Coca-Cola STAR Program: 1,000 Women Entrepreneurs in Cebu

“The STAR Program in the Philippines is a model program on how Coca-Cola can create a more direct and positive contribution to the development of the communities where we are present.” ~John Murphy, The Coca-Cola Company Asia Pacific Group President

Manila, May 5, 2017 ¬– The economic empowerment program of Coca-Cola Philippines for women micro-entrepreneurs is one of the most responsive and inclusive advocacies in the Asia Pacific region. To date, the Coca-Cola Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program has impacted the lives of more than 80,000 women.

Around 1,000 women micro-entrepreneurs and potential 5by20 STAR Program scholars attended the recently held Coca-Cola Philippines-initiated event at the Severo Duterte National Elementary School, City of Danao, in Cebu. Coca-Cola Philippines launched the STAR Program in 2011, in line with the 5by20 global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company, to economically empower 5 million women within its value chain by 2020. To date, the STAR Program has already impacted the lives of more than 80,000 women in the country.

The STAR Program has expanded to include women in agriculture, distressed and repatriated women overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through the Overseas Workers Welfare Association of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), beneficiaries of the government conditional cash transfer program or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region, women micro-entrepreneurs under the Kapatid Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and GoNegosyo, and women in disaster-stricken areas.

“This year, we are doubling our efforts to bring the STAR Program to more women by partnering with various government agencies and local government units." ~Gilda Maquilan, 5by20 Lead and Sustainability Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines

During a visit to Cebu, Murphy interacted with around 1,000 women micro-entrepreneurs — some of whom are STAR scholars while others are members of the Philippine Association of Store and Carinderia Owners (PASCO). The event enjoined the women in a day of learning, entertainment, and prizes.

Coca-Cola Philippines launched the STAR Program in 2011, in line with the 5by20 global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower 5 million women within its value chain by 2020.

The Coca-Cola 5by20 STAR Program was implemented in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The STAR Program is designed for women micro-entrepreneurs who own and manage sari-sari stores or carinderias. The Program hopes to address the barriers these women face by helping them achieve business success. The STAR Program has three components: access to training, access to resources, and access to peer mentoring.

To date, the STAR Program has 390 accredited facilitators teaching and training women retailers to become better entrepreneurs. The Program is being implemented in over 47 locations nationwide and has reached more than 80,000 women.

Aside from TESDA, partners also include Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, Alay sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI), First Community Cooperative (FICCO), Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, Inc. (NWTF), ASA Philippines, and National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO).

Coca-Cola, with its 19 manufacturing facilities in the Philippines, and over 10,000-strong labor force, is proactive in promoting women empowerment through 5by20.

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About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and more than 3,800 beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our company’s portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands, 18 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options. Our billion-dollar brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No. 1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages.  More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

Allianz PNB Life Backs National Youth Futsal Cup

(Clockwise) Gae Martinez, Allianz PNB Life Chief Marketing Officer; Rei Abrazaldo, Allianz PNB Life Branding Communications and Digital Director; Danny Moran, Henry Moran Foundation President, and Ake Pastoral, Philippine Football Federation National Grassroots Officer.

Allianz PNB Life in cooperation with the Henry Moran Foundation and the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) will be holding the National Youth Futsal Cup on May 6, Saturday, 7am to 5pm, at the University of Asia and the Pacific. 

This is the first year Allianz PNB Life will be sponsoring five male players from the friendly tournament to the AJFC to be held this July in Bali, Indonesia. Two winners out of the five players will be given the chance to represent the Philippines in the global camp this year in Munich, Germany.

The event will mark the beginning of the selection process for the Philippines’ participation to the Allianz Junior Football Camp (AJFC). Allianz, the official partner of FC Bayern Munich, is host to an annual international football camp held in Munich, Germany. The camp gives teenagers (between the ages of 14-16) from across the world a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train with the FC Bayern Munich coaches. 

SUMMER HAIR CARE TIPS FROM NOVUHAIR

Novuhair, nature’s answer to hair loss is composed of 19 Natural ingredients with some of the known medicinal plants such as Ginger, Pennywort and Ginseng blended with natural essences of rosemary and peppermint.

Heading to the beach may be the most exciting part of summer. It is almost always part of the itinerary this season for most people. Others prefer to give in to their adrenaline rush climbing that mountain slope or just about anything that gets you that summer tan to fit in the crowd.

Did you know that spending extended hours under the extreme summer sun can pose serious danger to your hair and scalp? The same UV rays that brings damage to your skin without proper protection can equally hurt your hair and scalp.

Below are some of the problems your hair can encounter during the season:

• Split-Ends - UV rays and extreme high temperature can take their toll on your strands. The heat drains the moisture of your hair out causing breakage. 
• Double Trouble – Rebonded or permed hair needs extra attention as high temperature well as humidity disrupts the cuticle breaking some of the chemical bonds that keep the hair straight or curls and roughing up the cuticle, taking away shine and smoothness.
• Scalp problem – Scalp may also get sun-burned if you don’t use cover-ups for your head.
• Grease problem – Summer sun and humidity can bring extra grease on your hair, leaving it vulnerable to damage.
• Chlorine Stress – Swimming in the pool subjects your hair to chlorine.  The outer layers of the cuticle of the hair opens up when you swim and chlorinated water seeps into the center of the hair thus making your hair more brittle.
• Excessive Salt Water – Salt water can cause the same damage as chlorinated ones. Salt water dries on the hair it creates a high-saline solution which can build up and cause hair to feel dry, weighed down and hard to manage.

All these problem can be addressed by keeping your hair clean and showered after each activities. Take vitamin supplements that benefits you hair such as Vitamin C and Biotin. Getting your hair pampered will also give respite to the sun and chemical abuse. 

Novuhair nourishes the scalp and hair by increasing the flow of nutrients and improving blood circulation to the scalp which is very important after subjecting your hair from all your summer activities.  Novuhair also helps hydrate the scalp, maintain the hair’s natural luster and prevent early hair graying, hair dryness and itching.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural and on Instagram @novuhairofficial. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.

KTM Philippines Paulo Avelino at the Inside RACING Bike Festival

Television and film actor Paulo Avelino and KTM motorcycle fan shared the excitement of KTM Philippines in its first ever participation in the recently-concluded Inside RACING Bike Festival and Trade Show held at the World Trade Center. 

A racing enthusiast, Avelino joined the team behind KTM Philippines in introducing the brand’s impressive line of high-powered motorcycles and the present 200 Duke available at P147K. Recently, Avelino underwent rider training at the renowned California Superbikes School Philippines using the KTM RC390.

LAbor UNION Festival 2017

PHILIPPINES (April 25, 2017) – This summer, AXN and Sony Channel bring all the high energy and excitement in the surfing capital of the north for LAbor UNION Festival 2017 from April 28-30, 2017, a three-day event which features a variety of sports and other fun-filled activities including performances from iconic Filipino artists.

On April 29, take the challenge in the AXN Big Thrill, a beach obstacle course competition to be held on the Kahuna Beach Resort beachfront. 

In a test of agility and speed, participants tackle a series of physical challenges that include the ramp down, half pylon, shaky balance beam, and more! In the qualifying round, the top 10 participants in each division with the best times move on to the final round, where the three male and three female finalists with the best times will be declared the winners.

Registration forms will be available at Kahuna Beach Resort, San Juan Surf Beach Resort, Flotsam and Jetsam Artist Beach Hostel and Surf Shack, La Union.

Later in the day, silent discos are all the craze as this unique musical experience brings partygoers together at San Juan Surf Beach Resort for the Sony Channel Sunset Silent Disco. 

From 4pm to 12mn, dance to the beats of Slow Jam Hip Hop or Chill House music and start enjoying the sunset view while listening to the music mixes of DJs Cam Abecina, Abdel Azis and DJ Badkiss on wireless headphones. 

Get into the groove – where silence meets surreal – and rave about the best party you’ve ever been to!

AXN Big Thrill is brought to you by PayMaya, C2 Cool & Clean, Clear, Andy Cola and 2Go Express. Special thanks to Kettle Corn, Sun Life Go Well, Le Froge, Kit Kat, and Tiger Balm.

Sony Sunset Silent Disco is brought to you by PayMaya, C2 Cool & Clean, and 2Go Express. Special thanks to Kettle Corn, Kit Kat, and Purederm.

AXN Big Thrill and Sony Channel Sunset Silent Disco are happening on April 29 at the LAbor UNION Festival 2017 in San Juan, La Union.

About AXN

AXN is Asia’s leading general entertainment channel featuring exclusive top-rated drama series, blockbuster features, reality programs and ground-breaking original productions. The channel appeals to a discerning audience seeking content that is smart, intriguing and unexpected, all delivered close to U.S telecasts. From The Blacklist and Quantico, to MacGyver and The Amazing Race Asia, AXN is defined not by a genre, but by an attitude that truly redefines action.

Launched first in Asia in 1997, AXN is a global channel brand with a presence in Latin America, Africa and Europe. In Asia, the channel is enjoyed in 126 million households across 19 territories and is available in both SD and HD.

AXN Asia is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and managed by Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, which also operates leading channels including Animax, Sony Channel, ONE and GEM.

About Sony Channel

Sony Channel is the premier destination for female-skewing entertainment with the biggest and best of Hollywood. Designed for the socially connected viewer, Sony Channel features some of the most captivating and talked-about drama, comedy, lifestyle, and reality programs on TV, all airing close to the U.S. telecasts, together with popular feel-good movies.

Fresh, confident and stylish, with a dash of clever wit, Sony Channel is visually stunning with a brand identity that perfectly complements its line-up of high caliber programming. Sony Channel appeals to a female-skewed, male-inclusive audience who loves to escape, engage, and lose themselves in premium content. Viewers are modern, social, stylish, and aspirational.

Sony Channel is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and managed by Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia, which also operates pay-TV channels AXN, Animax, ONE and GEM. 

See www.SonyChannelAsia.com, and join the conversation on www.facebook.com/SonyChannelPH and https://twitter.com/SonyChannelPH for more.

Media Contact:

Trisha Ilarde

Digital Marketing & Communications Manager

AXN Networks Philippines, Inc.

Mobile: +63917 8494742

Email: Trisha_Ilarde@spe.sony.com

Fabson the longest running Solane distributor in Iloilo It’s all in the family

“It’s a family-owned company but we strive to be professionals. And it comes naturally since we grew up working together. It’s an environment that we are used to. Before my dad took over the business, it was like a mom and pop store. There were no retail outlets and there was no formal organizational structure. It was ran sari-sari store style, and we couldn’t grow as much. From handling a network of ten retail outlets, it grew to 20, and now we have around 600 outlets covering the whole area of our network. This kind of business is something you have to immerse in because if you just leave it there, it can grow but you will not appreciate it as much. You have to sacrifice a lot, and you have to know your products very well.” ~Eric Santos, The COO/head of marketing – and son of the owners 

Fabson founder Loreta Santos and head of marketing Eric Santos with ISLA LPG Corp. (ILC) communications manager Marco “Mico” Cruz (leftmost) and account manager Kyle Yulo (rightmost)

They say running a business with family members can be tricky – not only does it blur the line between what’s personal and professional, but it also has the potential to bring out the worst in you and your relatives. 

For the owners of Fabson Inc., a family-owned corporation that distributes Solane LPG in Iloilo City, working with close relatives has brought out the best in each of them. 

Looking at the company’s consistent growth in the past 48 years, it really looks like working with family is something that Fabson employees thrive in. Pioneered by Eric’s aunt as a single proprietorship in April 1968, it was then handed over to their mother, Loreta Santos, who managed to keep the company afloat with her prowess for finance and treasury. However, despite enjoying many years of success as a single proprietorship, they thought it could benefit more if it was turned into a corporation.

Spearheaded by their father, Winston Santos, who is also a former Shell executive, Fabson officially became a corporation in 1994, bringing with it the core value of Shellane (now Solane): “We care.” Under the management of Winston, the company became a more organized entity with different departments in place.  

In addition to Winston re-engineering the company, each member of the family was encouraged to be very hands-on with the business – from knowing the products by heart to studying routes of their delivery trucks. 

Their immersion in the business is part of the reason why the familial relationship extends to their employees. With the “we care” core value, employee retention grew, and each staff members treated as an extension of their family. 

Eric adds that every employee is trained to provide topnotch service to customers, including the 7-point safety check, Hatid Bahay, and 24-hour service. He notes that these after-sales initiatives are factors that help minimize the number of consumers who would buy at independently refilled outlets as they realize that the quality of genuine Solane products and the service they get makes it more cost-efficient in the long run.

Without a doubt, these business practices have made it possible for Fabson to become the longest running Solane distributor in Iloilo.

GAOC expands to Cebu City

With prime location, Cebuano can now have access to the highest standards in dental care with GAOC’s state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled and experienced dental practitioners who have completed their training in top-notch hospitals, universities, and global institutions in the US, Europe, and Asia. The clinic’s signature elegant and inviting ambiance also makes any patient feel welcomed and relaxed.

Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), the leading dental clinic in the Philippines, and one of the best in South East Asia, is expanding its world-class dental services to the Queen City of the South with the opening of its 6th branch at the SM Seaside City Cebu.

Founded by Dr. Steve Mark Gan, GAOC takes pride in its unparalleled excellence in oral care including oral diagnostics, surgical procedures, dental implantology, and jaw reconstruction. His acumen for world-class dental treatments and top-notch customer service has led him to become the choice of celebrities, politicians, diplomats, and socialites. 

For more details, go to www.gaocdental.com or follow GOAC on Facebook: www.facebook.com/gaocdental, Twitter: www.twitter.com/gaocdental, and Instagram: www.instagram.com/gaocdental. Or personally visit GAOC at the 3/F of SM Seaside Cebu or book an appointment at 0917-825-4262.