with cool prizes such as fitness devices and gym memberships.

“Through The Music Run, Philam Life offers Filipinos a chance to stay fit while having fun. Last year was a really big success and we were inspired to bring it closer to more runners this year,” said Philam Vitality Deputy Head Kats Cajucom.

“This was made possible with the Philam Vitality program, a first of its kind, full-scale wellness program where members get rewarded for making healthy choices. Through Philam Vitality, we are taking active steps to positively transform the lives of Filipinos by helping them to live longer, healthier and better lives,” she added. 

Music Runners were also treated to endless music and fitness-inspired entertainment in the Music Village courtesy of event sponsors.

Petron hosted five fun and challenging activity stations, which included a 10ft high rock-climbing station, a nine feet high ‘Bungee Fun’ jump, a VJ Booth, a ‘Blaze 100’ Velcro jump wall’ and also PS4 Dance games for participants for all Music Runners to enjoy.

At the Alcatel booth’s basketball challenge station, an Alcatel Pixi First phone was given away to the best scorer every hour. Alcatel Shine Lite smartphones featuring remarkable camera qualities were also won by Music Runners who dressed up in the theme “Dare to Shine,” as well as a Music Runner™ who struck the Best Pose at their photo booth.

Other sponsors such as Oakley and Saucony also showcased their latest products at their respective booths and provided Music Runners a chance to win exclusive prizes.

To cap off the event was the ultimate music festival that kept the energy high with dancers, laser lights, chill out zones, and fireworks. Australian radio house DJ Sam Withers, who was a big hit in last year’s after-run concert, wowed audiences once more with a stunning performance.

“The Music Run is not just another fun run. It aims to bring our running experiences to new heights of excitement. The Music Run first made waves in Asia and now it is sending waves of good vibes in cities around the globe,” said Martin Capstick, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Exceed Sports and Entertainment, event promoter of The Music Run in multiple cities in Asia. 

“We are really glad to experience the Filipino energy once again. We hope that even after this run, more Filipinos would become inspired to take up healthier ways to have fun,” he added.

The Music Run Manila is presented by Philam Vitality, and sponsored by BPI-Philam, Philam Asset Management Inc., AirAsia, Oakley, Alcatel, Petron, Saucony, McKinley West, Mellow Radio, Manila Water and Takbo.ph.