Philam Foundation builds 65 classrooms after Typhoon Juan and Sendong

Year in and year out, the Philippines falls victim to natural disasters. By the time storms leave, communities are left behind destroyed, affecting the lives of many—especially children. Not only do their homes get ruined but their schools get devastated as well. In order to help the children return back to a state of normalcy, Philam Foundation heeded the call of the Department of Education to rebuild classrooms in disaster affected communities.

After Typhoon Juan and Sendong devastated the country in 2011, Philam Foundation committed to build sixty-five classrooms within five years. The first eight Philam Paaralan classrooms were built in Isabela, and six more in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City.

From left to right: AIA Regional Chief Executive Officer Gordon Watson, Dep Ed Undersecretary Mario Deriquito, BPI-Philam Chief Executive Officer and President Ariel Cantos, and Philam Foundation President Max Ventura


Philam Foundation President Max Ventura called the project timely, as back during Philam Life’s 65th year, the Foundation decided to focus on empowering the Filipino children through healthy education as their primary thrust. “Building in the aftermath of Typhoon Sendong, Pablo and Yolanda, or Typhoon Haiyan as it was internationally called, only highlighted what Philam Paaralan is all about: giving children a healthy education and building communities,” said Ventura.
With more than enough time before their deadline, Philam Foundation has already gone above and beyond the original commitment, successfully constructing eighty-five classrooms in the past three years.

Each Philam Paaralan is typhoon-resilient, and built with complete facilities: desks, tiled flooring, blackboards, electric fans, and lighting fixtures. As part of their vision to give each child a healthy education, each classroom is also fitted with Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) stations, to promote a healthy and clean lifestyle.

“We could not have accomplished this feat without our many project partners, the Department of Education, as well as the local governments where we built our classrooms,” said Ventura. “Thanks to these gracious organizations and people, we were able to not only build classrooms, but also hope,” he concluded.

According to Ventura, Philam Paaralan is more than the sum of its parts, more than the funds raised, and more than the number of classrooms built. “It is about the lives it has touched, the communities it has revived, and the children it has nurtured,” he said.

Even after achieving remarkable results, they have yet to show signs of slowing down. Philam Foundation commits that their 100th classroom will be completed by July of 2016. Considering that each classroom is able to hold about fifty students, a total of 5,000 children will immediately benefit from this project. Since future generations will also utilize the structures, the number of lives touched by these buildings becomes multiplied tenfold.

For more information on Philam Foundation, visit http://www.philamlife.com

AIA Leadership Centre Opens in Bangkok

AIA Group Limited (“AIA” or the “Company”), the largest pan-Asian life insurance group, today announced the opening of the AIA Leadership Centre (“ALC”) in Bangkok, Thailand. The new Centre will further enhance the capabilities of AIA’s senior executives and distribution leaders across the region.

Mark Tucker, Group Chief Executive and President of AIA and Apisak Tantivorawong, the Thai Minister of Finance, officiated at the Opening Ceremony. The launch coincided with the Official Opening of AIA Sathorn Tower, an award-winning and world-class new office tower owned and developed by AIA, and in which the ALC is located.

Tan KarHor will serve as Dean of the new Centre, leading a team of experienced faculty members who combine strong business acumen with a deep understanding of the financial services industry.

The ALC will also partner with a network of acclaimed institutions to co-develop customised programmes designed to deliver optimal value to participants. Partners include INSEAD, a leading business school and LIMRA, a worldwide research, learning and development organisation.

“This new Leadership Centre reflects our commitment to nurture talent from within, empowering our people to meet our customers’ vital protection and savings needs while also contributing to the communities in which we operate. The AIA Leadership Centre will provide a powerful means to enhance the quality, the effectiveness and the professionalism of our senior executives,” said Mark Tucker.

“We look forward to working with those who are trained here to deliver a valuable and important new learning experience on the subject of leadership. The ALC is a state-of-the-art learning facility defined by its use of the best available technology,” said Tan Kar Hor.

The curricula focus on leadership capabilities in three major areas:

1. Executive Leadership – programmes that accelerate effective and sustainable leadership as well as general management capabilities.

2. Distribution Leadership – programmes that develop the leadership skills required for AIA’s senior distribution leaders to produce consistently best-in-class results.

3. Technical Leadership – develops the capabilities of AIA core functions through promoting operational excellence and supporting AIA to remain best-in-class.

“The opening of our Leadership Centre comes in AIA’s sixth year as an independently listed company. We are immensely confident that AIA will continue to optimise the enormous opportunities the region offers us to provide protection and invest in societies, as we help people to live longer, healthier, better lives,” Mark Tucker said.

Meet TARA, the perfect protector

I remember losing my newly bought cellphone to a thief inside the mall 8 years ago. There was no struggle, it was fast. I never saw the thief.  I knew I lost my phone,  when I reached inside my messenger bag. My bag was forcibly opened. I had a phone tracker then, I located my mobile phone somewhere along Grace Park, Caloocan to Bagong Barrio. I even negotiated with the thief, texting using other phone, that I would pay him php3k and agreed to meet up with him, but it did not push through of course. He or she replied "no" and I cursed him/her to no end. And that was the end of it.

Now, there is this new mobile phone app that would protect your phone from thief. TARA (Theft Alarm and Recovery Application)  is the revolutionary mobile app and is the first telco-enabled kill switch  to combat mobile phone theft

Jun Lozada, CEO of Galileo Software Services.

The statistics are sobering. Mobile phones are the usual target of criminals who sometimes resort to violence in order to steal a commodity that is easy to resell 41 % of Filipinos have experienced phone theft*.  Every year, thousands of Filipinos lose this piece of personal property that not only costs money but also contains valuable information that includes phone numbers, photos, videos, access to emails, personal accounts and even credit card data.

"When a person is a victim of mobile phone theft, it leaves him or her feeling helpless. It can be a traumatic experience where the victim often feels as if he has been violated. There are also deaths that have been attributed to robbery attempts. Hold-up and 'snatching' incidents have been a commonplace scenario in our streets," explains Engr. Jun Lozada, the technology and communication expert who is the president and CEO of Galileo Software Services Inc.

"We need to feel safe whenever we go out. This is why we developed TARA (Theft Alarm and Recovery Application). It is like a seatbelt for your mobile phone. As our tagline says… No mobile phone/device should be worth a life, not even a scratch.”




And with most smartphone users using their phones to access almost all personal and professional data, now more than ever, the need to protect one’s self  is at its highest.  The subscription to TARA is a small price to pay for one’s peace of mind.

It also calls attention to the thief by screaming “magnanakaw! magnanakaw!” when it is activated.

Telco-enabled, works without Internet or cell phone load
TARA is a Filipino-developed revolutionary mobile app that aims to prevent mobile phone theft with its kill switch feature that makes it unusable by thieves and their resellers.  It is the first of its kind in the country/ possibly in Asia and the world. What makes TARA the perfect protector in the Philippine scenario is that it works even without wi-fi access, internet data, or cell phone load.  It is the first and only telco-enabled kill switch that protects the users, their phones and their phones contents in any situation. It also calls attention to the thief by screaming "magnanakaw! magnanakaw!" when it is activated.

The Back-up and Restore feature lets owners back-up their contacts which they can restore later on, even on a different phone. They can also upgrade this feature to back-up photos, videos and more files.
Soon with TARA, mobile phone owners can use the Red Button feature that they can engage in order to send out a notification to a prearranged contact number. It is the go-to SOS button designed to protect phone owners. Activate the Red Button to enable the floater (which works even when the phone is locked), and hold it for 3-4 seconds to send an SOS message, with a time stamp and location, to one’s emergency contact.

To avail of the TARA protection, android mobile phone users can download the app on Google Play and register their basic information. After a free-30 day subscription, they are given the option to renew their protection with affordable rates of P15 weekly, P50 monthly or P500 yearly.

"With the launch of the TARA app, we can offer a solution to the alarming cell phone theft situation in the country. TARA is the first of its kind level of security that enables the user to lock his phone entirely rendering it useless to a thief. It also provides the service of tracking its current location as well as wiping out and recovering its contents," Lozada says. "We Filipinos may feel helpless about other things such as the worsening traffic or the country's economic and political situation, but with the sense of security that even ordinary citizens can get from this app, they will not feel as helpless about the protection of something that is very personal for them."

To know more about TARA, you can visit the TARA website at www.tara.com.ph . For inquiries about the app you may call the TARA Hotline : LANDLINE - 656 – 8272.
SMART  -  0998 965 7419
SUN  -  0943 131 0544

Sen. Gringo Honasan prays for peaceful election

Servant Leadership Watercolor Painting by Martin Honasan

UNA Vice President Candidate Gringo Honasan prayed and wish on his birthday that Filipinos become enlightened as they prepare to vote in the May polls. "Give the electorate the wisdom to choose their leaders wisely, based on proven performance, the capacity for sacrifice and hard work, and the ability to make difficult decisions for the long-term benefit of our nation" writes Sen. Honasan.

Since election day is fast approaching Sen. Gringo Honasan offers this prayer to our country and fellowmen.  A prayer he wrote while he was at detention in Laguna before he was allowed to post bail in 2007 and ran for another Senate term.


An Election Day Prayer

"God Almighty, at this time in our nation's history, grant that the Filipino people and their candidates may transcend anger, hatred, personal motives and vindictiveness.

Give our electorate the wisdom to choose their leaders wisely, based on proven performance, the capacity for sacrifice and hard work, and the ability to make difficult decisions for the long-term benefit of our nation. Help our people to see beyond mere personalities devoid of platforms for governance. And teach our elected leaders to value the public trust and privilege that has been given them.

Allow the coming political exercise to revive and strengthen our weakened institutions through the restoration of the will of the majority and adherence to the rule of law and due process. This we implore for the future of our nation, and of our children. Amen"


- Senator Gregorio B. Honasan

Get an exclusive deals from PSBank at Lazada's 4th Year Anniversary!

In celebration of Lazada’s fourth year anniversary in the country, Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) will give exclusive deals for PSBank Debit and Prepaid MasterCard cardholders!

PSBank Debit and Prepaid MasterCard cardholders will enjoy an additional 10% discount on items that the online shopping site will put on sale from March 15 to 18, 2016. This is Lazada’s birthday treat for both first-time and long-time cardholders of PSBank and its supporters.

To avail of the promo, PSBank Debit and MasterCard cardholders simply have to log in or sign up for a Lazada account at www.lazada.com.ph/psbank. Cardholders should have a minimum purchase of PhP1,000 and use the voucher code PSBANK10 upon checkout at the Order Summary section to avail of the additional 10% discount from PSBank. The voucher code can only be used once for any product except for items marked “Voucher Not Applicable On This Item.”

"Kwento pa rin ang Hari" sa CineFilipino Film Festival 2016

Bigla ko namiss manood ng indie tagalog films, dati abang abang lang ako sa Cinemalaya para makapanood ng matitinong indie, hindi pa ko blogger nun. Ang saya lang  manood, matuwa at umuwing apektado dahil dun ko lang naiisip na matalino pa rin tayong mga Pilipino at kayang makipagsabayan kahit kanino. Minsan, nakikita ko din yung sarii ko sa bawat character na napapanood ko, tapos sasabihin ko na" tang!%$ ako yan ah, ganyan ba ko katanga"? sa katabi ko. Minsan mapapamura ka sa mga padivang character, minsan maiisip mo pagtapos ng pelikula na "ahhh kaya nya pala yun ginawa kase ganun eh", na minsan sa sobrang apektado mo di ka na makatulog lalu pa at horror. Takutan mode.

Mabubuhay ako ng walang mall, ng di kumakain ng 8 hours, pero hindi ng pagbabasa at panonood. Yung panonood lang ng sine ang nakakapagbigay sa ken ng ginhawa, nakakatakas ako sa mga kabwisitan ko sa buhay tapos nakakapagisip ako ng tama at mali. Gusto ko may kadiskusyunan, yung pagkatapos mong manood eh tipong paguusapan nyo ng matagal ng kasama mo yung napanood nyo hanggang sa pag awayan nyo na. Hahaha. Dahil sa sobrang ganda may sari sarili kayo perception, hatol sa mga pangyayari, character or galaw ng eksena.

Naalala ko yung huling tumatak na pelikulang pilipino sa kin is Heneral Luna pa, ang galing sobra ng akting ng buong cast, di mo namamalayan tapos na yung pelikula, tapos marami kang "kaya pala",  na babaero pala si Heneral Luna, na may pagka komedyante pala sya, at marami pa ring traidor at balimbing sa ting mga Pilipino.

Etong darating na Marso 16, magpaka pilipino naman tayo, bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang mga bagong aktor, scriptwriter at direktor ng Cine Filipino Fim Festival na ma-witness yung mga pelikula nila, malay natin magkarun tayo ng makabagong Lino Brocka, Ismael Bernal, Mike De Leon or Marilou Diaz Abaya sa panahon ngayon ng milenyal. Suportahan natin ang kapwa natin Pilipino, kumuha tayo ng mga hugot moment sa bawat pelikula ng CineFilipino, isakripisyo muna natin ang dalawang starbucks na latte para sa isang pelikula.

Eto ang lineup ng pelikulang papanoorin ko, Ang Tulay ng San Sebastian dahil gusto ko matakot at magpatakot, Buhay Habang Buhay, dahil gusto ko ule matakot at naiisip ko minsan anu bang pakiramdam pag patay na, Ang Taba ko Kase, yung pakiramdam ng maging mataba, although minsan naiisip ko mataba rin naman ako matanda pa hahaha bakit wlang Ang Tanda ko Kase, hahaha. 1st sem,  yung feeling na ayaw mo ng course na pinakukuha sayo yung pinipilit mo ang sarili mo mag aral dahil pinagaaral ka ng magulang mo, Sakaling Hindi Makarating, para sa mga taong ayaw mag move on, yung nakapag move on na, pero tanga pa din at hopia.

Yan palang ang mga pelikulang gusto ko panoorin, sana matapos ko silang lahat at isusulat ko ule sa inyo ang hatol ko. Tara, kitakitz sa March 16 to 22! Nasa Gateway ako nyan dahil sa Ang Tulay ng San Sebastian at Joem Bascon!

Celebrating movies that best represent the ever-evolving Filipino cinema, the CineFilipino Film Festival, organized and led by Unitel Productions, in partnership with the MVP Group of Companies, offers cineastes with more moving stories and a more diverse mix of genres. The festival begins with the screening of sociopolitical drama/thriller “Whistleblower”, starring Nora Aunor and directed by Adolf Alix Jr., on March 15, 6:00 pm at Newport Cinema 4, Resorts World Manila. The film festival will run from March 16 to 22 in select cinemas in the metro* while the awards night will be held on March 19 at Teatrino Greenhills.

With the theme “Kwento pa rin ang Hari”, the second installment features more categories including, Feature-Length, Documentaries, TV Series and Shorts under which finalists will showcase works in Short Features, Mobile and Online. CineFilipino Film Festival attendees can choose from nine Feature-Length films, five Documentaries, five TV Series and 17 films under the Shorts category – 11 Short Features, 5 Online Content and 1 Mobile Content.

“The essence of the story will always be at the core of CineFilipino, and with this year’s various categories, moviegoers are offered a more enriching experience,” said Madonna Tarrayo, CineFilipino Film Director and Unitel Productions President and Group COO.

In the Feature-Length category alone, moviegoers can surely experience a wide array of emotions and stories. In “1st Sem”, first-time film festival directors Dexter Hemedez and Allan Ibanez present an intensified love-hate relationship between a mother and son after the latter decides not to pursue college education in Manila. In Carla Baful’s “A Lotto Like Love”, moviegoers can expect a different kind of love story as two strangers are brought together in luck and love by a single winning lotto ticket.

Love in spite of weight issues takes center stage in Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Ang Taba Ko Kasi” while Alvin Yapan’s “Ang Tulay ng San Sebastian” explores the richness (and reality) of Filipino superstitions. Meanwhile, Paolo Herras’ “Buhay Habang buhay” takes on life after death and the importance of moving on and celebrating life despite seemingly bleak circumstances.

A lesbian woman’s dream of becoming a mother is the subject in Lemuel Lorca’s “Ned’s Project” while Dave Fabros’ “Straight to the Heart” is filled with uniquely Filipino humor and hugot lines as it explores a situation that has surely crossed the minds of many: what happens when a gay hairdresser slips into a coma and wakes up a straight guy?

Ice Idanan’s “Sakaling Hindi Makarating” takes the beauty of the Philippines and uses it as a dramatic backdrop for a poignant story of heartbreak and moving on. And lastly, moviegoers get the privilege of witnessing a touching story about a child with Down’s Syndrome whose dream is to become an artista in Randolph Longjas’ “Van Damme Stallone”.

Jury deliberations will take place on March 16, 17 and 18; winners will be recognized in CineFilipino’s Awards Night on March 19 at Teatrino Greenhills, which will be attended by the finalists, executives and the film festival’s sponsors and partners.

*Catch the CineFilipino Film Festival on March 16 to 22 in participating cinemas: Gateway Cineplex, Festival Cinemas, Eastwood Cinemas, Robinsons Galleria Movieworld, Robinsons Manila Movieworld, Robinsons Metro East Movieworld, Newport Cinemas in Resorts World, EDSA Shangri-La Cineplex and Greenhills Theater Mall Cinema.

CineFilipino Film Festival partners are Mediaquest, TV5, Cignal, Unitel, Optima Digital, Metro Pacific Tollways, PLDT Smart Foundation and Meralco. For further information, visit the official website, www.cinefilipino.com.

LBC supports KAYA Team Captain Aly Borromeo

Considered as one of the most important names in the history of Philippine football, Aly Borromeo talks about the peaks and valleys of his career, his injury and comeback, how perseverance transcends any setback, and why he stuck with football.

Aly Borromeo  was born on June 28, 1983, in San Francisco,
California. He moved to the
Philippines just over a week after he was
born. “I was five years old, and my mom
enrolled me at Tomas Lozano’s Makati
Football School [MFS]. I studied
gymnastics for a year before that,”
recalled Aly.

While MFS introduced the sport to Aly, he
grew up at KAYA, where he turned into
one of the finest players to don the
club’s colors. “There was no varsity team
in grade school, we just played in the
garden. I learned football at MFS; I was
there since I was five years old all the
way until high school. Then, I was part of
the varsity team of La Salle. I was
goalkeeper until I was 17 years old. I only started developing my skills on the field at that age.”
Aly recalls that his fondest football memory was the Gothia Cup in Denmark when he was 12 years
old, and they came in second place, an experience that he treasures to this day.

“In college, I was at DLSU [De La Salle University] for one year and CSB [College of Saint Benilde] for one semester, then I went to the States and studied at Skyline College in San Francisco for two years. I got scholarship offers from Division I schools but I chose to go back to the Philippines to pursue the national team.”

If there’s anything noticeable about Aly, it’s his athleticism and healthy lifestyle. Growing up,
gymnastics and football aside, he played every sport he came across. He interestedly tried each
one, and football ultimately won in the end. “Basketball helped with my footwork, tennis with my coordination, and golf with my patience. They helped me a lot,” explained Aly.


But why football? “Nothing compares to the feeling of playing a team sport like football, like when you score a goal. You worked so hard to achieve that goal. Every player has to work. The unity and
camaraderie it brings is different compared to other sports.”

Although Aly has been KAYA’s longtime  captain, being the captain of the Philippine national football team (Azkals) after the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup is the title
that resonated with the public. In December 2010, Aly led the Azkals to that monumental win. Their
achievement did not just put the country on the football map, but also gave the next generation of Filipino footballers a chance to pursue their dreams. For Aly, being a part of that determined team means so much: “I knew going into the tournament that we could actually compete against Vietnam and Singapore with that core team we had, but no one believed in us. And that made us work even harder! We were playing purely for passion and pride for the country, for each other, and for the sport. We knew we could build something for this country.” 

When the perseverance finally paid off, the feeling was priceless. Aly’s professional football career
launched itself after that historic 2010 finish. “It all fell into place after 2010. We were like
overnight stars, celebrities. We were like rock stars in one day! I realized this could be full-time,
something to achieve and make football bigger in the Philippines, which is why the UFL is here.”

Aly’s proudest moment on the field remains the win against Vietnam because “it changed the face
of Philippine football.” He believes that, while the current squad is fulfilling its potential, there are
some areas that need improvement. Aly hasn’t been called to rejoin the Azkals recently, however,
he says the door is always open. “If I get invited to, why not. But I’m not devastated about it
because I know Dooley selected the best players at the moment.”

KAYA FC is proudly supported by LBC.

Watch Captain Aly Borromeo in action at Kaya FC’s next 2016 AFC Cup Group F qualifying match
against Balestier Khalsa (SIN) on March 15 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are now available and are sold and handled by MaC2 Group Manila, which can be reached
by phone at 0917-5387589 or via e-mail at info@mac2groupmanila.com. Tickets will also be
available at the venue on match day.

Villa Del Conte's Ovicini: The Perfect Easter Egg Hunt Giveaway

Experience a one-of-a-kind Easter Egg Hunt with your loved ones as Villa Del Conte brings back the luscious Ovicini. You and your family will surely enjoy this perfect giveaway wrapped in a cute and colorful bunny pouch which comes in 6, 8 and 10 pieces per pouch at a special rate of P180, P240 and P290 respectively. Grab these sweet and lavish chocolates and visit Villa del Conte stores at SM Megamall, Greenbelt 5, Century City Mall, Shangri-la Mall, Resorts World, Alabang Town Center, and Robinsons Magnolia.


For bulk orders, please contact 893-2575 or 621-6101. Go to http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com/ to know more about Villa del Conte, or follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillaDelContePh,
Instagram: http://instagram.com/villadelconte and Twitter: https://twitter.com/VilladelConte.

Green Footprints Movement: Make this planet a better and clean place for our future generations to come

In this year's age and time with the climate change, global warming, extinction of endangered species, depletion of ozone layer, increase in air pollution are few of the effects from which our environment is suffering.  

How can we make this planet a better and clean place for our future generations to come? There are ways to conserve energy and it all starts with you, be the change that you can be and Mother Nature will thank you for it along with your grandchildren and future generations to come.

A simple task such as turning off the lights when not in used, will make a lot of difference, not to mention your parents will thank you for it.

In line with its thrust to drive the conversation about climate change, leading airconditioning and refrigeration solutions provider Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC),through its subsidiary Concepcion-Carrier Air Conditioning Company (CCAC),has launched the Green Footprints Movement, its advocacy that seeks to galvanize the general public into action towards reducing their environment footprint.

“As the most encompassing environmental issue facing us today, climate change must be everyone’s agenda” said CIC Chief Executive Officer Raul Joseph Concepcion.“For CIC, we aim to strengthen our commitment to a sustainable future by driving greater awareness and understanding of climate change and global warming among consumers and other stakeholders, and enabling access to green choices that will enable consumers to reduce their environmental footprint.”

CCAC’s Green Footprints Movement serves as a clarion call to the public to become green advocates.

“We want the public to be able to connect their everyday actions and decisions with its environmental impact,” shared Harold Pernikar, Jr., CCAC Director and Head of the Consumer Solutions Group.  “This consciousness, we believe, will lead them to make environmental impact an important consideration and value in everything they do or use.”  

Central to the Green Footprints Movement is creating awareness through consumer education, with the campaign focused on making information on environmental impact reduction available to a wider audience.

“Our goal is to provide the public with the knowledge of how they can make small, practical changes that will have significant effect on their own footprints, such as the responsible use of electricity and even making more sensible selections when it comes to the products they use in their homes,” said Pernikar.

The Green Footprints Movement is a testament to CIC’s long-standing commitment to the environment, having led its industry in exercising responsible stewardship by employing best green practices and conducting their operations in a manner that safeguards the environment.

“Environmental health and safety is and has always been a key core value of CIC, and this is evident in the way we manage our business,” stated Concepcion, who noted how the company has leveraged on technology to create green facilities.“A crucial first step is cultivating a culture of sustainability within the company itself, which is why we have always been mindful of our own environmental impact, looking at our own performance in terms of recycling, water and waste consumption, and setting goals to reduce our footprint year after year.” 

Concepcion Industrial Corp., through its subsidiary Concepcion-Carrier Air Conditioning Co. (CCAC), takes its commitment to the environment a stepfurther by launching the Green Footprints Movement,an advocacy campaign that seeks to galvanize the general public into action towards reducing their environment footprint. Event attendees include (from left to right)Manila Fashion Observer blogger Christine Dychiao;Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Assistant Director Dr. Eva S. Ocfemia;celebrity host and World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature-Philippines National Ambassador Marc Nelson; Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC)Chief Executive OfficerRaul Joseph A. Concepcion,  Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC) Executive Vice President for Business Development Rafael C. Hechanova, Jr., and Concepcion-Carrier Air Conditioning Company (CCAC) Director and Head of Consumer Solutions Group Harold Pernikar, Jr.




CCAC also recognizes that the public must have greater access to environment-friendly products so that they can make greener choices.It was the first Philippine manufacturer to convert its refrigerators to use environment-friendly refrigerants back in 1995, and is once again leading the industry for its air conditioning solutions.

“Ninety-six percent of our air conditioning products have already been converted to using environmentally responsive refrigerants, and we expect to make a 100% product conversion within the year,” said Pernikar, who also shared that the switch is being made ahead of the global deadlines set by the Montreal Protocol, which established a timeline for the eventual elimination of ozone-depleting substances. 

“Part of the private sector’s responsibility goes beyond compliance with standards and regulations -- it’s in rising to the challenge of offering practical, green products through constant innovation and investment,” Pernikar added.

By enabling the public to become more aware that each and every action they make today can have lasting effects on the planet’s future, CIC and CCAC aspire to empower the public to make smarter and greener choices. “As we enjoin people to commit to reducing their collective environmental footprint through the Green Footprints Movement,” said Concepcion,"we believe we can create a significant impact towards creating a better, safer environment for the next generations.”#

Philam Life and BPI-Philam to give living benefits “like never before” with Philam Vitality

For the first time in the Philippines, insurance products will give living benefits “like never before” with a science-backed and global wellness programme, Philam Vitality.

Philam Life launched Philam Vitality last year, and is now also available through BPI-Philam.
Life insurance premiums with Philam Vitality can now get an upfront discount of 10-15%. This is
unprecedented in the Philippines.

Vitality is a global brand with close to 20 years of success spanning South Africa, United States,
Europe, China, Hong Kong and Australia. Now it is available, through Philam Vitality, to Filipinos who would like to go beyond traditional insurance products.

“With Philam Vitality, insurance becomes strongly relevant to our policy holders every day. It is there when they make daily choices: what to eat, how they can improve their health, what exercise to do today, what vacations to plan for, to name a few,” says Philam Life chief executive officer Axel Bromley.

Beyond protection, investment and savings, Philam Vitality pushes the bar and gives day-to-day living benefits that reward members for being healthy. It is a programme that recognizes people’s healthy behaviors worldwide.

“Our mission is to empower Filipinos to achieve financial security and prosperity. To achieve this,
health should not get in the way. People want to be healthy. However, they don’t always act on it. This programme gives amazing tools to help even the most unfit and unhealthy person to start on his
Philam Vitality journey,” continues Bromley.

Philam Vitality gives easier access to basic health check so members will watch out for their health
status, like their updated cholesterol and sugar levels. The programme has partnered with industry
leaders Makati Medical Center and Hi-Precision Diagnostics for discounts to basic and some
advanced screens. Its exclusive dental partner, Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC),
likewise provides significant discounts for basic dental assessments.

To keep improving their health, members are given exclusive discounts to Gold’s Gym, Toby’s Sports
and renowned fitness device brands, Garmin and Polar. Smokers can also take advantage of a special
package for Smoking Cessation at the Makati Medical Center.

Each time a member takes the screens and does healthy activities, Philam Vitality Points are awarded.
The points add up to allow a member to reach a higher status for higher benefits, starting from Bronze to Silver, Gold and Platinum.

Intelligent incentives were designed to reward members for taking steps to be healthier. These
rewards come from partners like SM Cinema, Seda Hotels, Marriott and Enchanted Kingdom.
All these partner branches and establishments are located in over 180 locations all over the Philippines, giving a great chance of access to members for their benefits.

“The rewards one can get from the Philam Vitality programme are astounding. From the insurance
premium discount to all the partner benefits, a member can see that insurance is now more and more
relevant. We’re excited that Philam Vitality is now available to our BPI-Philam customers. We hope it
will encourage them to sign-up as members to take advantage of the benefits and live healthier and
happier lives,” says BPI-Philam chief executive officer Aibee Cantos.

Q&A with Carmen Brias, painter and sculptor

Carmen Brias will be unveiling her latest works in painting and sculpture on March 3 in an exhibit titled “In A New Light” at Altro Mondo, Greenbelt 5, Makati City. Since her last Philippine exhibit in 2009 with her mother, the distinguished portraitist Betsy Westendorp, Brias has been full-force harvesting inspiration and credentials in Madrid, where she is based.

What have you been up to since your last visit to the Philippines? 

Aside from painting regularly in my studio and experimenting with different techniques, I attended drawing classes at the Universidad Complutense. But after two years, I decided that drawing is not my thing although it is a very good exercise for anybody who paints, especially as a restorer.

I also started a sculpture group with my friend and teacher Eduardo Mazariegos who taught me all I need to know about wood carving. For a few years, I carved almost every day. We started working with pine logs and later tried other kinds of wood. We had pupils who worked in the garden with us, and during winter, we would dress up as though we were going to ski in the mountains. Wood carving is not easy but seeing the finished form after much hard work gives me a lot of satisfaction.

I’ve also been spending a lot of time with my family. I love horse riding with my daughter Carla, who is now in her second year in university. Whenever we needed respite from the city, my partner Jorge and I go to a little country house in Segovia, which is an hour’s drive from Madrid. I have two dogs which I enjoy walking in the park near our home. I also exercise by playing tennis regularly.

I also participate in reunions with former asumptionistas who went to the Assumption Convent in Manila and are now living in Madrid. We have an annual fundraising fair where we sell Filipino food and have games, lottery and activities for children. The funds and donations go to a children’s school in Malibay, Pasay. Madrileños love coming to our fairs because it is lively and a lot of fun compared to other fairs in Madrid.

How has living in Madrid influenced your art?

I keep up with the art happenings in Madrid by visiting as many exhibits and fairs as I can, and watching movies and visiting the theater.

However, as an artist, my soul is Filipino. Most of the inspiration for my art comes from my childhood in Manila. I remember spending hours observing tadpoles in the garden, which at first were white or light yellow eggs, then little swimming tadpoles before finally becoming frogs. That was my real life lesson in “evolution”. Also, the typhoons that visit the country has always made me wonder what happened to everything after they’re gone. How can nature be so cruel? What is its message for us? And why are people who have next to nothing more creative and kind?

What is the theme of your exhibit?

The theme of my exhibit will focus on the relationship between Spain and the Philippines, from my perspective as an artist. I chose this theme because, first of all, I love this country, it has given me so much. There is a lot of sense of humor here, too, which can also be found in my art. I have been very lucky to be born and raised as a child here.

At the same time, I also love Spain and would love for the Spaniards to know more about the Philippines. They are far away geographically but Spain and the Philippines have a past that has bound them together and both have influenced each other’s culture.

“In A New Light” is the name of the exhibit because colors are imperative in my paintings, especially bright colors. For me, color is as much of a language as music or form. Colors are born when the light of the sun penetrates the earth, so the color of green is made when the sky and the sun get together. I have been in the middle of colors all my life; they are a part of me.

What new things can we expect from your art?

Each one of my paintings is different, so each work is always new. Although they say that every artist always ends up doing the same painting, I can’t relate to that. I suppose what you can expect from my new works is more experience and humanity.

I have introduced new materials such as plastic, pigments, acrylics, and a synthetic resin to make the painting look transparent and shiny. Sometimes I add elements in the painting through pasting but lately, I must confess, I am becoming more of a ‘purist’; the less addition, the better. As artists, we sometimes have a destructive attitude towards art, and even to ourselves, which can manifest in “destroying” work that is already finished by adding unnecessary elements.

Why did you decide to exhibit once again in the Philippines?

Because Manila is my home. I was born here and went to school here. A great part of my father’s family lives here. The stories I grew up listening to include those about my grandfather during the Second World War living in Manila. My childhood memories are all set in the Philippines, like spending holidays at the beach in Matabungkay with cousins and visiting islands like Hermana Mayor and Pamalican in Palawan. I remember taking pictures at the Banawe rice terraces with portraitist Butch Baluyot.

Also because the opportunity to exhibit in a well-known gallery such as Altro Mondo is something I cannot refuse. I am very lucky to be here.

How did living in the Philippines shape you as an artist?

Being close to nature and the animal world growing up, I became sensitive to nature’s vibrations, of what is “unseen”, as in The Little Prince, “What is essential is invisible to the eye.” I feel that the Philippines is placed strategically in a certain part of the word where energy vibrates in a different way; everything is more creative and always moving.

From my childhood memories, one of the most beautiful spots in Manila was located in front of Manila Bay. Our family used to live in an apartment at the Excelsior and we would rent a bangka at sunset and cruise around the huts where the fishermen lived. There is such magical beauty in these places, the way the houses are built and stood on stilts over the water and how the fishermen lived. Always there is air going through these houses, and they looked fragile. But at the same time, they are strong like bamboo. My mother painted a lot of these fishermen’s houses.

Who are your current artistic influences?

I think Miquel Barcelo is outstanding for his creation of a new and unique personal style. His inspiration and works take guts!

I adore the Flemish painters; I recently saw Van der Weiden at the Prado and it is perfect. I love Rousseau, Van Gogh, the Impressionists. I love Fernando Zobel’s paintings and of course, I admire Betsy Westendorp, who fortunately happens to be my mother.

Where have you exhibited your works previously?

1979: Group Show at the Centro Cultural de la Villa de Madrid.
1985: Group Show of Paintings Dedicated to the Animal World in Caja Madrid.
1992: Individual Exhibit with Filipino Furniture in Sotogrande.
1993: Group Show in Taller Arte G in Madrid.
1994: Group Show in Flecha 94, Madrid.
1995: Group Show of Mini Paintings at the Association for Sculptors and Painters in Madrid.
1995: Group Show of Filipino Painters in Spain at the Casa de America in Madrid.
1998: Solo Show at the Ayala Museum in Manila.
1998: Solo Show at the Crucible Gallery in Manila.
1999: Group Show at the M&R Gallery in Madrid.
2001: Solo Show at The Club Financiero de Madrid.
2004: Joint Exhibit with Isabel martinez Bordiu at the Colegio Santa Maria de los Rosales in Madrid.
2008: Solo Show at Archie in Madrid.
2009: Joint Exhibit with Betsy Westendorp at the Ayala Museum in Manila.
2010: Group Show dedicated to the Prado Museum with Filipino Painters in Manila.
2012: Joint Exhibit with Eduardo Mazariegos at the Centro Cultural de Aravaca.
2013: Group Show with the Association for Sculptors and Painters at the Vaguada Cultural Center in Madrid.

Apart from that I have worked as an assistant to photographer Eduardo Seca at the Ayala Museum for his book titled M'ai, which I enjoyed very much and also acted in Repertory Philippines in “Sound of Music” as Sister Sophia,  and in a comedy “Let's Get a Divorce”.