Excellence thrives where it is practiced consistently. Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country—recently honored three outstanding employees with this year’s Gold Crown Awards. This recognition is awarded to employees for demonstrating professional dedication in line with PCPPI’s ICARE Values, which stands for Integrity and Innovation, Care and Respect, Empowerment and Excellence.
The three awardees for this year are (in photo, from left to right) Faith Marie M. Zacal of from PCPPI’s Cagayan De Oro plant, Lucky J. Mallari from the Central Luzon Operations (CLO) and Jona Marie S. Rollan from the Davao manufacturing facility.
Of the awardees, PCPPI president and chief executive officer Frederick D. Ong said, “Our people remain at the core of what makes us proud to be part of PCPPI. The Gold Crown Awards allow us as one team to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of our employees.” He added, “Jona, Lucky, and Faith are among the many brilliant team members who exemplify how true PCPPI Bravehearts are. We look forward to nurturing more inspiring professionals in the future.”
For more information about PCPPI and the organization’s ICARE values, please visit pepsiphilippines.com.
Looking to build your art collection on a budget? Don’t miss this chance as the annual Art in the Park, famed for being the most anticipated affordable art fair in the country, returns outdoors on March 19, at Jaime Velazquez Park, Makati City to mark its 17th year of celebrating and championing Filipino artistry.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) once again teamed up with Art in the Park 2023 to offer flexible payment options for fairgoers with BPI Cards when they shop for art at the exhibit-sale, which runs for one whole day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“BPI has been supporting Art in the Park for continuously uplifting the vibrant Filipino art scene and for providing a platform for our valuable contributors of art whose works truly merit more support and respect. It also makes art accessible to Filipinos, helping them learn more about art and Filipino artists,” said Jenny Lacerna, BPI Product and Sales Head for Unsecured Lending and Cards.
For this year’s edition, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will be showcasing and selling an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists.
One of the galleries that will be participating is Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits.
“Art Cube Gallery has been a backbone of the Philippine contemporary art scene since it was established in 2012 for helping Filipino artists get their well-deserved spotlight,” said Lacerna.
The said Gallery provides a platform for talented young artists to showcase their works before an extensive roster of art collectors, as well as help promote the careers of seasoned artists by giving art aficionados a broad access to their work in international art exhibitions. The gallery has so far mounted over 100 art exhibitions here and abroad involving award-winning and seasoned artists, as well as promising young painters and sculptors.
Francis Eugene E. Andrade, also known as Isko Andrade, is a young artist based in Bulacan who has been known for sharing his stories through his artworks that evoke a sense of nostalgia. He received several awards and citations such as Shell National Student Art Competition and Metrobank Art Design Excellence Competition. He is a graduate of fine arts with a major in visual communication at Bulacan State University.
For his show titled Intersections II, Andrade uses knots as his art subject to depict his own impression of ‘persevering’ by utilizing oil paint on canvas.
Lacerna said art as an asset remains an auspicious investment as it tends to hold its value over time in contrast with other asset classes whose value has the propensity to decline sharply when the market crashes.
“What’s really enticing about collecting and investing in art is that aside from having a potential lucrative return in the long-term, they can also make stunning display pieces at home,” she said.
BPI Cardholders can enjoy an exclusive Real 0% Special Installment Plan for up to 6 months and buy now pay 3 months later using their BPI credit cards.
Organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc. and supported by BPI, Art in the Park will continue to benefit the Museum Foundation of the Philippines in support of its projects and programs for the National Museum of the Philippines and its network.
One of the galleries that will be participating in Art in the Park 2023 is Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits. For this year’s art fair, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will be showcasing and selling an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists
The Sustainable Access Solution Fund will pilot innovative technologies for water-stressed and climate-impacted communities
The Coca-Cola Foundation and Imagine H2O, a global nonprofit that accelerates and deploys new water innovations, have partnered to scale entrepreneurial solutions for the global water crisis. The Sustainable Access Solution Fund (“Solution Fund”) unlocks targeted grants and technical support to help communities pilot and adopt innovation, doubling Imagine H2O’s annual pilot funding budget this year.
As one third of the world’s inhabitants still lack access to safe drinking water, innovative technologies are emerging that can help boost water supply, mitigate pollution and strengthen climate resilience. However, widespread risk aversion and financial constraints prevent utilities, businesses and other end-users from testing and validating these solutions.
The Solution Fund creates opportunities for innovators and their customers to overcome these barriers, building on Imagine H2O’s ongoing pilot initiatives supported by philanthropic and public sector partners including OceanKind, 11th Hour Racing, Enterprise Singapore, World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
Since 2018, Imagine H2O has awarded $1.9 million for 69 pilots. This support has triggered up to seven times in matching or follow-on funding from other partners. Beyond financial support, the Solution Fund utilizes Imagine H2O’s global startup accelerator programs and in-country networks to mentor entrepreneurs as they design, execute, and monitor the impact of these projects. Awards will be recycled back to the Solution Fund when pilots succeed.
“This partnership marks another milestone in The Coca-Cola Foundation’s commitment to accelerate progress towards the UN SDGs – all 17 of which will be affected by how our water resources are used, treated and managed in the future,” said Saadia Madsbjerg, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation. “By partnering with Imagine H2O, we want to not only showcase what is possible for water innovation, we also want to tackle the underlying obstacles preventing the faster uptake and scaling of these promising solutions.”
The Solution Fund will source solutions that not only directly enable access to safe drinking water, but also help communities restore or sustain water resources threatened by climate change or environmental degradation. From biosensors for rapid contamination detection to rural water supply monitoring systems, a diverse range of technologies will be vetted from across Imagine H2O’s network of 175 startups.
“From Johannesburg to Jakarta, the appetite to leapfrog conventional water management approaches is growing,” said Imagine H2O’s President Scott Bryan. “With The Coca-Cola Foundation, we will help underserved communities around the world embrace new technologies by providing dedicated funding and insight to entrepreneurs, local water providers and government partners.”
Learn more about how you can support the Sustainable Access Solution Fund here.
An Imagine H2O entrepreneur installs a decentralized wastewater treatment system in Hyderabad, India
About The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where our employees live and work. We support transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and that leave a measurable and lasting impact. Our giving is focused on sustainable access to safe water, climate resilience and disaster risk preparedness and response, circular economy, economic empowerment, and causes impacting our hometown community. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded grants of over $1.5 billion in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.
About Imagine H2O
Imagine H2O is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for entrepreneurs building transformative solutions for the future of water. The organization’s water innovation programs provide startups with the resources, insight, and visibility to launch and scale water solutions. By partnering with industry and policy experts and a global network of customers and investors, Imagine H2O has become a proven path to market for emerging water technology businesses. Since 2009, Imagine H2O has supported 175 startups who have deployed their solutions in 50+ countries and have raised more than $850M in investment.
“What makes you wake up early in the morning?” asks veterinarian Dr. Nielsen Donato while strolling through his animal sanctuary. “It’s not work. It’s something that you’re excited about.”
When people think of veterinarians, they usually think of them tending to household pets, like cats and dogs. But Doc Nielsen isn’t a regular vet. He’s the managing partner and chief surgeon at Vets In Practice (VIP), which caters to not-your-usual pets, and he also has a background in Avian and Exotic Medicine.
But what makes him so special is his unbridled care for virtually any kind of animal, be it crawling, flying, galloping, or slithering.
Doc Nielsen’s passion started when he was around three years old. One of his favorite childhood memories was being excited about going to church just so he could see the yellow chicks and ducklings being sold by vendors outside.
Today, Doc Nielsen helps run the Laguna Wildlife Park & Rescue Center, which sits within his family’s property in Pansol. This non-profit organization houses around 100 species of farm animals and wildlife, including domestic and neglected pets, as well as exotic animals that were rescued from illegal sellers and dangerous living conditions. The wildlife park has everything from chickens and goats to monkeys and a serval cat, which he tends to with the help of his staff. It’s also backed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which assists in acquiring and transporting animals to the park.
The veterinarian calls the park his “happy place,” which he visits as early as 5 am to see all of the animals and listen to the different sounds that envelope the whole park. “When I’m walking here in the morning or afternoon, it relaxes me. Nalilimutan ko yung mga stress, that’s why I call it my ‘haven,’” says Doc Nielsen.
Compassion project
“We support the animals with our own resources,” Doc Nielsen says as he shows the many enclosures in the park that the animals call home. He also provides them with nutritious food and medicine to keep them healthy while they’re living in the park.
He doesn’t do this alone. Apart from the staff he works with, Doc Nielsen’s family also helps. His kids, Cedric and Nina, are studying veterinary medicine, so they’re well on their way to following in their dad’s footsteps.
Giving animals a second chance
While giving a tour of the park, Doc Nielsen stops to feed and pet the animals he passes by. One of them is a bearcat (binturong), a nocturnal mammal with cat-like features that’s endemic to Palawan. Doc Nielsen explains that the bearcats were transported to the park with the help of DENR, and they are raised until they’re ready to be released back into the wild.
“I promised that if I ever breed any endemic wildlife animal in the park, my goal is to help repopulate their species and bring them back to their natural habitat,” he says. He also takes time to assess animals who might need medical attention and treat them right away to prevent infections.
It’s not always easy for Doc Nielsen to let go of animals, especially those that have been used to being around humans. Many of the monkeys, for example, lived in crowded areas and were treated as pets in their past lives. Releasing them back into the wild would be a safety risk for them because a troop of wild monkeys might hurt them.
This is why he and his staff ensure that animals like these get the care they need so they can live a long and healthy life. The wildlife sanctuary is their safe haven until they are ready to be released in a protected space.
Whether it’s at his clinic in the city or the wildlife park in Laguna, Doc Nielsen is always ready to offer his expertise and care to all types of species, no matter how scary they may seem.
“I always dreamed of being someone like [British veterinary surgeon] James Harriot. I’ve always wanted to treat dogs and cats, and farm animals as big as horses, goats, and sheep,” he said. “There weren’t exotic animals to treat yet [when I was just starting out.] Now, I’m lucky because I get to treat more exotic animals, as well as farm animals, in my clinic and the park.”
Doc Nielsen demonstrates how to bathe a Bayawak, with his resident monitor lizard, Bruce.On full display: Drake the Peacock struts around his pen.Zuma the Albino Burmese python and Doc Nielsen pose for the camera.Best Friends Forever: Doc Nielsen and Kulit.Feeding time: Violet, a rescued tortoise, snacks on papaya.
Dr. Nielsen Donato in his wildlife sanctuary in Laguna: “I’m lucky because I get to treat more exotic animals, as well as farm animals, in my clinic and the park.”
BGC branch is Khao Khai’s 7th in Metro Manila, weathering the pandemic
The Thai diner concept Khao Khai “Thai Chicken House”, which introduced the authentic and unbeknown flavors of Northern Thai cuisine in the Philippines, has recently unveiled its new branch located at 2/f Crossroads, Bonifacio Global City.
Seafood Khao Soi, Pork Khao Soi, and Chicken Khao Soi
First opened in Poblacion, Makati in 2019, Khao Khai has expanded into a portfolio of seven branches all through the course of the pandemic – the most challenging years in the restaurant industry.
: Signature Thai Chicken Gai Tod (3pcs)
Owned and operated by Making Fine Group, the same F&B group behind Tiger Sugar, Gram Cafe & Pancakes, and Chunky Boss, its growth is being driven by the warm reception of the local dining crowd to some of the least known flavors of Thailand from Chiang Mai and Isan – one that goes beyond the usual Pad Thai or Green Chicken Curry.
Chicken Krapao Platter
In fact, diners coming to Khao Khai will not find the usual Thai staples on the menu. Instead of Pad Thai, Bagoong Rice, or Tom Yum, they will find Phat Mama, or ramen noodles stir dry; Seafood Khao Soi, a classic and aromatic Northern Thai soup with coconut curry broth, fried egg noodles, shrimps, and squid; Red Beef Curry, which are beef sirloin strips cooked in garlic and red paste with a hint of lime and aromatic Thai lemon grass; and Yaowaraj Fried Rice, or Thai-style chicken fried rice.
Signature Thai Chicken Gai Yang (Large)
At the heart of Khao Khai’s menu is its selection of fried and grilled chicken. Their signature Gai Tod fried chicken is battered and done carefully, ensuring the right moisture in the poultry to achieve the perfect outside crisp and a surprisingly flavorful and juicy meat. Meanwhile, Khao Khai also features a Thai grilled chicken dish called Gai Yang, a popular street food in Isan, marinated for nearly half a day before grilling.
Khao Khai Thai Chicken Gai Tod
Yet the unsung heroes in Khao Khai may not just be the food, but the sauces, many of which the restaurant does from scratch. Sauces are fundamental to Thai cuisine, and a number of dishes served – most importantly the grilled and fried chicken – are paired with two important ones: the Nam Jim Jaew (fish sauce with herbs and spices, prepared at least 8 hours before service) and Nam Jim Kai (homemade sweet chili sauce).
Fried Chicken Krapao
A roll of sides and salad will further parade across the table as diners enjoy many of Khao Khai’s delicacies, including Som Tam and egg salad sauce – allowing guests to appreciate the unique flavors in these parts of Thailand.
Khao Khai BGC Branch Storefront
From Som Tam Platter (hand-cut papaya salad) in the vegetable selection to Mango Sticky Rice as an ending to a great meal, Khao Khai brings not just flavors but also the Thai street experience in every restaurant, evident with design that dons all branches and the aromatic and flavorful smell that makes for a signature dining.
Khao Khai BGC Branch interior
Khao Khai is located in six other branches in Poblacion, Makati; Del Monte Avenue, Quezon City; Mall of Asia; Santolan Town Plaza; SM Manila; and SM Fairview.
Chef at Khao Khai BGC
Deliveries are available via Food Panda and Grab Food.
A brand new HONOR smartphone is set to arrive on March 14, 2023 with a DSLR-like camera and a stunning edgeless display.
MANILA, Philippines – March 7, 2023 – A new member of HONOR’s X Series line-up, the HONOR X8a is a new reliable all-round device available to consumers for a very affordable price that will be unveiled on March 14, 2023. Delivering eXtra upgrades in design, display and photography capabilities, this smartphone is set to meet users’ demand for style and quality.
“As promised to our HONOR fans, we will continuously give the smartest and most affordable solutions to our consumers’ needs. With the new HONOR X8a, users can take more breath-taking photos in high quality with its 100MP Ultra-Clear Camera and enjoy a premium edgeless display,” teased by HONOR Philippines Vice President for Marketing, Stephen Cheng.
Available in three elegant colors; Midnight Black, Titanium Silver, and Cyan Lake, the HONOR X8a will help any users stand out from the crowd. The HONOR X8a boasts a rear 100MP triple camera system, the highest megapixel counts ever on the X Series, to deliver an exceptional photography experience. Paired with the Super Resolution AI technology, the HONOR X8a also enables users to take stunning, high-definition photos with greater ease and convenience than ever before.
To create a stylish look and feel, the HONOR X8a features a flat-edge design with smooth rounded corners. The sharp, clean lines not only add a touch of attitude to the design, but also give the device a comfortable and secure grip, demonstrating a subtle balance between form and function.
HONOR X8a will be officially launched on March 14, 2023 and will be streamed live on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/unwZiJ2N. For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).
Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity at Work. Jollibee Group and Manila LGU officials convened anew for the signing of a new memorandum of agreement that will create employment opportunities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Jollibee-owned stores across Manila City.
MANILA, Philippines. The Jollibee Group recently announced the resumption of its inclusive employment program to hire senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) in Manila after renewing its partnership with the city government of Manila.
The partnership is consistent with Jollibee Group’s commitment to provide equal employment opportunities to different sectors, while promoting and practicing inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.
Jollibee Group will hire 28 senior citizens and 17 PWDs as customer relations staff across the Manila branches of Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King through the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO). Manila PESO will screen and determine qualified candidates before endorsing them to the company. Applicants must also secure a medical clearance from the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, the accredited hospital for this program.
“We started this program in 2019 with the Manila LGU. Working on this program in the past few years have allowed us to see how our elderly and differently abled individuals have appreciated the opportunity find gainful employment. The Jollibee Group continues to support this initiative of the Manila LGU, and we have been very fortunate to have a partner that shares the same desire and passion as the company in looking after the interest of our elderly and PWDs,” said Ruth Angeles, Jollibee Group Vice President and Head for Human Resources-Philippines and Global Organization, Leadership & Culture.
“We look forward to forging more partnerships with other LGUs so we can improve more lives and find reliable staff who can join us in our mission to share the joy of eating with everyone,” Angeles added.
The signing of the new memorandum of agreement held last January 31 was attended by Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, and Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marlon Lacson, as well as officials from Jollibee Group represented by Public Affairs AVP Atty. Raul Academia and Philippine Region Human Resources Director Anna Prado.
Interested applicants can get more information on this employment program from the Manila Department of Social Welfare and the Office of Senior Citizen’s Affairs.
Back in 2019, Jollibee Group was the first restaurant company in the Philippines to partner with the Manila LGU in providing jobs to over a hundred qualified senior citizens and PWDs in the combined 39 branches of Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, and Greenwich in Manila. Besides Manila, Jollibee Group also partnered with the LGUs of Antipolo and Pasay in 2019 to implement the same inclusive employment program.
In partnership with Radyo Kalusugan, Glam and Fab and Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center ‘s The Beauty Mission Dermatological Care, the clinic’s first-ever medical mission, was successfully conducted last February 8, 2023, in Payatas Bistekville 5 Covered Court.
With the objective to provide free basic skin treatment and consultation to those who are financially challenged, GNF and DS made sure to give top of the line services and skin and wellness guidance to everyone in attendance.
Registered nurses and professional aesthetician gives free consultation to residents of Payatas.
“We would like to provide aesthetic services to communities, with further focus on those who may not have access to these services due to financial difficulties,” Ms. Anne Garalde, Branch Owner and Medical Mission Project Manager, said.
This is also said to be a lot different from other medical missions being conducted in communities. “We know that there are a lot of agencies and companies who conduct medical missions already, we want ours to be different and to focus more on problems that are usually not addressed but definitely something to be discussed and cured,” Ms. Krystal Tecson- Garalde, founder of both brands, said in an interview.
Almost 500 individuals participated in the said medical mission. Each of them received free consultation and brought home free products based on the recommendation of the resident nurse and aestheticians to address specific concerns.
Moreover, participants also had sessions on proper skin care and nutrition-related topics to further promote health and wellness in their community.
“We are providing free skin consultation with the help of our professional aestheticians and registered nurses. We are also offering educational sessions on proper skin care and nutrition because we believe that these are critical components of skincare and wellness,” Ms. Anne Garalde added.
The first and definitely not the last
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa Glam and Fab at Dear Self, sa pagpunta po nila sa lugar namin. Kakaibang medical mission po ito, so halos lahat kami dito gusto maexperience, sana po maulit po ulit,” Aling Pinky, one of the event participants, cheerfully responded when asked about her reaction.
Residents of Payatas get professional advise from Glam and Fab x Dear Self
Overall, the event was well-received. Participants were very happy with the personalized attention and care provided by the professionals. Everyone left the medical mission feeling more confident and beautiful which is also one of the objectives of GNF and DS – to uplift everyone’s confidence in themselves through self-care.
“Their participation in this medical mission makes them one notch away from other boutiques and skin clinics,” Mr. Gil Aller, Host of Kalikasan at Kalusugan, Radyo Kalusugan, mentioned in their radio show last February 22, 2023.
Glam and Fab and Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center’s participation in medical missions stems from their belief in the importance of giving back to the community and helping those in need.
They plan to continue participating in medical missions and other community outreach programs in the future.
Glam and Fab and Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center advocate for an affordable healthy skincare routine for all.
