by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 18, 2017 | Business
Citi celebrated its 12th annual Global Community Day on June 10, with more than 4,600 Citi volunteers in the Philippines joining the efforts of nearly 100,000 of their colleagues, family and friends in 500 cities in 91 countries and territories to engage in service activities in their local communities.
In the days leading up to and including Global Community Day, Citi volunteers participated in more than 1,500 service projects ranging from urban revitalization to mentorship and job skills training, literacy and education, environmental conservation and disaster relief.
Global Community Day offers a wide range of opportunities to work alongside community and non-profit partners to help improve our cities and neighborhoods.
Michael Corbat, Citi CEO
“Citi’s annual Global Community Day is an important event for our firm and one I always look forward to,” said Citi CEO Michael Corbat.
“It provides an opportunity to deepen our relationships with communities we serve, which is absolutely vital to our business success. And it shows the impact we can have when our people show up in force — nearly 100,000 strong this year.”
Aftad Ahmed, Citi Philippines CEO
Leading by example, CEO for Citi Philippines Aftab Ahmed volunteered on back-to-back weekends starting June 3. Together with hundreds of volunteers, they helped Upper Bicutan National High School get ready for opening of classes by cleaning classrooms, painting chairs, and covering textbooks with plastic to be good as new.
On June 10, he showed support for persons with disabilities by joining their Freedom Walk in Quezon City Circle with nearly 300 volunteers.
“I am heartened to see the strong interest and enthusiasm among our employees, allowing us to set record participation year after year. I know that Citi employees make a difference every day in the communities where we live and work. However, with Global Community Day, we are able to unite across businesses and across the world and really demonstrate the difference a global bank can make,” said Ahmed.
Since the inaugural Global Community Day in 2006, Citi volunteers have contributed more than three million hours of service to Global Community Day projects in hundreds of cities. This year, Citi volunteers led hundreds of community projects across the world, some of which included:
Asia Pacific
Across Asia Pacific, there were more than 250 volunteer activities including:
- In Australia, volunteers led workshops for young people from the Brotherhood of St. Laurence’s “Creating Futures for Youth” program to help improve their employability.
- In China, Citi participated in events that delivered financial education through fun games to children and senior citizens.
- In Japan, volunteers were participating in events to improve the environment, brighten the lives of children with serious illnesses and raise awareness to promote diversity and workplace equality.
Latin America and Mexico
Across Latin America and Mexico, there are more than 100 volunteer activities including:
- In Mexico, volunteers engaged in a range of activities from donating, packing and serving meals to delivering financial education. Citi’s CEO Mike Corbat volunteered at the Emiliano Zapata primary school helping to revitalize learning spaces and joined volunteers at the Food Bank Association to help distribute nutritional food to families in need.
- Citi Venezuela is celebrating 100 years in the country, and as part of Global Community Day, volunteers revitalized the green spaces of the Universidad Central de Venezuela, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Together with the Red Cross and the J/P Haitian Relief Organization, Citi volunteers in Haiti were contributing to the reforestation of Canaan in Croix-des-Bouquets by planting 3,000 trees and facilitating an environmental awareness session at a local school on the importance of preserving the environment and
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Across Europe, Middle East and Africa, there were nearly 500 volunteer activities including:
- Across the United Kingdom, Citi volunteers participated in sustainability-related efforts, helping deliver career ready programming for young people, and redecorated a primary school to improve the learning environment.
- In Greece, volunteers revitalized a children’s summer camp to ensure children have a safe and clean place to play.
- Volunteers in Romania beautified the green area of Fundeni Hospital by clearing trash and putting up a playground, a small greenhouse and a picnic area for hospitalized children.
North America
Across the United States and Canada, there were nearly 700 volunteer activities including:
- At Citi’s global headquarters in New York City, Citi teamed up with Feeding Children Everywhere to assemble over 200,000 healthy meals to help combat hunger, beautified and cleaned up green spaces along the Hudson River, assembled and distributed bicycles for low-income youth, and wrote ‘Thank You’ letters and packing hygiene kits for veterans.
- In New Jersey, Citi volunteers created costumes for children in local hospitals, made a difference for young people and veterans by conducting mock interviews for professional IT jobs, and planted at the Wagner Farm Arboretum, a farm that helps increase environmental awareness.
- In Canada, Citi volunteers hosted mock interviews to help youth increase their employability, cleaned the parkland behind Hershey Centre, built a home with Habitat for Humanity and prepared and served meals for those in need.
To learn more about Citi’s citizenship efforts across the globe and to review the 2016 Global Citizenship Report, visit http://citizenship.citigroup.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 18, 2017 | Health and Wellness
In a traditional family the father is the head of the family, the pillars of our home. He works hard all day to provide for us and
Imagine working in a world where time seems to just past by and where almost everything changes instantly. Think of having to keep up with an environment where it costs a lot to stop or even slow down for a while. Sound taxing, right? What more of prioritizing the welfare of everybody in the household on top of it all.
But every head of the family doesn’t mind about it. Fathers are said to be the pillars of our homes. They toil sun up to sun down to give our needs and desires.
Some of them go abroad with tears in their eyes because they will be physically separated from their families. However, there is a certain joy in their hearts knowing that they will be able to provide for their loved ones back home.
To honor these gallant paternal men and let them feel how extraordinary they are and important their sacrifices are for their families, Father’s Day has been a yearly universal event. As we mark again this special occasion on Sunday, June 18, 2017, our applause and recognition will never be enough to show them how grateful we are to have them in our lives.
Our dads, together with our moms, take good care of us the moment we’re born. They are the ones who provide everything we need for our everyday lives. From infancy up to adulthood, they feed and clothe us.
As we take our initial baby steps, our patriarchs guide and lead us in the right direction. When we stumble and fall, they assist us to rise and move on. In times of danger or any threat, they shield us from any harm.
All of these, they do out of unconditional love. Their selflessness, though, has its own toll. Working tirelessly could lead to high levels of stress constantly and problems not only mentally, but physically, too. So better watch out for the signs.
Has tatay been constantly complaining about losing strands and strands of his hair every day? Or maybe has he been searching for a way on how to get them to grow back?
According to the hair loss statistics conducted by Statistic Brain in the year 2016, 40 percent of men experience noticeable mane vanishing as early as age 35. And as per the American Hair Loss Association, there are a couple of different factors that cause excessive hair fall, one being extreme degree of stress.
Nutramedica Inc. introduced a revolutionary product that aims to address this problem: NOVUHAIR, nature’s answer to hair loss. Being the only topical scalp lotion in the country that is made from 19 natural herbs, essential oils and co-factor nutrients all working synergistically, it’s perfect for all the heads of the family out there, be they biological or not.
NOVUHAIR is proven effective and safe to help prevent and stop the progression of hair loss and, at the same time, help promote locks’ growth. Simply spray a liberal amount of NOVUHAIR topical scalp lotion onto the scalp and massage for 5-10 minutes. Voila, it penetrates deeply into the roots, which helps rejuvenate, nourish, and maintain the natural moisture of the hair.
Still have no idea on what to give him on his big day? Well, NOVUHAIR might not be the most expensive gift to impress him, but the most valuable present he could ever have. This nature’s answer to hair loss provides him the chance to be ahead already in preventing his “crowning glory” from receding in the near future.
So, head on to all leading stores nationwide and get a dose of this breakthrough product. NOVUHAIR is also available in shampoo and conditioner formats to further complement the benefits of NOVUHAIR topical scalp lotion. NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. You may also order NOVUHAIR online at www.lazada.com.ph. For inquiries, you may call 413-6570 or 0922-8830575, and visit www.novuhair.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 16, 2017 | Lifestyle
Super Seller image credit to http://www.energysuccessteam.com
While the dawn of e-commerce has opened up a world of opportunity for entrepreneurs and business owners, it has also raised the bar in terms of competition. In many ways, sellers face large challenges when it comes to gaining attention, attracting customers, and most importantly, closing sales.
From June 19 to 22, Lazada will be launching a sale campaign that features top sellers that have made it big on the online platform.
By providing smaller overhead costs, nationwide capacity for logistics, and thousands of potential customers a day, Lazada has turned these sellers into Super Sellers.
Here are some of the deals that you will find during the Super Sellers Sale:
- Neo Shift N81 8.9″ Intel Quad Core 2GB Dual OS Windows 10 Laptop, from the standard retail price of Php 11,999 down to Php 6,599.
- Vertigo Hyperion Men’s Sneakers from Php 1,950 to Php 975
- Portable Bluetooth Dual Speakers with Ultra Bass. Original price at Php 1,100 to the sale price of Php 390.
- Six Pack ABS Builder, a slimming machine at the sale price of Php 1,799 from SRP Php 4,200.
- Cardinal Compact Nebulizer with complete accessories, for only Php 512.
The Super Sellers Sale paves the way for Lazada’s July campaign, called the Super Brands Sale. With a focus on international brands, the Super Brands Sale will take place from July 11 – 16, 2017.
About Lazada
Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph) is Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment.
Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns.
Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone and iPad provide additional convenience to its consumers’ allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime.
For more information, please visit http://www.lazada.com.ph. For updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests and promotions, connect with us via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines).
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 15, 2017 | Awards and Competitions, Beauty
Buy more and win big as Ever Bilena, the country’s leading cosmetics brand, invites you to join Makeup Mania – a raffle contest open to all Ever Bilena customers and ongoing exclusively at all Watsons Stores nationwide.
How to join
Ever Bilena makeup
Joining is easy! Simply purchase two items or more from any of the following participating Ever Bilena products:
- Ever Bilena Matte Two Way Cake
- Ever Bilena Liquid Concealer
- Ever Bilena Eyebrow Palette Pink and Brown
- Ever Bilena Matic Brow and Eyeliner
- Ever Bilena Matte Lipsticks
- Ever Bilena Lip and Cheek Stain in Splash Red
- EB Kleopatra Magic Lipstick
- Evera Face Powder
- Ever Bilena Luxe Lipstick, and
- EB Blend Me Sponge.
Be sure to place all purchases in a single receipt.
Make sure to “like” Ever Bilena’s official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/everbilenacosmetics, and send them a personal message with a photo of your proof of purchase. Include your name, address, contact number, and Facebook account with the photo. Proof of purchase should be readable and clear.
Once sent, you will receive a notification from an Ever Bilena representative indicating that your entry is valid. The more entries you submit, the more chances you have of winning.
Makeup Mania Prizes
One (1) lucky winner will take home:
- a total of P60,000 worth Ever Bilena products
- two (2) nights hotel accommodation at Luxent Hotel, and
- two (2) domestic roundtrip tickets from Air Asia.
Two (2) winners will receive:
- P20,000 worth of Ever Bilena products with
- two buffet dinner at Luxent Hotel and
- shopping spree from Jewels.
Ten (10) winners will win P3,000 worth of Ever Bilena products.
Entries will only be accepted until July 31, 2017, so start shopping for your favorite Ever Bilena make-up today!
To learn more, visit www.everbilena.com.ph and follow www.facebook.com/everbilenacosmetics today.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 9, 2017 | Health and Wellness
I had the privilege of attending the launch of the Crizal® Prevencia™ with Essilor’s new endorser, Tom Rodriguez.
Two things made me curious enough to attend – first, that Tom was going to be there, hehehe, and second, I was curious to see what the fuss was all about and what was so special about Crizal Prevencia.
From the time I was in high school I have been wearing glasses. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I’ve stopped doing so because, miraculously, my eyesight just improved to the point where I thought I didn’t need them.
While it is true that I may no longer need prescription glasses (for now) it doesn’t mean that I have no need for glasses at all, especially if those glasses are fitted with Crizal Prevencia lenses.
Just like Tom I, too was sceptical about all the things that Crizal Prevencia claims to be able to do. And even as Tom enthuses on its virtues and we even got to see the TVC I was still thinking, “this is all just hype, right?”
Crizal Prevencia protection
They told us that Crizal Prevencia lenses are:
- reflection proof
- scratch proof
- smudge proof
- dustproof
- waterproof
- glareproof
- protection from UV rays
- protection from harmful blue light emitted by gadgets and screens
Of all the things listed above the one I wanted to find out about was the last item – protection from harmful blue light emitted by gadgets and screens. Nowadays I seem to find myself looking at or in front of a screen – phone, tablet, laptop, the TV. According to Essilor and Tom these devices emit a blue light that is harmful to our eyes. How harmful is this blue light? I had no idea and I frankly, didn’t feel any harm coming to my eyes.
Crizal Prevencia is also supposed to protect our eyes from UV rays and I was thinking, “well, I have shades, those are sufficient, right?”
Here are my discoveries about Crizal Prevencia lenses.
Crizal Prevencia glasses
As soon as I received my glasses (non-prescription) I decided to try wearing them as I drove home. In my mind I was thinking, “these lenses are supposed to be glare proof, right? So let’s test how they stand up to glare.” Oftentimes I avoid driving at night because the glare from the taillights of cars in front of me and headlights from oncoming cars always gave me eyestrain and a headache.
Upon wearing these glasses I immediately noticed a difference which I tested by occasionally lifting up and putting them back on to compare. The lights didn’t hurt my eyes so much and when I got home … no headache!
The next day I tried again, this time I drove out at noon and wore the glasses instead of shades. Surprisingly, they worked better than shades!
I usually wear shades to block the glare that hits my eyes and with these glasses I was protected from glare and UV rays. In most cases the dark tint of should do the trick but these glasses had no tint so it had me thinking again, “clear lenses that are able to protect my eyes from UV rays and glare? This is just revolutionary!” Since then I’ve been using these glasses every time I drive.
And now that I am catching up with grades I use the glasses all day as I stare at my computer screen. I can now last longer and my eyes don’t tire so easily anymore. Yey!
I am awed, flabbergasted, amazed! Where has Crizal Prevencia been all my life! 😀 One thing is for sure, once I get my eyes checked and if the optometrist/opthalmologist tells me I need glasses I will definitely have my frames fitted with Crizal Prevencia.
Let’s see what Tom Rodriguez – actor, model, and latest endorser of Crizal Prevencia – has to say about it. Below is the press release for these amazing lenses.
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Tom Rodriguez is the latest endorser of Essilor Philippines for the Crizal Prevencia
Everyone can’t help but fall in love with celebrated actor and certified heartthrob, Tom Rodriguez. With his tantalizing brown eyes, he sure can captivate anyone.
But for Tom, his eyes are not only assets for good looks. Unknown to many, the top actor is also a prolific digital artist. As such, Tom gives due importance to eye protection as he teams up with Essilor, the world leader in corrective ophthalmic lenses to take care of their eyes against harmful blue light with Crizal® Prevencia™.
As the newest brand ambassador for the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, Tom appears in the new TVC for Essilor’s most technologically advanced protective lenses yet.
Crizal® Prevencia™ is the only clear lens in the market to effectively filter harmful blue light from the sun and digital devices while maximizing essential blue light for healthier vision.
Essilor general manager Dr. Emelita Roleda says, “With Tom as our newest ambassador, we hope to raise more awareness on the harmful effects of over-exposure to blue light and promote healthy vision in the country.”
“By aligning him with Crizal® Prevencia™, we hope to convince more Filipinos to use protective lenses in their daily activities.”
Crizal Prevencia TVC featuring Tom Rodriguez
In the new TVC, Tom is seen going through his everyday routine. Like many of us, who are also easily exposed to harmful blue light – whether we are in front of our laptops and computers doing work, commuting, or checking messages and schedules on our phones.
Tom’s ardent passion in digital art is evident in many of his Instagram posts. Many of his artworks comprise of creatures from Philippine folklore, plus superheroes and characters from anime, games and comics. He sketches and sculpts in between takes during drama filming or photo shoots.
He is also an aspiring app designer. With all these taking up his non-acting time, Tom can’t help but be exposed to harmful blue light and he admits that this has affected his vision.
“Belonging to a technically-savvy generation and with my love of creating digital art, I cannot do without my phone and digital devices. What’s more, my active lifestyle also keeps me under the sun a lot,” shares the 29-year old actor.
“It’s quite alarming to know how being exposed to UV rays and blue light can cause long-term damage. With Crizal® Prevencia™, I can protect my vision, and also prevent blue light from harming my eyes.”
Crizal® Prevencia™ uses E-SPF® and Lightscan™ Technology which offers complete front and back protection and selective filtering of harmful blue light from devices and the sun that can cause long-term damage, such as cataracts and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). At the same time, it lets in good light that regulates sleep and mood and boosts brain activity. It also provides complete protection from glare, scratches, smudges, dust, water, UV rays and harmful blue light.
Tom Rodriguez further encourages the public to take care of their eyes by getting a comprehensive eye exam and taking preventive measures against irreversible eye conditions. He remarks, “Exposure to harmful blue light may be inevitable, but we can minimize the risk by doing our part. By choosing Crizal® Prevencia™, we can protect our eyes on a daily basis and maintain a healthy vision.”
Learn more about Crizal® Prevencia™ by visiting your preferred eye care professional or leading optical shop, or by logging on to www.essilor.com.ph.
Across Latin America and Mexico, there are more than 100 volunteer activities including:
Across Europe, Middle East and Africa, there were nearly 500 volunteer activities including:
Across the United States and Canada, there were nearly 700 volunteer activities including:
NOVUHAIR is proven effective and safe to help prevent and stop the progression of hair loss and, at the same time, help promote locks’ growth. Simply spray a liberal amount of NOVUHAIR topical scalp lotion onto the scalp and massage for 5-10 minutes. Voila, it penetrates deeply into the roots, which helps rejuvenate, nourish, and maintain the natural moisture of the hair.
Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph) is Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment.
Make sure to “like” Ever Bilena’s official Facebook page, 
Upon wearing these glasses I immediately noticed a difference which I tested by occasionally lifting up and putting them back on to compare. The lights didn’t hurt my eyes so much and when I got home … no headache!
Essilor general manager Dr. Emelita Roleda says, “With Tom as our newest ambassador, we hope to raise more awareness on the harmful effects of over-exposure to blue light and promote healthy vision in the country.” 
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