SM Prime, UPLB team up for sustainability scholarship

 SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has partnered with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to further promote the country’s pursuit of sustainable development.

 

Through a scholarship grant, SM Prime aims to assist select students pursue undergraduate degrees in Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology (BSHE) and Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) – courses geared towards sustainability. 

 

The scholarship will be awarded to students from low-income households in Pasay City intended to provide better employment prospects and help reduce poverty and inequality, which are major obstacles to sustainable development.

Collaboration for innovation and sustainability

In an interview, UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr. shared his optimism about the partnership, citing the impact of education, especially sustainability-related fields of studies, in social and economic mobility.

 

“The scholarship will enable more students to pursue their studies in areas related to sustainability such as environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. By investing in education in these areas, we are preparing a new generation of leaders who will have the knowledge and skills to address the complex environmental and social challenges facing our world today,” Dr. Camacho said. 

 

“It will encourage research and development in areas related to sustainability. By providing support for students to pursue advanced studies, we are creating a pipeline of future researchers and innovators who can develop solutions to pressing environmental and social problems,” he added.

 

Aside from enabling students to pursue their education without financial burden, the UPLB chancellor believes that the scholarship can produce competent leaders capable of solving complex environmental and social challenges, and create a pipeline of innovative researchers. 

 

He further stressed how fostering collaborations and innovation in sustainability between the academic community and the private sector can lead to new environmentally and socially responsible products, technologies, and services that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ripples of social good

SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo shared that thepartnership between SM Prime and UPLB is a testament to the shared commitment of both institutions towards promoting sustainability and creating a better future for the next generation. 

 

By supporting the education of would-be scholars, SM Prime hopes to create ripples of social good within families and communities, ultimately contributing to thedevelopment of a more sustainable and equitable society.

 

“Improving the well-being of its partner communities and investing in people’s growth have long been among SM Prime’s sustainability pillars woven at the core of its business strategies and operations. As such, SM Prime deems it important to create programs that would provide access to quality education for all, and in the long term, create a pool of proactive human resources who can responsibly carry out and balance the economic, social and environmental aspects of a society’s sustainable development aspirations,” Castillo said.

 

“SM Prime believes UPLB would be the best partner to support its sustainability initiatives in promoting a conducive learning environment while honing new Iskolars ng Bayan leaders committed to knowledge creation and public service,” she also said.

 

The SM Prime Sustainability Scholarship is open to students from Pasay City, under UPLB's BSHE and BSF programs with an annual gross family income of not more than PhP150,000.00

 

For more information, interested applicants may contact the UPLB OSG +63 49 536 3209 or email at osg.uplb@up.edu.ph..

Medical care brought closer to low-income families in Cagayan

While access to quality healthcare continues to be hampered by challenges, medical missions have become an increasingly vital source of support for low-income communities. Through time, they have gone beyond providing medical care and have taken up a new role: transforming the lives of individuals and communities.

The SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) recognizes just this, so it has made its mission to travel from Luzon to Mindanao to provide free medical care and services to thousands of patients from various hard-pressed communities. 

Just recently, the medical mission team headed to the cities of Tuguegarao and Cauayan in Northern Luzon and provided services to thousands of low-income families. Two of them are Roland Bariuan and Angeline Cacanindin. 

 

Strength to do more

Roland has been a tricycle driver in Tuguegarao City since 1994. But, two years ago, he suddenly felt weak and had to spend money on medical consultations and examinations. 

“Napansin ko na kahit malakas ako kumain, namamayatako at nanghihina. Nalaman ko na may diabetes na po ako. Pero hindi pwedeng pabayaan ko ang sarili ko. Hindi pwedeng maging tamad ako dahil may sakit ako. Kung tamad po ako mamasada, wala kaming pangaraw-araw at gagastushin pambili ng gamot,” he shared.

Determined to care for his health, he goes to the city health office for his routine checkups. The same drive to boost his health is also what led him to SM group’s medical mission, led by SMFI: “Dahil magastos po magpagamot, kadalasan po akong pumunta sa city health office para sa lahat ng aking checkups. Ngayon, nataonpong nalaman kong mayroon medical mission dito sa SM City Tuguegarao.”

Through the medical mission, he received free consultation, blood tests, x-ray, and medicines–services that would break the bank if he had it done elsewhere. With the assistance extended to him, he had his scheduled checkup without worrying about the finances and even managed to put aside money originally allotted for medicine and laboratory tests.

 

“Ang kinikita ko sa pamamasada ang ginagamit ko at ng pamilya ko para sa aming pangangailangan. Kaya mahalaga sa akin ang aking kalusugan. Ang magandangpangangatawan ang nagbibigay sa akin ng lakas para mas lalo pang pagsumikapan ang pamamasada,” he said.

 

“Pero bilang tricycle driver, hindi namin maiiwasangmagkasakit dahil usok ang kasabayan namin sapamamasada. Kaya malaking tulong ang libreng check-upsa ang libreng gamot mula sa SM Foundation. Malakingtulong ito dahil kahit papaano, hindi ko muna iisipin ang pang gamot ko,” he added. 

 

Making quality healthcare attainable

Roland’s fellow resident from Cagayan Valley, Angeline Cacanindin, knows full well the need to maintain a healthy body, for this is her tool to fulfill her duty as a house helper. She also believes that this is what her children can rely on as they strive in school.

 

However, her youngest daughter has been complaining about a toothache, which was already interfering with her nutrition and attendance in school. 

 

“Butas na po ang mga ngipin niya. Kaya tuwing kumakainpo siya, pumapasok ang kanin at nasasaktan siya. Hindi na rin po siya makapag focus sa school dahil sa sakit,” she shared.

 

“Nito lang po, tumawag po ang teacher niya at sinabingumiiyak po ang anak ko per hindi umiimik. Nung kinausapko po siya, nalaman kong sobrang sakit na po ng ngipinniya. Umiyak din po ako dahil ramdam ko ‘yung sakit. Hindi ko siya agad madala sa dental clinic dahil nasatrabaho po ako at mahal din po ang magpabunot,” she said.

When she heard about SMFI’s medical mission in SM City Cauayan, she immediately brought her daughter for a checkup. Here, her daughter’s tooth was extracted. She also received free paracetamol, antibiotics, vitamins apt for her child’s age, and dental hygiene tips from volunteer dentists.

 

“Ang medical mission na ito ay malaking tulong kasi libre po serbisyo pati ang mga gamot. Ngayon po, makakapagsimula muli kaming subaybayan ang kalusugan ng aming anak para maganda po ang kinabukasan niya.” she said.

 

Through the ongoing medical missions of SMFI, many economically disadvantaged individuals like Roland and Angeline get lifelines–an intervention that provides immediate relief to those in need and a chance to access medical care and resources that are often unavailable or unattainable.

LG teams up with PRIME VIDEO for new series, CITADEL, available on LG SMART TVS

Starting this week, LG Smart TV owners worldwide can enjoy Citadel, Prime Video and Amazon Studios’ epic spy-thriller series and the latest global sensation in streaming television. With LG OLED TV’s self-lit technology allowing for deep blacks and life-like color, viewers are placed at the center of the action-packed Citadel universe and can enjoy the show with intended color, aspect ratio, and frame rate, thanks to Automatic FilmMaker Mode1. LG OLED TVs also feature Dolby Vision® for stunning ultra vivid picture and incredible immersive Dolby Atmos® sound, which further elevate the cinematic experience when enjoying your favorite titles available in Dolby.

Starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Citadel is set after the fall of the titular spy organization, as two spies attempt to piece together what happened. The two spies embark on a mission that takes them around the world, all while contending with a relationship built on secrets, lies, and a dangerous-yet-undying love.

Citadel premieres exclusively on Prime Video on Friday, April 28, with two adrenaline-fueled episodes, followed by a new episode released weekly every Friday through May 26. Citadel will be available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

To mark the launch of the cinematic new television series, Prime Video and LG teamed up to bring the characters and high-tech world of Citadel closer to its fans, through a series of exclusive visuals, rolled out across multiple channels, including online, in-store, in New York’s Times Square and London’s Piccadilly Circus.

This is not a first for Prime Video and LG, as it continues a long relationship between the streaming service and smart TV manufacturer. Both have a combined goal to deliver the best viewing experience to millions of customers across the world who stream Prime Video’s great content with the LG OLED evo superior technology.

From launching the first 4K HDR streaming experience on LG OLED TVs in 2015, to enabling Filmmaker Mode on Prime Video’s movies and series in 2021, to bringing opted-in personalized recommendations on the LG home screen for customers to discover the best Prime Video content in 2022, LG’s long relationship with Prime Video continues to lead to innovations in the home watching experience.

“At Prime Video, we are always looking for new ways to innovate and provide our customers the best viewing experience,” said Andrew Bennett Head of Global Video Partnerships for Prime Video, MGM+ and Amazon Freevee. “Our relationship with LG and joint commitment to customers has allowed us to continuously raise the bar with new technology that enhances the overall user experience”

This comes as LG aims to boost marketing efforts designed to offer customer value through the delivery of unique experiences across a variety of touchpoints. Prime Video was a natural partner to expand LG’s marketing relationship given their global reach, continued tech innovation, and engaging content. LG plans to introduce more exciting collaborations like this in the future.

“LG is actively collaborating with its content partners like Prime Video to provide customers with an engaging experience on the big screen at home, and beyond,” said Chris Jo, senior vice-president of platform business at LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. “We are happy to kick off this initiative with Prime Video, whose global partnership and shared passion for innovation through the years helps us provide a best-in-class experience for customers”.


For more details, follow @LGPhilippines on Facebook and @LGPhilippines on Instagram. LG products are available in all authorized dealers nationwide both in-store and online. Visit lg.com/ph for a complete list of our retail partners. You can also visit LG's Official Flagship Stores in Lazada and Shopee.

Angels Walk spotlights Autism Acceptance Month

 

The Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP), together with SM Cares and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), commemorates Autism Acceptance Month with a bang, with the ASP Angels Walk for Autism annual tradition at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay. The walk has been done online over the pandemic, but has been acknowledged as the largest autism advocacy event in Asia with 26,000 participants in 11 cities in 2020.

"The Autism Society Philippines, leveraged digital channels, to reach our members who needed support and encouragement during the pandemic," said Dang Koe, ASP Chair Emerita and 2019 ASEAN Prize Laureate. “But face-to-face ASP Angels Walk for Autism has become this annual celebration of how far Filipinos have come in appreciating human diversity, and how the international, public, and private sectors are heeding our call for acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation of persons on the spectrum through relevant, tangible programs. We are happy to be together again.”

This year's celebration is proudly supported by the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Autism Network, Miss Universe Philippines, Tiktok, Pancake House, and other groups and individuals who have worked with ASP over the years towards transformative innovation.

SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES

The US Center for Disease Control released a study in April 2023 that autism affects 1:36 children under 8 years old. "Autism is a complex and lifelong developmental exceptionality, challenging an individual’s ability to communicate, socialize and adapt to the world around him. This spectrum condition manifests uniquely in different persons. It is a variation of the human condition affecting approximately 1.2 million Filipinos," said Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National Spokesperson. "The ASP is at the forefront of creating institutional mechanisms to support those on the autism spectrum and the

Engr. Bien Mateo, SVP for Mall Operations and Program Director of SM Cares Program on PWDs shared, "SM Supermalls strives to make every SM a destination that is welcoming to everyone. We believe in a society that is inclusive of every Filipino. That is the reason behind our continued support for advocacies that call for acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation of all -- including individuals on the autism spectrum." This year, SM also hosted smaller Angels Walks for Autism in other malls all over the country – Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.

NCDA Executive Director Don Frajedas leads the swearing-in of the new board of trustees of the Autism Society Philippines, led by incoming ASP National President Lorenzo "LJay" Sumulong III. The new crop of trustees represents new milestones in ASP's 34-year history. LJay Sumulong is the first male President and Diana de Ocampo is the first sibling to a man on the spectrum to serve on the board.

Miss Universe Philippine 2023 candidates take the stage with children on the autism spectrum for a heartwarming opening salvo for this year's pre-walk program. The candidates will be "big sisters" to players who needed assistance at the afternoon games, affirming the organization’s commitment to using its platform to shed light on advocacies worth upholding. The tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall supports ASP's nationwide initiative on wellness through movement; and competitive athlete development for individuals on the autism spectrum. The program promotes well-being, friendship, and achievement among families and individuals who live on the spectrum.

Innovation leader Tiktok Philippines supports autism inclusion in the digital space by boosting posts with the event hashtags #AngelsWalk2023 #AutismOKPH #AutismOKUniverse. The Autism Society Philippines acknowledges the power of short-form video as it grows its advocacy through Tiktok (@autismphils).

SUCCESSES HONORED

The ASP Hans T. Sy Leadership Award for Inclusion and Welfare, the ASP’s highest recognition, celebrates exemplary leadership that has a significant and positive impact on advancing the ASP’s vision of acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation of persons with autism in an Autism-OK Philippines, will be bestowed on Mr. Daniel Razon, the creative giant behind the meaningful advocacies of the iconic Wish Music Awards.

The ASP Autism Works Partner of the Year for innovative practices in autism-inclusive employment honors the valuable contributions of New York-based Daivergent, represented by CEO Byran Dai and in-country leaders Elaine Sisno and Diana Salmone. ASP and Daivergent inked a partnership towards the employment and support of analysts on the autism spectrum from NCR, Laguna, and Iloilo, thriving in work-from-home roles in artificial intelligence and machine learning data management, even as the pandemic raged.

The ASP Autism Angels Achievement Awards recognizes the amazing talents of individuals on the autism spectrum and their growing body of successes in the areas of performing arts, sports, and information technology: John Christian Ballesteros, Noel Cartera, Robin Conanan, Laurence Anthony de Guzman, Rafael Manuel, Miguel Franco Ramirez, Rian Rayos, Exiquiel de Vera.

SUNFLOWERS ABLOOM

Sunflowers figure prominently in this year's ASP Angels Walk for Autism. Global self-advocates acknowledge that autism was once a “puzzling condition”, but the puzzle piece the public associates with autism insinuates someone is "incomplete". This imagery perpetuates the idea among the growing number of Filipinos on the autism spectrum that autism is a condition that makes them less than others.

"Filipinos on the autism spectrum are not "mind-boggling" nor "incomplete", according to Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National Spokesperson. "We are calling for positive, empowering symbols that will inspire acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation of those on the autism spectrum."

The Autism Society Philippines supports the Hidden Disability Sunflower campaign, which uses the resilient sunflower as a globally-recognized symbol for non-apparent or invisible disabilities, including autism.

Asterra: bringing convenient living and economic growth to provinces in the Philippines

Living a life of comfort and convenience is every Filipino’s dream, and while a well-designed home and contemporary amenities may seem like the fulfillment of this aspiration, it is not enough. One’s full potential can only be realized when individuals and families are given worthwhile pursuits and opportunities for growth. 

This is what Asterra, a personal project of Vista Land and Golden MV Holdings Inc. Chairman Manny B. Villar, offers prospective condo dwellers. They get a shot at modern condominium living, and the opportunities to thrive and prosperin communities with great locations and access to key lifestyle destinations.

“A lot of research comes into deciding where Asterra developments will rise,” Asterra Division Head Debbie Eria points out. “We consider the locales’ potential for economic growth and the well-being that being close to nature promotes. We want to build Asterra in fringe cities and towns that tout close proximity to business and industrial hubs.” 

Envisioned to be the first affordable condominium project in flourishing towns and cities, Asterra will bring in home seekersand investors, and increasingly spark movement in economic activities and tourism. After all, the current infrastructure boom is expected to help drive business development, createemployment, and increase tax revenue.

Eria likewise asserts that Asterra will offer benefits to the locals, such as uplifting their economic status, and providing them access to quality housing. “We aim for Asterra to be a stable and secure environment for Filipinos to live and work,” she says.

With Asterra’s construction set to begin in San Fernando, Pampanga; General Trias, Cavite; and Calamba, Laguna, future residents can look forward to upscale condo lifestyles, featuring cozy midrise residences, leisure facilities like a swimming pool, fitness gym, and playground, and security amenities such as digital door locks, 24-hour security, and guarded entrances and exits.

"We at Asterra are excited to expand our reach and bring the urban living experience to more areas in the Philippines. We believe that through our projects, we can make a significant contribution to the local economy, improve the quality of life of our residents, and see progress in the communities we serve,” Eria shares.


For more information on Asterra, please check out its website: https://www.asterra.com.ph/ or the official Asterra FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/AsterraOfficial.

LG OLED TVs Bring Art to Life in Art Fair Philippines 2023

The 2023 edition of the much awaited Art Fair Philippines showcased a remarkable display of creativity from various artists, both local and international. It was a veritable feast for the senses as artworks of different styles and mediums were presented. For this year, a new section was introduced that focuses on digital media, work that incorporates and engages with computer technology, animation, virtual or augmented reality, the metaverse, and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). Among the artists featured were Mark Inducil and Skye Nicolas, whose unique approach to art caught the attention of many visitors.





What made Inducil and Nicolas' work stand out was their use of LG TVs as their canvas. The two artists took advantage of the sleek and modern design of LG TVs to create their unique pieces.

Mark Inducil, a multimedia artist, crafts surrealistic and dreamlike portraits and landscapes, heavily textured and rich in deep, vibrant hues. He presented a series dubbed Homecoming, which reflects his own psyche, a visual manifestation of his personal experiences and trauma. On the other hand, Skye Nicolas's showcased works from his Walkman Series, a commemoration of music’s vigor, a powerful take on youth culture of a certain era. The idea and substance of Nicolas’ works lean heavily towards nostalgia, belongingness, explorations, and experiments on pop culture. They transmit data from the artist to the receiver: a burgeoning garden of emotions, memories, and creative intention.

The use of technology in art is not new, but the way in which Inducil and Nicolas integrated LG TVs into their work was innovative and refreshing. By using a modern and functional object like a TV, they were able to create something that was both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. LG TVs are fast becoming the canvas of choice to present digital artworks. A lot of features and technological advances work together to provide a stunning display. LG's α9 Gen 5 AI Processor enhances objects in the foreground and background to add natural depth, and makes colors spectacularly vivid yet accurate. With no backlight to dull their impact,self-lit pixels achieve the deepest blacks for crisp contrast in every light. Visuals are more defined, so you can make out subtle details your eyes usually miss. You also get to see every pixel of detail. The all-new Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro goes deeper to improve the picture. Previously, it elevated just the frames. Now, the technique hones in on 5000 blocks across the screen for more vivid HDR down to each last detail. And of course, the design also plays an integral part. With narrow bezels, you get fully immersed in the picture with nothing to distract your view. The unbelievably slim design fits seamlessly into your home or gallery.

The display of Inducil and Nicolas's work at Art Fair Philippines was a testament to the limitless possibilities of art. It showed that art can be created using any medium or platform, and that technology can be used to enhance the creative process. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more artists exploring new and exciting ways to create art that engages and inspires.

Puregold’s new digital series “Ang Lalaki Sa Likod Ng Profile” drops much-awaited trailer

Laughter and young romance await viewers of Puregold Channel’s upcoming series, Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile, but fans get first dibs at the 13-episode series through its trailer that’s currently showing on the official Puregold Channel.

 

With Wilbert Ross and Yukii Takahashi in the lead roles and the creative tandem of Victor Villanueva and Chris Cahilig at the helm, excited romcom lovers can expect serendipitous plot twists in Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile.

 

Puregold Channel’s newest digital offering features film and TV star Wilbert Ross in his first leading role in a series. “Napaka-exciting ng opportunity na ito,” he gushes. “Feel ko matatawa at kikiligin ang lahat ng mga fans ko! At maraming makaka-relate dito!”

Playing Ross’ romantic partner is TikTok star Yukii Takahashi, who can’t wait to showcase her prodigous talents to her more than 8.5 million followers. “Sana manood kayo ng bagong series namin sa Puregold Channel!” she entices them. “May romance, may comedy, ang saya niya!”

The trailer shows Bryce (Wilbert Ross) who chances upon Angge (Yukii Takahashi) in a dating app after a blind date goes south. For a time, Angge (Yukii Takahashi) becomes his online wingman but the duo soon takes a detour into ‘uncharted territory’. Totally relatable are the comedic, kilig-worthy situations that ensue as Bryce and Angge sense a strong chemistry between them.

 

The trailer can be watched on the Puregold Channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkvZWFhoUX8. Follow Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile which opens on April 22, 2023. 

For more updates, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and subscribe to Puregold Channel on YouTube.