by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 21, 2018 | Advocacy
The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) kicks off the 76th anniversary of the Bataan Death March commemoration with the Mariveles-San Fernando-Capas Freedom Trail (Freedom Trail) event on March 24 to 25, 2018.
The two-day, three provinces wide event, which aims to instill the values of Bravery, Sacrifice and Love for Country, will be highlighted by a retracing of the actual Death March 160km route by AFP Reservists and Personnel, 160KM Run Relay, Motorbike Tour, March, Float Parade, and Poster-Making contest awarding.
World War 2 veterans Florentino Platero, 88yo from Orani, Bataan and Caesar Aguirre 90yo from Pilar l, Bataan. Both their fathers were killed by the Japanese during World War 2.
Veterans Bank’s Freedom Trail likewise honors Filipino World War II heroes and survivors by involving the public in this solemn remembrance of heroism.
Organizers have prepared different categories to accommodate civilian, military and police units by running, walking or riding in two wheels while retracing the steps of our fallen heroes during the Bataan Death March.
“It is our generation’s responsibility to commemorate and honor the bravery and heroism of our veterans during the war. It will be a sin to forget how valiantly they fought and how they looked out for their fellow soldiers amid torture, injury, and starvation. History will hold us accountable if the next generations forget the Bataan Death March,” said Mike Villareal, Head of Veterans Bank’s Corporate and Consumer Relations Division.
Bob Hudson, son of an American Bataan Death March survivor pays respect to Pinoy veterans, Florentino Platero and Caesar Aguirre at KM30 stop of 2018 Freedom Trail.
The Death March, considered as one of the darkest days in Philippine History, is the forcible transfer of 60,000–80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war (POW) from Mariveles and Saysain Point, Bagac, Bataan to Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac. The prisoners were loaded onto trains in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The march began sometime on April 11, 1942, and left thousands dead and seriously wounded after enduring torture under the hands of the Japanese Imperial Army.
The Death March route stretches from Mariveles in Bataan to Capas, Tarlac via San Fernando, Pampanga via the old roads.
Simultaneous Activities
The Freedom Trail will have three event categories:
- a competitive 160KM team relay;
- the Ride for Valor for big bikes; and
- the Freedom March.
160km team relay
The 160KM Team Relay is open to all. There is a registration fee of 1,500 pesos per team. Teams are composed of eight riders, with a minimum of two female riders. All teams must provide their own support vehicle, headlamps, and food. There will be checkpoints at every 10km. Fastest top three teams to reach Capas National Shrine in Tarlac will win a trophy and cash prize. Assembly is 5:00 am, March 24, 2018, at KM Zero, Mariveles, Bataan. The race starts at 6:00 am.
Ride for valor
The Ride for Valor is a non-competitive event for big bikers. Registration fee is 1,500 pesos. Participants will receive an exclusive commemorative patch for the event. Only motorbikes with engines 400cc and larger are allowed. The Ride for Valor will trace the route from KM Zero in Mariveles, Bataan to the Capas National Shrine in Tarlac. There will be historical stops along the way with a short program and performance from the tour guides. Participants are reminded to wear safety gear at all times. There will be a boodle fight at the end of the Ride. The Ride starts at 6:00 am on March 25, 2018, at KM Zero, Mariveles, Bataan.
Freedom march
Marchers from KM Zero in Mariveles, Bataan.
The Freedom March will be a torch-passing relay for AFP Personnel & Reservists and youth groups. Participation is free. Participants can join at any point of the course. Special performances will be done by re-enactors at different points along the route.
The march will start at 6:00 am on March 24, 2018, at KM Zero, Mariveles, Bataan and expected to end at 5:00 pm on March 25, 2018, at the Capas National Shrine in Capas, Tarlac.
The Freedom Memorial Trail also recognizes the importance of the ROTC Unit for their efforts and service during the war. It shall be a rallying point for ROTC cadet officers, NSTP Students, ROTC Alumni members, and Army Reservists.
This year’s event also includes events for the general public, including a short program to be performed at the historical sites highlighting its importance to our history. There will also be a poster-making competition among the different barangays along the trail from Bataan, Pampanga, and Tarlac. This shall raise public awareness at the barangay level prior to the celebration of the Freedom Trail. All winning posters shall be exhibited at the Capas National Shrine during the Veterans Week Celebration.
Since 2014, the Philippine Veterans Bank, with PVAO and the Provincial Government of Bataan along with other partners, have held the Bataan Freedom Run in honor of WWII veterans who endured the death march in 1942.
To register and find out more about the Bataan Freedom Run and the Mariveles-San Fernando-Capas Freedom Trail, visit http://www.bataanfreedomrun.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 17, 2018 | Advocacy
Ever Bilena, the country’s leading cosmetics brand, is a proud supporter, with the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP), of this year’s “Hope for Lupus Run” on January 21 at the SM Mall of Asia.
The event is held in partnership with Hope for Lupus Foundation.
Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, causes the body’s immune system to become hyperactive and to attack normal, healthy muscles and organs. This leads to inflammation, swelling and damage to the skin, joints, kidneys, blood, heart and lungs.
The disorder is more common among women. Ever Bilena, with its large women clientele, is working closely with Hope for Lupus Foundation to promote early detection and proper treatment of the disease. The foundation logo is currently part of the uniform of Blackwater Elite, Ever Bilena’s official PBA team.
“Hope for Lupus Run” participants can join the 5k, 10k, or 21k race. Lupus patients can join the 1k butterfly warrior march.
Entry fee for the 21k race is P1, 000, inclusive of race bib, shoetag with RFID (radio frequency identification), race shirt, a “Finisher” shirt and medal. For 10k and 5k races, entrance fees are P750 and P650, respectively. The fee covers race bib, shoetag with RFID and race shirt. Fee for the butterfly warrior march is P350, inclusive of a race shirt and umbrella.
Registration is being conducted until January 14, 2018 at GNC stores, such as those in Trinoma, SM Megamall, SM Aura, Glorietta, SM Mall of Asia and Alabang Town Center.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 15, 2018 | Advocacy
AXA, the official insurance partner of the NBA in the Philippines, recently celebrated the strategic partnership with an event that highlighted their shared principles of teamwork, integrity, courage, and innovation. During the festivities, a check donation amounting to P70,000 was presented to Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, a non-profit center for the orthopedically impaired.
Last July, NBA 3X Philippines 2017 presented by AXA staged a free throw challenge featuring local celebrities including TV personality Bobby Yan, former PBA player Paul Artadi, and former UP Lady Maroons team captain Karen Salapong that generated a financial donation for every free throw made, which will be used to purchase wheelchairs for the community.
AXA Philippines believes in empowering its customers to create a solid financial game plan to be able to live the life they choose.
On hand during the turnover were (L-R) AXA Philippines CSR Manager Eliza Delos Santos, Segment Director Johanna Janeo, Segment Manager Paulo Sulit, Chief Transformation & Operations Officer John Hilson, representatives from Tahanan Walang Hagdanan, AXA Philippines Chief Human Resources Officer Jaspreet Kakar, and Brand Marketing & Communications Director Donna Marcelo.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 11, 2018 | Advocacy
In its continued commitment to preserve and protect Mother Earth, Pioneer Adhesives Foundation, Inc. (PAFI) in coordination with the local government unit under the leadership of the Municipal Mayor Leonila P. Montero spearheaded a tree planting activity called Planting for the Planet in Panglao, Bohol last November 23.
PAFI Executive Director Martina Spakowski welcomes the volunteers and gives a few reminders, before commencing the tree planting activity.
A Pioneer volunteer gently places a seedling into the ground.
Each volunteer is tokened with a stainless steel reusable straw to further promote environmentalism and the refusal of single use plastics.
Volunteers sign a tarp with an image of a tree; one name per leaf as a mark of their participation in the activity.
Over a hundred volunteers composed of Pioneer Adhesives, Inc. employees and business partners rolled up their sleeves and planted 200 seedlings in the beautiful island of Panglao. This tree planting activity, which was a meaningful part of the Pioneer Adhesives National Conference, is just one of the many initiatives the foundation has under its environmental campaign “Our Earth Our Responsibility”.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 11, 2017 | Advocacy
SM Supermalls marked another milestone in its pursuit to make each day better for all at the launch of SM City Trece Martires’ solar system, held in Trece Martires City, Cavite. At the ‘switching on’ ceremony, SM highlighted that the solar system rollout all over the country was only part of the many sustainability programs SM has been doing for years.
At the launch of The Green Switch from left to right: Senior Vice President For Marketing Jonjon San Agustin; SM Vice President for Operations Lisa Silerio; SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia; Mrs. Aiza De Sagun, representing Trece Martires Mayor Melendres De Sagun; Solar Philippines President Leandro Leviste; Executive Assistant Vincent Bae; Engineer Ernesto Cenizal; and Regional Operations Manager Dominador Caringal, Jr.
The SM City Trece Martires solar facility houses 2,914 solar panels capable of generating 0.5 megawatts of electricity, enough to fully charge 130,000 cellphones, light up 15,500 10-watt LED lamps, run 4,500 30-watt electric fans, and provide power to 300 households. The use of solar energy promotes clean air and saves the environment by helping reduce carbon footprint from electricity produced from combustion of fossil fuels.
Other Sustainability Programs
Other sustainability programs of SM include the ‘Trash to Cash’ recycling markets in SM malls, and the integration of transport terminals in malls to mitigate traffics for cleaner air. With disaster risk reduction taking center stage on sustainability, SM has been building ‘resilient’ malls with water catchment basins to help manage flood-prone areas.
SM Prime, alongside UNISDR and ARISE Philippines, also hosts the Top Leaders Forum. The theme for 2017 is ‘Business for Resilience – Towards a Resilient Philippines’.
As a private sector conference aspiring to find concrete measures to make businesses more resilient against disasters, the Forum this year underscores invaluable collaboration between the science and technology community and the private sector towards global disaster preparedness.
Technology Partner
Leandro Leviste, Solar Philippines President and Founder
At the helm of SM’s partner in promoting eco-friendly shopping in the country is Solar Philippines Founder, Mr. Leandro Leviste.
Leading the largest developer of solar rooftop power plants in Southeast Asia, Mr. Leviste was recognized in the Forbes Magazine 2016 30 under 30 Asia, a roster of young game-changers, entrepreneurs, and social leaders who are under 30 years old.
With SM’s solar system rollout and other green programs, SM continues to go beyond mall development and management as it integrates environmental sustainability into its operations to ultimately support communities for a better tomorrow.
For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat.
Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your photos about your memorable moments at SM, then use its official hashtag #EverythingsHereAtSM.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 14, 2017 | Advocacy
BIC Product (Asia) Pte Ltd, in cooperation with its distributor partner in the Philippines – Filstar Distributors Corporation, is set to kick off its biggest social campaign in Asia, #BICBrightFutures.
As Champions of Education, BIC® believes that a bright future is for everyone. As such, BIC® will be giving half a million Stationery products – the biggest donation in Asia to date – to Children’s Hour, Yellow Boat of Hope, and Kariton Klasrum to help kids as they pursue their dreams.
The campaign culminated in a one-day event at KidZania Manila on October 26th. An estimated 200 children from Children’s Hour and Kariton Klasrum participated at the event.
For one day, the children were encouraged to have fun while exploring the adult world by immersing themselves in over 100 role-play activities in the play city. Using BIC® pens, they also plotted out their goals and dreams in a special BIC® Bright Futures workbook.
Efren Peñaflorida, an education advocate, teacher, and social worker, was at the event to talk to the kids about the importance of going back to school and how it will help them build a brighter future. Peñaflorida is also the founder of Kariton Klasrum.
“Our main focus, since Kariton Klasrum’s inception, has always been about bringing education to less fortunate children. Through this event, we will be able to show them that a bright future is possible for them as long as they plan for it and persevere to achieve it,” said Efren Peñaflorida, founder of Kariton Klasrum.
“Many children are in great need of encouragement from the adults in their lives to push themselves to work hard for a better future. We are happy that our kids will walk away with a sneak peek at what their own futures can hold, as well as a new hope,” said Net Garcia, Children’s Hour Executive Director.
“We have always believed that bright futures are written by hand. As adults, many of us have become what we are today because we put pen to paper and wrote down our ambitions. That act of writing down our aspirations makes the dream seem real. Today, we want to inspire less-fortunate children to dream and work for their futures, because after all, everyone deserves a bright future.” said Frederic Dumon, BIC Asia Deputy General Manager.
BIC® feels strongly about giving back to communities where the Group is present in the form of product or financial donations and volunteering. As part of its strong societal commitment, the BIC® Corporate Foundation for Education was launched in 2016 focusing on fighting for universal access to education as a basic human right. Through this foundation, BIC® is engaged in the fight against school drop-outs, access to education for girls and women, and environmental education. The global company has made 112 donations to promote education giving more than 6 million pens to children in need in the same year.
BIC is a family-owned company listed on the Paris Stock Exchange and a world leader in stationery, lighters, and shavers. For more than 60 years, BIC has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, simple, inventive, and reliable choices for everyone, everywhere, every time. A world leader in consumer goods, 30.9 million BIC® products is purchased every day worldwide (18.9 million Stationery products, 4.2 million Lighters, 7.1 million shavers, and 0.7 million promotional products).
Filstar Distributors Corporation prides itself on having been the exclusive licensee of Hallmark in the Philippines since 1974 and the exclusive distributor of BIC® Stationery products since 2001. Since then, Filstar has evolved to be a distributor of these two distinguished brands and other world-class brands that supplement and enhance the self-expression industry. In 2013, Filstar expanded its partnership with BIC® to cover BIC® Lighters and Shavers categories.
Find more about BIC® from the following online references.
The event is held in partnership with 
BIC Product (Asia) Pte Ltd, in cooperation with its distributor partner in the Philippines – Filstar Distributors Corporation, is set to kick off its biggest social campaign in Asia, #BICBrightFutures.
“Our main focus, since Kariton Klasrum’s inception, has always been about bringing education to less fortunate children. Through this event, we will be able to show them that a bright future is possible for them as long as they plan for it and persevere to achieve it,” said Efren Peñaflorida, founder of Kariton Klasrum.
“We have always believed that bright futures are written by hand. As adults, many of us have become what we are today because we put pen to paper and wrote down our ambitions. That act of writing down our aspirations makes the dream seem real. Today, we want to inspire less-fortunate children to dream and work for their futures, because after all, everyone deserves a bright future.” said Frederic Dumon, BIC Asia Deputy General Manager.
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