Sophistication and flexibility

Nokia N9, the newest must-have gadget, recently made its Philippine debut at Salon de Ning of The Peninsula Manila. 

Corporate communications manager for Nokia Philippines Nikka Abes said, “What sets the Nokia N9 apart from other smartphones offering both form and function is its ability to make technology feel more natural and intuitive for the user. Filipinos will certainly delight in swiping away with their Nokia N9 and stand out among the sea of similar-looking smartphones.”

Models donning Charina Sarte creations took center stage in Nokia N9-inspired colors, cyan and magenta. Guests also had their souvenir photos taken while toting the beautifully designed phone. 

The new phone has an intuitive home screen controlled with a simple swipe. It has a 3.9-inch scratch-resistant screen that can house many applications. 

Marketing manager for Smart Infinity Marga Cobarrubias said, “Subscribers of Smart Infinity will enjoy both sophistication and flexibility from the new Nokia N9 when they take advantage of our special plans.”

Magic 89.9 DJ and Smart endorser Sam YG shared with guests the Smart Plan Bundle that will be offered to subscribers when they avail of the Nokia N9. He said, “All-in plans are also in place, which will definitely delight Smart post-paid subscribers like me.”

A successful fun run

HSBC celebrated its 136th anniversary in the Philippines with a fun run that saw thousands of participants supporting HSBC and this year’s run beneficiary, Sa Aklat Sisikat (SAS).

HSBC president and CEO Tony Cripps said, “We are extremely pleased with the turnout of this year’s fun run  close to 3,500 runners, which was our maximum capacity. It’s very gratifying to see so many of our clients, friends and colleagues here celebrating this milestone with us. We’re happy to let you know that 100 percent of your support go to a truly worthy cause, which is to help SAS help Filipino children achieve their dreams.”

The 2011 HSBC Anniversary Fun Run raised over P2 million for SAS, one of HSBC’s long-time partner NGOs. Over the past eight years, HSBC and SAS initiatives have benefited over 650,000 students, 9,000 teachers and 285 principals all over the country.

The HSBC Fun Run was held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds and featured 3k, 5k and 10k categories for adults and sprint challenges for children 12 and below.

HSBC’s head of communications and corporate sustainability Johanna Garcia said, “Seeing thousands of people first stretching and then running in those stunning Natori singlets was an unforgettable experience. It really brought home to us how powerful and meaningful a partnership could be that brings together Josie Natori’s creativity, SAS’s commitment, HSBC’s support and finally, the enthusiasm and passion of all our stakeholders.”

Participants got their limited-edition Natori singlets and loot bags containing custom-designed HSBC water bottle, baller ID and a finisher shirt. Top finishers in the 3k, 5k and 10k categories were each awarded a round-trip ticket to Hong Kong while Erlina Gelaya luckily won the grand raffle prize  a round-trip ticket for two to London via Cathay Pacific.

Cripps added, “It’s been a great year for HSBC, Asia’s strongest financial brand. It’s been a wonderful year for us here in the Philippines, as well, and this event is our way to celebrate that, as well as to give back to the community, which makes our success possible. We contribute 100 percent of the run proceeds to our beneficiary, because we believe that there is no better investment in the future than investing in the education of our children.”

Healthy choices

To help elementary teachers instill the value and benefits of choosing healthy drinks among their pupils, the Department of Education (DepEd) and San Miguel Corp.’s Magnolia Healthy Beverages launched the ‘Healthy Drink Choices’ advocacy.

On the first year of the project, activity books and interactive modules shall be given away free to over 200,000 children from selected elementary schools nationwide.

Education Undersecretary Yolanda Quijano lauded Magnolia Healthy Beverages (MHB) for recognizing the need to help the department in educating young students on right values. MHB president Bernard Marquez thanked the DepEd for the partnership. The advocacy is part of the company’s overall thrust of promoting sound mind and healthy body among the youth. It is being undertaken in partnership with the DepEd and the well-known advocacy group Marylindbert International.