by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 27, 2017 | Advocacy
We believe that every Filipino has the power to vote with their peso about the things they value most. We’ve put building public school classrooms at the top of our list, and invite everyone to build more, one HOPE product at a time.
Hope in a Bottle
As a social enterprise, we continue to devote 100% of the profits from our flagship product, Hope in a Bottle to our cause. From the sales of our bottled water alone, we have built 37 classrooms.
That’s no small feat, but at HOPE we dream big.
We are in the midst of transforming HOPE into a movement that — fueled by the power of cobranding and collaboration — makes it easier for Filipinos to give back.
By leveraging the creative forces of companies both big and small, we can contribute more profits from HOPE-branded products and services to building many more classrooms. And that’s what we call Business for Good.
Hope in a Shirt
There is a growing propensity among Filipinos to buy socially and environmentally responsible brands, and as a pioneering social enterprise in the Philippines, we at HOPE continue to rise to the occasion. Our latest classroom-building initiative? Hope in a Shirt.
Last Christmas, our founder and President Nanette gifted her good friends with no ordinary shirts— they were unbelievably soft custom printed shirts made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
The gift was a hit among her friends, who in turn told their friends about it. When Nanette approached Solenn with the idea of creating designs for an exclusive Hope in a Shirt collection, she loved it: not only would she be supporting a sustainable lifestyle; she’d also beinvesting her talents in the future of Filipino kids, by whom her art is inspired in the first place.
Hope in a Shirt #solennart
After receiving a shirt of her own, Solenn brought it with her on trips and tapings, styling it for events on some days, and lounging around in it on others. She was wearing what was to be the next canvas for her art, or #SolennArt, as she aptly calls it.
With help from our good friends at Globis, Inc., every one of Solenn’s brush and pencil strokes were transformed into high quality textile prints.
We’re not exaggerating when we say Solenn may as well have painted directly on the shirts, because that’s sure what it looks like.
A first in Philippine fashion, each of the shirts on this line is made from 11 recycled plastic bottles. Solenn, in her first foray into fashion, has artfully designed each shirt with our advocacy in mind.
Yet another first, we are launching this collection is a special HOPE-branded vending machine — an idea inspired by New York fashion week. The result is a disruptive and desirable product that celebrates art, innovative sustainability, and a worthwhile cause.
Our HOPE vendo will pop up in 3 surprise locations, for only 2 to 3 days each. We’re producing them in extremely limited quantities — just 200 — so excited shoppers can keep tabs on our Facebook and Instagram pages to find out where we pop up.
Those who miss their chance to shop at vendo caravan can rest easy knowing our shirts will soon after be available exclusively through Zalora.
With Hope in a Shirt we kick-off HOPE as a movement that celebrates and empowers consumers to positively impact thousands of Filipinos, one HOPE-branded product at a time.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 26, 2017 | Events
Top heritage street food vendors and celebrity chefs from across the globe will soon flock Manila for an exciting five days of gastronomic adventure of local and international street food at the World Street Food Congress 2017 (WSFC17).
Happening on May 31 – June 4, 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, these experts will be sharing insights, developments, and opportunities in street food heritage and culture in the World Street Food Dialogue. Over 30 authentic street food vendors from 13 nations, including Philippines, will be flown in to dazzle the foodies at the World Street Food Jamboree component.
WSFC17 special guests
Leading the roster of dialogue speakers are Anthony Bourdain, international food and travel celebrity, and Greg Drescher who is currently the vice-president of strategic initiatives and industry leadership at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA).
Joining him are our country’s very own culinary maven, Claude Tayag, who specializes in Kapampangan dishes and owns the famous Bale Datung as well as Sau Del Rosario who is a proud owner of the popular modern Kapampangan café, Café Fleur and 25 Seeds, SARSA’s JP Anglo, and Rafael Jardeleza who is the founder of project director of the annual Tabu-an Western Visayas Ilonggo Heritage Cooking Competition and Food Fair.
Malcolm Lee
Mai Pham
Also included in the list of speakers are:
- Mai Pham, author of several award-winning cookbooks including The Best of Vietnamese & Thai Cooking, Pleasures of the Vietnamese Table and Flavours of Asia and,
- Malcolm Lee who is the head chef and owner of the first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut, to name a few.
KF Seetoh
Curated by K.F. Seetoh and organized by Makansutra and presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), this year’s WSFC17 is bigger and better with over 50 kinds of street food representing 13 different countries in over 30 stalls plus pop-up booths.
Other activities at WSFC17
Aside from World Street Food Dialogue, the event will also host the World Street Food Jamboree, where you can sample different local and international street food and at the same time mingle with celebrity chefs at the cooking demo; and the World Street Food Awards, where the best of industry professionals will be awarded.
Schedule of activities:
WSFC17 Dialogue
Venue: airconditioned tent at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds
- May 31 – 8am to 5:30pm
- June 01 – 8am to 5:30pm
WSFC17 Jamboree
| May 31 to June 02 |
Wednesday to Friday |
4pm to 11pm |
| June 03 |
Saturday |
1pm to 11pm |
| June 04 |
Sunday |
1pm to 9pm |
WSFC is one of the world’s biggest food destinations and with an even bigger and better event this year, it will sure to attract more global attention. This paves the way for the Philippines to be recognized as one of the world’s most go-to food destinations.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 22, 2017 | Safety tips
A few days ago, on May 18, 2017, the Philippine government passed a new law that was supposed to address the issue of distracted driving. While I believe that this is a good law “in principle” I think that the LTFRB was premature in having it implemented as it failed to address some issues and tried to institute measures that many have found irrational.
What is considered “distracted driving”?
Republic Act (RA) 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA) defines “distracted driving” as using telecommunications or entertainment devices while in motion or when temporarily stopped at a red traffic light.
- Eating while driving is not classified as distracted driving.
- Putting on makeup while driving is not classified as distracted driving.
- Passing things back and forth to the driver of the vehicle (as jeepney drivers do when accepting the fare and giving back change) is not classified as distracted driving.
Google Maps
It does not take into consideration that most people nowadays, not just drivers of ridesharing apps, use GPS software such as Waze or Google Maps to help them navigate to places they’ve never been or through heavy traffic.
It does not allow motorcycle and bicycle riders to attach a cellphone to their bike (usually placed in front behind the handlebars) even if the purpose is for navigation.
biker complaint
But what is even worse is when our traffic enforcers are not given adequate education on the law which allows them the make victims of law-abiding citizens.
Let’s go back to what the anti-distracted driving law states … using telecommunications or entertainment devices while in motion or when temporarily stopped at a red traffic light. This netizen was neither in motion or temporarily stopped at a red traffic light. He pulled to the side, DID NOT GO ON THE SIDEWALK (which is for pedestrian use), and ONLY THEN checked his messages. So, tell me … WHY, oh why, traffic enforcers would you penalize him and cite the anti-distracted driving law?
- he wasn’t driving/riding
- he was not at a stoplight
- he was not blocking traffic
And, you know what? He posits a valid point, why not penalize pedestrians who are on their phone while walking, too? Is that not a hazard as well?
- it means the pedestrian is distracted also and not paying close attention to where he/she is walking
- it is an invitation for unsavory elements to rob the pedestrian
Line of sight
line of sight – photo credit to rappler.com
Let us consider this … they did not say that we could not mount our cellphone or tablet, they said not within the line of sight. This photo taken from rappler.com shows what part of the car constitutes as “line of sight”. In a nutshell, they are saying we cannot put anything on the dashboard because doing so would be a distraction.
Many netizens have gone up and arms, mostly those who use GPS. In response, LTFRB says they are still allowing cellphones BUT at recommended locations such as:
- attached to the air vent
- behind the rearview mirror (for the dashcam) and not hanging under it
- behind the steering wheel in front of the display panel
LTFRB, have you really given this serious thought?
Ok, correct me if I wrong, but isn’t the point supposed to be that drivers are to keep their eyes on the road at all times? So … if I had to look/glance down to check the map on my phone would that not mean that I AM taking my eyes off the road? Am I not then distracted?
Personally, my preferred placement is on top of the dashboard on my right or right on the air vent. Anything lower than that is too low. Playing peekaboo with my phone behind the steering wheel is not an option unless I am prepared to hit another car or a pedestrian. Having my phone just at that height means that I have my phone on my periphery the entire time so glancing at the map is not difficult.
Understanding distracted driving
What is distracted driving? – the graphic is taken from seafirstinsurance.com
I think the infographic above taken from seafirstinsurance.com says it quite well:
- no personal grooming
- no using of handheld or portable electronic devices
- no listening and talking on handheld devices
- no texting or emailing
- no writing, printing, or sketching
- no reading of printed materials
- no entering of info on GPS units
If only LTFRB could state it as clearly as that then maybe there wouldn’t be such a hubbub.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 19, 2017 | Business
MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) provider in the country, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a stronger commitment to provide more Filipinos access to quality health and medical care, amidst the fast-paced, technology-driven lifestyles of this generation.
To make the celebration more meaningful, the country’s top HMO put forward the theme, “Brave the World,” to emphasize the company’s commitment to encourage each and every Filipino to capitalize on his health so that he can seize more opportunities, dare to make a difference and successfully pursue a better future.
Dr. Nicky Montoya, Medicard President
“The world has indeed become smaller, providing Filipinos more opportunities to excel and grow. However, many pass up these great opportunities as health issues sometimes stand in their way.
As we celebrate our anniversary with this in mind, MediCard will continue to strive to provide more Filipinos access to quality health care through innovative products, and services and free-standing clinics in key locations that will make staying healthy possible for every Filipinos thus, allowing them to brave the world,” says MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya.
Innovative and responsive products
Along with its corporate packages, MediCard also highlights its new products as it celebrates 30 years of providing quality and accessible healthcare to Filipinos: MediCard Select, a breakthrough product that takes care of healthcare needs for minimal access fee, service fee and fixed fund and allows returns of unused fund.
On top of these innovative health maintenance products, MediCard offers various health plans to fit each individual’s budget. For individuals and families who want coverage for hospitalization, outpatient procedures and preventive healthcare, among others, MediCard has the Family/Individual plans. For a more comprehensive healthcare coverage, MediCard also offers VIP plans; and Kabayan, created for overseas sponsors to provide quality healthcare for their loved ones in the Philippines;
Other healthcare pre-paid plans offered by MediCard are: The RXER plan, which offers a specialized healthcare maintenance service that covers emergencies for trauma cases and preventive and outpatient care in MediCard free-standing clinics; Healthplus plan, where members can avail themselves of preventive and outpatient coverage in MediCard free-standing clinics for one year for only P1,100; and the MediCard Health Check Card, which gives your loved ones unlimited check-ups at MediCard free-standing clinics for only P500.
Clinics across Metro Manila, Luzon and Cebu
In addition to its 12 well-equipped clinics, MediCard also brings its top-notch medical services to more Filipinos by opening more free standing clinics outside Metro Manila. It recently opened clinics in Lipa City, Batangas and Cainta, Rizal, making their quality healthcare services accessible to everyone.
MediCard Lifestyle Center, a first of its kind wellness center in Makati
Chief among them is the MediCard Lifestyle Center, a first of its kind wellness center in Makati, which has a breast clinic – an outpatient facility that offers breast exam, mammography and consultation with breast specialists before undergoing any diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.
Giving back to the community
Furthermore, in 2012, MediCard maintained the lead on the realization of its founding chairman’s vision and created another symbolic milestone with the birth of MediCard Foundation, the first charitable institution in the Philippine HMO setting. It develops and implements health-related programs and conducts outreach activities through funded CSR projects, fund-raising activities and donations from generous corporations, philanthropic individuals and other foundations.
With all these developments, new product offerings and network of clinics, MediCard is truly the health partner to help members and patients achieve optimum health and be on their way to brave the world.
For more information, visit www.medicardphils.com and https://www.facebook.com/MEDICard.Philippines/.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 18, 2017 | Lifestyle
The Philippines will once again play host to one of Asia’s biggest food events, the World Street Food Congress (WSFC)! And this time, the event gets bigger and better.
For five full days of gastronomic adventure, foodies from around the world will get to enjoy over 35 different kinds of street food from across 13 countries. This will happen from 31 May – 04 June 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.
K.F. Seetoh of Makansutra
Organized by photojournalist and TV personality K.F. Seetoh of Makansutra and presented by Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), this year’s WSFC will highlight three exciting components:
- World Street Food Jamboree
- World Street Food Dialogue
- and World Street Food Awards
You can find a wide array of authentic mouth-watering heritage street food representing different countries across the globe in the World Street Food Jamboree. Plus, you can also meet various celebrity chefs and watch their amazing whipping skills at the cooking demos.
Celebrity Chef Anthony Bordain, Chef Claude Tayag, and Chef Sau del Rosario
The industry’s top chefs, global movers, entrepreneurs, and food aficionados will be coming together to share ideas, developments and opportunities in street food culture. With the theme, “Re-Imagining Possibilities”, the roster of speakers will be led by international food and travel celebrity Anthony Bourdain and the country’s very own Chef Claude Tayag and Sau Del Rosario.
World Street Food Congress 2017
30 World Street Food Masters will be awarded in the World Street Food Awards. These winners must possess characteristics of a true street food professional including perseverance, innovation, and the ability to identify possibilities that nurture the world’s comfort and street culinary heritage.
Indeed, by hosting an even bigger and better WSFC in the country, the Philippines is eventually becoming a global destination not only for events, travel, and lifestyle but also gaining recognition for being a premier destination for culinary adventure.
Top heritage street food vendors and celebrity chefs from across the globe will soon flock Manila for an exciting five days of gastronomic adventure of local and international street food at the 
MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) provider in the country, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a stronger commitment to provide more Filipinos access to quality health and medical care, amidst the fast-paced, technology-driven lifestyles of this generation.
Along with its corporate packages, MediCard also highlights its new products as it celebrates 30 years of providing quality and accessible healthcare to Filipinos: MediCard Select, a breakthrough product that takes care of healthcare needs for minimal access fee, service fee and fixed fund and allows returns of unused fund.
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