Smile Train has proven its steadfast commitment to a vision of a world where Filipinos have access to free comprehensive cleft care

As the global pandemic approaches its third year, there is no denying that COVID-19 has been everyone’s paramount health concern. However, as many continue to live with the pandemic, Smile Train recognizes that children born with a cleft lip and/or palate still face serious health implications from this condition. 

 

The challenges posed by the pandemic have pushed Smile Train to become even more focused and persistent in its work. It was able to provide 2,500 cleft surgeries in 2021 -- 750 more than in the previous year. By leveraging technology to ensure access to much-needed services, Smile Train also enabled more medical professionals to offer telehealth consultations and speech therapy sessions. 

“Throughout last year, we wanted our beneficiaries to know that Smile Train services are ongoing and have never stopped. We want our patients to know that hope is not lost. While we stay at home for everyone’s safety, Smile Train worked hard to innovate and create programs to reach more Filipinos in need,” said Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train Vice President, South East Asia. 

 

For many Filipinos, the pandemic caused a temporary disruption to their lives due to mobility restrictions. However, through the first Filipino Speech Therapy App by developed by Smile Train and its Speech Telehealth Program, patients can continue to receive their treatment and guidance from healthcare professionals in the comfort and safety of their homes. 

 

The Speech Therapy App is a free mobile application, designed to help patients who have received surgery for their cleft palate. Since its launch in 2021, the application has reached an audience of 50,053 Filipinos for continued treatment and services. The app also features a wide array of educational videos and speech therapy sessions in Filipino, with features and content for young patients. The application is available for download on the App Storeand Google Play.

 

On the other hand, Smile Train’s Telehealth program connects patients and guardians to healthcare practitioners for consultations, health education, and assessments via WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom, on any device. This program has provided patients with more than 2,000 cleft care-related sessions, covering speech therapy, nutritional support, breastfeeding guidance for mothers of babies with clefts, pre-surgical consultations, and psychosocial care.

 

Aside from continued treatment for current patients, Smile Train endeavors to reach more cleft-affected individuals and their families in need. In the first quarter of 2021, the charity launched Cleft Con Philippines, the first-of-its-kind conference, streamed through Smile Train Philippines’ official Facebook page. Cleft Con was a  series of discussions from experts who discussed various aspects of cleft care, such as breastfeeding babies with a cleft, oral hygiene tips, surgery, the importance of speech therapy and building one’s self-confidence. 

 

With the successful launch of Cleft Con Philippines, the charity, in partnership with RMN Foundation and Radio Mindanao Network, launched Cleft Con Radio, a series of discussions covering comprehensive cleft care that aired in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro. 

 

Another milestone for Smile Train is the launch of its first Comprehensive Cleft Center in Cebu. Located at ARC Hospital in Lapu-Lapu City, the center aims to make cleft care services more accessible to individuals and families in the region. 

 

While the charity organization expanded its reach and services, Smile Train Philippines also continues to supportmedical professionals involved in providing cleft care by offering them education and training opportunities for developing their skills further and exchanging best practices with other experts around the world. By supporting cleft professionals, cleft-affected individuals and their families can ultimately receive safe, high-quality, and timely care throughout the year. 

 

“We’re coming into 2022 with the determination to help more people in need. Despite the challenges of the current times, Smile Train continues to innovate and improve access to comprehensive cleft care for the tens and thousands of Filipinos depending on us,” said Flaviano.

 

Smile Train has proven its steadfast commitment to a vision of a world where Filipinos have access to free comprehensive cleft care and can live a healthy life. As the pandemic continues to worry Filipinos, receiving comprehensive cleft care can be one less worry with Smile Train Philippines. 

 

For more information about Smile Train’s global efforts and to donate, please visit smiletrain.org. To learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines, please visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines

Actresses Heart Evangelista and Nadine Lustre are Kakampinks!

Heart, Nadine Kakampinks? Netizens Think So

 

Actresses Heart Evangelista and Nadine Lustre are Kakampinks!

 

This was the collective sentiment of netizens after the two posted about Vice President Leni Robredo on their respective social media accounts.

On her Instagram account, Evangelista posted a video of her while trying on pink clothes, accompanying it with the caption “On Wednesdays we wear pink.”

 

Pink is associated with Robredo, whose supporters call themselves “Kakampinks.” Robredo’s supporters also conduct various activities, such as feeding program, and wear pink on Wednesdays.

 

“Yessss!!! Kakampink. Oragon talaga ika Heart,” said Instagram user @gemma_adventure.

 

“#kakampink tayo,” commented another Instagram user @francesmayr.

 

Lustre, for her part, posted a photo of Robredo’s mural at the Leni-Kiko Volunteer Center in Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City.

 

While this was not the first time she expressed support for Robredo’s presidential bid, this was the first time that she posted something about the Vice President on her social media account.

 

Amid the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, Robredo has provided Filipinos with free testing, telemedicine and COVID-19 kits to the public. 

 

When Typhoon Odette hit several areas of the country recently, Robredo was the first to personally inspect the damage and distribute relief goods to affected areas. She also initiated a donation drive for affected residents and committed to assist in the restoration of damaged areas.

 

COMCO Southeast Asia Appoints New Deputy Account Operations Director as Part of its Expansion

 

Coming from its successful Blazing Sapphire 5th anniversary celebration in 2021 and as part of its expansion plan in 2022, trailblazing and global award-winning integrated communications agency COMCO Southeast Asia proudly announces the appointment of seasoned public relations and communications practitioner Joyce Yu as the Agency’s newest Deputy Account Operations Director for Marketing PR. 

Joyce Yu is a public relations and communications expert with more than a decade of experience working in the field. A graduate of AB Journalism from the University of Sto. Tomas, she specializes in media relations, copywriting, social media management, event management, and journalism. 

 

Joyce has been the lead of several successful campaigns including European Higher Education Fair 2017-2020, Levi’s x Justin Timberlake PH Launch, EuroPinoy Virtual Concert & Bersong EuroPinoy Poetry Reading 2020 and Cine Europa 2019-2020. She is a former PR Officer for Lifestyle & Performance Brands of Skechers Philippines and has worked for accounts such as PLDT, EU Delegation to the Philippines, Embassy of Hungary Manila, Belo Medical Group, Rider Philippines, and Vision Express PH.

 

As COMCO's Deputy Account Operations Director for Marketing PR, Joyce will lead the team managing Eastern Communications, Jobstreet, Sunlife ASCP, Skechers, Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). She joins the senior team of COMCO Southeast Asia spearheaded by Ferdinand Bondoy as Regional Integration & Chief Executive Director (who also leads COMCO AOX League of Enterprises) and composed of Tricia Cusi-Jimenea as Business Development Director (who also leads COMCO Middle East & Africa), Rachel Syfargo as Supervising Account Operations Director, Joan Icotanim-Maslang as Corporate Services Director, Carl Cuevas as Deputy Account Operations Director for Corporate PR, Peachy Taculod as Supervising Digital and Social Strategist, Jane Ibay CPA as Finance and Compliance Adviser and Atty. Leo Lim as Corporate Legal Counsel. 

 

“Prior to joining COMCO, I’m already familiar with the company, the team, and the projects that they’ve accomplished through common friends in the industry. I’m very excited to be part of an award-winning dynamic team, to learn from the leaders, and hopefully give back through mentoring those who want to learn about the ins and outs of the industry. I’m really thankful to be given this opportunity,” said Ms. Joyce Yu.

 

The Agency is also thrilled to welcome its newest staff members, dubbed as COMCO SEA All-Stars, who are graduates of the Camp COMCO Mentorship Program. They are Louise Macaraeg and Cherry Gajito as Brand Communications Associates, Bea Cabrera as Digital and Integrated Communications Associate, and Narah Faigal as Digital and Multimedia Arts Associate. 

 

“Despite recent challenges and limitations brought by the pandemic, I’m immensely proud to see our COMCO Squadron thrive and grow. Joyce, Louise, Cherry, Bea and Narah joining the team is very exciting as we cap off our Blazing Sapphire anniversary and expand to new horizons this 2022,” said Mr. Ferdinand Bondoy. 

Shopee recently held its Shopee Seller Operations Excellence Awards

As the e-commerce industry rapidly grows, so do the avenues and opportunities for digital MSMEs to stand out. With this need to adapt quickly, Shopee recently held its Shopee Seller Operations Excellence Awards to recognize sellers who performed exceptionally during Shopee’s mega sales and campaigns in the final quarter of last year.

With three categories based on what helped paved the way for their success, these sellers maximized the tools and tailor-fit platform features Shopee provides in order to emerge as among  the fastest-growing sellers in the platform:

●      Campaign Ready Award: Sellers who have the best campaign preparation performance

●      Top Campaign Day Performer Award: Sellers who have the best order fulfillment performance during a campaign day

●      All-Around Award: Sellers who have the best overall performance during campaign season, from preparations to fulfillment of orders.

 

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Growing in e-commerce is a journey, and we are glad to support our sellers every step of the way. Shopee is pleased to recognize and celebrate these sellers who are exemplary in using Shopee-provided tools and opportunities to grow their business. We believe that they will be an inspiration to many other Filipino entrepreneurs who are already Shopee sellers or soon to embark on their digital journey with us.”

Shopee’s monthly campaigns and initiatives have helped to boost sellers’ sales and growth on the platform. During its 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, local sellers benefited from the spike in shopping activity, as those joining 11.11 for the first time saw their orders surge 18 times compared to an average day. For its 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, sellers in non-metro cities benefited from the increased visibility at seeing a 12-time uplift in orders compared to an average day. 

 

Shopee also enables its sellers to thrive through dedicated mentoring, free training sessions, as well as exclusive online courses in Shopee’s Seller Education Hub. These efforts to make e-commerce accessible for all include helping sellers maximize the benefits of digital payment options via its integrated mobile wallet, ShopeePay.Through ShopeePay, sellers can have easier access to their earnings via the Seller Balance feature, allowing for better tracking of their shop’s revenue. Sellers can also directly cash in their ShopeePay wallets with their Seller Balance, so they can enjoy the many features of ShopeePay such as buying load, paying bills, and sending money. 

 

As e-commerce becomes a more integral part of the everyday lives of Filipinos, Shopee invites current and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore the evolving digital space by Getting Started on Shopee!

 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

WWF-Philippines continues to push for Extended Producers Responsibility Scheme

An Extended Producers Responsibility roadmap was released by conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) on Thursday, highlighting the substantial impact of plastics in our environment and how adopting the EPR scheme can effectively change this worsening plastic problem. 

The updated report entitled “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme Assessment for Plastic Packaging Waste in the Philippines”, WWF-Philippines proposes an EPR scheme where the responsibility of implementing the scheme for building high-quality recycling capacity should be assumed by an industry-led, non-profit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), acting as the system operator, with strict monitoring and control systems carried out by the government.

In the first edition of the EPR study, it was shown that in 2019, the number of plastic items consumed by Filipinos was 2.15 million tons per annum. Thirty-five percent (35%) of the consumed plastics leak into the open environment while 33% are disposed of in sanitary landfills and open dumpsites, with only 9% recycled because of our lack of capacity to recycle both high and low-value plastics.

 WWF-Philippines pushes for an EPR scheme as a critical policy tool that holds producers accountable for the full life cycle of their products and packaging. EPR is an environmental policy approach that emerged in the 1990s and is now increasingly recognized globally as a useful tool for accelerating the transition to sustainable waste management and a circular economy. This scheme encourages waste reduction through the elimination of unnecessary packaging of products and the development of more environmentally friendly packaging design.

 

"We must take collective and immediate action. The proposed EPR scheme aims to build on the country's current waste management system, integrating ongoing actions, and have collaborative action from various stakeholder groups. This way, we can stop plastic waste leakage in our nature." says Czarina Constantino, WWF-Philippines’ National Lead for the No Plastics in Nature Initiative.

 

The proposed EPR roadmap incorporates the existing country’s solid waste management infrastructure such as Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF), junk shops, and recycling facilities that aims to recover recyclable wastes. The informal waste sector, an important contributor to the Philippines’ recycling rate, has also been integrated into the EPR system. Initiatives from the businesses and civil society organizations have been included. 

For the past few years, EPR started gaining traction and support among the policymakers as the House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 9147 also known as the “Single-Use Plastic Products Regulation Act” as the proposed substitute bill for plastics that includes an introductory provision for EPR. Meanwhile, in the Senate, Senate Bill 2425 also known as the “Extended Producers Responsibility Act” is now on its Second Reading. 

 

“The battle against unnecessary plastics will be successful only if we have concerted effort from all stakeholders – supported by an enabling policy environment. Let us therefore strengthen our call for the passing of EPR into law, with good implementation, so that we can stop plastic pollution together,” says Katherine Custodio, WWF-Philippines Executive Director.

 

The proposed roadmap is part of the No Plastic in Nature Initiative - WWF’s global initiative to stop the flow of plastics entering nature by 2030 through the elimination of unnecessary plastics, doubling reuse, recycling, and recovery, and ensuring remaining plastic is sourced responsibly. Through this initiative, WWF-Philippines has been working with cities on plastic leakage, policymakers to advocate for a global treaty on plastic pollution and EPR, businesses to transition to circular business models, and the general public to campaign and act. 

 

To know more about WWF-Philippines and its initiatives, please visit https://wwf.org.ph/

Huawei has the perfect audio and wearable just for you

Looking to improve your gadgets this year? May it be something for your home workout, office meetings or online school learning, Huawei has the perfect audio and wearable just for you.  Learn about the wide variety of Huawei audio wearables, PCs, and other gadgets, add it to your cart then check out now! 

 

HUAWEI GT-Series 

The recently launched HUAWEI WATCH GT 3 is one of Huawei’s breakthroughs in health monitoring and scientific training. It was built to make life easier and more convenient, helping them achieve fitness goals that can be backed up by scientific data. Health and fitness monitoring has always been the core strengths of the brand and by providing a comprehensive upgrade to the GT series, with the addition of the new TruSeen 5.0+ as well as the 14-day battery life, it can be assumed that this wearable is definitely the best in its category. 

Its innovative design is inspired by nature, focusing on the beauty of nature and the integration of cutting-edge technologies. The minimalist lugs, large lenses and lightweight design make the HUAWEI WATCH GT 3 46mm look more futuristic, delivering a highly distinguished smartwatch. Without a strap, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 3 46mm weighs just 42.6g with an overall thickness of 11mm, and the HUAWEI WATCH GT 3 42mm weighs 35g with an overall thickness of 10.2mm. Both bring consumers a lighter and thinner wearing experience. The HUAWEI GT 3 46mm is priced at P12,999 while the HUAWEI GT 3 42mm is at P9,999. 

 

But if you are looking specifically for something that could set reminders on your busy work or school schedule, check out the HUAWEI GT2 Pro for only P9,999 at any Huawei flagship stores online. 

 

The HUAWEI GT2 Pro is designed to fit anyone’s busy lifestyle. If you’re always on-the-go and could only spare 5 minutes of your time, worry no more for the GT2 Pro can last you 10 hours even if you’ve charged for a short amount of time. It also supports reverse charging from your phone in times you’re not able to pack its charger with you. Design-wise, the GT2 Pro sports a wear-resistant sapphire watch dial that pairs seamlessly with its titanium frame. The glossy and skin-friendly finish ensures comfort when worn too. 

 

For a simpler yet powerful smartwatch, you can also check out HUAWEI GT2e for P4,799 or the HUAWEI GT2 for only P5,799. Both also carry 100 workout modes, strong battery life and can play music on-the-go.

 

HUAWEI FreeBuds series 

HUAWEI has a wide range of FreeBuds products that suit anyone’s needs. Each type of FreeBud is designed with cutting-edge technology, providing consumers with a pair of earphones that offer both a stunning appearance and an excellent audio experience. It inherits Huawei’s industry-leading open-fit design that is based on the ergonomic simulation system grounded by 10,000+ human ear models and the extensive stress simulation test on eight parts of the ear, enhancing the earphone design to provide ultimate comfort wearing. 

 

The HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro priced at P6,499 adopts the dual-microphone noise cancellation, which can effectively pick up environmental noise. Together with the AEM noise cancellation technology, it will automatically select the most suitable set of noise cancellation parameters from more than 10 sets of them for users, realizing the industry-leading open-fit active noise cancellation technology.

 

Additionally, it also sports a dual-antenna design which provides the HUAWEI FreeBudsPro a wide signal coverage. This feature offers stable connection regardless if your smartphone is in your bag, pocket, or anywhere quite far. 

 

Yet if you’re looking for a little less expensive but works the same, check out the HUAWEI FreeBuds 4i for only P2,699 or FreeBuds 4 priced at P4,599. This also sports a premium design, crystal clear sound, active noise cancellation and 10 hours continuous playback which can last you almost all day.  

 

So what are you waiting for? Get yourself an upgrade and live a stress-free, tech-supported life in 2022!

 

Here’s the breakdown of the best HUAWEI gadgets and its SRPs on Shopee: 

CATEGORY	PRODUCT	PROMO PRICE
		SHOPEE
		SRP
LAPTOP	MateBook D 15 2021 i5 8+256	33,999
TABLET	MatePad T10 WiFi K	8,699
	MatePad LTE	14,999
	MatePad Refresh	14,999
WEARABLES and AUDIO	Band 6	2,199
	GT3 42mm	9,999
	GT3 42mm Gold	10,999
	GT3 46mm	12,999
	GT3 Runner Grey	13,999
	GT2	5,799
	GT2e	4,799
	GT2 Pro	9,999
	FreeBuds 4	4,599
	FreeBuds4i	2,699
	FreeBuds Pro	6,499
	Watch Fit NEW	3,999
MOBILE PHONES	nova 9	23,999
	Mate 40 Pro	49,999
OTHER DEVICES	Smart Body Fat Scale	899

 

Tap on the links below to checkout the online fiesta promos: 

Shopee

 

Visit Huawei Philippines’ official pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to stay updated on latest promos and devices. 

 

 

Celebrate the New Year with your Maybelline faves up to 50% off at Shopee's NEW Brand Spotlight!

If youre looking for a quick and easy everyday make up look, all you need is a trusty liquid foundation, a favorite dab of lipstick, a cheek tint and a hypercurl waterproof mascara to complete the look you want from basic to glam.

The good thing is Maybelline Official Store in Shopee is featured under the Brand Spotlight where you can avail discounts of up to 50% off! 

Brand Spotlight is a new Shopee Mall campaign where users can have access to exclusive daily deals from their favorite brands! These are unique offers such as new product launches, exclusive bundles, and other promos that are only available in Shopee! 

Create your favorite makeup looks that are perfect for day-to-day wear in the following products. Check these out!

Add to cart Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick [16HR Longwear, Waterproof] - Makeup

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick

Superstay Matte Ink™ City Edition Liquid Lipstick by Maybelline gives you a flawless matte finish in a range of rich tones with up to 16-hour wear. It's ink with NYC attitude! 💄

WHAT IT DOES

• Get ink on your lips up to 16 hours! Food-proof, fade-proof, transfer-proof!  💋

• Highly pigmented, matte lipstick finish

• NYC-inspired shades - from saturated reds, burnt siennas, and terracotta hues

 

               Add to cart Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation with SPF

 

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation with SPF

Maybelline's #1 foundation perfect for oily skin. Maybelline Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation is a super blendable foundation that mattifies and refines pores and leaves a natural, seamless finish. Definitely a makeup kit must have! 

*WHAT IT DOES

• Ideal for normal to oily skin, our exclusive formula with micro-powders controls shine and blurs pores. 

• Leaves a natural, seamless, and shine-free finish. 💯

• Dermatologist tested. Allergy tested. Non-comedogenic liquid foundation

 

Add to cart Maybelline Bestselling Hypercurl Waterproof Mascara - Volumizing Black Mascara

 

Maybelline Bestselling Hypercurl Waterproof Mascara

Get that fresh, natural look everyday! Hypercurl mascara makes your eyes come alive. Plus, it's non-irritating and smudgeproof. It's our best selling mascara straight from New York! This is a makeup kit must have and an ultimate makeup staple

*WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT 💖

- Curl-lock formula contains sealing wax to make and keep a fully volumized curl from root to tip

- Non-irritating, contact lens safe, and ophthalmologist-tested

- Lasts curl up to 36 hours

- Smudgeproof and Waterproof Mascara

- Completes your eye makeup!

 

Add to cart Maybelline Sensational CUSHION MATTE Lip Tint [Matte Liptint, Cheek Tint, Colour tint]

 

Sensational Cushion Matte is the softest matte and moisturizing lip tint enriched with Vitamin E. Sensational Cushion Matte brings high impact pigment in a cushiony soft texture. With a soft focus gel and a smooth butter glide technology, it leaves your lips looking plump. It's a multi-use formula that can also be used for cheeks and eyes.

 

For more amazing deals and discounts, download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.