Gracee's Lifestyle Journal

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to host its Road to Zero Waste Summit, the first and largest event focused on sustainable waste management and the promotion of a circular economy. To be held at the Unilab Bayanihan Center in Pasig City on November 5 and 6, and open to the public with free admission. Registration starts at 9 AM and will accommodate participants until 7 PM on Day 1, and 5 PM on Day 2. Participants are expected not only to learn about proper solid waste management but also to bring home eco-products for free and other exciting giveaways from our partners and the MMDA. With the theme "Closing the Loop Towards a Circular Economy," the summit aims to spotlight innovative waste management solutions that can address Metro Manila’s solid waste challenges, leading to long-term sustainability. From product exhibits to panel discussions, the event will feature a series of interactive activities and network sharing opportunities designed to rai...

On the 190th anniversary of its flagship brand, Ginebra San Miguel, the maker of the world's best-selling gin has named Asia's Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose as the 2025 and 34th Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl in a launch attended by media and other guests at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.    Julie Anne San Jose is a Filipina singer, songwriter, actress, host, instrumentalist, and television personality, earning the title 'Asia's Limitless Star' for her limitless range of talents. Just as Ginebra San Miguel has weathered changing times and remained relevant to consumers, Julie Anne has continuously reinvented herself for her fans since 2005 by staying true to her artistic vision while thriving in a competitive industry with her passion and "never-say-die" spirit.     Allan P. Mercado Sales and Marketing Manager  " Her dedication to her craft and resilience in the industry mirrors Ginebra San Miguel's 190-year legacy of excellence, making her ...

Corinthian Anne Valenton, owner of Corrsy's Kitchen, offers Cheese Pimiento spread and Langka Calamansi jam. Corrsy’s Kitchen is one of the winners of SEAL-SEGA. The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, BPI Foundation (BPIF), in partnership with Bayan Academy, recently announced the top 40 small enterprises and top 20 nano enterprises from this year’s Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab (SEAL) program. Launched in 2022, the SEAL Project Series was designed not only to support but also to empower micro and nano enterprises, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs. Through strategic interventions and hands-on guidance, SEAL has become a beacon of hope for small business owners looking to scale and sustain their operations. In the past year, the SEAL-Small Enterprise Growth Agenda (SEAL-SEGA) provided invaluable training in product and service development, operations optimization, and marketing to over 200 entrepreneurs. More than just lessons, the program...

Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. aims to enhance collaboration and performance  by fostering a culture of trust and accountability in the workplace. Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. (Takeda) continues to create a brighter future not only with better health but with a better workplace. This commitment has recently been recognized with accolades, including the ACES 2024 Inspiring Workplaces in Asia award and a recognition on the Great Place to Work® (GPTW) 2024 Best Workplaces in Asia™ list. The ACES Awards and Great Place to Work® are global authorities celebrating companies excelling in leadership, sustainability, and workplace culture. By recognizing those committed to corporate social responsibility, these awards help potential talents make informed choices and inspire high standards in governance and culture. “Takeda believes that a brighter future is built on the foundation of providing better health to patients and ensuring a supportive workplace. Being recognized by ACES...

End-to-end digitalization of insurance is becoming a crucial strategy to boost insurance penetration in the Philippines, especially as  recent data indicates a decline in coverage across the country . In 2023, insurance penetration in the Philippines sank to 1.6%, lower than the 1.73% recorded in 2022.  This decline highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to make insurance more accessible and appealing to a broader population. Igloo, a regional insurtech, addresses low insurance penetration by leveraging technology and partnerships to streamline operations across the entire insurance value chain–from insurance and intermediaries to consumers. By digitalizing processes throughout the ecosystem, Igloo enables faster, more efficient services, seamlessly integrating insurance into everyday digital interactions such as e-commerce and travel bookings.  driveEmpowering Intermediaries with a Digital Platform One key aspect of this digital transformation is the creatio...

Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines) Inc. launches the ‘Stop Rabies’ program in Puerto Galera, Mindoro, to mark World Rabies Day. This initiative aims to drive efforts towards achieving a rabies-free Philippines.  Now in its third year, the ‘Stop Rabies’ program dedicates a week to advancing rabies education, conducting animal rabies mass vaccinations, and neutering programs for both cats and dogs.  Dr. Anna Esmeralda J. Nagera, Head of Companion Animal Business at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc. highlights, “Through the ‘Stop Rabies’ program, we are making meaningful progress towards reducing rabies in Puerto Galera by vaccinating and neutering animals, and also empowering communities with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their pets.”  Rabies remains a critical public health issue, causing 59,000 deaths annually across 150 countries. This neglected tropical disease primarily affects marginalized, poor and rural populations with 40 perc...

Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) co-founder and chair, Grace Tan Caktiong, was recently honored as 2024’s The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni (TOTAL) Awardee for Service to Humanity, a recognition given by the University of Santo Tomas to exemplars from the Thomasian community.    Grace Tan Caktiong’s inspiring leadership over the past 20 years directly facilitated the foundation’s programs that have improved farmers’ livelihood, helping children continue their education through sustained school feeding and scholarships and enabling wide-reaching disaster response programs to help prevent hunger during calamities. The Jollibee Group Foundation is the social development arm of the Jollibee Group that was established in 2004 to help uplift communities through the Jollibee Group’s food expertise. In photo: Grace Tan Caktiong (third from left) is awarded by Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. UST Rector; Atty. Dwight Ramos, President of the UST Alumni Association, Inc.; and Asst. Prof. Joreen T. Ro...

Date: Monday, 14 October 2024, 15:30-16:30 Venue: Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Manila, Philippines Taking place alongside the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), this event brings together art and dialogue. Celebrating the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, it encourages countries in Asia-Pacific to harness the education sector to reduce the disaster risks of children and youth. This topic will be addressed in an exciting panel discussion. Moreover, the event opens the “Are You Ready” art exhibition, which presents artworks that explore the challenges and solutions related to disaster risk reduction in Asia and the Pacific. It highlights the role of art as a powerful form of education to raise awareness and inspire action to build more resilient communities. The exhibition is organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) with the support of the Philippine Government and SM Prime, and with contributions fro...

In September 2024, FedEx is celebrating 40 years of its operations in the Philippines, marked with innovation, growth, and steadfast commitment to connecting people and possibilities. Since 1984, FedEx has been driving advancements in the logistics industry in the Philippines, playing a vital role in elevating local businesses to the global stage. Delivering Growth for Businesses Over the years, FedEx has constantly evolved to meet the diverse needs of its customers. The launch of its direct service operations in 2013 enabled the company to directly oversee all logistics processes nationwide. In 2017, the opening of service hubs in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig and Clark, Pampanga, reinforced FedEx role as a key logistics solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2021, the establishment of the FedEx Clark Gateway Facility marked a significant milestone. The state-of-the-art facility, optimized for sorting up to 9,000 parcels per hour, addresses the rising demand for cold-chain ...

Euan Toralballa, Head of Small and Micro Business at PLDT Enterprise, emphasized that the MSME Day serves as a continuation of the momentous MSME Week celebration, focused on empowering local businesses by offering a unique platform to connect, learn, and thrive in the digital age. In a joint effort to bolster the digitalization of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), PLDT Enterprise and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have solidified their partnership to provide small business owners across the country with the digital tools and support needed to thrive in today’s competitive market. With a unified mission to grow and boost this segment, the collaboration seeks to take both organizations’ shared vision of empowering MSMEs to achieve greater resilience and growth in the digital economy to the next level in the coming months and years.   Promoting Growth and Innovation Across the Country As part of the MSME Day Roadshows, PLDT Enterprise and DTI have been working...

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA),  through the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP), continues to drive community-based solid waste management (SWM) initiatives by conducting its SWM seminar series. This seminar aims to educate and empower communities about the environmental impact and benefits of proper solid waste management (SWM) practices, like waste segregation at source and storage, recovery and recycling, and disposal. This initiative targets to demonstrate to residents and empower barangays with the necessary knowledge on how proper waste management can be a source of economic gain, offering a real incentive for communities to adopt and sustain these practices. During one of the recent regular Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF) operations, an extensive workshop was conducted for over 50 participants coming from Barangay 154, showcasing the practical application of SWM principles. By integrating educational activities with the MMRF operati...