Posted on

Uratex’s CSR Initiative: Delivering Comfort Beyond the Guinness World Record

Uratex Philippines, a leading foam company, recently marked its 55th anniversary with a notable feat – breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest Human Mattress Domino. However, the celebration goes beyond setting records, as Uratex reaffirms its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) by donating 2,355 mattresses to various charity foundations across the Philippines.

In an interview during the event, Mrs. Naty Cheng, CEO and president of Uratex, emphasized the company’s dedication to giving back to the community. “Noong 40th anniversary, nagbigay na kami to forty charities. Noong 50th year, nagbigay ulit kami. Maraming nabigyan namin, buo pa yung kutson nila kaya bibigyan namin yung mga iba naman” (During our 40th anniversary, we donated to forty charities. On our 50th year, we did it again. Since many already received mattresses, we decided to help others).

Charity Foundations and Beneficiaries

The recipients of Uratex’s mattress donations include orphanages, homes for the elderly, and various other organizations providing sanctuary for those in need. Notable beneficiaries include CORA Non-Profit Organization, Gawad Kalinga, Philippine Red Cross, and Bethany House Sto. Niño Orphanage. These charities were carefully chosen based on their alignment with Uratex’s vision and their urgent need for mattresses.

New mattresses arrive in Tahanan na Walang Hagdan.

The decision-making process was guided by the company’s founder, Mr. Robert Cheng’s vision: “We will not stop until we give every Filipino with a comfortable and affordable mattress to lie on.” Uratex collaborated with external partners to identify charities supporting shelters for the aged, women, children, and adults with special needs, as well as community hospitals in need of proper bedding.

The 2,355 mattresses found their way to diverse communities, including the Muslim community, orphanages, homes for the aged, hospitals with outdated mattresses, and troubled teens in need of a fresh start. Some recipients were living in poor housing conditions, relying on uncomfortable bedding or, in some cases, had never experienced the comfort of a mattress.

Uratex and National Childrens Hospital representatives poses in front of the mattresses.

Locations of the charities spanned across Cebu, Agusan del Norte, Cagayan de Oro City, Isla Verde in Batangas, Metro Manila, and nearby provinces.

Isla Verde, a secluded and simple community within Verde Island in Batangas, was one of the recipients. In an interview, recipients expressed their gratitude. One recipient stated, “Maraming salamat Uratex dahil natulungan nyo kaming mabigyan ng foam dahil sa sahig lamang kami natutulog. Ngayon ay komportable na kaming matulog dahil sa foam ng Uratex” (Thank you very much, Uratex, for helping us receive a foam. Before, we only slept on the floor. Now, we can sleep comfortably because of Uratex’s foam). Another recipient also conveyed appreciation, “Akoy nagpapasalamat at kami’y inyong nabigyang pansin… Maraming salamat sa Uratex. Kami ay makakahiga sa malambot” (I am thankful that you noticed us… Thank you, Uratex. We can now sleep on something soft).

The Mattresses: A Symbol of Quality and Generosity

Uratex donated 2,355 pieces of its best-selling Classic Uratex Single (36 x 75) mattresses, the same mattresses used in the Guinness World Record attempt for the Largest Human Mattress Domino. The record-setting attempt, which lasted 14 minutes and 25 seconds, not only showcased Uratex’s commitment to quality but also became the platform for a broader CSR initiative.

By combining the excitement of breaking a world record with a substantial charitable donation, Uratex is exemplifying how corporate success can be leveraged for the betterment of communities, aligning with its enduring vision of providing comfort to every Filipino. This unique initiative demonstrates that, for Uratex, giving back is not just an event; it’s a commitment woven into the fabric of its 55-year journey.

#Uratex #givingback #charitabledonation #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Posted on

Watsons Inspires Change and Impact – A Year of Doing Good for People, Community, Customers, and the Planet

Watsons, the leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer,  is dedicated to making a positive impact across four pillars: People, Community, Customers, and the Planet. Through these pillars, Watsons aims to uplift the health and well-being of the communities it serves, ensure a sustainable and healthy workforce, provide customers with sustainable options, manage supply-chain risk, and reduce its ecological footprint.

At the heart of Watsons’ business is its mission to inspire its customers to feel their best while looking good and doing good for themselves and those around them.

In 2022, Watsons made significant achievements in its mission to Do Good by inspiring both its employees and customers by making a meaningful impact on communities and the environment.

People:

The health, beauty, and wellness retailer ended 2022 with an impressive 1,048 stores and a dedicated workforce of 9,228 employees, with an outstanding 98% of them being trained in sustainability practices.

Transforming its employees into sustainability advocates, Watsons initiated the Live Green campaign, a waste segregation initiative in its stores nationwide, which involves the active participation of its people.

In pursuit of nurturing talent and fostering leadership development, Watsons aims to achieve the Gold Health & Wellbeing certification from Investors in People by 2025.

Watsons believes in the importance of nurturing talents and developing leaders who are essential in building a strong, sustainable and high-performing organization.

Community:

In line with its commitment to uplifting the health and well-being of underserved communities, Watsons conducted medical outreach programs throughout the year.

In collaboration with Operation Smile Philippines, Watsons played a vital role in changing the lives of 116 children through cleft surgeries in 2022, bringing the total number of surgery beneficiaries since their partnership began in 2013 to 2,152. Additionally, Watsons provided medicines to 910 people through medical missions in 2022, contributing to a cumulative total of 6,579 beneficiaries since 2013.

Through the Alagang Pangkalusugan program, Watsons offered free doctor’s consultations and various screening services such as bone scanning, ECG, glucose check, eye check, and so much more, furthering its commitment to the community’s well-being.

Moreover, Watsons played an instrumental role in making COVID-19 booster shots accessible to more than 25,000 people nationwide by partnering with the Department of Health and various LGUs. Over 80,000 customers also received flu, pneumonia, and HPV vaccines from Watsons in 2022.

By 2030, Watsons aspires to perform 3,300 cleft surgeries and benefit 20,000 individuals through the provision of free medicines.

Customers:

A key component of the Watsons Philippines ecosystem is its team of 1,702 trained pharmacists who played a pivotal role in guiding customers towards informed purchases. In 2022, customers were delighted to explore an extended selection of 1,632 Sustainable Choices products, reflecting Watsons’ dedication to providing more sustainable options.

To empower shoppers to make environmentally responsible choices, Watsons provided additional information and guidance on making eco-friendly purchases through the “ Do Good for the Community and the Planet Campaign.”

By 2025, Watsons aims to have 15% of sales derived from Sustainable Choices products and aims to collect 65,000 kg of trash by 2030.

Planet:

With a firm commitment to sustainability, Watsons made significant strides in adopting eco-friendly practices in 2022. A total of 1,691,000 plastic bottles were recycled within the Watsons ecosystem, while 25,454 kg of trash were collected, highlighting the retailer’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Among its eco-conscious measures, Watsons minimized the use of plastics in its e-commerce parcels by 79% and switched to 100% recycled packaging. The introduction of two Refill Stations contributed to a notable 46% growth in refills. As of end-2022, four Watsons stores nationwide integrated solar panels to harness renewable energy.

Energy-efficient appliances, such as LED lights and inverter air conditioners, were employed in Watsons stores to reduce electricity consumption. Smart switches for automatic light control and air curtains were also utilized to preserve energy. Store personnel received comprehensive training in energy-conserving practices and are now monitored and incentivized to achieve reduction targets.

Watsons took an active role in environmental conservation by partnering with CORA Philippines for a coastal cleanup project in the Las Piñas Parañaque Critical Habit and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA). Moreover, the retailer collaborated with Plastic Bank to recover plastic bottles from the ecosystem, minimizing local plastic manufacturing.

Through the Trash for Cash program, customers were encouraged to participate in recycling efforts with designated drop-off bins at participating SM malls, allowing them to exchange recyclables for discounts or vouchers from partner brands redeemable at Watsons stores.

Danilo S. Chiong, Watsons Philippines Managing Director.

“Our heritage of Doing Good has brought about our passion to support the community and the planet. We are proud of many achievements – children whose lives we have transformed, families given access to health services and products, more sustainable products made available to our customers, drastic reduction of plastics in our packaging, and tons of plastics we have recycled. The task is too enormous. We have to continue on and  accelerate our pace by building greener stores and investing more in renewable energy,” said Danilo Chiong, Watsons Philippines Managing Director.

Through its relentless pursuit of positive change and sustainable practices, Watsons continues to lead the way as a responsible and impactful retailer, promoting the well-being of people, communities, customers, and the environment.

#Watsons #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Posted on

SMAC turns over P5.5M in funds raised for the Hapag Movement, thanks customers for support

SMAC (SM Advantage Card), the biggest loyalty program of retail giant SM, has donated P5.5 million to the Hapag Movement gathered over the holidays through vigorous support from its members. The donation to the Globe-led program aims to address involuntary hunger among Filipinos affected by the pandemic and economic challenges.

Under the month-long campaign over the Christmas season, proceeds from every SMAC card sold was donated to the movement and SM Foundation programs.

Additionally, part of SMAC members’ extra points are earned through purchasing select items from SM’s partner establishments– SM Store, SM Beauty, SM Appliance, Kultura, Surplus, Our Home, Baby Company, Crate and Barrel, Levi’s, The Body Shop, Forever21, Ecco, and Miniso – were donated to the Hapag Movement from December 15, 2022, until January 15, 2023, making holiday shopping even more meaningful and impactful. This is very empowering as each SMAC member can participate in doing a Globe of Good!

SMAC’s donation will support supplementary feeding and livelihood initiatives by the Hapag Movement’s implementing partners– the Ayala Foundation, Inc, Caritas Philippines, Tzu Chi Foundation, and World Vision.

 

“We are very grateful to SMAC and the SM Group for their generous support for the Hapag Movement. This donation will have a significant impact on the lives of those who are experiencing involuntary hunger, especially as the movement aims to expand its reach this year to help more of our vulnerable kababayans,” said Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto.

“This program is a true demonstration of the heart and generosity of SMAC members as well as the SM brands and its affiliates who came together and supported this campaign. All SMAC membership cards sold and all purchases made with SMAC converted a donation amount that far exceeded our expectations.  SMAC became a channel through which members were able to bless our fellowmen who are experiencing involuntary hunger with the Hapag Movement,” said Jay Beltran, SMAC Head of Sales and Marketing.

“Without the help of our members, we would not have been able to raise as much as PHP5.5 million in just one month. We are immensely grateful to our customers for choosing to shop for a cause by using SMAC. Through your support, vulnerable families will get proper meals and livelihood training,” Beltran said.

Globe’s Hapag Movement leverages on technology and collaboration to help 100,000 families experiencing involuntary hunger through supplemental feeding and livelihood support.

An estimated 2.7 million Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger in the first quarter of 2023, according to the latest Social Weather Stations survey.

Those who would like to support the Hapag Movement may donate via GCash and credit cards or send their unused Globe Rewards points to the cause via the GlobeOne app.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

#Globe #HapagMovement #SMAC #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Posted on

#SEATED: Bumble and LGBTQ+ Filipinos discuss the importance of kindness in online dating in honor of Pride Month

Bumble, the app that started a movement by putting women in charge when dating, has been taking steps to improve the experience of its nonbinary users within the app, showing its commitment to creating an inclusive and kind environment where people of all genders can connect authentically.  This Pride Month, Bumble has partnered with Metro Manila Pride to raise the importance of creating kinder and safer spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.

In recent years, online dating has become essential to the LGBTQ+ community’s pursuit of love, companionship, and support. Ahead of Metro Manila Pride March and Festival on June 24th, Bumble and Metro Manila Pride held their first joint Pride virtual event, #SEATED: Conversations around creating Kinder, Safer, and Stronger online spaces for the LGBTQ+ community together with a diverse panel of LGBTQ+ advocates from all walks of life. The event sparked discussions around what it means to date with kindness in mind, safety in online dating, and ways for allies to continue to foster connections built on mutual respect.

“Beyond celebration, Pride is a continuous movement for the community and allies alike to work toward a future that recognizes and respects the rights of LGBTQIA+ Filipinos. This includes both online and offline spaces, which is why as part of the community and as a long-time volunteer of the organization, Metro Manila Pride and I appreciate companies like Bumble, who genuinely reach out to us as allies to help in amplifying the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community so we can be better heard. ,” said Fats Santos Roxas, one of the leads of Metro Manila Pride, “We hope that through this virtual event, we can kickstart the process of making online spaces a safer and kinder environment for all Filipinos.”

An Inclusive and Welcoming Space

To help the Filipino LGBTQ+ community embrace their authentic selves, Bumble enhanced the member experience for matches with nonbinary people where either person can make the first move on Bumble Date. Women will continue to make the first move in matches with men and, in matches between people of the same gender, either person can make the first move. In 2022, Bumble also introduced an expanded selection of gender options to better provide a space that allows everyone across the gender spectrum to feel safe and seen. Allies, regardless of gender, may also declare their support for the community through Bumble’s LGBTQ+ Rights badge.

“We believe that kindness is the foundation of building authentic and meaningful connections, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. This Pride Month, Bumble aims to contribute to a more inclusive and positive landscape for LGBTQ+ people pursuing love and connection, and we are honored to partner with Metro Manila Pride to bring to life important conversations around Allyship, even if they may feel difficult, unfamiliar, or uncomfortable,” Bumble APAC Communications Director, Lucille McCart said. “By showcasing and promoting the power of kindness when it comes to online dating, we hope to create a ripple effect of compassion and kindness in communities extending far beyond our platform.”

LGBTQ+ Allyship at Bumble, for Pride Month, and Year-Round

Bumble Inc., the parent company of Bumble, Badoo, Fruitz, and Official, is committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community during Pride month and beyond. As part of its corporate allyship efforts, Bumble Inc. has partnered with the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in the United States, to advance its mission of ending discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and promoting fairness and equality for all. Throughout the year, Bumble Inc. will also partner with region-specific organizations throughout the world that are dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in their communities.

Bumble has previously supported organizations that do important work for LGBTQ+ communities, including Trans Lifeline, Equality Texas, My Sistah’s House, and others. Bumble takes a strong stance against hate speech, transphobic language, and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. In addition, last year Bumble introduced an identity-based hate policy, which prohibits content or behavior that promotes hatred and contempt against marginalized or underrepresented groups with protected attributes. Engaging in identity-based hate, including making a false report, may result in content being removed, an account receiving a warning or being banned from the app.

To learn more about Bumble Inc.’s allyship efforts and the organizations we will partner with throughout the year, please visit our editorial hub The Buzz for more details.

About Bumble app: Bumble, the women-first dating and social networking app, was founded by CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014. Bumble connects people across dating (Bumble Date), friendship (Bumble BFF), and professional networking (Bumble Bizz). No matter the type of relationship, women make the first move on Bumble. Bumble is built on the importance of equitable relationships and how crucial they are to a healthy, happy life. They’ve built their platform around kindness, respect, and equality – and their community plays an important part in that. Bumble holds its users accountable for their actions and does not allow any form of hate, aggression, or bullying. Bumble is free to download and widely available in the App Store and Google Play.

About Metro Manila Pride Organization: Metro Manila Pride (MMPride) is a volunteer-managed, non-partisan, and not-for-profit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as Metro Manila LGBTQ+ Pride, Inc. Metro Manila Pride educates, equips, and empowers the LGBTQIA+ Filipino and their communities to work toward a future that recognizes and respects the rights of LGBTQIA+ persons to a dignified life without discrimination and prejudice.

*Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and other gender minorities

#Bumble #PrideMonth #LGBTQ+ #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Posted on

Globe customers raise P1.9M for Typhoon Odette survivors

Globe customers have raised P1,925,284 worth of Globe and TM Rewards points to help survivors of Typhoon Odette, sending critical aid to families reeling from the impact of the deadly December storm.

The donations have been turned over to Globe’s partner organizations — the Ayala Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, and Rise Against Hunger Philippines.

Such support came at a crucial time when typhoon survivors needed life-saving aid, as Odette destroyed over 344,000 houses and damaged more than 1 million others. The destruction displaced over 58,000 families, leaving them straining for basic needs.

A total of 406 people were killed, while 1,265 were hurt and 65 remain missing.

“The devastation left by Typhoon Odette called for a swift response. We are very grateful to our customers who are with us in this undertaking.  The Rewards points that they donated will go a long way in helping step up humanitarian efforts to help as many people as we possibly can,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

Globe Rewards currently has 15 non-government organizations, charitable institutions, and foundations in its program roster, supporting several advocacies in line with the company’s vision towards national development and upliftment of lives. These include disaster relief, reforestation, child protection, hunger mitigation, education, animal welfare, marine biodiversity, mental wellness, and medical support.

Through Globe Rewards, Globe and TM subscribers can provide support and malasakit to worthwhile causes in time of need within the safety of their homes.

For Odette response, one of Globe’s major partners Ayala Foundation through its disaster relief and recovery efforts under the #BrigadangAyala program continues to provide food packs in heavily affected areas in partnership with the Ayala Group of Companies.

Another partner is the GMA Foundation, which provides aid through the “Operation Bayanihan” program. The organization extends immediate relief and assistance to victims of disasters and calamities nationwide.

Other donation partners that extend support to disaster survivors are ABS-CBN Foundation and the Tzu Chi Foundation.

To date, relief efforts led by Globe and its partner organizations have now reached over 10,000 families in Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao.

With thousands of Filipinos affected by the disaster still in need of urgent help, Globe continues to send out a call for support to its customers.

Globe and TM customers can still donate their Rewards points to ongoing relief operations for as low as P1 via the New GlobeOne app at glbe.co/NewGlobeONE. Customers can go to the Rewards section, click the “DONATE” icon, choose the organization and corresponding denomination, and then press “REDEEM.” A confirmation message will be sent by 4438 upon successful donation.

The company strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, highlighting the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

#globe #typhoonodette #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Posted on

Caritas Manila: Touching People’s Lives

“The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” – Proverbs 11:25

Proverbs 11 teaches that a person who gives to others will gain even more. Verse 25 makes another point: “Generosity will be rewarded. Give a cup of water, and you will receive a cup of water in return.”

This reminds me of Caritas Manila (CM) and its various services intended for the marginalized sector of Philippine society. CM is the leading social arm of the Archdiocese of Manila and the integrator of the Church social services and development in Metro Manila.

Its programs and services are directed toward the total human development of destitute people and the promotion of social justice in the light of the Catholic Church’s social teachings.

CM views development as empowering the poor, giving priority to those no one else serves. It is concerned with addressing the present situation of disadvantaged groups such as the urban poor, women, and children.

At the same time, CM is also involved with national, even global issues such as the environment. The measure of its performance lies in its contribution to the improvement of the quality of life of the poor people in society.

One observation is that Filipinos are more generous with their assistance to Caritas today than they were 10 years ago. “There’s really a remarkable improvement,” according to my source, a former executive director of CM, for this interview some years back. “Generally, Filipinos are kind.” At present, the executive director of CM is Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual.

The present executive director of Caritas Manila, Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual with Miss Universe-Philippines, Rabiya Mateo. Courtesy @OfficialCaritasManila

Caritas Manila, then known as Catholic Charities was founded by the late Archbishop of Manila, Rufino Cardinal Santos in October 1953. He saw it as a “social welfare program with the purpose of uplifting the spirit and soul of these unfortunate members of our community . . . to assist them in all their needs  . . . to bring the assistance and help of God in their miseries and distress.”

CM now focuses on socio-development activities that would wholistically draw out the poor’s capabilities and responsibilities. This stemmed from the belief that “self-reliance cannot be achieved through social services alone.”

Since then it has shifted to community building, to make the poor people self-reliant. They only dole-out in extreme emergencies, for example to those victimized by fires, floods, and other calamities. They always emphasize self-reliance, they help them find a job or train them to develop their skills.

Despite the passing of time, Caritas remains relevant. “I think we will still be here,” said my source. “But ideally we should fade away because it would mean then that the people are all economically, morally well-off. That’s our ultimate goal.”

Its accomplishment in helping people towards self-reliance has been an encouragement to continue CM’s commitment to helping build lives again. Above all, Caritas has uplifted our poor countrymen to their fullest dignity as God’s children.

Lenten Season Alay Kapwa 2021 campaign

This campaign challenges one to abstain from meals or habits in exchange for giving to the poor. From whatever you choose to give up Lenten season, you may save P40 a day. A total of Php 1,600 can be raised in 40 days, which you may donate to their feeding and nutrition campaign addressing hunger and malnutrition resulting from the pandemic and typhoons.

Caritas hopes that you accept this act of almsgiving by supporting the Alay Kapwa campaign and being the face of Christ’s love to those most in need in these trying times. You may share your blessings through their official bank accounts and online donation portals.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/OfficialCaritasManila.

As the saying goes, “Service is working and giving and understanding that no good deed will be lost.”

 (Based on the article published in the Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)

#caritasmanila #servingthepoor #alaykapwa #charityinaction #giftedtogive #holyweek2021  #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Photos courtesy @OfficialCaritasManila