World Vision ensures a bright future for the most vulnerable children thru Give Hope campaign

Months have passed since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and it is still a great risk to a lot of lives today. But even though children have not been significantly affected by the virus, they continue to be extremely vulnerable to the negative impacts. 

Last May 2020, World Vision conducted a rapid assessment and the study revealed that 92% of the household respondents’ livelihoods were disrupted, with the daily or casual laborers as those severely affected. This resulted to 60%-68% of the households being unable to meet their family’s daily requirements to survive.

The assessment showed that food security has worsened during the pandemic as the average food spending was further reduced from Php 1,797.06 to Php1,184.82. This shows the importance of immediate planning and implementation of projects/ activities that will cater to our kababayans in need. 

Would Vision launched “Give Hope” campaign last June to appeal for school kits for the children in its assisted communities. Spearheaded by World Vision Ambassadors Joyce Pring and Leia Valenciano, the goal of the campaign was to make continued learning possible for the children despite the interruption of classes in the formal education setting brought about by the pandemic.  

Through initiatives like “Give Hope”, World Vision continues to advocate the welfare of the most vulnerable children as among the priorities today. The organization invites its constituents and the public to keep on engaging in opportunities that will not only spark hope but change the lives of more children and their communities. 

Through the generous support of its individual donors and corporate partners, 14,549 children from World Vision assisted communities have received school kits in time for the opening of the school year. The contents of each school kit are appropriate to the grade level of the children. 

“On behalf of the thousands of children who received their school kits, thank you very much. This noble endeavor is a strong reminder that no matter what the situation is, hope that is found in the Lord will find its way to our hearts and minds, and ultimately allow us to enjoy helping one another. God bless you a hundredfold”, said World Vision National Director Rommel Fuerte. 

World Vision would like to acknowledge the generosity of its corporate partner, Robinsons Supermarket Corporation, for sponsoring 400 school kits. The organization would also like to recognize all the individual donors who contributed so that thousands of children today are inspired to keep pursuing their dreams and live life to the full. 

For updates, like and follow World Vision Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Or visit their official website : www.worldvision.org.ph 

You can now get your favorite URC goodies through Zalora !

There's another convenient way to shop for your favorite Universal Robina Corporation (URC) products. Great Taste, Nissin, Swiss Miss, Dewberry, and more URC products are now available through Zalora !  

With just a few clicks, everyone can have their snack-time companions like Piattos, V-cut, C2, Vitasoy, and other URC snacks, candies, chocolates, and beverages delivered straight to their homes. They even have the option to pay cash on delivery or use debit/credit cards. 

Start shopping URC products by downloading the Zalora app or visiting Zalora's website at www.zalora.com.ph  

To learn more about URC products, please visit their website (www.urc.com.ph) or visit their Facebook page (facebook.com/urcphilippines).    

Are You Ready To Be Quarantined ? Watch QUARANTHINGS : The Series

Have you noticed the popularity of BL series lately ? If not, you might be living under a rock. BL or Boys' Love series are basically about two good-looking boys who, under varying circumstances develop an attraction towards each other, eventually falling in love with one another. Apparently, they've been around since the 70s in Japan, where they were created for younger female audiences, particularly in comics or manga. In the 90s, the fanbase expanded across Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines. Recently other countries followed suit, and stories were developed into tv shows causing an explosion of BL dramas around the world, especially in Asia.

Ride Or Die Initiative, a digital short film studio, has just released its own Pinoy BL drama - QUARANTHINGS : The Series. It's about two young boys who were left behind by their other roommates in an apartment because of the community quarantine. Starring Cinemalaya 2019 break-out star Royce Cabrera (who top-billed the homoerotic film F#*@BOIS together with Kokoy De Santos), and YouTube star Kyo Quijano who has more than 1.80M subscribers on his YT channel.    

After making waves in the 2019 Cinemalaya entry F#*@BOIS and appearing in the ABS-CBN primetime drama series A Soldier’s Heart, Royce Cabrera plays Rocky, the mysterious boarding house resident with a seemingly tough exterior. Playing opposite Cabrera is Kyo Quijano in his first lead role after a trending Omegle-based web series of his own creation called #TeamMhine and a much talked about cameo in the 2019 MMFF entry 3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon. 

Joining them are veteran actress and Philippine Cinema icon Gina Pareño, Jan Silverio and Karl Zarate. Pareño plays Judah’s grandmother who raised him and his siblings while his mother worked as a doctor overseas. Silverio plays the role of Glenn, Judah’s former fling who has always had romantic feelings for him. While Zarate plays the role of Judah’s loud and ever supportive best friend, aptly named Beshie.

Director Pancho Maniquis, who has written  digital short films like Unspoken Rules, Bakit Ka Single? and Bakit Ka Nag-Stay?, makes his directorial debut for the series. Teaming up with him as writer is best-selling author, as well as writer and director of the hit 2019 film Cuddle Weather Rod Marmol.  

Quaranthings: The Series is now available every Friday, 10pm on Ride or Die’s Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/RODInitiative) and YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/RideOrDieInitiative)  starting September 5, 2020 at 10:00PM.   

Eastern Communications celebrates National Heroes Day with City of Manila

 PRESS RELEASE

For more than a century, Eastern Communications, one of the country’s premier telecommunications companies, has been part of nation building fighting alongside Filipinos for stronger tomorrow by providing world-class services. 

Now that the country is facing yet another challenging situation due to the pandemic, Eastern Communications continues its mission of empowering Filipinos by jumpstarting in the country’s capital city.  

With Manila celebrating the National Heroes Day through unveiling of murals in honor of then and today’s heroes in its newly refurbished Lagunislad underpass, Eastern Communications amplifies its strong partnership with the local government by showcasing its mural in the area – a visualization of its strong connections that stand the test of time.  

Driven by their High Tech and High Touch promise, Eastern Communications also rolled out initiatives that elevate the internet experience of every Manileño in time of pandemic.

Together with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Eastern Communications recently unveiled 34 units of “MNLKonek” digital kiosks along España Boulevard in Manila. These fiber-powered kiosks allow the public to do local phone calls, charge their phones, call emergency hotlines, and browse the internet for free. 

Likewise, Eastern Communications introduced to Manila its Eastern Home service to address the growing demand for home internet connection as more employees shift to working from home. It provides a burstable high-speed and non-intermittent residential internet service with equal upload and download speed of up to 100 mbps. 

“Eastern Communications is one with the city of Manila in providing quality internet experience to its constituents, and we are grateful that they are allowing us to be part of its efforts in the beautification of the capital city. We hope that through these initiatives, we are able to uplift the lives of every Manileño at this trying time,” shared Eastern Communications Head of Marketing Jedrek Estanislao.

To learn more about Eastern Communications, visit eastern.com.ph. 

Bugoy Drilon sings about Impossible Love

What do you do in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic ? Stay safe and healthy ! But Bugoy Drilon did something more. He got creative ! The R&B sensation and OPM hitmaker just came out with a brand new collaborative song - "Impossible Love". It tells about longing and caring for that special someone despite the long distance between the two of you. It speaks of the various challenges that lovers encounter like physical distance, cultural differences, romantic conflicts, etc. It also has a timely message for lovers during these uncertain times. Bugoy and his team from the U.S. had written, produced, and recorded this song during this massive lockdown. 

In a zoom meeting with a group of writers/bloggers, Bugoy talked about what he's been doing these past five months when we were told to stay at home. He's trying to connect with family and friends through social media and the internet. He's looking at some investments, and he's writing songs. Talking to him during the zoom meeting felt like he was talking casually with friends at the comfort of his home. When asked what's the first thing he would do and first place he would visit after this pandemic is over, he said he would love to travel and visit his family in the province (Camarines Sur). After the Q & A with the writers, Bugoy gave a live rendition of his latest song "Impossible Love". To his credit, Bugoy sounded like a foreign R&B artist. No wonder that real foreigners are always awe-stricken on their reaction videos on YouTube. 

"Impossible Love" was released last July 31 on Spotify, Deezer, and Apple Music.    

Impossible Love - Bugoy Drilon

Written by Bugoy Drilon and Forrest Savant

Produced with The Mango Room 

World Vision invites you to join its 1st Virtual Run for Children

World Vision in the Philippines has recently launched its 1st Virtual Run for Children. The goal of this event is to promote fitness and health during the community quarantine in the
country while raising funds for the benefit of World Vision’s most vulnerable children and
communities.

Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, marginalized Filipino families especially children are the ones most affected. Their basic needs such as food, hygiene, and education
are all compromised. By mounting a virtual run, World Vision aims to contribute in addressing these problems. Participants are encouraged to run for a cause that will reach communities all over the Philippines without them having to leave their homes.

"World Vision is excited for its first-ever virtual run for children. It is our prayer that friends and families will be refreshed as they continue supporting the most vulnerable children. In these trying times, we hope that this will also provide them with an enjoyable, safe and
healthy way to somehow reconnect in a virtual manner," World Vision National Director Rommel Fuerte said.

At the forefront of this event are child advocates and World Vision’s celebrity ambassadors Enzo Pineda, Gelli Victor, and Gretchen Ho.

“I’m supporting The World Vision Virtual Run because fitness/health, education, and children are advocacies close to my heart. These are essential areas that we consistently need to focus on for a better future. Our children are the future and we need to empower
them now more than ever,” Enzo Pineda shared.

“It will be a while before we can all experience fun runs that we are used to but with this virtual run, you will have a semblance of it. This is the first virtual run for a cause. You will be
accountable for your own performance by tracking your own distance and speed and you
still get a medal after,” Gelli Victor said.

“If you are running to stay fit whether on a treadmill or on the road, why not help children out while you are at it?” I’m so excited because I’ve been looking for a motivation to work out. This is perfect for me because then I’d have reason to go and run!! I’ve been used to preparing for races and having goals for my workouts. This gives me that. Plus, when I feel low, I’ll just think of the kids and it’ll give me an extra boost!” Gretchen Ho stated.

Interested participants just need to sign up by selecting the advocacy they wish to support, whether Education or Health & Nutrition, and their preferred mileage, either 21K, 50K,
100K, or 200K. Then, run anytime and anywhere between June 15 to July 31, 2020. Once they have reached the goal, they can get a limited-edition World Vision Virtual Run for
Children Finisher Shirt and a Finisher Medal.

The participants can walk or run whether indoors or outdoors and use running or steps app to monitor the distance, also making sure that they follow the community quarantine
regulations in their area.

To make this virtual run even more interesting, World Vision is challenging participants to step up their game by inviting family and friends to donate to their chosen advocacy. For this challenge, the runners will sign up on “Joy to Give” by visiting
joytogive.worldvision.org.ph, choose a target number of back-to-school kits if they are from Team Education or family sanitation kits if they are from Team Health & Nutrition, and
fundraise with their friends and family as they complete their run! Participants of “World Vision’s Virtual Run for Children” will be the first to have access to “Joy to Give”, World
Vision’s own crowdfunding platform launching this June.

The fees are ranging from Php 1,050.00 to Php 1,650.00 and it’s inclusive of a shirt, medal, and an e-certificate. A portion of the proceeds will contribute to World Vision’s projects for Education and Health & Nutrition.

“We are appealing to everyone who can help and join us. Let us Run for Children!” Mr. Fuerte added.
To register for the World Vision Virtual Run for Children, please visit
www.takbo.ph/vr/worldvisionrun2020. For more updates on the event, like and follow World Vision Run on Facebook,
www.facebook.com/worldvisionrun.

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to
working with children, their families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race,
ethnicity or gender.

"Ngayon, Ako Naman Ma” video brings us all the feels this Mother’s Day

Press Release
This true-to-life story reminds us of a mother’s unconditional love This Mother’s Day, let us spread forth the spirit of gratitude, of love and affection, towards the most
extraordinary woman in our life—our mothers. And these days, as we find ourselves in extraordinarily
difficult times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, this gesture has become all the more relevant
and timely. These days, families and loved ones are unfortunately brought apart by social distancing,
with some having family members who are healthworkers at the forefront of the fight against the health crisis.

This Mother's Day, "Ngayon, Ako Naman Ma" depicts a heart-tugging story based on true events that
ultimately hits home. Seemingly apart and connected only through regular video chats, the narrative unfolds with Mark constantly ringing up his mom, Maribeth Santos, to seek advice and tips on such mundane chores as cooking, doing the laundry, cleaning the toilet, and even going to the grocery.

 The story then transitions to how Mark now tries to cheer-up his mom, this time showing it’s his turn to
teach her new tricks such as Zumba dancing, using cute chat filters, facial sessions, and other fun activities that go a long way in alleviating her loneliness and boredom.

In the end, the video subtlety
reveals that Maribeth, who is only in the next room, is in fact a medical frontliner who has had to go into
mandatory quarantine.

This special video, which can be viewed on PLDT Home’s Youtube channel and official Facebook page, is
at turns humorous, touching, and a poignant and fitting tribute to the unconditional love and sacrifice
that our mothers give. “Tinuruan mo kaming magmahal,” the ending titles read. “Ngayon ako naman, Ma.” It brings forth the moving message that it’s now our turn to express our love and care, and that even with the distance that has to be kept these days, PLDT Home allows for stronger connections than ever before.

As we find ourselves in these extraordinary times that prevent us from celebrating Mother’s Day
physically and together, this video shows how technology allows us to reach out, to connect, and to
continue express our love to our mothers.

This video reminds us that it’s now is the time for us to give back and show how much we truly appreciate everything our mothers have done for us through the years.
To view the video, click on this link :
https://youtu.be/jwOkd5Jlbbs  #AkoNamanMa