Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo initiated Kilusang Kontra Kuto (KKK) in 2016, a coalition that has been battling head lice infestation nationwide for a kuto-free Philippines. The campaign includes yearly nationwide shampoo activity in schools in its commitment to fight head lice infestation or pediculosis and eliminate the social stigma associated with it.

In light of the 5th year of this initiative, Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz aimed to support DepEd’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan in the time of COVID-19 (BE-LCP). This is the department’s response to the challenges posed by COVID-19 which covers the most essential learning competencies, multiple learning delivery modalities for teachers, required health standards in schools, and more.

“We are grateful for DepEd for being very supportive of our KKK campaign. With our long-running partnership with them, we were able to visit several schools in Visayas and Mindanao, do shampooing activities among students, and share the correct way of combatting head lice since 2016,” said Lamoiyan Corporation Vice President for Marketing Bing Cavestany.

“Although students now are practicing distance learning and we temporarily cannot do our annual activities due to the COVID-19 crisis, Licealiz would like to consistently promote health and personal hygiene through our humble donation as children or even family members are still susceptible to head lice infestation no matter the circumstances, especially with many staying at home and in close quarters during the pandemic,” she added.

Aside from encouraging good oral hygiene, Lamoiyan is also advocating the correct way of treating head lice infestation, which is considered the second most common health problem of public school children after tooth decay.

Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo effectively kills lice and nits after two weeks of use and prevents lice infestation from recurring. Its active ingredient, pyrethrin, a natural extract from chrysanthemum flowers, is clinically tested and proven safe and successful in killing lice and nits, while its conditioning formula keeps your kid’s hair soft, smooth and fragrant.

Lamoiyan Corporation, a leading manufacturer of personal hygiene and home care products in the country, has donated over one million worth of Lamoiyan products to Department of Education (DepEd) in Visayas and Mindanao as it celebrates the 5th year of Kilusang Kontra Kuto (Movement Against Head Lice) initiative.

In support of DepEd’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan amidst the pandemic, Lamoiyan Corporation distributed packs of Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo, Hapee Toothpaste, and Dazz Dishwashing Liquid to selected regions for distribution among the students. 

Selected regions include Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Davao. Lamoiyan also recently donated hygiene products to Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and National Capital Region.

The total value of donated hygiene products nationwide amounts to over three million pesos.

For more information on head lice prevention and other Lamoiyan products, log on to www.facebook.com/licealiz or visit www.lamoiyan.com. 

Mindanao is hailed for its abundant natural resources and breathtaking landscapes. But beyond its pristine beaches and lush mountains is a burgeoning community of creatives who are injecting their unique Mindanaoan identity into art and using it as a force for good. As the country continues to grapple with COVID-19, Mindanaoan artists are stepping up to create stories of hope while in isolation.

Since NSAC's inception,  Shell has acknowledged the vital role of visual artists, illustrators, sculptors, and other imaginative talents in shaping the youth and country's future—especially now. “Through NSAC, we pledge our support to keep artists and art institutions alive. We want to amplify the youth's voices, and continue the conversation on arts importance, ” said Sankie Simbulan, Country Social Performance and Investment Manager of Pilipinas Shell.

Simbulan continued, “The ethnic and cultural diversity of Mindanao and its rich history have given birth to a young generation of artists whose voices need to spread and be heard throughout the Philippines.”

Andrei Pamintuan, Creative Director of Fringe Manila and host of Virtual Art Interact, added, “This is a great opportunity to share stories from Mindanao. It's  important to be inclusive, especially for platforms like this, so that we can showcase the diversity of what's happening in the Philippines.”

Having survived many conflicts and calamities, Mindanao has proven itself to be a region of resilience —with artists, at the helm of inspiring hope that propels the community forward.

Through his projects with Mindanao local governments,  Zabala has been championing a fresh perspective of the region that does not let its past define its future. “At work, our goal is to recreate Mindanao's image using art. For example, we created a campaign called ‘Zoom in Zamboanga City’ that is inspired by our rich history, nature, tourists spots, native patterns, and more,” Zabala explained.

Being no strangers to crises, Zabala and fellow Mindanaoan artists immediately needed the call to once again inspire hope and courage as COVID struck the country. He shared, “The pandemic is a challenge for everyone. People have lost jobs, families have gone hungry, and mental health is affected. As public servants and artists, our work should never stop. We have created several campaigns that promote generosity and kindness in the community.”

Zabala, who did a live demonstration of digital illustration during the event, also discussed the many themes present in today's art, “There are so many stories now about struggles and difficulties, both personal and in our country [Ang daming stories ngayon tungkol sa struggle]. As creatives, we use art to express our emotions and what we are going through.”

Zabala also pointed out one essential, if often overlooked, role that artists perform during crisis: “We also act as historians who visually piece together this moment in time—including all the contemplation and uncertainty it holds. She  we look back on this period someday, art will help us make sense of it.”

Isko Andrade, a former contestant and three-time winner of the NSAC, shared how he overcome the more discouraging moments during the pandemic. “COVID-19 has affected my career as an artist because of cancelled shows and exhibit, but I choose not to dwell on the negative side [Maraming nag-iba since nagka-Covid. Na apektuhan yung career ko as an artist kasi madaming cancelled shows at exhibits, peo di lang ako tumingin sa mga negative].

“The pandemic has given me time to focus on myself, my craft, and taught me to appreciate and find inspiration in everything—whether they’re big or small. [Pero ngayong pandemic, nalafocus ako sa sarili ko at sa art ko. Na-appreciate ko din ang bawat bagay, maliit man o malaki].”

The Bulacan-based Andrade look back on how opportunities presented themselves to him in the middle of adversity. One such door was his win during the NSAC competition in 2014. His winning oil canvas piece, entitled ‘Ipinagkakait na Kalayaan,’ was in itself an example of triumph over adversity: this life-changing canvas depicts paint brushes ready to be buried, and was inspired by the death of his mother and the pains that come from being part of a broken family.

‘Ipinagkakait na Kalayaan,’

By Isko Andrade 

He said, “As a young student artist from the province, I had simple dreams of finishing college and getting a normal job. I didn't think I could ever win NSAC, but it was such a big help for me and my family. I was able to pursue my art, and I learned to dream bigger. [Dati pangarap ko lang sa probinsiya ay makatapos ng pag-aaral at kumuha nt trabaho. Nakakatuwa dahil di ko akalain na mananalo all sa NSAC. Sobrang laking tulong ng NSAC. Nakatapos ako nt pag-aaral at natuto akong mangarap ng higit sa pangarap ko.]”

***You can also check more of his art work here @iskoandrade 

Zabala concurred that creative platforms such as NSAC are bringers of hope that can keep communities alive during the most difficult times. He said, “Art is a great tool for healing. It's cathartic. We can use it to give people somehing to hold on to as they live through pandemic.”

Simbulan reminded the audience to remember and explore its rich heritage to mine stories for encouragement. She said, “As Filipinos, we have a wealth of creativity that can act as reservoirs of hope and fuel for economic recovery. We can all learn a thing or two from artists—how to create more with less, how to discover new perspectives in the mundane, and how to find the silver lining amid this isolation.”

The next and final leg of Shell Virtual Art Interact is set to happen on November 7 and will focus on Visayas region. Meanwhile, the awarding of the NSAC, which currently has 1,300 entries, will take place on November 27. For more information, keep posted on Shell Philippines website and social media accounts.

Website: www.shell.com.ph

Facebook Page: @shell

###

As quarantine restrictions remain in effect in various parts of the country; Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country—has launched the E–Commerce business last October 5, by allowing online orders for in-home deliveries, aiming to strengthen connection with its target consumers.

“With mobility restrictions brought about by varying phases of lockdown, we have decided to adopt e-commerce to our overall operations to heed the call of our customers who wish to have more access to our product while they are at home,” said PCPPI President and CEO, Frederick Ong.

PCPPI is piloting its E-Commerce website, pepsiproducts.ph, in selected areas including Paranaque, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa for Metro Manila and in San Pedro and Binan, Laguna, and Carmona, Cavite. The website features options for retail purchase and is also seen to be an additional platform to reach out to potential dealers or partners.

“By going online, we are also able to counter disruptions caused by limited foot traffic to physical stores. We make Pepsi products available at your fingertips in the comforts and safety of your homes,” Ong added.

“Pepsiproducts.ph is another way to make our products more accessible to entrepreneurs who want to venture into the distribution business. We are positive that this new revenue stream can boost PCPPI’s sales outlook in the months ahead,” according to Ong. 

To ensure seamless transactions, the company hired separate administrative and delivery personnel whose work will only be focused on processing E-Commerce orders. 

PCPPI is targeting to expand its service area covering different parts of the country in the coming weeks. “We see this digital program as part of our efforts to promote safe and sustainable business practices in the hopes of growing with our people, customers, and partner communities,” Ong continued. 

#   #  #

QUEZON CITY, Philippines- The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) weekly online series, Storytelling Sundays, embarks on a unique partnership with the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines to tell a heartwarming tale about survival and the friendship between Filipinos and the Jews, borne out of time of persecution and suffering.

Storytelling Sundays was one of PETA’s first initiatives in June 2020 to bring the theater experience to the digital platform. With a mix of different storytelling and performance techniques such as animation, shadow puppetry, musical numbers, and more, Storytelling Sundays explored different tales about Philippine history, heroes, and heroism. But apart from that, the series’ writer, Felinda Bagas, says that they were also looking for something new, like a part of Philippine history or a “lesser known hero” seldom taught in schools.

“The story of the Manilaners came up,” Felinda Bagas reveals. “It’s a very interesting story; it’s just the kind we were looking for. But there is no children’s book about the Manilaners yet. We decided right then that we’ll just do it, write and produce a children’s story about the Manilaners for Storytelling Sundays.” With the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines as a partner in the project, PETA continued to develop the story eventually called The Doors of Chai, written by Felinda Bagas and featuring PETA President Cecilia B. Garrucho as the storyteller.

The Doors of Chai narrates the journey and friendship of two children ­– both displaced, both grieving for the homes they had to leave behind, both struggling with being in a strange place – who find comfort and acceptance in each other. It is set during the enactment of then-Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon’s Open Door Policy, which allowed Jews to seek refuge in the Philippines and escape the Nazi regime and the Holocaust.

“We will never forget this. Most countries shut their doors, but the Philippines, through its leader, President Quezon, decided to open its doors,” says Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz. “The legacy of President Quezon will always be carved on our hearts.” Israel and the Philippines continue to exhibit their friendship to this day by supporting each other in diplomatic, economic relations, and more, especially in times of crisis. According to PETA Artistic Director and The Doors of Chai director Maribel Legarda, this theme of friendship in times of crisis was what compelled PETA to pursue this unique Storytelling Sundays episode.

“I think this is a great message especially now during a pandemic. We should be unifying ways to empathize and be compassionate with each other,” says Maribel Legarda. “That’s one of the things that compelled PETA to do this – the beauty of the story of two nations helping each other in times of trouble. This can resonate through generations because there may always be some sort of war or pandemic the world deals with, but what’s important is our capacity to be able to rise above the challenges and make a better world in spite of them.”

Set to be the seventeenth episode of Storytelling Sundays hosted by John Moran, The Doors of Chai is a rare gem of a history lesson. According to Felinda Bagas, the heroism in the story and in the Open Door Policy roots from compassion. “Heroes became heroes because they cared enough for others. They found the strength and courage to go beyond what they think they are able to do for the sake of other people,” she says. “That’s what The Doors of Chai is all about: simple acts of heroism – of ordinary people, of an ordinary child – that led to the survival of a generation.”

The Doors of Chai also features Neil Daza as the director of photography, with animation by Ellen Ramos, music by Jeff Hernandez, and sound design by Jethro Joaquin.

“I would like to extend my thanks to PETA for initiating this partnership with the Embassy,” says Ambassador Harpaz. “Thank you for assisting us spread this great story in the history of Israel and the Philippines’ friendship.”

This episode is testament to viewers that we can be heroes to each other any day. During this pandemic, The Doors of Chai can be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who watch it.

Tune in on PETA’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PETATHEATER or Israel in the Philippines’ official Facebok page at www.facebook.com/IsraelinPhilippines for the premiere of Storytelling Sundays Episode 17, The Doors of Chai, on October 18 (Sunday) at 7:00 PM.

***END***

Medical experts and psychologists have reminded us that keeping a journal may actually help boost our mental health by helping us gain control of our emotions and plans. Here, we have listed down FIVE more things that you can do better when you have a journal.

It helps you live in the present. A lot of thoughts and experiences from the past consume us, and sometimes they make us feel drained than inspired. Writing about your daily plans or stories allows you to live your life consciously, and Everything Is Possible planner’s breakthrough theme for the coming year goes well with this purpose.

It inspires you to think about what you can do now, instead of what you could have done. It can help lighten the burden on your shoulders and prepare you for what’s ahead. In the process of living in the moment, you can discover new skills, abilities, interests, and goals, too.  

Journaling helps you keep track of your responsibilities and needs. Majority of our tasks are now done online. Whether your company has decided to extend the work-from-home setup, or you’re attending online classes, this virtual transition is quite hard to deal with. It’s more difficult to keep track of time, projects, and goals, and further envision how they would unfold in real life. But this is the part where planners can make the management of our day-to-day tasks easier.

We can quickly identify significant dates and update our progress from time to time. Our days can be quite full, so it is really nice to have a journal that leaves ample space for you to jot down ideas just like the Focus planner. Its pages are decorated with the sacred geometry of Icosahedron, a three-dimensional figure that is made of 20 triangle-shaped sides, to represent change, movement, and flow. Those on the minimalist side may appreciate the elegance of the Essentials planner’s Art Deco-inspired designs, too.

It helps you reconnect with people. Keeping a journal is not just about how you can hustle or manage your own life. It’s personal, and a huge part of our existence depends on people, relationships. Living more consciously means assessing our connections with our loved ones every now and then. 

Maybe it’s time to catch-up with your friends or colleagues? Or maybe it’s time to schedule that talk with your boss? If you’re the type of person who keeps on forgetting the exact dates of your friends’ birthdays, then advanced journal entries can serve as your little reminders, too. The minimalist, portable Petit planner is just what we need for this purpose so we can see what matters in one glance. Now that we have fewer physical interactions or brunch dates, it’s important to find new ways to maintain our relationships. 

Journaling makes you care for yourself even more. What many people don’t realize is that journals help you give yourself the complete care that it needs. Doctors emphasize that it is now more vital to monitor physical conditions on our own. You can maximize those blank pages by writing down how you’re feeling (a symptom tracker, maybe?), so you can also respond to what your body needs.

This also applies to our emotional and mental wellbeing. Expressing your emotions or sharing some experiences can help you identify the kind of self-care that works for you. The lighthouse-themed NAVI journal reminds us that we’re still trying to navigate this life, but eventually we’ll find the path that is meant for us. 

Whether you want to keep a journal for growth, self-love, reconnecting with yourself, finding your light, or simply capturing your thoughts and feelings through words, Viviamo offers different styles and formats that could match any undertaking. Choose from their Belle de Jour Power Planner collection, NAVI, Everything Is Possible, Focus, Essentials, and Petit planners. Go to https://go.crazyaboutpaper.com/viviamoplanners to view their products, and power through 2021.