MANILA, Philippines — Last February 25, Filipinos commemorated the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986, which overthrew the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.
To be a hero, you do not have to die or be part of a mass demonstration. You can spark a revolution by simply injecting little acts of kindness into your everyday life.
Whether you are a student on vacation or just someone looking for adventure, let the following samples of everyday heroism inspire you to make the most out of summer.
The 4th Philippine Harvest was expected to open new windows of opportunities to local farmers in showcasing agricultural products, and linking them to the private sector for possible partnerships and collaborations. Local “agripreneurs” had a chance to share with consumers and potential investors the stories behind their products. Photo release
1. Eat sustainably
With the increasing clamor for healthy lifestyle comes the rise of farm-to-table food concepts and “agripreneurs” or agricultural businesses that specialize in sustainable and all-natural products.
Committed to being the number one salesman of local produce, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Manny Piñol reiterates his support to agricultural entrepreneurs across the country through the promotion of organic, artisanal, natural and indigenous food products.
To help Filipinos discover more about the country’s rich agricultural products, the DA, in participation with SSI Group, Inc. and Central Square, recently held the 4th Philippine Harvest.
The trade fair was expected to open new windows of opportunities to local farmers in showcasing agricultural products, and linking them to the private sector for possible partnerships and collaborations. Local “agripreneurs” had a chance to share with consumers and potential investors the stories behind their products.
These Filipino agripreneurs will participate in the “2017 Madrid Fusion Manila – Our Sustainable Gastronomic Planet” this April. Madrid Fusion is an international gastronomic event in the Philippines that brings together the most prestigious and innovative chefs from all over the world to share their knowledge and expertise on traditional and latest trends on food. It is the only Asian edition of Madrid Fusion which is celebrated annually in Madrid, Spain.
Similarly, New World Makati Hotel showed its support and solidarity for the Sustainable Seafood Movement. From February 20 to 26, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Café 1228, placed this movement in the spotlight with expertly prepared dishes using sustainably produced seafood.
“It’s vital to participate in this movement. We see it as part of our responsibility as a major player in the hospitality industry to spread the word of the importance of using sustainable, harvested seafood and environmentally friendly fishing practices,” said Farid Schoucair, the hotel’s general manager.
Since Filipinos love to eat seafood during summer, the hotel’s executive chef, Robert Davis, reminds one to not just eat any seafood, but also know where the fish comes from and how it is treated.
“The rate by which we over-fish the seas at the moment is at its all-time high. We take more fish out of the ocean and not really replenish. Dynamite and cyanide fishing are also definitely not sustainable. These kill everything in their path,” the chef enthused. “If these continue, these will destroy the environment for future fishing and our children’s children can be affected.”
New World Makati Hotel Executive Chef Robert Davis advocates for sustainable seafood Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
2. Stop discriminating the differently abled
According to non-government organizations Kythe Foundation, LoveYourself and Smile Train, people with cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or cleft lip and palate experience bullying and discrimination, which do not only affect their self-esteem, but also drive them to depression and suicidal thoughts.
To raise more awareness about the plight of children with cancer, Kythe recently partnered with restaurant chain Ihop to launch this year’s National Pancake Day. For every purchase of Ihop’s All You Can Eat Pancakes for P250, P200 will be donated to Kythe to help with the treatment of children with cancer.
Also for the benefit of Kythe Foundation, Linya-Linya T-shirt brand is selling limited-edition “Heartist” shirts. All proceeds will go to Kythe’s goal of improving the quality of life for hospitalized children with cancer and other chronic illness.
Smile Train, a global charity giving free treatments to kids with cleft lip or palate, also recently unveiled an all-smiles photo exhibit in Glorietta 3, Makati.
Revealed to the public on February 13, the #SmileMakerAko Exhibit gives Filipinos a peek into how the cleft charity has given more than one million children around the world not only new smiles, but also second chances at life. Photographs of local Smile Train celebrity ambassadors Marian Rivera and Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach interacting with children were on display at the exhibit.
Similarly, 14 bachelors, including celebrity photographer BJ Pascual and TV chef Jeremy Favia, were “auctioned off” for a date at LoveYourself’s “Cherry Poppin’: The 3rd Party” held last February 25 in Makati City.
Cherry Poppin’ is an annual fundraising activity through a betting-dating game party, which is on its third year now. For a donation, Cherry Poppin’ party guests (donors) got a chance to bid and go out on a romantic date with the 14 auctionees. Proceeds will help fund LoveYourself’s HIV awareness and testing operations, including the opening of two new community centers in Metro Manila.
LoveYourself Executive Director and 2016 Ten Outstanding Young Men Awardee Ronivin Pagtakhan said, “We keep on trying innovative and engaging activities to constantly attract and reach more people to rally for our cause. Cherry Poppin’ assures us 14 gorgeous men to ripple the message of the organization in a very fun and romantic way.”
Celebrity photographer BJ Pascual for LoveYourself, an organization promoting HIV awareness Photo release
3. Remember fallen soldiers
Hero Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to help the families of fallen soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, recently partnered with premier lifestyle and shopping destination Ayala Malls to raise funds that will be used to help send children of Filipino soldiers who were killed or incapacitated in the line of duty, to college. The collaboration inspired mall-goers to spread the love and generosity through donations to the organization, the total of which will be able to support 650 Hero scholars for the whole 2017. The amount was collected from different initiatives including the Ayala Malls’ Shopping Bag Promo from last year, the Hero Foundation donation boxes that are placed around all Ayala Malls and the screenings of the foundation’s ads in Ayala Cinemas that help raise awareness of their advocacy.
“We see this as a very worthy cause and we are happy to be an active partner,” said Rowena Tomeldan, head of the Ayala Malls Group. “You can expect that we will continue to come up with initiatives that would support Hero Foundation,” she added. Ayala Malls has been in constant partnership with Hero Foundation, and their combined efforts continue to make a difference in the lives of families that are left behind by our country’s heroes.
Executive Director for Hero Foundation Gen. Victor Bayani expressed his appreciation for the partnership. “There are a lot of Hero scholars, and Ayala Malls is definitely a hero to our heroes’ children,” he said.
Rowena Tomeldan, Head of Ayala Malls Group and AFP Ret. Gen. Victor Bayani, Executive Director for Hero Foundation, together with the general managers and marketing managers of Ayala Malls Photo release
4. Run for rainforests
According to environmental organization World Wildlife Fund (WWF), watersheds do not only provide Metro Manila with water, but also food and energy sources. Thus, it is important to rehabilitate the dams, and also the rainforests surrounding them that have turned dry due to neglect.
To help fund WWF’s “Forests for Water” program, National Geographic Channel recently launched its 8th Earth Day Run, which will be held on April 23 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds, where participants can join 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K categories. The event encourages and welcomes all types of eco-warriors to take part, from fun-runners of all ages to serious marathon runners who regularly compete.
Coach Rio dela Cruz for Earth Day Run 2017 Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
5. Teach livelihood skills
Besides learning new skills this summer, why not teach yours?
Hair Aid is an Australian non-profit organization that sends teams of hair stylists to communities to teach street families hair cutting skills. They work with the less fortunate so that the latter can learn livelihood skills and earn money to feed, clothe and house themselves and their children. Held twice a year, these free hair-cutting workshops take in around 30 to 50 individuals who are then trained for five whole days. Hair Aid teachers are seasoned stylists from all over the world
Denman, a renowned brand of hairbrushes, for years has used its influence and expertise to help underprivileged communities around the world. This year, the brand reaches out to the Philippines and partnered with the Hair Aid Organization to offer free haircut training programs to low-income individuals and poverty-stricken families in Quezon City, Manila.
Caterina di Biase, the multi-awarded stylist, will lead the efforts this year and take her team of volunteer stylists to the heart of Quezon City. “I’ve traveled to all parts of the world, but with every new place, I discover a new challenge and a sense of fulfillment,” says the three-time Australian Hairdresser of the Year award recipient.
Di Biase has dedicated much of her time to educate and train interested students and volunteers. “Cutting hair is a basic skill that you can definitely learn and earn from. Not only does it provide a good, honest living, it’s a way to better yourself. You can do it anywhere and bring your skills everywhere you go.”
For every Denman Hair Brush sold at Rustan’s Department Store until March 31, a donation of P10 will go directly to Hair Aid Organization.
Caterina di Biase, multi-awarded stylist, teaches hair styling skills to women in Quezon City. Photo release
6. Turn the tables: Appreciate the unappreciated
According to a study conducted in Cologne, Germany, one in four waiters act as modern-day cupids, carrying trays instead of bows, and have even helped customers pop the question. Waiters put their love lives on the line to serve up romance.
According to a new pan-European survey of waiters, concierges and bar staff, commissioned by Ford, one in five waiters help cheer up diners who turn up for a Valentine’s date alone.
“On Valentine dates couples only have eyes for each other. But how their evening goes depends in no small part on those who are sacrificing their own nights out to do a great job,” said Greg Dawson, vice president Communications and Public Affairs, Ford of Europe.
“They are the true heroes of Valentine’s Day – and what better way to recognize their efforts than to make them the centre of attention.”
Ford turned the tables on those hidden cupids who go further for their customers. The company recently surprised a lucky few with a romantic meal.
London waitress Kelsie Jamieson, 24, has already helped arrange two proposals at work but has never experienced a Valentine’s Day date. She was surprised with a romantic evening with her fiancé Nick Epstein, 32, who previously proposed to her with a Haribo ring.
Meanwhile, in offices, human resource (HR) people are probably the most unpopular folks. No one really pays much attention to what they do, except when problems arise with time records, benefits and pay slips—in which case they get the brunt of people’s ire. Few people realize that if those HR people do not do their jobs, corporate life can get quite messy. Like can you imagine what will happen if your salary and tax records are not updated?
Certainly, if there is anyone who deserves some love in the office, it is the HR people. Knowing what it takes to spark a connection with its target partners, Sprout Solutions sprinkled love dust in HR offices across the business district on the day before Valentine’s Day.
Thousands of HR practitioners in corporate offices located all around BGC, Ortigas and Makati received a special Valentine’s package from the software company, including a stem of rose and a hand-written note.
“Whether we admit it or not, the HR department is probably one of the least appreciated teams in a company. We probably just remember them when we have issues with our benefits or complaints in the office policies, right? So our team decided, why not make them feel loved this Valentine’s?,” said Sprout Solutions chief executive officer Patrick Gentry.
True enough, love was overflowing from the recipients of this “special Valentine’s package.” Squeals of delight were heard across offices from pleasantly shocked and excited HR workers who did not expect the Valentine surprise.
7. Contribute to nation-building
In Cebu, a group of industrial engineering students is making water conservation, sanitation and education easier for ordinary folks and the younger generation.
The Industrial Engineering Council from the Cebu Institute of Technology has developed a four-pronged approach that helps them disseminate information and highlight the importance of efficient and sustainable water use.
Their Project AQUARIA, which stands for Abiding Quality Aquatic Responsibility through Innovation and Awareness, engages the public, particularly the children, through a series of activities—Water Warrior Caravan; health, sanitation and hygiene workshops; read-along sessions; and youth forums. The group has also developed an app that educates young Filipinos on the value of water, conservation and proper hygiene.
The Industrial Engineering Council of the Cebu Institute of Technology is one of the 20 youth organizations shortlisted in the 14th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards. They are also this year’s Coca-Cola Barkada Water Stewardship Awardee.
“We are very proud to present them the Coke Barkada Water Stewardship Award as they share the thrust of Coca-Cola Philippines for the responsible and sustainable use of water resources,” said Cecile Alcantara, Coca-Cola Philippines Foundation president.
Coca-Cola Philippines is focused on programs for women economic empowerment through the 5by20 Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program, for well-being through the Minute Maid Nurisha supplemental program, and for water through the Coca-Cola Agos Program, which has provided 129 water-deprived communities with access to water.
This year’s winners are: Food Rescue ASEAN, Modern Nanays of Mindanao, Team Dugong Bughaw, UP Industrial Engineering Club, Go2Virtualahan, Inc., HiGi Energy, Guiguinto Scholars’ Association, Ingat Kapandayan Artist Center, Voice of Cameleon’s Children and Youth for a Livable Cebu.
Based in Dumaguete City, Food Rescue ASEAN collects unsold edible food items from markets and groceries and distributes these to food shelters and soup kitchens. The organization is able to feed 93 kids through the program.
The Modern Nanays of Mindanao is a group of young mothers in Cagayan de Oro City that provides support to other mothers through the sharing of scientific-based resources and evidence-based practices in child care. The group also advocates for the use of cloth diapers and breastfeeding.
Hailing from Iloilo City, Team Dugong Bughaw is an organization that aims to improve the knowledge, attitude and practices of the Ilonggo youth regarding the transmission and prevention of HIV. The organization has impacted over 4,700 youths through school visits and lectures.
The UP Industrial Engineering Club from UP Diliman has contributed in the development of a more efficient workflow for Kalsada Coffee, a social enterprise. The organization contributed to the reduction of the company’s labor costs by as much as 87.2 percent and increased its revenue by 28 percent.
The Davao City-based Go2Virtualahan, Inc. is a capacity building and values formation program that enable single parents and unemployed youth to work online as home-based professionals through skills training and employment support. The group has trained over 80 virtual assistants with 65 percent placement rate.
Currently operating in Victoria, Tarlac, HiGi Energy’s Hyacinth for Green Energy project aims to provide a solution to the invasion of water hyacinths in the various water systems in the country, while at the same time provide an economic opportunity. The project converts water hyacinths into charcoal that the communities can sell or use.
The Guiguinto Scholars’ Association of Guiguinto, Bulacan aims to enrich the current generation with the culture and history of their hometown through shadow play, lights and sounds museum and field trip caravans.
The conservation and promotion of the Tausug dances are the main thrust of the Ingat Kapandayan Artist Center of the Notre Dame of Jolo College in Sulu. The organization seeks to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Tausugs through artistic performances.
The Voice of Cameleon’s Children is educating the future generation of their rights and how to prevent abuse through theater acts, skits and workshops. The organization is composed of trained children’s rights advocates, who are also survivors of child abuse.
By bringing the youth back to the libraries, the Youth for a Livable Cebu aims to make the queen city of the south a better and more livable place.
The annual search for exemplary youth organizations that strive to contribute to nation-building in their own ways is now in its 14th year and is supported by the National Youth Commission, the TAYO Foundation, the offices of Sen Bam Aquino and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.