Hari Osias Banaag: Brings global attention to the Filipino sport "Sikaran"

The Global Sikaran Foundation Headquarters in Delano, California. 

Sikaran is a Filipino Martial Art said to have originated in the Tagalog region. Here, opponents for sport or for combat try to engage each other using kicks that mimic that of the farm animals. A Side Thrust Kick, for example, copies the kick of a cow. The Back Kick is inspired by the powerful backwards punt of a horse, while the Jumping Front Kick copies a steed as it rears. The most widely-used or “signature” kick is the Biyakid or Biyak Patagilid which engages the power of the whole body and channels it to the waist, leg, and feet, making it the most effective one in the combatant’s arsenal.

Hari Osias Banaag, a Filipino Sikaran Grand Master based in the US, is trying to bring global attention to the Filipino sport that he literally and figuratively discovered in his own backyard. Growing up in Baras, he was conscripted by his father to learn Karate as a form of self-defense. “I started with Karate in 1968, my father didn’t want me to be picked on by other children. I took lessons for three years, but my heart was not into it,” he recalls.

What he did enjoy were the roughhouse games that he and his playmates were wont to find themselves into. They fought each other using their legs and feet, falling on dayami (hay) cushions that were plentiful during harvest time. It was child’s play for him, until he saw how effective it was against an opponent. “One time, I saw my brother brawling in the street against someone who was wielding a belt. I was impressed when I saw him fend the attacker off using only his feet and legs. That was when I started looking into Sikaran seriously. As a son of Baras, Rizal, where the sport is thought to have originated, I could say that it was in my blood.”

Sikaran was represented in the 2016 Cheongju World Martial Arts Championship in Korea. Hari Osias Banaag met with Dr. Khalil Khan, President and Founder of the Belt Wrestling Federation and the new Chairman of the UNESCO Traditional Sports and Games, along with UNESCO officials Angela Melo and Shammi Rama, and Jong Lee of the Martial Arts Festival.

In the course of his research, he found out more about the roots of Sikaran and was convinced that more than child’s play, it was a legitimate form of martial arts. “Sikaran is totally different from other Martial Arts styles: Karate employs hands for Punching and Chopping, Kung Fu uses the feet and hands, but focuses on displays for cinematic effect. I would say that Tae Kwon Do is the closest when it comes to the use of kicks, but the style and center of power is different. Karate originated from Japan, Kung Fu is from China and Tae Kwon Do is Korean. Sikaran is the ancient art of Filipino foot fighting. It is pure Filipino.”

        Sikaran was recognized at the 2016 Cheongju World Martial Arts Mastership. 

Inspired by what he has learned and the potential for the sport, Hari put up his Martial Arts school in September 1976, calling it the Foremost Sikaran Brotherhood. “I called it Foremost because it was the first training school of its kind.”

In 1997, he attended the World Martial Arts for Peace event in Washington, D.C., representing Sikaran. He also decided to migrate to the US to bring the sport abroad, starting with training relatives and friends. By 1998, he was able to establish the Global Sikaran Federation DBA, a Sikaran-Arnis Academy in California.

News of the new form of martial art spread, and soon he was meeting with Hollywood luminaries and Martial Arts experts such as Cynthia Rothrock, Jerry Fisher, Don “The Dragon” Wilson, and Eric Lee. He was awarded by the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame as the Sole King of Sikaran in 2004, and received a Presidential Active Lifestyle Award by George Bush in the same year. By 2008 he was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and awarded a Doctorate of Martial Arts.

Under his leadership, Global Sikaran has grown to be known in 13 countries, where, aside from the Philippine and the US, it now has headquarters in Canada, Australia, Algeria, Korea, Sri Lanka, India, Italy Mexico, Argentina, Burundi and Saudi Arabia. Instructions are done in Filipino, Hari proudly reveals.

He recently attended and was warmly received at the UNESCO Collective Consultation Meeting on the Preservation and the Promotion of Traditional Sports and Game (TSG). “I am pushing for Sikaran to be included in the Olympics,” he shares. He also dreams of it as being included in Filipino school curriculums and to be recognized as a National Sport.

Aside from Sikaran being an effective form of self-defense, Hari says that it teaches discipline that one can practice in everyday life. “We teach the values of honor, respect, loyalty, self-discipline, and dedication. Without these, we would not achieve success. As some train for glory, power and greed, we choose to promote humility, honor and dignity.

 Sikaran was awarded in the First Filipino Martial Arts Hall Of Fame 2012 in Manila.

Joining Hari Banaag in the photo, from left: Col. Arnold Abad, Sarah Abad, Hari’s Brother Master Manuel Banaag, Actor Ricardo Cepeda, Annie Torres of Philippine Tourism and Col. Lyndon Torres.

 Hollywood Actress Lady Fighter Cynthia Rothrock is one of the supporters of Sikaran. Hari met with her again at the Presidential Champion Awards in San Diego, California last August 201

OPPO supports Sarah Geronimo’s “Finally Found Someone” premiere

OPPO supports Sarah Geronimo’s “Finally Found Someone” premiere on July 24 at SM Megamall Cinema simultaneously with the launch of F3 Sarah Limited Edition smartphone as part of her 3rd year anniversary with OPPO.

The exclusive Finally Found Someone block screening was attended by the media and Sarah Geronimo's fans. It was almost 4 years ago since I have watched a Sarah-John Lloyd movie.  We were "first dibs" to Finally Found Someone movie. I should say that their loveteam still has that "kilig" factor overall. Watch out why and prepare to fall in love again on July 26.

The Sarah Geronimo Limited Edition F3 smartphone has a special packaging box and bears Sarah’s signature at the back of the phone.

OPPO gives its full support to the much

anticipated big-screen comeback of Sarah Geronimo, who stars in this year’s biggest romantic comedy of the year, Finally Found Someone.
Pinoy fans are in for a roller coaster ride of emotions as Raffy and April
(Geronimo) take us through the intertwining of their polar opposite lives – living through a PR crisis with a cutthroat, career-driven over achiever while the other end of the spectrum is
an honest, sincere, and idealistic girl who believes in the powers of the
heart.

Director Theodore Borobol (Vince and Kath and James) aims to excite fans in
this not-so-typical rom-com by showing the versatility of both Sarah and her on-screen partner. The intense tension between the characters will keep the viewers on their feet and waiting in anticipation on whether or not they can see past their
differences and have their relationship blossom into something more.

Today, as the country celebrates Finally Found Someone’s opening night, Geronimo takes her time to thank OPPO for their continuous support in all her endeavors. In celebration of Geronimo’s third year as OPPO’s endorser, the brand officially announced last July 12, 2017 the Sarah Geronimo Limited Edition F3 smartphone composed of a special packaging box and Sarah’s signature at the back of the phone.

Revolutionizing the #SelfieExpert since the beginning, Geronimo’s strong influence as a singer and actor is a testament of OPPO’s presence in the Philippines. The OPPO F3 Sarah Geronimo Limited Edition is a gorgeous black OPPO F3 with the actress’ signature at the back. The packaging is also in a premium box with standard charger, headphones, soft cover and pre-installed screen protector.

OPPO F3 Sarah Geronimo Limited Edition Package

During the premiere, selected fans who have pre-ordered the unit have also been given the chance to grace the opening night. Media attendees have also experienced the OPPO F3 Sarah Geronimo Limited Edition unit before the movie began.

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to fall in love with the inimitable tandem all over again in Finally Found Someone, which hits cinemas nationwide starting July 26.

The OPPO F3 Sarah Geronimo Limited Edition smartphone is available via Lazada for PhP 15,990 or visit this link http://bit.ly/OPPOSarahG.
For more details about the OPPO F3, please visit https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/ or log on to
http://www.oppo.com/ph/index.html.

MoneyMatch makes lending and borrowing easier and convenient with P2P

Technology has redefined how we do everyday tasks. This includes how we transact and deal with our finances.  Now, even getting a loan or becoming a lender can be as simple as a few clicks on your computer, or taps on your mobile phone with peer-to-peer (P2P) lending.

P2P lending is a relatively new concept here in the Philippines, but across the globe it has changed how people approach lending. Last May, a new P2P lending platform called MoneyMatch was introduced in the country, making borrowing or lending money more accessible to more Filipinos.

MoneyMatch is an online P2P lending platform developed by FinTech Global Inc. The platform is designed to benefit both lenders and borrowers, and eliminates physical boundaries in helping them achieve their financial goals. It serves as a convenient and secure marketplace allows both parties to maximize their financial potential.

“MoneyMatch makes lending and borrowing easier and much more convenient. People will have the power to transact without the dealing with standard financial institutions, such as banks. With P2P lending, the borrower can enjoy much more flexible terms and, lenders are assured that their investment is secure,” Jay S. Bautista, MoneyMatch Managing Director, explained.

This newest online platform gives interested borrowers or lenders the opportunity to expand their financial capabilities in a hassle-free way. With MoneyMatch, people who want to start investing through lending are given a way to safely do so. While borrowers are able to start a business, get a housing loan, or a new car, and pay for their loan at terms that they can afford.

This platform also democratizes financial access for more Filipinos. By making it available through the internet, users need not go to any brick and mortar institution to process their application or avail of a loan. As it all happens online, transactions are made more seamless and efficient. This effort is in line with the goal of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' (BSP) to create a financial system that caters to more sectors of the society.

With innovative solutions, like this service offered by MoneyMatch, a future with more Filipinos using a digital platform for their banking and other financial needs may slowly turn into a reality.

With MoneyMatch, interested borrowers and lenders can join by registering on the MoneyMatch website (www.moneymatch.com.ph). Just fill in the necessary forms and submit the required documents.

For individuals or small and medium enterprises who are applying for a loan, MoneyMatch will notify through email if their loan is approved including detailed instructions on how to claim a loan or deposit a loan.

Borrowers with approved loans can easily withdraw through any PBCom branches. Investors or lenders with a sufficient fund in their account can view loan applications that are up for bidding and choose which loans to fund, and bid on it. Lenders will have the option to bid for more than one loan.

MoneyMatch’s entire process takes only 24-48 hours. It is also very safe with a screening of every applicant before approval.

To know more about it just like MoneyMatch on Facebook by logging into fb.com/moneymatchPH and visit websitewww.moneymatch.com.ph to start accessing credit opportunities and building wealth through investments.

Starbucks Card celebrates four years of rewards with bonus Stars and free handcrafted beverages

Starbucks cardholders are in for a treat this month as the loyalty program celebrates its fourth year in the Philippines. Additional Stars and even  free handcrafted beverages await customers who activate, reload, and purchase with their Starbucks Card.

Starting July 25 to July 27, Starbucks cardholders can earn double Stars with
every purchase of any featured beverage when they pay in full using their Starbucks Card. More Stars await those who load their My Starbucks Rewards account through www.starbucks.ph/card. By just topping up with Php1,500 from July 28 to 30, they'll get three bonus Beverage Stars.

Aside from these exciting promos, Starbucks is also introducing the 2017 Edition Pilipinas Starbucks Card. Its design is inspired by the coffee aroma moving through the air and depicted in graceful patterns and fluid movements like folk dances that symbolize the traditions of Philippine culture. The card is available for an initial consumable load amount of P300, but if you load this exclusive Starbucks Card with at least P1500 from July 28 to July 30, you'll get a free Venti® handcrafted beverage.

”Our culture is very colorful and dynamic, and that’s what we tried to capture with the 2017 Edition Pilipinas Starbucks Card. It reflects one of the cornerstones of Filipino artistry-folk dance. In it we see a connection to the fluidity of the aroma of coffee as it wafts through air. We wanted to capture it into something tangible, that's why we’re bringing you this exclusive Starbucks Card, " Keith Cole, head of marketing for Starbucks Philippines said. 

Over the past four years, Starbucks has provided Filipinos with exclusive cards that marked special occasions, captured the identity of some of our most celebrated cities, and displayed the unique brand Filipino pride.

For more information about the 2017 Edition Pilipinas Starbucks Card and My Starbucks Rewards, visit https://starbucks.ph/sbcar

NEW TRAILER, POSTER OF “THOR: RAGNAROK” REVEALED AT COMIC-CON

The new trailer for Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok has debuted in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con along with a new poster!

Feast your eyes on the new trailer at http://youtu.be/ue80QwXMRHg and see the poster below. Be sure to catch Thor: Ragnarok when it thunders into Philippine cinemas on November 3!

Directed by Taika Waititi from a script by Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost and Stephany Folsom and Eric Pearson, Thor: Ragnarok picks up after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron.

In Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).

The film also stars Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban with Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Hopkins. 

Thor: Ragnarok is distributed by the Walt Disney Company (Philippines). 

Spice up your dinner table with Fresh Options’ Twisted Recipes

Are you looking for ways to spice up your dinner table? Surprise your family with unique, flavorful meals by cooking tried and tested comfort food using unconventional ingredients and flavor combinations.   All you need is a little creativity, an adventurous palate, and fresh and tasty ingredients like Fresh Options meat products to turn ordinary meals into hearty dishes that your family will surely ask you to cook again and again.

Fresh Options, the retail shop of quality meat and meat products manufacturer RDF, has a wide variety of value-added products that can be cooked as great stand-alone meals, or as the key ingredient to sumptuous dishes with a twist.   Fresh Options also carry premium quality meat like dressed chicken, pork and beef, ready-to-heat meals on top of its value-added products.  Its stores located in key cities in Northern Luzon and Metro Manila which is convenient for busy moms and professionals.

To help homemakers and budding home cooks further expand their culinary repertoire, the chefs and food experts from Fresh Options and RDF created several “Twisted Recipes” that will definitely tickle the taste buds.  These “upgraded” recipes include the Adobong Batutay, Bagnet Pinakbet, and Sisig Burger.

So whip out those aprons and get ready to cook these extra special meals with the help of Fresh Options meat and meat products.

Bagnet Pinakbet

Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes   Total time: 50 minutes Serves: 4 

Ingredients: 4 pcs round eggplant, cut into half 2 pcs small bitter melon (ampalaya), cut into wedges ½ bundle string beans (sitaw), cut into 2 inches length 1 pc small sweet potato (kamote), cut into cubes 2 thumbs ginger, thinly sliced. 1 pc large tomato, cut into cubes 1 pc large red onion, cut into cubes 350 ml water 125 ml bagoong isda 1 pack Fresh Options Ilocos bagnet 

Cooking Instructions: 
In a large pan, medium fire, place water and let it boil.  When water starts to boil, add bagoong isda. Cover for 2 minutes.  Add vegetables starting with ginger, sweet potatoes, okra, bitter melon, eggplant, string beans, tomato, and onion.  Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.  Add the cooked sliced Fresh Options Ilocos bagnet.  Simmer for 5 minutes. Serve while hot.  

Tapa Salpicao

Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes Total time: 15 minutes Serves: 4


Ingredients: 
1 pack Fresh Options beef tapa, sliced into strips (or pork tapa) 3 tablespoons oyster sauce 2 medium sized red onions, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 carrot, sliced in medium strips 2 cups broccoli, chopped 5 pcs young corn, sliced 1 medium bell pepper, sliced 1 ½ cups of water 2 tablespoons cooking oil 1 teaspoon powdered black pepper

Cooking Instructions: 
Sauté garlic and onion in oil, add Fresh Options tapa and cook for two (2) minutes or until desired tenderness was met, then oyster sauce and water.  Then add the vegetables, salt and pepper.  Let it simmer for 3 minutes and serve!
 

Adobong Batutay

Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 7 minutes Total time: 17 minutes Serves: 4

Ingredients: 
½ kilo Fresh Options batutay longganisa 2 pcs dried laurel leaves 5 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons vinegar 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1 to 2 cups of water 2 tablespoons cooking oil 2 teaspoons powdered black pepper camote chips (for garnishing) 
Cooking Instructions: 
Sauté garlic and onion in oil, add Fresh Options batutay longganisa and cook for two (2) minutes, then add soy sauce, vinegar, salt, pepper and laurel leaves then add water.  Let it simmer for 5 minutes, top with camote chips and serve!  
 

Sisig Burger

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 3


Ingredients:

1 pack Fresh Options Ulam Mismo! Sisig (Pork, Chicken or Chick N'Pork)
2 medium sized onions, finely chopped
10 tablespoons flour
1 tomato, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 cucumber, sliced
3 eggs
2 potato, sliced into strips
5 tablespoons oil
garlic mayo dip
burger buns

Cooking Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix in the Fresh Options Ulam Mismo! sisig, eggs, onions and flour. Mold the patty into round shape (or preferred shapes) and fry the patty until golden brown. Create your burger and mix in all the vegetables and serve! 

Sinigang na Bagnet

Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Total time: 50 minutes Serves: 4


Ingredients: 
1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 medium red onion 1 teaspoon rock salt 1 pack Fresh Options Ilocos bagnet, cut into big cubes 4 pcs tomatoes, cut into four 1.3 liters water, more if needed ¼ kg fresh tamarind or 1 pack of sinigang powder mixture ¼ kg string beans, cut into 2 inches length 1 bunch kangkong Leaves 1 pc small radish, sliced 3 pcs green chili 5 pcs okra, cut into half

Cooking Instructions: 
In a medium pot, sauté onion with oil until it becomes translucent.  Season it with rock salt.  Add tomatoes and Fresh Options Ilocos bagnet.  Pour water and fresh tamarind.  Cover and let it boil for 20 minutes or until tamarind softens.  Strain and extract the juice from the tamarind. Add the extracted tamarind juice in the pot.  Continue simmering for another 10 minutes.  Add the string beans, okra, radish and green chili.  Cook until vegetables are tender. Turn off the heat, then add the kangkong leaves.  Serve while hot. 


 
Visit http://freshoptionsmeatshop.com/ or like their Facebook Fanpage https://www.facebook.com/FreshOptions/ 

Discover Viet Nam’s finest products at the Viet Nam Trade Fair, Robinsons Place Manila

Discover Viet Nam’s finest products at the Viet Nam Trade Fair, to be held at the Atrium of Robinsons Place Manila on July 26 to July 28, 2017, and the Viet Nam Goods Days at Robinsons Supermarket in Robinsons Place from July 26 to 30.

Organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam, co-presented by JG Summit Holdings, Inc., and in cooperation with the Embassy of Viet Nam to the Philippines, the three-day event will showcase an array of food, handicrafts, garments and other consumer products that exhibit the beauty and culture of Viet Nam.

“The government of Viet Nam is proud and delighted to bring to the Filipinos the best of the best Vietnamese products and goods ever assembled under one roof,” said Mr. Dang Hoang Hai, Director General European Market Department, Ministry of Trade and Industry of Viet Nam. The Ministry is leading this trade mission to Manila to promote bilateral trade relation between Viet Nam and the Philippines.

“We are privileged to partner with a respected conglomerate in JG Summit Holdings whose deep knowledge of the local market should help Viet Nam businesses get a better understanding and foothold of the dynamic Philippine market. Through these activities we connect Viet Nam businesses with Philippine conglomerate for highest mutual benefits,” said Mr. Hai.

At the Viet Nam Trade Fair, visitors can experience traditional Vietnamese fare with food and beverage selections from Dakmark Foods Corporation, Thien Loc Communication Joint Stock Company, Vinaquality Corporation, and Vina Gourmet Ville, The Saigon Food Corp.

Guests can also marvel in a wide selection of handicrafts, garments from Phuong Ha JSC, Tiger Lily Vietnam Company, Ltd., and Quang Vinh Company, Ltd. Beful Vietnam Trading Company, Ltd.

Consumer goods such as detergents and dishwashing liquid, cosmetics by Lan Phuong, Ltd. Corporation will also be available at the fair.

In order to introduce the authentication of Vietnamese cuisine to the Philippine consumers, the Embassy of Viet Nam to the Philippine will bring three chefs from Ha Noi, the Capital of Viet Nam to showcase the authentic Hanoian “Pho” - rice noodles, spring rolls at the three-day trade fair.

Robinsons Supermarket’s Viet Nam Goods Days will highlight a special display featuring Vietnamese products like biscuits, beverages, noodles and condiments.

Lance Y. Gokongwei, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of JG Summit Holdings Inc., said the Gokongwei conglomerate is honored to have been chosen as co-presenter of this Viet Nam Trade Fair as events like these offer a good opportunity for the conglomerate to collaborate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade in helping promote Vietnamese products in the country.

 “We recognize the immense potential of Vietnamese products and goods in the local market and holding this activity helps contribute in enhancing bilateral trade cooperation between the Philippines and Vietnam,” Mr. Gokongwei said.

“Hosting this is also our modest way of showing our deep gratitude to the Vietnamese government and people for having been good hosts that they have been for many years now to our business operations in the exciting Vietnam market,” he added. 

The Gokongwei conglomerate is one of the most diversified business groups in the country with interests in food and beverage manufacturing, retail, property development, airline, banking and petrochemicals.

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover great finds. Visit the Viet Nam Trade Fair and Viet Nam Goods Days for a chance to sample the best goods from Viet Nam.

Make your events extra special and enjoyable with Villa Del Conte Ovicinis

Make any occasion fun and vibrant with Villa Del Conte Ovicinis. Whether you’re celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or just want to perk up your day, Villa Del Conte’s Ovicinis will absolutely make them more fun and vibrant! These delicious, candy-coated dark chocolates from Padova, Italy are filled with premium hazelnut cream, promising a crunchy bite with a luscious finish.

These little artisanal and pastel treats will definitely make your events extra special and enjoyable.

These yummy and colorful Ovicinis are available at all Villa Del Conte stores in Greenbelt 5, Century City Mall, Shangri-la Mall, Resorts World, SM Megamall, and Robinsons Magnolia. 

For bulk orders and to know more, contact 893-2575 or 621-6101, or follow Villa Del Conte on Facebook @VillaDelContePh and Twitter @villadelconte, and their new Instagram account @VillaDelContePh, or visit www.villadelcontecioccolato.com.

THE ONE Philippines Humanitarian Award launches its search for the unsung heroes

Did you know that among the estimated 10 million Filipinos working abroad, a significant number of these migrant workers are subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor? This was according to the Trafficking in Persons Report 2016 created by the US Department of State which cites the Philippines as a destination and transit country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor.

Traffickers, typically in partnership with small local networks, engage in unscrupulous recruitment practices that leave migrant workers vulnerable to trafficking, such as charging excessive fees and confiscating identity documents. Traffickers use email and social media to fraudulently recruit Filipinos for overseas work. Illicit recruiters use student, intern, and exchange program visas to circumvent the Philippine government and destination countries’ regulatory frameworks for foreign workers.

Many victims experience physical and sexual abuse, threats, inhumane living conditions, non-payment of salaries, and withholding of travel and identity documents. Its hard to accept that this reality now used to be how our parents used to scare us whenever we would disobey them.

I'm sure my older readers could relate to how our parents and grandparents would tell us not to go out of the house often because there was a man who would kidnap small children, place them inside his sack and sell them to strangers.But when news broke out that children were indeed being kidnapped and being sold for their organs or even as sex slaves, here and abroad, what used to be just scare tactics became all too real and made parents even nervous.

What's even scarier nowadays, is that sometimes its even relatives and parents of these young kids that subject them to these kinds of abuse for profit using these kids for cybersex shows which apparently attract a lot of foreign clients. 

Remember the Australian who got caught operating a sex den or that man Arraz who was convicted recently for making young girls as sex slaves?Women and children from indigenous families and remote areas of the Philippines are most vulnerable to sex trafficking and some are vulnerable to domestic servitude and other forms of forced labor.  

Cecilia Oebanda-Flores

So I was really moved by the stories shared by Cecilia Oebanda-Flores, founder and president of the Visayan Forum Foundation.    Since she put up the foundation,  Cecilia has helped more than 12,000 people escape the horrors of human trafficking. 

 “I decided to establish the forum because I wanted to continue fighting against injustice in the Philippines. I carried on with the vision and hope of giving women the opportunity to regain their life back. It has become my motivation in every rescue work we do. The rehabilitation and restoration of survivors is my driving force. We want abused sex workers to rediscover their life with a rekindled heart to dream again,” she said in one of her interviews.

For her efforts, Cecilia has received numerous awards and recognition, one of which is being one of the five finalists for the THE ONE Humanitarian award in 2012.Conceptualized and founded by David Harilela, a successful businessman and a past district governor of Rotary in Hong Kong, THE ONE has been recognizing and awarding these heroes since 2012.

This year, the respected award giving body has established THE ONE PHILIPPINES (TOP) Humanitarian Award (TOP), in the hopes of finding more people like Cecilia who work tirelessly everyday in serving her fellowmen.


The One Humanitarian Award, is launching its search for unsung heroes in the Philippines who are doing good for and within the community.


By recognizing these unsung heroes, TOP aims to further their good work with a monetary reward, at the same time boosting the spirit and morale of Philippine residents to serve and to encourage more selfless good work. This is in line with the Rotary motto of "Service above Self”.

“Every day we wake up to a world of news accentuating violence, pain and suffering. We need to draw our attention to the goodness of mankind that exists in the world. THE ONE was created with the intention to find and empower an individual who is the epitome of the compassion and selflessness that lives within us all,” says Harirela.

“TOP is looking for the next Mother Theresa, those individuals who give their lives, who work everyday to help and serve their fellowmen. A Hero. A Healer, An Angel. THE ONE will be called many names, but most of all THE ONE will inspire all of us and stand as a shining example for all to aspire to be.” Harirela told reporters at the launch event held last week at the Happy Garden Café in Makati.

The search will commence in August 2017 and end in January 2018. The Gala Awards Night is scheduled in May or June 2018, the special evening dedicated to amazing men and women one of whom will be the first TOP.

The winner of the first TOP will receive Php 1,500,000.00 and a trophy. 

He or she will also automatically represent the Philippines in THE ONE International Awards and get a chance to win again. ‘Two runners-up will also be chosen and each will receive Php500,000.00. The award money must be used to further the winners’ humanitarian cause and service projects.Furthermore, TOP will donate, in the name of the nominator who nominates the winner, Php 150,000.00 to a Philippine Government-approved charitable organization or a Rotary club in the Philippines designated by this nominator.