Sharing the Gift of Education in the Now Normal

My Dream in a Shoebox continues to make dreaming for every Filipino child possible 

Education in the now normal continues to be a struggle for many Filipino children, especially those in the marginalized sector. The crisis and disruption brought by the pandemic do not only add to the existing education disparities, but also hamper the learning process and opportunities of the youth. Thus, ensuring learning continuity is imperative now more than ever.

As the education sector pivots and innovates from the impact of the pandemic, new approaches and different learning modalities have been developed to better support it. For My Dream in a Shoebox (MDIAS), education is the one thing that must not be taken away from a child, most especially in times of need. Last year, it shifted its gears to help answer the changing needs of students today.

As annual education campaign spearheaded by TeamAsia, MDIAS aims to equip less fortunate Filipino children with educational assistance and help them make their #BiggerDreams come true. Innovating its dream kits and scholarships for its 12th year, MDIAS transformed its Do-It-Yourself shoeboxes and adapted the calls of the Department of Education to cater to the needs of distance learning. Aside from school supplies, MDIAS has added calls for donations of solar-powered and rechargeable transistor radios, old or new tablets, old usable computers with mobile internet dongle, working printers with ink tank and refillable ink, and photocopy machine with affordable toners to help make learning sustainable for students and teachers in the now normal.

For partners of MDIAS like the Yellow Boat of Hope (YBH) Foundation, the pandemic has surely changed educational efforts. Seeing as the resources that beneficiaries urgently need are educational support to 

help them implement the Distance Modular learning approach, YBH quickly pivoted from their yellow school boats bringing kids to school to delivering educational modules to the doorsteps of the learners to ensure that no child will be left behind. Through MDIAS, their scholarship program for 100 vulnerable elementary school kids will continue. 

According to Father Didoy Molina, one of MDIAS’ beneficiaries from Christ the King Parish, school supplies given out to their parish scholars greatly improve their capacity to study, increase their confidence and performance, and enhance their self-esteem. He explained that the tools do not only help the children do well in their studies, but are also instruments of love and care shared with them by their parents and by the generous donors, telling them that they are cared for, and that their dreams are supported.

"I am looking forward to seeing more smiles and grateful faces as they receive beautiful boxes filled with school supplies, wrapped with care by generous donors. These memorable experiences really stay with me for life and inspire me to hope for our young people," Father Didoy shared.

For Bea Lim, Managing Director of TeamAsia and MDIAS Chief Dreambuilder, corporate social responsibility is not just about giving back to the community when things get tough. It is a continuous commitment to inclusive growth, progress and development that will ultimately lead to a stronger, sustainable and thriving society.

"This now normal we are in today highlights the importance of bayanihan and malasakit to work together to fight this pandemic and push for economic recovery with compassion, empathy, and faith that we can all get through this together," Lim emphasized.

Through the years, My Dream in a Shoebox has equipped over 400,000 children across the Philippines  with the necessary tools they need to chase their #BiggerDreams. With the communities facing even greater challenges today due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MDIAS wants to make its impact not only bigger, but more efficient and safe. MDIAS is open to more individuals and corporate partners to join them in giving more underprivileged children the gift of education and to help in making their dreams come true.

For more information on making #BiggerDreams come true, log on to www.teamasia.com/shoeboxcampaign, call +639178813724, or email shoebox@teamasia.com.

GCash drives PH digital transformation, hits over PHP 1 Trillion Transactions in 2020

GCash, the undisputed leader and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, exceeded its 2020 business targets, one of which is hitting its PHP 1 trillion transaction commitment earlier this year -- an impressive 254% YoY growth -- while it continues to empower millions of Filipinos with digital financial tools and services that helped them adapt into the new normal. 

The service peaked at PHP 7.5 billion daily gross transaction value, and more than 6 million transactions a day. Meanwhile, its customer base ballooned to more than 33 million -- a third of the Philippines’ national population -- coming from 20 million in 2019.

“The remarkable growth GCash experienced this year shows that Filipinos have embraced financial technology. People have realized that fintech isn't just an option but a necessity, allowing them to fulfill their financial lifestyle conveniently,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash.

Sponge Cola releases “Siguro Nga,” a song inspired by K-drama series, Start-Up

Sponge Cola is no stranger to writing music inspired by their love for cinema and pop culture. In fact, the four-piece alternative rock outfit named their debut full-length album, Palabas to acknowledge the compelling impact of shows—be it a theatrical play, a dramatic film, or an episode in a television series—in making us understand our own lives, the lives of those around us, and the lives of people whose contributions to humanity deserve to be celebrated at all cost.

With this creative pursuit comes a tribute to the blockbuster K-drama series, Start-Up, which is currently heaping praises all around the world for its gripping story on young entrepreneurs aspiring to make it big in the competitive world of Korean high-tech industry. Sponge Cola released “Siguro Nga” as a song born out of vocalist and guitarist Yael Yuzon’s love for Han Ji-Pyeong, a prominent character whose unconventional upbringing and misfortunes in life enabled him to become a principled, self-made man with a tough exterior and unbeknownst to everyone—a tender heart. 

YORI launches Takara Shelf in partnership with Boss Protector, now available in SM Stores nationwide

Ever wonder how you can stack your Funko Pop! Collection? In case you still have no idea how  to do it, YORI’s new Takara Shelf will make your life easier!  

YORI Takara Shelf collection is custom built for space-saving symmetrical displays. The shelves  are fully maximizable from top to bottom, and front to back. They are also suitable as a back-to back island display. 

Both Medium and Mega Takara Shelves are able to efficiently fit the most popular collection  packaging sizes even with their special protectors on.  

Take note that you can also stack the Takara Shelf with either boxed or out-of-box displays. TAKARA SHELF MEGA TAKARA SHELF MEDIUM 

Width: 78 cm Width: 78 cm Height: 30 cm Height: 30 cm  Side: 147 cm Side: 110 cm Weight: 11.1 kg Weight: 8.7 kg  

The YORI Takara Shelf is made with wooden MFC panels and steel frames with electric coating.  Every DIY package comes with tools and YORI’s Easy-To-Understand assembly instructions. 

Get and Refill Your Favorite NutriAsia Sauces and Condiments at the Reopened BYOB (Bring Your Own Bote) Store in Quezon City!

Great news! There’s now an eco-friendlier way to get your favorite NutriAsia sauces and condiments! NutriAsia has reopened their BYOB (Bring Your Own Bote) store at the Quezon City Hall!

Relaunched to the public on 7 December 2020, the BYOB (Bring Your Own Bote) store at the Quezon City Hall gives everyone a safe and sustainable way to purchase NutriAsia sauces and condiments. As the name suggests, you can bring your own bottle to refill with Datu Puti Soy Sauce, Datu Puti Vinegar, and Hapi Fiesta Vegetable Oil. The BYOB (Bring Your Own Bote) store also has strict health protocols, so you don’t have to worry about risking your health!

Ordering a refill at the store is easy as 1-2-3.

Simply scan the QR code on the NutriAsia Facebook page or go to http://bit.ly/QCBYOB (BRING YOUR OWN BOTE)form to fill out the order and waiver forms. After completing the forms, you’ll get a confirmation e-mail which you’ll have to show at the store.

FREIA at Pico de Loro Cove: A seaside condo that refreshes you daily

(Artist’s perspective) The contemporary tropical architecture
 captures the expansive views of the sea, mountains and
 man-made Pico Lagoon. FREIA’s distinctive three-step roofline 
mimics the rugged hillside terrain.

COVID fears and quarantine restrictions have driven Filipinos to seek refuge outside of the city.  Closeness to nature, a healthier environ, and the avoidance of curtailed freedom are the main reasons.  Likewise, advance technology has made remote working easier, thus setting the trend towards relocation. 

FREIA is the newest gem within Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast, the prime leisure resort community located in Nasugbu, Batangas. A fitting apex and the most luxurious after eight mid-rise residential condominium developments in the sprawling 40-hectare estate, FREIA at Pico de Loro Cove offers prime units with panoramic views of the West Philippine Sea and Mount Pico. The whole of Pico de Loro Cove (developed by SM Prime’s Costa Del Hamilo Incorporated) guarantees the seclusion, security and serenity required for a quick recharge or remote business supervision.  Yet, it is a mere half-hour drive to Nasugbu town proper and an hour and a half commute to Metro Manila. 

HOPELINE 24/7 mental health support now in HealthNow app

As mental health issues rise due to isolation, fear, and worries that accompany the current pandemic, it becomes necessary to make it easier for the public to access mental health support services whenever and wherever they need them.

Thus, HOPELINE, the 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis support desk of New Good Feelings (NGF) Mindstrong, partnered with telehealth service integrator HealthNow to give the public more ways to reach the hotline.  HOPELINE can be found under HealthNow app’s Urgent Help button in the welcome page. Globe and TM subscribers will be able to call the hotline toll-free.  

Eastern Communications grew 7% in 2020

World-class digital solutions and excellent customer service applauded

Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on many industries, premier telecommunications company Eastern Communications reported a 7% growth from 2019. 

The company attributed this growth to increased subscribers acquiring single to multiple services such as work from home productivity tools, residential internet, and enterprise connectivity due to the sudden rise of demand for internet service as people adapt to the new normal.   

Monoprice brings the ultimate year-end sale and amazing coupons and perks via Slickdeals

Monoprice, founded in 2002 is an American online retailer that provides electronics and technology at low prices. It sells generic-branded consumer electronics under its namesake private label. There are also name brand consumer electronics and outdoor equipment that can be purchased from their shop. As of 2013, the company which is based in Rancho Cucamonga, California earns over a hundred million US dollar in a year. A few of the products it offers are : Cables, Adapters, HDMI Cable, Professional Audio, Computer Accessories, and Home Theater.

Before 2021, most of us would like to replace some of our old cables, computer accessories and paraphernalia as a sign of good luck in the coming year. If you are also planning to buy those, there are coupons to enjoy from Monoprice via Slickdeals.

Filipino music acts syd hartha, She’s Only Sixteen, and KRNA to perform at Music Lane Okinawa 2021

The trend of hybrid and online music showcase and conference festivals is set to continue next year with the debut edition of Music Lane Festival Okinawa in Japan on January 16 and 17, 2021 at select venues in the cities of Okinawa and Naha. The foreign lineup and its international conference program—the annual Trans Asia Music Meeting (TAMM)—will stream online for free.

More than 33 Asian music acts will showcase at the festival weekend, with local artists performing in front of live audiences at Sakurazaka Theater, Sakurazaka Central, and other venues in Naha; and Music Town Oto-Ichiba, 7th Heaven Koza, Remy’s, and more venues to be announced in Okinawa City—all of which will implement strict prevention measures against COVID-19. The festival will stream pre-recorded live sets from international artists curated by its partner music organizations from seven countries.