Aside from singing the Lupang Hinirang, saluting and giving due reverence to the Philippine flag is the most distinguishable act of patriotism, especially among students and children.

It is with this belief that Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. (BAVI), operator of the country’s largest rotisserie chicken chain, Chooks-to-Go, has partnered with Ayala Foundation Inc.  (AFI) for its #MagingMagiting Flag campaign.

The project, with the support of the Department of Education and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, aims to rekindle Filipino pride, foster love of country and celebrate the lives of everyday Filipino heroes by distributing Philippine flags to public elementary schools nationwide.

As #MagingMagiting Flag campaign sponsor, BAVI and Chooks-to-Go will provide funding support to enable AFI, with the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, to distribute over 3,000 flag kits to the same number of public schools in 2019.

The flag kits contain a 6’x3’ Philippine national flag and an A3-sized wall poster on the proper way to take care of the flag. The flag can easily be attached to the school flagpole while the poster can be placed on the bulletin board for everyone to read.

Section 5 of Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines stipulates that the Philippine national flag shall be displayed in all public buildings, official residences, public plazas, and institutions of learning everyday throughout the year.

“With this campaign, Chooks-to-Go and Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. hopes to instill nationalism far and wide and right at the start of the Filipino’s formative years: in elementary school. By giving flags to public schools, even in remote areas, we inspire Filipinos to love their country by becoming and doing their best in their daily lives, and in the case of students, in their studies and family life,” said Ronald Mascariñas, BAVI president and general manager.

Mascariñas, together with AFI president Ruel Maranan, led the signing of a memorandum of agreement, to officially start the partnership for flag awareness, appreciation and respect. They were joined by fast-rising young basketball player Kobe Paras who assured the partners of his support for the campaign.

As a member of the Philippine national men’s basketball team, Kobe has been playing for flag and country in international competitions such as the SEA Games, FIBA, SEABA, and Jones Cup tournaments and knows how important it is to foster a sense of nationalism, especially among the youth.

Nothing can brighten a day like seeing the precious smile of a child. That is why leading health and beauty retailer, Watsons, has been partnering with Operation Smile since 2013 in giving children born with cleft lip and cleft palate a chance to smile through free and safe surgeries. In the Philippines, an estimated of 4,500 children are born every year with this condition.

Founded in 1982, Operation Smile is an international medical service organization that has provided hundreds of thousands of free surgeries for children and young adults in developing countries worldwide who are born with cleft lip, cleft palate and facial deformities. It is dedicated to improve the health and lives of children worldwide through access to surgical care. According to Operation Smile, 9 in 10 children born with a cleft condition could die due to a lack of access to safe surgery.

Watsons shares the same passion and believes that through its partnership with Operation Smile, it can give smiles to these children and improve their lives and health. This year, Watsons is committed to help 400 children through its medical missions in Dumaguete, Iloilo and Tacloban.

Additionally, Watsons encourages its customers to support the cause by encouraging them to do good and feel great. When a customer buys Watsons brand products until November 21, the customer will be able to donate to Operation Smile that will contribute to the surgeries of these children. From November 22 to December 26, customer can use Watsons Card or SM Advantage Card points to donate.

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Watsons is Asia’s leading health and beauty retailer and has been voted Asia’s No. 1 Pharmacy/Drugstore Brand for tenth consecutive year*. For more information about Watsons, visit www.watsons.com.ph, follow @watsonsph on Facebook and Instagram. For exclusive benefits and promos, get the new Watsons Card, membership is free and non-expiring, get one point for every P200 spend at Watsons.

Through every celebration—may it be a birthday, an anniversary, or a wedding—Hallmark has been part of spreading the most precious messages of love and cheer. Their well-loved cards have connected and brought smiles throughout people all over the world. And this year’s holiday season is no exception.

Every year, Hallmark collaborates with top local artists in creating special limited edition L.I.F.E. products such as greeting cards, gift wrappers, bags, and other giftable items where a portion from the sales of these products go straight to the foundation.

To formally launch Hallmark for L.I.F.E, an event was held last October 31 at the Ayala Malls 30^th Cinema 1. It was attended by the Hallmark for L.I.F.E team and some of the kids of the foundation. Through this, the people behind Hallmark and L.I.F.E. Foundation hope to help uplift the spirits of the kids, put a smile on their faces, and give them the encouragement and support that they need.

L-R Jose Martin Ramos Licauco, Management Trainee, Filstar Distributors Corporation, Mia Christina Licauco Alindogan, Vice President, Filstar Distributors Corporation, Carmela Gozon, Corporate Secretary, LIFE Foundation, Katrina M. Yatco, Business Co – Chair, LIFE Foundation, Winfred Huang, President, LIFE Foundation, Gabriel A. Felix, Treasurer, LIFE Foundation, Nanette M. Garcia, Assistant Vice President – Sales, Filstar Distributors Corporation

For 23 years, Filstar Distributors Corporation (FDC), the country’s exclusive licensee of Hallmark USA together with the Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment (L.I.F.E.) Foundation created a charitable project called “Hallmark for L.I.F.E.” to help alleviate the condition of indigent children with Leukemia.

For corporate orders of Hallmark for L.I.F.E. items please call (+632) 643-0200 loc. 112,114 & 116. or email us at fdc@filstar.com.ph, life@filstar.com.ph

For more information, log on to Hallmark Facebook page: facebook.com/hallmarkphilippines.

Three lucky donors will receive P5,000 worth of travel vouchers at the Donate Blood Save Life 2018 Campaign of the International Cabin Attendant Training School (ICATS) on September 28, 2018 in Pasig City.

Held in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the campaign aims to promote awareness about blood donation and its importance in preserving life. It starts at 9 a.m. at Unit 907-A East Tower of the Philippine Stock Exchange Center along Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. This year’s theme is “Share the gift of life.”

“The event is part of our corporate social responsibility and is our way of giving back to the community. We invite everyone to join this worthwhile endeavor. This is your chance to help others and feel good at the same time,” according to Lou Aseron, ICATS marketing head.
In addition to getting a free medical checkup and knowing their blood type, hemoglobin level, and blood pressure, donors will receive freebies and giveaways. Prior to donating blood, they will be interviewed and examined to know if they are qualified. Free food and souvenirs will also be provided during the event.

What’s more, donors will automatically join the raffle draw and get a chance to win P5,000 worth of gift vouchers from Aliah Travel and Tours. Guests will have until 5 p.m. to submit their donor vouchers that serve as their raffle coupons at the front desk. Three lucky winners will be drawn at 5:30 p.m.
Donors must be between 18 to 60 years old, weigh at least a 110 pounds or about 50 kilograms, and have a normal body temperature. They should have a blood pressure of 90 – 160/60 – 100 mmHg and a pulse rate between 50 to 200 beats per minute. They must also pass a routine check for hemoglobin. Teenagers as young as 16 can donate blood if they are allowed by their parents.

“Have enough rest and at least five hours of sleep if you intend to donate blood. Avoid alcohol 12 to 24 hours before the procedure and no surgery within the year or body piercing or tattoos for the last 12 months. Donors must be physically healthy with no sexually transmitted diseases,” Aseron explained.

Make a difference today. Donate blood and help others live. For more information, call 470-7523, 0917-8222366 or 0939-9144309. You can also check out https://www.facebook.com/events/521374688312684/.