I Was There When Hope Turned Into Action

Last May 26, I attended something truly inspiring—the Generation HOPE launch at Samsung Hall, SM Aura. And honestly, it gave me a whole new perspective on how simple everyday choices can help solve something as big as our country’s classroom shortage.

It wasn’t just an event—it was a movement. HOPE, the organization behind those bottled waters that help build schools, teamed up with the Department of Education and some of the Philippines’ most loved brands—BDO, Carmen’s Best, Grab, Penshoppe, Aivee Clinic, SM Supermalls, and Sunnies—to launch Generation HOPE.

The mission? To make it easier for people like you and me to help build real classrooms for Filipino kids—just by doing the things we already do every day. Shopping, eating ice cream, ordering online, using rewards points—yes, even those can help now.

What struck me the most was something HOPE Founder Nanette Medved-Po said on stage:

"In a world that’s so divided, let’s come together for something we all believe in: giving kids a better future through education."

And I saw that unity firsthand—government leaders, brand partners, educators, and everyday Filipinos, all standing together for one goal.

Here’s how you can be part of it too:

Use BDO’s new “HOPE in Every Spend” credit card—part of your spending goes directly to building classrooms. 

Try Carmen’s Best Hope in a Scoop and Hope in a Pint (delicious and impactful!).

Donate GrabRewards points through the app.

Grab a limited-edition Aivee x HOPE bag or skin card.

Shop Penshoppe’s HOPE-themed clothes and accessories. 

Buy SM-branded water bottles—part of sales will help fund schools.

Pick up Sunnies’ new HOPE lens kit or flask.

Each of these brands found their own creative way to let YOU give hope with every purchase. And every single peso adds up to something powerful: real classrooms, for real kids, in real communities that need them.

So yes—I was there. I saw it start.

But this is our movement now. You don’t need to be at an event to take part. All you have to do is choose HOPE in your everyday life.

Want to see how you can help? Visit www.generationhope.ph

Follow along at facebook.com/generationhope.ph or on IG @generationhope.ph

SM Foundation help victims of quake-hit Türkiye, Syria

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Türkiye and northwest Syria has created an urgent humanitarian crisis. The disaster was followed by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake, hitting southern Turkiye, which led to additional casualties and damages. It drawed relief and aid workers from around the world.

And to help victims of the catastrophic earthquake in Türkiye and Syria, SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) sent aid through the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) last February 27, 2023.

SMFI’s Connie Angeles hands the donation to PRC chairperson Dick Gordon (third from left). Joining the turnover are PRC Governor Ernesto Isla and PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang.

PRC volunteers prepare to ship 200 units of gasoline generators donated by SM Foundation for quake-hit Türkiye and Syria.

Represented by SM Foundation Health and Medical Programs Executive Director Connie Angeles, SMFI handed 200 units of gasoline generators to PRC to provide power to the quake-stricken Türkiye and Syria.

Additionally, the social good arm of SM also donated ₱5 million to help address the needs of earthquake victims.

Do follow @SMFoundationInc on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more about SM Foundation’s social good programs or visit www.sm-foundation.org

Henry Sy Foundation Inc. (HSFI) and UST seals partnership for Henry Sy Sr. Hall build up

Leaders of Henry Sy Foundation Inc. (HSFI), led by the Sy family Harley Sy, Hans Sy, Elizabeth Sy, Debbie Sy, Tessie Sy, Henry Sy Jr, Engr. Ramon Gil Macapagal, formalize its partnership with the University of Sto. Tomas Rector Fr. Richard Gaw Ang, OP, Dr. Ma. Lourdes Domingo, Fr. Angel Aparicio, OP, Fr. Maximo Gatela, OP

A new structure will soon rise on UST main campus in Manila to respond to the needs of digital medical education.

Pursuing its objective of driving Philippine social development by fostering the youth and the culture of excellence through education, the Henry Sy Foundation, Inc. (HSFI) recently inked a partnership with the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Research and Endowment Foundation to construct a building that elevates health education in the country.

Named in honor of the late SM Founder, the Henry Sy, Sr. Hall of UST is a landmark for the Philippines' relentless push towards cutting edge medical innovation. It is expected to cater to the needs of digital medical education and help boost health education.

Designed by C.A. Ventura & Partners, the upcoming Henry Sy., Sr. Hall in UST is envisioned to propel the health education of future physicians in the country.

The Hall will feature technologically advanced facilities and equipment that complement UST’s teaching, learning, and research practices. It will also house the simulation and research facility of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS).

Paragons with passion

Fr. Richard Gaw Ang, OP, Rector of UST, thanked the Sy family as they work together to provide the best education to future physicians and increase UST’s research productivity to fill the gaps where communities are disadvantaged.

“Your family consists of industry leaders who have visions for the Filipino community. Your choice to support this endeavor of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is a significant stamp of approval to the work and tradition of this medical institution,” Fr. Ang said in a letter to the Sy family.

“Your family’s Patriarch, Henry Sy, Sr., had principles in life that we, as an institution, give our best to also follow. We aim to lead as paragons with passion, integrity, far-reaching and optimistic vision, sensible priorities, and discipline. At the core of this is a deep sense of charity for God, the church, and the nation,” Fr. Ang added.

UST’s future Henry Sy, Sr. Hall

Rising as an intellectual hub for future physicians, the building has a dedicated floor for the Faculties of Medicine and Surgery Research Center and the Medicine and Surgery Graduate Programs and Ethics Review Board. In here, medical education research and various medical-related specialty research will be reviewed and conducted.

The building will include specialized centers, rooms, and laboratories, such as Medical Simulation Centers and Care Ultrasound Institute, and Otorhinolaryngology Laboratory. These will be equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology to develop medical students’ competencies in multiple simulated healthcare settings crossing the human lifespan.

The HSFI is a non-stock, non-profit organization inspired by SM founder Henry Sy, Sr.’s desire to aid educational institutions to drive Philippine social development. Its projects are undertaken in partnership with the SM group and its foundations to honor the SM founder by supporting educational institutions in promoting academic excellence as a key to a brighter future for the youth.

Nailaholics 4th National Pampering Day, a self-care that saves.

Nailaholics has a special place in my heart. My mommy and I spent a lot of bonding time together at Nailaholics during good times and not-so good times. The place will always be special to me, and I will support their advocacies. 

On its 4th year of celebrating National Pampering Day, the day of pampering is turned into an ecologically saving act tied up with self-care. 

This October 17, 2019, from 10:00am to 1:00pm, all Nailaholics branches nationwide will be generously giving FREE SERVICES to its customers who would make a Php50 donation to its cause. Participants may avail of a FREE Manicure, Foot spa, or Foot massage with every donation, where all the proceeds will go to its partner beneficiary, Save Philippine Seas Organization. 

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As the world’s second largest archipelago, the Philippines has over 7,100 islands. Unsurprisingly, we Filipinos depend on the sea for livelihood, tourism, economy, and basically most of our lives. Thus, it is only essential for us to practice environmental conservation diligently – in many ways we can. 

 “This year we want to go beyond the usual discounted promotions we give to our clients. This year is all about encouraging our new and loyal customers alike, to engage in this more meaningful act of self-care – a self-care that saves. Contrary to the common perception, caring for oneself is not a selfish act. And we want our customers to feel that while they take care of their own bodies and prioritize their well-being, they can also simultaneously value our environment and summon changes in our lifestyle to protect the planet.” passionately claimed by Ms. Abby Borja, Head of Marketing of R2 Group of Exclusive Brands, Inc.   

Indeed, employing kindness to oneself should translate into caring for our planet and vice versa. By choosing the right sustainable lifestyle changes, we can all empower each other to make a change. That is the advocacy Nailaholics wants to impart. 

The advocasea does not end there. In aiming to create a holistic approach, Nailaholics will literally dive into action. A special raffle promo awaits the participants of the National Pampering Day wherein one lucky donor will win an all-expense paid trip to Siargao. Siargao Island is named the best island in the world and it practices respectable eco-tourism. 

In this special promo, one lucky winner and a companion will not only appreciate the marine life and splendour of our own Philippine seas, but also be able to join a beach clean-up program led by S.E.A. Movement, and volunteer at the Siargao Art Recycling Studio. This is really the complete environmental awareness package that will immerse a willing participant. 

Now it’s up to you, nailaholic! We all can take active part in this movement of caring for ourselves while caring for Mother Earth. We only have one planet, we only have one home. There is no planet B so love your own. 

When you choose yourself, you choose right. Choose self-care that saves. 

It’s time to make your wave, one sea at a time! 💛

Cuts against Cancer

January 2019 - Cuts against cancer

This post is for Mommy, it’s been a month since she passed away. She lost her battle with cancer.

I thought of donating my hair last 2013. One group was donating hair for cancer patients and I saw it on TV. It never crossed my mind that I would be required to shave my hair off on that same year. 

I'm inlove with my hair but I'm going to donate it to cancer patients.

I went under craniotomy last Dec 11, 2013. After surviving, I made a promise to continue to donate my hair every time it grows long enough to Cuts Against Cancer- Donate Your Hair Org.

Spreading awareness about cancer, that’s what I did. Ironic, because on 2016 my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I continued to do what I did, educate more people about the Big C, and donate my hair. 

You were born with the ability to change someone's life. Don't waste it.

Last December 2016, I had company, #PrincessY joined me in donating! She also gave her hair off.  At her young age, she is aware about cancer, that people with this situation will lose their hair, and what we do can help them feel better, bring back their self-esteem. We can always grow our hair back, and once it reaches the length of at least 12 inches, we can donate it to the nearest Papemelroti.

By doing this simple act, we can let them know we care, that we support them, those who battle cancer.

"Giving is not just about making a donation
It is about making a difference." - Kathy Calvin

It saddens us because recently I brought our hair (mine & my daughter’s) to Papemelroti and one of the staff said that donating is currently on HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. 

Supporting the FIGHTERS
Admiring the SURVIVORS
Honoring the TAKEN
And never, ever giving up HOPE. 

October 2018

I wear pink for my mom 💕

Maxicare Run 2018: Run to celebrate, run for a cause, and run to be fit!

This year the leading HMO provider celebrates another year of success by hosting the second Maxicare Run at the North Fountain SM by the Bay in MOA this coming July 8.

So, if you're looking for a reason to begin your fitness program, Maxicare Healthcare Corporation can help you jumpstart your fitness plan.

Coming from the success of last year's Maxicare Run where more than 2, 700 participants joined, this year's run is envisioned to be a bonding activity between friends and families through the additional category of the elderly. The run will also extend the health benefits to Maxicare to others through the Pusong Pinoy Foundation.

Maxicare Run 2018 will be #familyfunday as it welcomes Lolos and Lolas to the new category, the 1k Senior Sprint for 60-year olds and above. Aside from the new category, the run will feature the following categories: 

* 200m dash - P400 (3 to 12-years old) 

*   1k - P500

*   3k - P600

*   5k - P700

* 10k - P800

* 16k - P900

The run is open to all and is expected to excite beginners and seasoned runners alike as it is geared towards engaging and uniting everyone to a single goal: fitness.

All runners will be given a race kit depending on their chosen course which includes a race bib, timing chip, medal, singlet, and loot bag; an additional 'finisher shirt' will be given to 16k runners. Assembly time is as follows:

* 200m dash is at 6 am

* 3k, 5k, 10k is at 4 am

* 16k is at 3:30 am.

After the race, runners can freshen up and fill hungry tummies with delicious but guilt-free treats at the Healthy Food Station!

Sponsors

The Maxicare Run 2018 is for the benefit of Pusong Pinoy Foundation Inc., a non- profit organization subsidizing diagnostic and therapeutic cardiovascular procedures for less fortunate Filipino patients based at the Philippine General Hospital. It is being held in partnership with one of the most recognized run organizers in the country, Leadpack.

With this benefit run, Maxicare offers the complete experience of advocacy, and active lifestyle, and triumph. Furthermore,  the Maxicare Run 2018 has set its self to be a game-changer in the health and fitness community.

Run to celebrate, run for a cause, and run to be fit! Mark your calendars as the #MaxicareRun2018 has tons of bigger and better activities in store!

To register online, visit https://bit.ly/maxicare2018 , or at select Chris Sports branches up to 7pm daily.

L'Oréal Philippines' Beauty for a Better Life : A fresh start in life

Exactly a year ago, L'Oréal Philippines, relaunched the "Bigay Daan" program under a new name, Beauty for a Better Life (BFBL). Led by the L'Oréal Foundation and implemented in different countries across the globe. Beauty for a better life continues to empower and change the lives of women through developing their self- confidence and providing them with an opportunity for better life. Acknowledging that having a `better life' may mean different things to different people in different cultures, the Foundation gives its counterparts in different countries the liberty to design the program to be more appropriate and relevant to the local context.

Beauty for a Better Life provides free, high-quality vocational training to people from underpriviledge backgrounds. Participants include those overcoming social exclusion and family difficulties, victims of violence and those without formal training. 

Luis Yanga
General Manager, Professional Products Division L'OREAL Philippines

For its first run, L'Oréal Philippines, along with its partner organization Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), decided to focus on training women within one barangay to allow for growth within the community and co-empowerment among themselves.

Rey Laguda
Director, Philippine Business for Social Progress 

The program was first brought to Brgy. Sto. Niño in Marikina as one of the priority areas for unemployment. L'Oréal Philippines believes in the power of beauty to change lives, and Beauty For a Better Life expands the definition of beauty by using it a way to provide skills and livelihood opportunities to those most in need.

Beauty For a Better Life Graduates from Batch 1 to 3 of Brgy. Sto. Niño.

To celebrate BFBL first year anniversary, L'Oréal Philippines held a mini fashion show, wherein their graduates boast their works of art.

The program helps the graduates regain self-confidence, strengthen their social ties , take charge of  their lives and become socially and economically empowered to also serve as beacons of hope for their own families and communities. Indeed a fresh start in life. 

WATCH HOW BFBL helps the graduates take charge of their lives.

As of this day, 62 individuals have completed the program, 22 of which are from the third batch graduated last April 3. Each batch of beneficiaries underwent daily classroom sessions in the Barangay Hall for three months wherein they were taught different hairdressing skills such as blowdrying, hair coloring, hair cutting, and application of hair treatments - under the management of L'Oréal Philippines trainers. They were also exposed to a one-week internship in L'Oréal's partner salons across Metro Manila to expose them to actual hairdressing jobs and potentially further their career options. 

A hairdresser not only makes someone beautiful on the outside, but also in the inside.