SkinWhite #BeTheLight initiative heralds the value of working hand-in-hand through kind-hearted volunteers and frontliners

The last few months were indeed challenging not only for us here in the Philippines, but globally. As we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects that completely altered the normalcy we used to know, almost everyone feels that they are in the dark and without hope. 

SkinWhite, a pioneering whitening brand stood out by bringing light not just to whiten skin but to bring the light of hope to everyone through its #BeTheLight campaign. This envisioned to champion togetherness with everyone, either by group or individual, to be the beacons of light in these trying times.

#BeTheLight campaign supported the good causes of several individuals and organizations through donation. Selected individuals were Marielle Solomon of Siargao Community Kitchen which  aided more than 4,000 families in their community and neighboring barangays, Barangay Holy Spirit PWD Association’s president Sarah dela Rosa whose efforts were recognized even outside their area, Pia Alviola of Project Love who was able to donate more than 2,000 protective equipment to frontliners, Melissa Olit of Aiza’s Community Kitchen reached more than 15,000 beneficiaries, and Angela Lapinosa’s team for RiceAboveCovid, were able to provide more than 300 help packages. 

SkinWhite also reached out to several organizations to work together to #BeTheLight to more people across the country. These organizations were Save San Roque Alliance, an organization that provided meals to families in Sitio San Roque, North Triangle, Quezon City, #SilogForACause, a group who prepared silog meals for frontliners and volunteers, Tulong Kabataan Volunteer Network, bikers turned donors of Life Cycles PH, FoodTray2Go, Act as One PH, Juan Spark Youth Leaders, and Project PEARLS (Peace, Education, Aspiration, Respect, Love, and Smiles) who have put smiles on children’s faces amidst the pandemic and the discomfort caused by the enforced quarantine. SkinWhite amplified their efforts by sharing their stories nationwide through social media with the hope that many people will be inspired to join in their causes. 

Aside from individuals and organizations, the light also transcended to SkinWhite’s trade partners. The brand’s display rental fees were converted to augment the needs of each of the participating store’s dedicated frontliner employees. Relief packages including essential goods and SkinWhite products were prepared and given to them. Through this, SkinWhite and its trade partners were the light that gave these hardworking frontliner employees more encouragement and motivation during these hard times.

Everyone can share the light, and #BeTheLight.

As the #BeTheLight initiative heralds the value of working hand-in-hand, SkinWhite creatively thought of more ways to have more people on board in the mission to share the light. Different people were asked to write and send words of encouragement and appreciation to our kind-hearted volunteers and frontliners. This is to make them feel that they are not alone in this fight and that they are truly appreciated! These personal messages were included on the daily essential packages which SkinWhite prepared for them.

#BeTheLight aims to have brighter days ahead for everyone

#BeTheLight campaign proved that by coming together, significant and brighter results are sure to radiate among communities and neighborhoods. And just like light, it continues to transcend to everyone. This initiative is a reminder of hope, not only for frontliners, volunteers, and those affected by the pandemic, but for everyone who needs hope as we all bounce back from these trying times. 

Now more than ever, SkinWhite will continue to #BeTheLight by giving hope and encouragement to more individuals and organizations to continue on with the cause to bring brighter days ahead!

Pamahalaan ng QC naglabas ng children’s book tungkol sa kasaysayan ng Lungsod

Kamakailang inihayag ni Quezon City Joy Belmonte na ang sila ay magpapamigay ng libro na pinamagatang “What Kids Should Know About Quezon City” sa mga paaralan at sa mga kabataan ng lungsod.

Ang “What Kids Should Know About Quezon City” ay isang librong pambata na naglalayong magbigay kaalaman tungkol sa kasaysayan ng Lungsod Quezon. Layunin din nito na maging isang inspirasyon at palalimin ang kamalayan ng mga kabataan sa mga kuwento ng Quezon City.

Ang libro ay ipamimigay sa lahat ng aklatan ng mga pampublikong paaralan. Bukod pa rito, gumagawa ng paraan ang Lungsod Quezon upang maipamahagi rin ang libro sa digital na format.

Ang mga kwento na nakapaloob sa libro ay hango sa kasaysayan ng mga tao, lugar, at kaganapan na humubog sa Quezon City at, sa ilang pagkakataon, sa buong bansa. 

Nabuo ang “What Kids Should Know About Quezon City” kasama ang mga partner ng lokal na pamahalaan: ang QC Education Affairs Unit at ang Adarna House publishing.

Bilang bahagi ng paglunsad ng librong “What Kids Should Know About Quezon City” at ang pagdiriwang ng kaarawan ng dating pangulong Manuel L. Quezon, inaanyayahan ng QC government ang mga batang residente na sumali sa “Why I Love Quezon City: Essay Writing Contest.”

Ang mga batang taga-Quezon City na may edad 8-12 taong gulang ay maaaring sumali at ipasa ang kanilang sanaysay. Ang mga kalahok ay may pagkakataong manalo ng ekslusibong kopya ng librong “What Kids Should Know About Quezon City” at iba pang pa-premyo mula sa local na pamahalaan ng Quezon City, Jollibee, Bic Kids, at Disney’s Art Attack.

Para sa iba pang impormasyon tungkol sa libro at sa essay writing contest, maaaring puntahan ang: 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=225386478666221&id=100824854638614&d=null&vh=e

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=345683453486085&id=100824854638614.   

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

“What Kids Should Know About Quezon City”

1.     Ano ang librong “What Kids Should Know About Quezon City”? 

Ang “What Kids Should Know About Quezon City” ay isang librong pambata na naglalayon magbigay kaalaman tungkol sa ating Lungsod Quezon. Layunin din nito na maging isang inspirasyon at palalimin ang kamalayan ng mga kabataan sa kasaysayan ng Quezon City.

2.     Pang ilang taong gulang ang libro?

Ang librong ito ay ginawa para sa lahat na gustong makilala ang lungsod Quezon lalo na ang mga batang nasa edad 8-12 years old. 

3.     For sale ba ang libro?

Hindi po. Ang librong “What Kids Should Know About Quezon City” ay hindi ipinagbibili ng Lungsod Quezon. Ang mga kopya ng libro ay ipapamahagi sa lahat ng mga aklatan sa Lungsod Quezon at sa mga aklatan ng ating mga pampublikong paaralan.

Sa ngayon, dahil sa pandemya, naghahanap ng mga paraan ang Lungsod Quezon upang maipamahagi ang libro sa digital na format para mas marami ang maka basa nito.

4.     Magkano ang libro?

Ang librong “What Kids Should Know About Quezon City” ay hindi ipinagbibili ng Lungsod Quezon.

Ang mga kopya ng libro ay ipapamahagi sa lahat ng mga aklatan sa Lungsod Quezon at sa mga aklatan ng ating mga pampublikong paaralan.

5.     Saan makakakuha ng kopya ng libro? Saan makakabili ng kopya ng libro?

Ang librong “What Kids Should Know About Quezon City” ay hindi ipinagbibili ng Lungsod Quezon.

Ang mga kopya ng libro ay ipapamahagi sa lahat ng mga aklatan sa Lungsod Quezon at sa mga aklatan ng ating mga pampublikong paaralan.

Maaari din makakuha ng libreng kopya ng libro sa pamamagitan ng pagsali sa “Why I Love Quezon City” Essay Writing Contest na magaganap simula Agosto 3 – 18, 2020. 

6.     Ang lahat ba ng mga bata ng public schools ay mabibigyan ng kopya ng libro?

Hindi po. Ang librong “What Kids Should Know About Quezon City” ay ipamimigay sa lahat ng aklatan ng mga pampublikong paaralan na maaaring gamitin ng mga bata. Subalit, dahil sa pandemya, naghahanap ng mga paraan ang Lungsod Quezon upang maipamahagi ang libro sa digital na format.

Maaari din makakuha ng libreng kopya ng libro sa pamamagitan ng pagsali sa “Why I Love Quezon City” Essay Writing Contest na magaganap simula Agosto 3 – 18, 2020. 

7.     Ang mga nasa loob ba ng libro ay pinanganak sa Quezon City o nakatira padin sa Quezon City?

Ang mga kwento na nakapaloob sa libro ay hango sa kasaysayan ng mga tao, lugar, kaganapan na minsan ay naging bahagi ng Quezon City. 

                                                      

TV5 LINKS UP WITH CIGNAL AS THE NETWORK OF THE NEW NORMAL

Yes, the country’s leading pay-TV provider, Cignal TV, is partnering with free-to-air television network TV5 to offer some of the best entertainment programs while adapting to the new normal way of living.

The month of August brings televiewers to a whole new television experience with Cignal TV & TV5! 

Yes, the country’s leading pay-TV provider, Cignal TV, is partnering with free-to-air television network TV5 to offer some of the best entertainment programs while adapting to the new normal way of living.

“TV5 is known to bring the best content on sports and news. Collaborating with Cignal will allow us to strengthen our program offerings,” says Cignal TV & TV5 Pres. and CEO Robert Galang.

With Cignal TV’s 2.5 million subscribers and nationwide reach, combined with TV5’s innovative and creative expertise, the partnership aims to bring Filipinos together through meaningful, relatable programs that will elevate the home viewing experience. 

Coming to the television screens starting August 15, 2020 (Saturday) is the first wave of TV5’s entertainment programs. It starts off with highly anticipated back-to-back game shows headlined by some of the country’s top hosts and comedians; and will be followed by lifestyle programs to spruce up your mornings and way of life!

Bawal na Game Show (BNGS) is the comic relief that we need now, as it pokes lighthearted fun at our current situation. Hosted by talented and well-loved comedians Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros, the game show revolves around being told what you can’t do (ie. bawal tumawa, bawal gumalaw) in order to win!

Wally and Paolo—as twins Bebe Gurl and Barby Gurl, respectively—will present challenges to the contestants, but they will also distract and goad the players to break the rules. The last pair standing will take home the grand prize of Php100,000. The show will air every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday following its pilot episode on August 15!

Fill in the Bank is the newest game show that gives contestants a chance of winning up to Php150,000 in every episode, while keeping viewers entertained. It will be hosted by star comedians Jose Manalo and Pokwang. 

The hosts will likewise take on a fictional character: Jose as Chief Echoserong Officer (CEO) “Manedyer Jose” and Pokwang as Chismosang Falakang Officer (CFO) "Madam Poke." They and the rest of the show are set to tickle the funny bones on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings!

Both Bawal na Game Show and Fill in the Bank will premiere on August 15 (Saturday) from 6:00 - 8:00 PM! Fill in the Bank will air every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 PM after it premieres; while Bawal na Game Show remains on the 7:30 PM time slot, but airing every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. 

Coming on the heels of the game shows is Bangon Talentadong Pinoy, which puts the spotlight on the diversity and ingenuity of Filipino talent. It boasts of the total cash prize of P2.8 million, in which a larger number of contestants can win anywhere from P2,000 to P5,000 to P50,000 and even up to P250,000!

Ryan Agoncillo returns to TV5 to host the reboot of the iconic Talentadong Pinoy. Now known as Bangon Talentadong Pinoy, the much-awaited TV show will make its comeback on August 15 (Saturday), 8:00 PM and will air every Saturdays on the same time slot in TV5.

Televiewers will also get to see a different side of Luchi as she opens up about issues that she has never talked about on Usapang Real Life with Luchi Cruz-Valdes. Set to premiere also on August 15 (Saturday) at 9:00 PM, the show will delve into various narratives and inspiring case studies that aim to inspire, engage, and move viewers into action.

Some of the exciting celebrity guests to watch for in the upcoming episodes include newscaster Karen Davila, actress KC Concepcion, celebrity couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez, internet sensation Ivana Alawi, promising actress Jane De Leon, and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.

Lifestyle programs are likewise part of the new and improved programming lineup of TV5 in partnership with Cignal TV, the number one direct to home (DTH) satellite provider in the country. First off, there’s the fitness show hosted by actress and fitness enthusiast Jessy Mendiola called Fit for Life.  

The people behind the show recognizes that now more than ever is the best time to make fitness a way of life. As health officials around the world tell us, being healthy is our best defense to weather the ongoing global health crisis. Fit for Life can make this achievable as it kicks off on August 16, 2020 (Sunday), 7:00 AM, and becomes the healthy Sunday routine.  

As the show’s host, Jessy will lead viewers to an hour packed with full-body exercises, easy-to-prepare health dishes, inspiring discussions, and expert tips to jump start your way to a healthier lifestyle!

Then there’s Chika, BESH (Basta Everyday Super Happy), the morning show that’s guaranteed to make televiewers look forward to waking every morning. It will impart reliable information and positive stories that will surely make the start of the day happy and enjoyable for all.

Headlining the morning show are Pokwang, Pauleen Luna-Sotto, and Ria Atayde. They are set to bring pure good vibes into your mornings with their genial personality and cheerful spirit. They will also cater to the needs and issues concerning women of all ages and walks of life. Catch the pilot episode on August 17 (Monday) at 10:00 AM, and will be airing Mondays to Fridays.

Indeed, excitement and optimism abound with Cignal TV and TV5’s new offerings. This collaboration brings together Filipinos through a wide range of quality and innovative shows and programs that make all of us informed about the country's most pressing issues and entertained as well.  Just tune in to TV5 beginning Saturday, August 15, 2020! There’s only more to expect from your favorite Kapatid Network!

Transforming What Ifs from Challenges to Opportunities

Life is full of “what if” moments—crossroads and decisions that help us fulfill our dreams and realize what we set out to achieve.

Each “what if” moment presents us with two possibilities, that which is desirable or that which is undesirable. Our subsequent decisions and actions direct the course of our lives moving forward. Therefore, whenever we face a “what if” moment, are we ready and prepared to make the right moves?

One expert who advocates the necessity of financial protection for “what if” moments is Mr. Renato A. Vergel de Dios, President and CEO of BDO Life Assurance Company, Inc. He explains how we can make “what if” moments work to our advantage with the correct mindset.

“When we are faced with a ‘what if’ moment, we are also confronted with potential benefits and risks. The most reasonable course of action is to make a decision that maximizes the potential benefits and minimizes the potential risks,” he says.   

Vergel de Dios points out that the entire country experienced a crucial “what if” moment when the pandemic struck. “On top of dealing with our own survival, we also have to help others. Taking an ‘every-man-for-himself’ attitude is unacceptable. We are all in this together. As they say, ‘we must heal as one,’” he says. 

A protection mindset

According to Vergel de Dios, “We expose ourselves to greater risk if we don’t understand a potential threat or choose to ignore it. For example, now that COVID-19 is here, are we going to behave like before? Will we refuse to wear masks, touch our faces with unwashed hands, or gather together in a closed environment? Those who ignore current health protocols neither recognize nor accept the consequences of the threat to themselves and others,” he adds. 

This is why Vergel de Dios advocates a way of thinking and living that is proactive as well as protection-oriented. Insurance awareness and belief is about having a mindset that recognizes the risks and uncertainties of life, accepts that such perils could harm us, and compels us to act in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

From the ludicrous to the serious

Vergel de Dios has probably heard all the possible reasons of people who don’t want to adopt this protection mindset when it comes to insurance. To get them to think otherwise, he sometimes resorts to ludicrous analogies that drive home the real wisdom of his point.

“When you buy car insurance, do you pray to have an accident so you can get your money’s worth? How about fire insurance? When it’s time to renew your coverage, do you ever feel bad your house didn’t burn down? Of course not,” he says.

Insurance as a financial protection instrument, Vergel de Dios says, has an ironic side. “Life insurance is something you need but would rather not use. Sure, there’s a cost to pay for such protection, but would you rather that your family pay a higher price when you fail to maintain adequate insurance coverage.”

Vergel de Dios continues: “You get insurance primarily for financial protection. Some insurance products also provide investment opportunities. To me, the potential investment earning component, while is highly desirable, is a bonus. By this, I mean that you shouldn’t relish the bonus benefit more than the primary benefit. Think of it like a cake. The investment feature is the icing while the protection coverage is the body. You share and enjoy the entire cake. The icing is just the extra satisfaction on top,” he says.

Insurance helps achieve our dreams

Now that we are in a period of crisis, it’s time to re-examine our beliefs and plans. Your specific future goals in mind such as buying a house, having the funds to finance your children’s education, family overseas trips, or retiring securely—that’s your Plan A, your offense strategy. Vergel de Dios asserts that insurance should be part of one’s overall financial preparedness program. It’s your Plan B, your defensive strategy that will ensure that your aspirations can be achieved even if untoward situations should arise.

“If you secure insurance as part of an overall life goal or dream that you want to realize, then you will see it as part of a greater context: that of achieving the life you want for yourself and those you love. Whatever may come next, your ‘what if’ moment moves forward, broadens, and becomes a source of hope instead of anxiety.”

“With insurance, the ‘what if’ worries and consequences of dying too soon become a way to move forward with optimism and security. And even if the risk passes without having to avail of your insurance protection, it doesn’t mean you lost money. Rather, because you remained healthy, safe, and protected, you had the time, energy, and fortitude to fulfill your financial goals,”

Such is the power of a “what if” that is turned from a risk into an opportunity.

BDO Life has financial advisers ready to help you turn the “what ifs” in your life into a way to make your goals and dreams a reality: whether it’s buying a house, getting an education, protecting your health, or providing a secure and worry-free future for your loved ones. It’s so easy. You can get in touch with them at www.bdo.com.ph/bdolife/connect-financial-advisor

Canva celebrates Filipino culture, heritage, and identity through modern Pinoy design elements

This month, Filipinos all over the world celebrate Buwan Ng Wika, or the National Language Month. Many of us grew up seeing festive celebrations in our school and community during this time of the year. We join “Sabayang Pagbigkas” or Speech Choir competitions, wear our best Baro’t Saya and Barong Tagalog to events, and watch out for the best group to perform Tinikling, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Binasuan, and other Filipino folk dances. We make posters, write Filipino poems and essays, watch local documentaries, and so on. Now is a great time to celebrate being Filipino.

Many Kabayans would be delighted to know that online design platform, Canva, launched its Filipino-themed content collection packed with local templates, fonts, illustrations, and photos that will definitely fire up the Pinoy pride within. 

Canva brings its users a vibrant and hyperlocal Filipino font collection inspired by geography, language, culture, and local flavor. It now has Kawit, a brush font reminiscent of the curves and flourish of old Philippine emblems, Maragsa, designed after the sharp edges of accent marks used to correct the pronunciation of Filipino words, Dangwa, a curvy brush typeface inspired by Filipino signmakers and a whole lot of other fonts. This font collection showcases the talents of Filipino typographers whose fonts were inspired by geography, language, and other cultural elements.

For other Pinoy celebrations, Canva got you covered with their exciting and imaginative template themes and design elements like Araw ng Kalayaan or Independence Day collection featuring Filipino heroes, and information on voter registration; Holy Week collection showing home-based activities during the lent season like Virtual Visita Iglesia; and Flores de Mayo, shows two styles of paper doll-inspired mix and match elements featuring traditional Filipiñana attire and props.

It’s always summer in the Philippines, and even if you’re stuck at home, you can still enjoy and have fun by exploring the Staycation collection featuring summer vacation at home; and mix it up with Philippine Summer, a collection of household items in the typical Filipino home like suka at toyo (vinegar and soy sauce), kalan (stove top burner), Sto. Nino (statue of the child Jesus), and more.

Show off more Pinoy pride with bespoke Filipino content like the Minimalist Lines Philippines elements featuring traditionally Filipino symbols like the flag, tricycle, and jeepney; Valentines Filipino Food Pairings featuring popular staple Pinoy food pairings like kape at kanin (coffee and rice), and kape at pandesal (coffee and pandesal); and Lined Pinoy Fruits and Vegetables showing Pinoy fruits and veggies like dalanghita (Mandarin Orange), guyabano, chico, duhat (Java Plum), and durian.

Playful food pairing illustrations like kanin and pancit; colorful illustrations of your favorite 

Pinoy fruits and veggies

You can add local flair to any design by simply typing in the keywords ‘Filipino’ or ‘Pinoy’ for hundreds of truly local elements. You may also change the language setting to Tagalog to get access to Canva’s growing collection of exclusive Filipino templates. 

As if these aren’t enough, Canva will roll out yet another set of Filipino templates, fonts, and elements. Watch out for more localized templates, more fonts by Filipino typographers, PH Travel Collection with photos of Philippine landscapes and local sceneries, and PH Food Collection with photos of various Filipino dishes. 

Users can access Filipino content by searching with keywords like ‘Philippines’, and ‘pagkain’

For more information, visit canva.com.