Aga Muhlach and Richard Gomez: The Best You Starts Now

The Philippines’ all-time top leading men and award-winning actors Aga Muhlach and Richard Gomez are taking on the challenge of beginning their fitness journey with Century Tuna, the Philippines’ leading tuna brand.

Leading Century Tuna’s #TheBestYouStartsNow campaign, Aga and Richard are redefining what it’s like to be Dadbods with their transformation to wellness with the help of Century Tuna and Superbods 2014 Grand Champion, Coach Mauro Lumba. 

Century Tuna Brand Ambassadors Richard Gomez and Aga Muhlach proudly showcase their transformed, healthier physiques as they inspire others by sharing their ongoing journey to becoming the best versions of themselves.

Aga Muhlach, whose weight fluctuated during the pandemic, sees his work with Century Tuna as a motivation to take better of himself. Since joining the campaign with Century Tuna, he has lost 50 pounds and is committed to continuing to exercise and eat healthy to achieve his ideal weight by the end of the year.

When asked if he has any advice for his fellow Filipinos who also want to start their fitness journey, he stated that it’s about starting the journey as soon as possible, “Just start now and do it slowly. There will be no instant gratification and it's not gonna be easy because there's gonna be failures along the way. But if you fail today, sleep. Tomorrow's another day.”

For Richard Gomez, becoming part of the #TheBestYouStartsNow means becoming a good role model to his fellow citizens. As a public figure, his work with Century Tuna is a good way to showcase how changing one’s lifestyle can make a drastic difference in one’s health and wellness.

Since joining the campaign, he stated that through being consistent in his lifestyle change, his pants have become 4 inches looser, “Being healthy really involves a lot of diet, eating the right food, and doing the right exercises. It's not easy. But you just have to keep on pushing yourself. Just be consistent, be regular. Be constant.” 

Starting the next chapter in their lives, the Century Tuna ambassadors are now ready to show off their transformed healthy physiques and share their ongoing journey towards becoming the best version of themselves.

“Century Tuna has always stood for bringing out the healthiest version of people. We want everyone to feel good about their journey to wellness. Richard and Aga’s involvement in the campaign is a testament that fitness knows no age. No matter what stage you are in life, it’s never too late to make a change in your lifestyle,” said Century Pacific Food Inc. Vice President and General Manager for Branded Tuna Business, Mr. Carlo Endaya.

Century Tuna’s #TheBestYouStartsNow promotes fitness at every stage of life. It encourages everyone to prioritize their health, no matter what age. With Century Tuna, the best time to start one’s fitness journey is now.

For more information, please visit https://centurytuna.ph/ or follow Century Tuna on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for more updates.

Itodo ang gift-giving with Home Credit’s best aguinaldo smartphones as low as PHP14 per day

Enjoy incredible deals on amazing smartphones with Home Credit’s Todo Pasko offers, available until January 31, 2025

Smartphones have evolved into essential tools as we continue to embrace a digital lifestyle. These compact devices are now our constant companions, keeping us connected to people, updated on the latest trends, prepared for everyday tasks, and ready to capture life’s important moments. 

As the holiday season draws near, many of us are excited to upgrade or gift reliable smartphones to make life easier for ourselves and our loved ones. However, while we save up for these thoughtful gifts, unexpected expenses, like last-minute bills or emergencies, sometimes come up, cutting our budgets, and shifting our priorities. 

This often leads to compromises, where we settle for options that are “pwede na.” But in a world where a dependable smartphone is such a valuable tool, giving or receiving a quality device shouldn’t require settling.

Itodo ang gift-giving with Home Credit

Fortunately, Home Credit Philippines, the country's leading consumer finance company, makes giving yourself or your loved ones a quality smartphone easier than ever. With Home Credit’s Todo Pasko deals, you can access a range of incredible devices at affordable rates starting at just PHP14 per day. 

These deals allow you to gift a smartphone that meets today’s digital needs without straining your budget, with offers as low as 0% interest in flexible installment plans in six to 18 months until January 31, 2025. Some eligible customers can even enjoy the option of no downpayment.

Qualified customers can apply with just one valid ID and benefit from a fast approval process, in as quick as one minute. These offers are available at over 15,000 Home Credit partner stores across 75 provinces nationwide.

As you take this perfect opportunity to make the holidays extra special without compromising, here are Home Credit’s best Aguinaldo smartphones, available for as low as PHP14 per day, that you can consider for yourself or your loved ones.

Gift a dependable everyday companion with the Samsung Galaxy A06

The Samsung Galaxy A06 in Blue Black is one of the best Aguinaldo smartphones to get with Home Credit, and you can enjoy it for as low as PhP549 per month for over nine months. This device is a reliable partner for daily tasks, featuring a sizable 5000mAh battery that can last all day and supports 25W fast charging, allowing you to easily get back to using your phone with minimal waiting time. 

Powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, along with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, the Galaxy A06 ensures smooth performance for both productivity and entertainment apps. It also offers a comfortable viewing experience on its 6.7-inch display with a 720x1600 HD+ resolution. For capturing moments, the device is equipped with a 50MP main camera, a 2MP depth camera, and an 8MP front camera for excellent selfies.

Additionally, the Galaxy A06 comes with useful features like Samsung Health to track and provide insights on wellness, and Digital Well-Being to assist in managing screen time effectively. All these features make the Samsung Galaxy A06 an ideal gift for yourself or a loved one this season.

Level up performance and style this holiday season with the Honor X8b

If you are seeking a smartphone that combines striking style with high performance this season, the Honor X8b is a top choice. Available through Home Credit for as low as PhP556 per month over 18 months, its retro-inspired leather-textured finish, lychee-skin detailing, and slim, lightweight build at only 166g, offers a stylish look that feels comfortable in hand.

Despite its sleek profile, the Honor X8b is packed with powerful features. It boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor, 512GB of storage, and 8GB of RAM, with Honor’s RAM Turbo Technology, adding 8GB for a total of 16GB of memory—perfect for seamless multitasking and running up to 30 apps in the background without lag. The device’s 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 2412x1080 resolution delivers vibrant visuals, ideal for immersive viewing.

Equipped with a 4500mAh battery and a 35W Honor SuperCharge, the X8b provides reliable power throughout the day with quick recharge capabilities. For capturing high-quality photos and videos, it features a triple rear-camera system, which includes a 108MP main camera, a 5MP ultra-wide and depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens, plus a 50MP front camera. The Honor X8b brings both performance and sophistication to the table, making it an ideal gift for anyone looking to elevate their smartphone experience without going over budget.

Provide a reliable digital partner for the year ahead with OPPO A77s

Another great choice for holiday gifting is the OPPO A77s in black, available through Home Credit for as low as PhP556 per month over 18 months. This device is an ideal companion for both productivity and relaxation as it is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage.

To keep up with a busy lifestyle, the OPPO A77s packs a 5000mAh battery and supports 33W SuperVOOC fast charging to power up the device quickly, allowing you to stay connected with fewer interruptions. It also features a 6.56-inch display with a 1612x720 HD+ resolution, providing clear visuals whether working or unwinding.

Additionally, the OPPO A77s comes with a 50MP main camera, a 2MP mono camera, and an 8MP front camera for high-quality photos and videos. It also has dual speakers for an immersive audio experience, perfect for streaming music, watching videos, or gaming. With its blend of essential features and performance, the OPPO A77s is an excellent smartphone to consider for yourself or your loved ones this season.

Deliver a powerful device for effortless productivity and entertainment with the Tecno Mobile Spark 20 Pro 5G

The Tecno Mobile Spark 20 Pro 5G in Gravity Black is an ideal choice for those seeking a device that combines smooth performance with engaging entertainment features. Equipped with an MTK G99 processor, 12GB of memory, and 256GB of storage, this smartphone provides the power to handle daily tasks effortlessly. Its 6.78-inch FHD+ display, with a resolution of 1080x2460, delivers excellent visuals that enhance both productivity and entertainment, while dual speakers elevate the audio experience, making it perfect for streaming, gaming, and more.

This device also offers a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast-charging support, ensuring that it stays powered up and ready throughout the day. When it comes to photography, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G shines with its 108MP Ultra-Sensing Main Camera and 32MP Glowing Selfie Camera, enabling users to capture high-quality photos with ease. With its impressive combination of performance, display, and camera capabilities, the Tecno Mobile Spark 20 Pro 5G is an excellent choice for gifting this holiday season, which you can get for as low as PhP341 per month for 18 months through Home Credit.

Present an incredible gift built for daily tasks with the Realme C35

Next on the list of the best Aguinaldo smartphones is the Realme C35 in Black, which is a fantastic choice for an affordable yet reliable gift this holiday season. Available through Home Credit for as low as PhP559 per month for over 12 months, this smartphone offers exceptional value. Featuring a Unisoc T616 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage, the Realme C35 provides smooth, responsive performance for daily tasks without lag.

Its long-lasting 5000mAh battery, complemented by 18W Quick Charge support, keeps the device powered day and night, whether for work or play. With a lightweight design at 189g, it also features a 6.6-inch FHD display with a resolution of 2408x1080, providing clear and vibrant visuals. The Realme C35's impressive 50MP AI triple rear camera system and 8MP AI selfie camera make it easy to capture memories in exceptional detail, adding to its appeal as an ideal holiday gift.

Give a feature-packed smartphone this festive season with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 in Ocean Sunset is an excellent option if you are looking to get a high-performing smartphone this holiday season. Available through Home Credit for only PhP611 per month for over nine months, this device presents outstanding features at an affordable price. It is powered by a Snapdragon 685 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, making it capable of handling daily tasks smoothly and efficiently. Despite its impressive performance, the phone is lightweight at just 188.5g.

The Redmi Note 13’s 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 2400x1080 resolution provides amazing visuals, while its 5000mAh battery and 33W fast charging technology ensure enough power to keep you going for the day. It also features a flagship-like triple rear camera setup, including a 108MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide lens, and 2MP macro lens, along with a 16MP front camera for extraordinary photos and videos. With these powerful features, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 is a top-tier gift option that delivers exceptional value.

This holiday season, itodo na ang gift-giving with Home Credit’s Todo Pasko offers. Treat yourself and your loved ones with the best Aguinaldo devices after a year of hard work and be prepared to face this season and the new year with ease. Reward yourself and those you cherish with the help of Home Credit!

Make your holiday shopping easier than ever with the Home Credit App, available on Google Play or the App Store, for quick and convenient pre-approval on product installments. If you need assistance, visit any partner store, and a Home Credit sales representative will be happy to help.

You can also explore Shoppingmall.ph to find nearby partner stores carrying your desired smartphone, as well as more Todo Pasko deals across a wide range of products for you and your loved ones this festive season.

To learn more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.   

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).   

The Secret to Being A Pro: Unahin ang Matibay na Immune System

Sodium Ascorbate + Zinc (ImmunPro®) helps strengthen your immune system through its ZincPlus Technology

There are a lot more factors to consider when it comes to the regression of our immune system than previously thought. While it was established that those with chronic illnesses1 like diabetes and hypertension are considered immunocompromised, or more susceptible to infections, it turns out that everyone can experience a natural decline in immunity after around age 20.

T cells are a type of white blood cells that help your immune system fight infection and protect you from diseases. Studies show that the body releases significantly fewer T cells after teenage years2, leading to a weaker immune response. Couple this with many bad lifestyle habits of some young adults, such as the lack of sleep3 for the overworked, and the factors start to compound. 

To help some young adults, the immunocompromised, and everyone in between to keep powering through, researchers found ways to help bolster the immune system4. In one study, they circled back to the essential functions of Vitamin C and Zinc in immune response. The researchers underscored that a combination of both works as an effective measure5, which Sodium Ascorbate + Zinc (ImmunPro®) provides.

With proper diet, regular exercise, and at least seven hours of sleep every night6, Sodium Ascorbate + Zinc (ImmunPro®) helps strengthen the immune system and may help the body against sickness. It is the only vitamin supplement for adults with ZincPlus® Technology, designed to ensure the stabilized combination and absorption of Vitamin C and Zinc.

While Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals and Zinc is crucial for properly functioning immune cells, combining the two can be tricky. Zinc reduces the potency of Vitamin C as its presence degrades Ascorbic Acid, reducing efficacy even before consumption. Through ZincPlus® Technology, however, Sodium Ascorbate + Zinc (ImmunPro®) helps deliver the best of both worlds.

According to R&D organization Synapse, Sodium Ascorbate + Zinc (ImmunPro®) is the first and only stable Vitamin C plus Zinc swallow tablet that consistently passes United States Pharmacopeia (USP) dissolution tests, ensuring optimal absorption and efficacy of Vitamin C and Zinc. It also features no discoloration, no bloating, low sodium content, and is packed in single-serve flex foil for stability. A pro packaging and efficacy that befits a true pro.

Remember that being young does not put you above infections and being immunocompromised should not stop you from living your best life. Para sa malakas na immune system at overall health mo, #MagtiwalaSaPRO—magtiwala sa #ImmunPro®!

For more information, visit https://www.unilab.com.ph/products/ImmunPro. Follow Sodium Ascorbate + Zinc (ImmunPro®) on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/UnilabPHImmunPro and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/immunproofficial/.

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8428766/ 

2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24630-t-cells

3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356352778_Role_of_sleep_deprivation_in_immune-related_disease_risk_and_outcomes 

4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17922955/ 

5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22429343/ 

6. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/how-much-sleep 

Top Local, Int’l Riders Compete at the FIM Asia Motocross Championship in SM Center Pulilan

Top local and international riders from Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, China, and the Philippines gathered to compete at the FIM Asia Motocross Championship held at the SM Center Pulilan Race Track.

The heart-pounding action of motocross returns to the Philippines as top local and international riders from Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, China, and the Philippines gathered to compete at the FIM Asia Motocross Championship recently held at the SM Center Pulilan Race Track.

Riders conquered heights at the recent FIM Asia Motocross Championship held at the SM Center Pulilan Race Track.

World-class athletes drenched in mud as they navigate challenging obstacles, sharp turns, and jumps at the FIM Asia Motocross Championship, witnessed by thousands of spectators at the SM Center Pulilan Race Track.

Organized by TC22 Sports Promotions & Teves Cup in collaboration with SM Center Pulilan as the official venue partner, the event showcased fierce competition and extreme motocross action as riders displayed their skills, speed, and endurance on the rugged DigDirt MX track.

Motocross enthusiasts and sports fans were thrilled as they witnessed world-class athletes navigate challenging obstacles, sharp turns, and jumps, pushing their limits, while serving as a platform for cultural exchange, camaraderie, and sportsmanship celebration, uniting riders and fans from across Asia-Pacific.

Kids turned athletes kept up with the challenge as they conquered the trail during the FIM Asia Motocross Championship held at the SM Center Pulilan Race Track.

SM Center Pulilan Race Track has been chosen as a premier venue partner of this year's FIM Asia Motocross Championship, providing spectators a chance to witness top local and international riders in one scene.

Ladies pushed their limits and didn’t turn back during the fierce FIM Asia Motocross Championship held at the SM Center Pulilan Race Track. The competition was participated in by top local and international riders from across Asia Pacific.

Accredited by FIM Asia and the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA), the championship prioritizes safety and regulation, ensuring that the event is conducted to the highest standards for the well-being of riders, spectators, and organizers. With rigorous oversight, the race adhered to stringent guidelines, delivering a thrilling yet safe environment for all participants.

SM Center Pulilan, as a premier venue partner of this year's FIM Asia Motocross Championship, marks its commitment to advocate for a healthy lifestyle and environment-friendly activity while providing attendees with safe, ample facilities and amenities to ensure a convenient and unparalleled race track experience.

EastWest Employee-Athlete Shines in International Dragon Boat Championships, Contributes to Philippines’ Historic Victory

EastWest proudly celebrated the recent achievements of Peter Arreglado, a dedicated member of their Cebu office’s Real and Other Properties Acquired (ROPA) team, who played a key role in leading the Philippines to an impressive victory at the 2024 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Dragon Boat World Championships held in Puerto Princesa.

The Philippines led the medal standings with an impressive 11 gold medals, showcasing the country’s strength in dragon boat racing and the remarkable talent and resilience of employee-athletes like Peter. Notably, he earned three medals across different events: a silver in the 200-meter small boat, a bronze in the 500-meter small boat, and another bronze in the 2000-meter standard boat.

Peter, who has been an active paddler since 2019, fulfilled a lifelong dream by participating in this prestigious global competition. Selected through a rigorous national selection process, he was honored to be part of the Master’s National Team, representing both the Philippines and EastWest on the international stage. “Being part of this historic event is already like winning a gold medal,” Peter shared, reflecting on the significance of his journey and the pride he feels in contributing to the country’s success.

EastWest extended full support to Peter’s training and preparation, providing him with a flexible work schedule and additional financial assistance to ensure he could balance his professional responsibilities with the demands of intensive training. “EastWest’s support in my training made it possible for me to focus on what mattered—giving my best performance at the World Championships. My success in this competition was made possible thanks to our team effort and their sponsorship in terms of fitness, gym access, personal trainers, and other aspects,” he noted. “This opportunity is a dream come true, and I am deeply grateful for the backing I received from my team and the management at EastWest. I’m so grateful for the chance to work with Eastwest, and for having great leaders, especially from the top level.”

The values of teamwork, resilience, and strong leadership, central to the sport of dragon boat racing, align closely with EastWest’s corporate culture.

“Dragon boat racing is a team sport that requires unity and persistence, values I experience every day in my work at EastWest,” Peter explained. “Having a supportive environment at work has empowered and allowed me to pursue my passion in both my athletic and professional life.”

In addition to his personal triumphs, Peter hopes that his participation will inspire his colleagues and the broader community at EastWest to engage in even more athletic pursuits and strive for excellence. “I hope that my achievements encourage other sports enthusiasts among EastWest’s workforce and employees, showing the rest of our community that the bank is wholeheartedly supportive of our interests beyond the workplace,” he added.

EastWest Human Resources Head Alfie Suarez explained the significance of Peter’s triumph, sharing that "At EastWest, we believe in fostering a culture that values dedication, resilience, and teamwork—qualities exemplified by our very own Peter Arreglado and the entire Philippine team at the 2024 International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships. Their hard work and commitment to excellence inspire us all, and we are incredibly proud of Peter’s accomplishment as he brings this international recognition not only to our country but also to the EastWest family."

Looking ahead, Peter envisions more opportunities to represent both the country and EastWest in future competitions, with hopes to participate in upcoming invitational races abroad and continue his dragon boat journey at the next World Championships in Canada.

With his success, and in celebration of its 30th anniversary, EastWest once again reaffirms its commitment to supporting its employees in their personal and professional endeavors, celebrating each milestone as they go “Further for You.”

Other premiere clubs that EastWest is currently supporting include the EastWest Motion Dance Group, the EastWest Voices Choir, the EastWest Click Photography Club, the EastWest Milers Running Club, the EastWest Racquets Badminton Club, the EastWest Hoops Basketball Club, and the EastWest Pisotivity Club for Investment Enthusiasts.

Rex Education Enhances Digital Learning Solutions with Schoology and First Eduspec Inc.

Today’s learners face considerable challenges; their learning journey was set back several years by the global pandemic that halted face-to-face classes from March 2020 (the first implementation of community quarantines) to November 2022 (when the Department of Education, or DepEd, ordered a full return to school-based learning). According to UNICEF, Filipino learners missed more learning opportunities compared to their global counterparts, as the Philippines was among the last countries to reopen in-person classes—effectively putting Filipino learners at a significant disadvantage.

This situation is concerning, with Filipino learners collectively ranking 77th among 81 countries in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 rankings released in December 2023—an indication that many have been left behind. However, this disheartening situation of the Filipino learner also presents an opportunity for education stakeholders—parents, teachers, school leaders, and academic publishers—the whole learning community, to unite and give the country’s millions of learners (18,370,310 in the public school system alone, according to DepEd’s data for school year 2024–2025) the support they need to overcome this disadvantage and so they can thrive and succeed.

Rex Education, the country’s leading academic publisher for over seven decades and a vital stakeholder in the education sector, takes the challenge. REX has championed the Filipino learner since its founding in the 1950s, initially selling—and then publishing—textbooks and other scholastic materials that have long been staples in every classroom nationwide. These are all available at Rex E-Store (https://estore.rex.com.ph/), the company’s one-stop online store for quality learning solutions.

As the digital age emerged, ushering in distance learning, Rex Education responded accordingly by launching Schoology in 2015, one of the Philippines’ very first learning management systems (LMS). Rex Education’s Schoology represents the classroom of the future—fully digital and rich with innovative features that make learning easy, accessible, fun, and challenging.

“Technology cannot be an add-on; it’s a necessity,” Rex Education stated in a media release announcing the launch of Schoology. “Flexible learning is not a privilege or an advantage; it’s a necessity. Certainly, future-proofing our classrooms, although it cannot be perfected, is an imperative.”

That press release proved prescient 5 years later, as digital classrooms like Rex Education’s Schoology became integral to advancing education during a time when traditional classes were closed indefinitely. Moreover, Rex Education expanded Schoology, making it accessible to more learners nationwide, adding additional resources to the platform, and introducing new features and capabilities.

Now, with the pandemic in the rearview, Schoology remains an educational powerhouse, advocating for the Filipino learner in this age of hybrid education by enhancing traditional learning environments and providing 21st-century learning experiences. With traditional modalities infused with digital tools, today’s learners can embark on the challenging journey of making up for lost years while also preparing for a technology-focused future.

However, Filipino learners still have significant ground to cover, particularly in math and science, where they ranked near the bottom in the same PISA 2022 rankings. Rex Education, through First Eduspec Inc. (FEI), helps address this gap by offering a comprehensive ICT and robotics curriculum that can enrich the learning opportunities and experiences of today’s learners and prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow.

While today’s Filipino learners may be disadvantaged, they can achieve more and reach their full potential with the right support. This is a challenge to all the sector’s stakeholders—an urgent call to action—and Rex Education continues to rise to the occasion, para sa bata, para sa mamamayan, para sa bayan.

Pure Bayanihan targets 1 Million livelihoods to help end poverty

 

Rochelle and her mother share a warm moment outside their modest home. Rochelle, who paused her studies to care for her ill mother, is a beneficiary of Pure Bayanihan’s Pisonet WiFi vending machine, which allows her to earn an income while hoping to return to school in the future.

How a non-profit organization embodies ‘bayanihan’ one sustainable livelihood at a time

Pure Bayanihan, a US-registered 501(c)3 nonprofit with a goal of creating one million livelihoods for people living in poverty, is proud to announce the official launch of its nationwide initiative aimed at alleviating poverty in the Philippines through sustainable livelihood programs. With a current poverty rate of 15.5%, down from 18.1% in 2021, the nation still faces significant challenges, with over 17.5 million people living below the poverty line. Limited access to quality education and stable employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, has hindered many Filipinos from achieving economic stability.

Typhoon Kristine, along with past natural calamities, highlights the Philippines' vulnerability due to its location in the typhoon belt and the Pacific Ring of Fire—this reality has fostered a strong sense of community and resilience among Filipinos. Inspired by this spirit, Pure Bayanihan made it their mission to  tackle systemic barriers faced by communities by promoting skills development, entrepreneurial opportunities, and broader access to essential livelihood support. At the heart of its mission lies the Filipino spirit of "Bayanihan"—a powerful ethos of collaboration and unity that drives community-driven solutions such as community pantries, donation drives, and disaster relief efforts to support and rebuild affected communities.

“The fact is that some Filipinos are just one storm away from having nothing; they might also be one hand up away from getting out of nothing. Filipinos, with a little help, could make a big recovery from hardships and lift themselves up.” said Barry Harrigan, Chairman of Pure Bayanihan. “So, our effort has really been about perfecting the ways in which we could give them a hand up and put them on a good track, and that's really what Pure Bayanihan is all about.”

A group of single mothers and widows in Diffun, Quirino underwent food processing skills training conducted by Pure Bayanihan. These newly acquired skills provide them with opportunities to generate income, support their families, and gain valuable knowledge for a sustainable future.

Pure Bayanihan has made a significant impact since its founding, positively affecting 50 communities, 1,898 families, and 9,490 individuals across the Philippines. One of its standout programs empowers widows and single mothers through skills training, helping them establish small businesses and achieve financial independence.

Rhenia (right) beams with pride as she shows her friend the weight of her collected plastic bottles, which she sells to support her livelihood. Rhenia is one of the beneficiaries of Pure Bayanihan in BASECO, Manila, where she received seed capital to kickstart her entrepreneurial journey in plastic trading. Through this initiative, she has been empowered to create a sustainable source of income, helping her and her community break the cycle of poverty

The organization is also addressing pressing social and environmental issues. In Baseco, Manila, they're turning waste into valuable products, combating both poverty and pollution. Meanwhile, in Iloilo, they're supporting Kangkong farmers, boosting their income and contributing to regional food security.

A group of Kangkong farmers in Iloilo smiles brightly as they harvest fresh water spinach from the river, ready to bring their produce to the market. They received a motorized tricycle for easier transportation to the market and alternative livelihood support from Pure Bayanihan, equipping them to boost their income and sustain their community

Building on these successes, Pure Bayanihan plans to expand its reach further in the coming years. The organization is actively seeking partnerships with local governments, corporations, and international organizations to maximize its positive impact.

To further its mission, Pure Bayanihan has partnered with PRecious Communications Philippines, an award-winning multi-market integrated communications agency, to enhance outreach efforts.

Upcoming initiatives include traditional hilot healing skills training for indigenous communities in Tanay, Rizal; sugarcane juicing equipment for farmers in Ilocos Sur; and a washing machine vending business program for stay-at-home mothers in Navotas City.  To support initiatives like these, you can get involved with Pure Bayanihan's advocacies by visiting www.purebayanihan.org. With all administrative costs covered by their founders and sustaining supporters, 100% of the support they receive goes directly to the fight against poverty, making a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need.