NUSTAR Online Integrates Culture, Lifestyle, and Premium Spirits at the Manila Gin Festival

NUSTAR Online ensures everyone stays refreshed at the Manila Gin Festival

Isang mahalagang milestone ang naabot ng NUSTAR Online sa pangakong nitong maghandog ng premium at makatotohanang karanasan sa ating mga kababayan. 

Ang luxury lifestyle gaming platform ng bansa ay nakiisa sa Manila Gin Festival. Ang pagsali ng NUSTAR Online sa pinakaaabangang pagdiriwang sa local lifestyle at spirits scene ay patunay na pagkilala sa estado ng brand sa parehong larangan.  Ginanap sa isang masiglang tanawin ng BGC Amphitheater noong ika-20 at 21 ng Pebrero 2026, ang dalawang araw na open-air festival ay pinagsama-sama ang mga mahilig sa gin, alagad ng sining at madla para sa isang pagtitipon na ipinagdiriwang ang lasa at kultura. 

Ang lugar na pinagdausan ng pagdiriwang ay nagbagong anyo bilang isang makulay na lugar ng pagtitipon kung saan ang cocktail tasting, live music at curated food experience ay ginawang masaya at kaaya-aya. Sa gitna ng pagdiriwang ay isang kahanga-hanga pagpapakita ng higit sa 45 premium spirits na itinatampok ang iba’t ibang halo ng lokal at pandaigdigang brand ng mga gin. Ang mga dumalong bisita ay inanyayahan na siyasatin ang lahat mula sa timeless gin classics hanggang sa modern, experimental blends at signature cocktails na itinatampok ang natatanging botanicals at pagkakayari.  

Ang mga bartender ay may mahalagang papel sa karanasang ito. Sila ang nagbibigay ng mga pananaw ukol sa profile ng lasa at mga teknik na nagpapa-angat sa bawat sandali ng pagtikim.

Habang ginaganap ang mga pangyayaring ito, handog ng NUSTAR Online ang kanilang on-ground engagement na sumasalamin sa premium ngunit abot-kamay na lifestyle positioning ng brand. Ang mga bisita ay tinanggap sa isang interactive space kung saan nasiyahan sila sa mga photo booth, nakatanggap ng tubig at nakasali sa mga raffle. Idagdag pa sa kanilang pananabik ay ang pagbigay ng NUSTAR Online ng gantimpala sa anim na masusuwerteng dumalo ng libu-libong halaga ng free gaming credits na nagpapatibay sa kultura ng brand na mapagbigay, batay sa karanasan ng pagbibigay gantimpala. 

Mas pinaangat ang pangkalahatang pagdiriwang ng full lineup of entertainment na siyang nagpanatili nang mataas na enerhiya sa kabuuan ng pagdiriwang. Ang mga live DJs, live bands, masiglang manonoood at mga artisan food stalls na talagang pinagisapang mabuti na ipares sa gin ay sinigurado na ang selebrasyong ito ay magdadala ng higit pa sa inumin. Nagbigay ito ng kompletong lifestyle experience mula simula hanggang katapusan.

Pinahaba pa ang selebrasyon, ang mga mahahalagang pangyayari sa pagdiriwang ay nakunan sa pamamagitan ng NUSTAR Online: Exclusives na siyang nagbibigay pahintulot sa mga manonood na muling bisitahin ang mga ala-ala, kwento na nagbigay kahulugan sa Manila Gin Festival. Itinatampok dito ang pokus ng NUSTAR Online sa pagsasalaysay at experiential content na nagpapataas sa mga pagdiriwang na nagpapalapit sa komunidad. 

Bilang pagpapatibay sa pangako na magkaloob ng gantimpala sa lumalagong manlalaro nito, pinalakas pa ng NUSTAR Online ang pananabik sa pagdiriwang na ito sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatuloy ng 2M26 campaign na siyang nagbibigay sa mga dumalo ng pagkakataon na manalo ng dalawang motorsiklo at isang milyong piso kapag naabot ang 2 milyong tagasunod sa kanilang Facebook page. 

Ang programang ito ay sumasalamin sa pananaw ng brand na maghandog ng value-driven experiences na higit pa sa gaming. Ang programang ito ay patuloy pa rin, at binibigyan ang lahat ng oportunidad na manalo ng mga malalaking papremyo. 

Upang biswal na maranasan ang mga kaganapan, lifestyle moments at mga eksklusibong selebrasyon tulad nito, sundan ang NUSTAR Online sa @nustaronline at maging bahagi ng komunidad kung saan ang bawat karanasan ay idinisenyo para iangat ang paraan ng paglalaro at pagdiriwang. 

Eat, Yoga, Love: A Cityscape Journey with Vida Opens in BGC

"We are excited to broaden our reach and offer a nurturing environment for individuals to engage in hot yoga and beyond. Our goal is to transcend the boundaries of the mat and empower individuals to make holistic lifestyle choices that extend well beyond their yoga practice. Our vision for Vida Yoga is to inspire people to elevate their idea of wellness, and to adapt a holistic approach to self-care and discovery, that is why aside from the yoga classes, we also offer retreats, seminars, and training aspiring instructors as well. We want them to embrace yoga as a lifestyle." ~Amanda Griffin-Jacob, Co-founders of Vida Yoga

Vida Yoga has recently unveiled its primary location at The Arya Plaza Towers in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), offering yoga enthusiasts a fresh environment to make more conscious lifestyle way of life.

In partnership with its first branch in Alabang, Vida Yoga provides state-of-the-art studios featuring their distinctive hot yoga sessions and also non-heated classes. These classes are led by world-class instructors who have received training from the internationally acclaimed yogi Copper Crow.

The recent opening of the BGC branch offered guests a transformative experience focused on self-discovery and mindful living, with its banner theme "Eat, Yoga, Love: A Cityscape Journey with Vida."

"Vida Yoga was born out of our collective mission to be the conduit for Filipinos to find their own individual journeys to healthier living. We all love yoga – especially hot yoga – and we all believe that choosing to live a mindful lifestyle extends beyond yoga, thus we thought of offering a venue for people to go through that process of discovery." ~Karmela Oreta, Co-founder of Vida Yoga

Vida Yoga offers a wide range of classes designed to meet the diverse needs and preferences of their clients. Their signature classes are the hot yoga classes, which combine the invigorating power of heat with the transformative practice of yoga. 

For those ready to embrace the challenge and detoxify, they have the Hot 26 class, where 26 poses are performed in an infrared-heated room for 75 minutes. Condensed sessions are also available with the Hot Express where the same 26 poses can be performed in 60 minutes. 

Amanda Grffin Jacob, Karmela Oreta and Copper Crow

Hot Vinyasa meanwhile  blends the flowing movements of Vinyasa with the power of heat to enhance strength, flexibility, and balance. For a slower pace and more introspection, the Hot Slow Flow class combines soothing warmth with gentle, mindful movements to promote relaxation and increased flexibility. 

For a high-intensity workout, the studio offers Inferno Hot Pilates, combining Pilates principles with a heated environment.  Lastly, the studio also provides a Hot Hybrid class, blending elements of different yoga styles for a unique and challenging experience.

In addition to their hot yoga classes, Vida also provides non-hot classes for those who prefer So whether you prefer to sweat it out or practice in a cooler setting, Vida has something to offer for everyone. 

After an exclusive express 30 minute yoga session with Vida and international yogi Copper Crow, where you can breathe, center, and connect with yourself. ⁣      Got to experience a back massage, and my first tiem to try acupuncture to heal whatever ails me.

Beginners can explore the classes for as low as Php1,000 for one session.  Vida also has a first timer introductory package which is only Php 2,000 for 3 classes.  Those who are ready to incorporate yoga as a part of their daily/weekly habit can choose from a wide variety of Vida Yoga’s class packages.

To celebrate the opening of both Vida Yoga branches, a special Eat, Love, Yoga launch event was held in their BGC branch. It was a unique wellness experience in partnership with Philip Stein, Centro Holistico, and Massage MNL to inspire people to embark on their journey to mindful lifestyle choices with Vida.

For Amanda, hot yoga provides a well-rounded nourishment for the mind, body, and spirit, serving as a strong foundation for a holistic well-being.

To learn more about Vida Yoga, or to book for an appointment, visit www.vidayoga.ph. You can also send a message on Instagram or email vidayogaph@gmail.com for more information.

 

About Vida Yoga: 

Vida Yoga is the newest premier yoga brand in the Philippines. Founded by three passionate entrepreneurs, Amanda Griffin-Jacob, Karmela Oreta, and Ginger Diaz, Vida Yoga aims to serve as a second home for practitioners, offering a diverse range of classes, workshops, and teacher training under internationally recognized instructors.

The Real Housewives New York City S13 - Available to Stream and Download from May 5

And they're back! The Real Housewives of New York City Season 13 returns to hayu with fresh and exciting new episodes - available to stream and download first in the Philippines on May 5! 

Returning this season: Leah McSweeney, Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, and Sonja Morgan. Attorney, broadcaster, and producer Eboni K. Williams joins this season as the newest Housewife and is excited to have fun with the ladies. 

Coming up this season:

With a new apartment and the addition of a furry friend, Leah McSweeney is on a mission to continue elevating her life. Embarking on a journey to convert to Judaism, Leah’s newfound spirituality helps guide her as she faces the challenges of co-parenting her daughter and the devastating loss of a family member. No longer the new girl on the block, Leah is delighted to welcome Eboni to the group and have a good time with a fellow boss. 

Join the housewives as they go through the ups and downs of their new normal lives.  And watch all the drama, craziness and antics unfold that would take your whole viewing experience to another level!

The Upper East Side welcomes back Luann de Lesseps, who is excited to settle into her new space, be closer to friends, and even spark up a new romance. Luann is thrilled to be cooking up a new single and video with the help of the ladies – her support system as she gets back on a path to sobriety following a small slip-up over the summer.    

After spending much-needed quality time with her family in Florida, Ramona Singer has returned to the city and is gearing up for her latest venture in real estate. She once again plays host to the women at her house in the Hamptons and finds herself at the center of old and new tensions among the ladies. 

Sonja Morgan is embracing a new chapter centered on self-love and self-care. With her friends by her side, she is encouraged to discover all she has to offer, and what the future looks like when she commits to prioritizing positive energy. After going off the grid for a bit, Sonja is back in the Townhouse to ground herself, move forward, reconnect with old friends and explore her dating options. 

New housewife Eboni K. Williams is the definition of a multi-hyphenate as a successful attorney, broadcaster, producer, and author. Dedicated to empowering the voiceless, Eboni spent much of her career in the courtroom but now brings her expertise and passion to working for REVOLT TV and hosting her own podcast. After ending her engagement at the beginning of the year, Eboni is ready for a change of scenery. Not only is she on the hunt for new real estate, but she’s also on a journey to learn more about her family history and how it has inspired the woman she is today.

Meet the new Housewife - Eboni K. Williams

Unapologetically driven to give voice to the voiceless, Eboni K. Williams are a host, author, producer, and attorney. Eboni recently launched her iHeart Media podcast “Holding Court with Eboni K. Williams” by her production company, Uppity Productions. Additionally, she serves as the Host and Executive Producer of “REVOLT Black News” on REVOLT TV, for which she has also co-hosted the hip hop talk show “State of the Culture.” Eboni is the best-selling author of her memoir, Pretty Powerful: Appearance, Substance, and Success. Using her privilege as a weapon, Eboni knows her presence is power in the rooms where she has often been the first and only Black person. 

Positioned for disruption, she enters these opportunities representing Black excellence intent on demonstrating and inspiring what is possible for Black people in America. No longer in the courtroom, Eboni remains a fierce advocate for liberty and life. With the lens of a legal scholar, she educates and inspires audiences, exposing institutional racism, breaking down controversial issues such as judicial discretion and expertly analyzing culturally relevant topics.  

Eboni is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and holds a B.A. in Communications and African-American Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. 

Balancing work, dating, house-hunting, and expanding her group of friends amid a pandemic and racial reckoning certainly has its challenges, but as with all things in her life, Eboni embraces and faces it like the fierce, unstoppable, and strong-willed woman that she is.

The Real Housewives of New York City is produced by Shed Media with Lisa Shannon, Barrie Bernstein, Darren Ward, and John Paparazzo. Andy Cohen is also an Executive Producer.

Stream and download Season 13 of The Real Housewives of New York City in the Philippines on hayu, from May 5.

About hayu

From NBCUniversal, hayu is the first all-reality subscription video-on-demand streaming service of its kind – available in 27 markets globally across: the UK, Ireland, Australia, the Nordics, Canada, Benelux Union, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Switzerland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic on a full array of devices (mobile, tablet, laptop & smart TVs) at www.hayu.com. Shows and episodes are downloadable to watch on the go, including Keeping Up With the Kardashians and its spin-offs – along with The Real Housewives, Below Deck, and Million Dollar Listing franchises. The majority of U.S. shows debut on the service the same day as their U.S. launch.

How men optimize their health

By Susan Bowerman M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Sr. Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition

A few simple steps can go a long way toward improving your health. If you’re trying to live a healthier life, don’t just focus on the foods you eat. Exercise, sleep, and social relationships are also important.

While women tend to fret about their weight and pore over food labels, men often have a more relaxed attitude when it comes to their diets. Maybe it’s because most guys burn through calories a lot faster than women do – so they figure they can get away with eating whatever they want.

• Going Beyond Body Weight

The assumption seems to be that as long as their weight is in check, they really don’t have to give much thought to what they eat. But that’s not really the case.

Bodyweight is only a part of the picture. How much body fat you have, where that fat settles on your frame, along with the overall quality of your diet – all contribute to your wellbeing.

Let’s say you don’t do much exercise, but your weight is reasonable. Don’t let that fool you: you could still be carrying around way too much body fat. And while excess body fat is a concern for everyone, guys are more likely to carry that excess weight around the middle, which is much more damaging to health than the fat that women tend to accumulate on their hips and thighs.

So, while keeping your weight down is key, you need to do it the right way.

• What Should Men Eat for Health and Good Nutrition

Simply eating less only works when the nutritional quality of your diet is above par. Eating less of a poor diet may cut calories, but you’ll still be selling yourself short on nutrition. Instead, you want to pack the most nutrition you can into each bite by keeping your focus on healthy food: vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Place an emphasis on heart-healthy foods. If most of your carb calories are coming from chips and soda, look instead to foods like oats, beans, berries, plums, broccoli, and carrots. They’re great sources of soluble fiber and can help to help keep cholesterol levels in check.

Also consider seafood that’s low in fat and calories, yet rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These should be on your menu as often as possible.

• Finding Time to Invest in Your Wellbeing

One of the biggest barriers to taking care of yourself is time. You may find yourself so busy that it becomes too easy to skip meals or grab something on-the-go. But skipping meals usually backfires, and you just wind up overeating at your next meal.

And if you don’t take the time to exercise, you’ll gain more belly fat and your sleep will likely suffer, too. Then, you might find yourself turning to sugary foods and drinks to boost your flagging energy – which just puts more weight on you, and the cycle continues.

If you’re breakfast skipper, set a goal of having a healthy meal a few mornings a week. If you don’t have time to sit down for breakfast, grab a carton of yogurt and a piece of fruit, or whip up a protein shake with some milk and fruit and take it with you.

If you tend to grab meals on the run during the day, think about packing your lunch a couple of days a week or preparing a home-cooked meal once or twice a week. It will give you a lot more control over your what you eat…and how much.

Lastly, try writing down what you eat for a couple of days. It’s the best way to come face-to-face with your eating habits – for better or for worse. There’s nothing quite like a good hard look at the skipped meals, the salty snacks or a severe shortage of fruits and vegetables to spark a diet makeover.

Herbalife Nutrition has more than 8,300 employees worldwide. To learn more, visit IAmHerbalife.com.

About Herbalife Nutrition

Herbalife Nutrition is a global nutrition company whose purpose is to make the world healthier and happier. The Company has been on a mission for nutrition - changing people's lives with great nutrition products and programs - since 1980. Herbalife Nutrition offers high-quality,  science-backed products, one-on-one coaching with an Herbalife Nutrition Independent Member, and a supportive community that inspires customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Herbalife Nutrition’s targeted nutrition, weight-management, energy and fitness and personal care products are available through its Independent Members in more than 90 countries.

Herbalife Nutrition supports the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation, a non-profit organization that       assists community organizations focused on providing good nutrition. Herbalife Nutrition is also proud to sponsor more than 190 world-class athletes, teams and events around the globe.

Sun Life Financial ‘KaAkbay: Stories of Lifetime Partnerships.”

"Their stories exemplify the kind of partner Sun Life aims to be for every Filipino pursuing his financial journey. We are committed to helping them make life brighter. This brings truthfulness to their testimonies of having found a lifetime partners 'kaakbay’ in Sun Life in their financial journey. We’re thankful that they supported our vision and permitted us to share their stories to Filipinos. Providing our clients with lifetime financial security is the core of our mission. In fact, Sun Life pioneered life insurance in the Philippines 124 years ago so that Filipinos can enjoy its benefits. This advocacy is complemented by our products and services, which we have diversified through the years to serve even their health and wealth needs. And we will not stop there. As our clients’ lifetime partner, Sun Life will continue to innovate and improve so we may serve our clients better." ~Mylene Lopa, Sun Life Chief Marketing Officer

Sun Life Financial ‘Kaakbay: Stories of Lifetime Partnerships.” 

Sun Life KaAkbay! Who is your lifetime partner? A lifetime partner makes life brighter. With Iñigo Pascual, Enchong Dee, Charo Santos-Concio, Piolo Pascual, and Matteo Guidicelli already found their “Kaakbay” sa buhay.

Sun Life Financial ‘Kaakbay: Stories of Lifetime Partnerships.” 

“KaakbaY’ is Sun Life’s latest effort geared towards renewing its commitment to becoming the Filipinos' lifetime financial partner and its purpose of providing its clients with lifetime financial security, which it has been championing since it introduced life insurance in the Philippines in 1895.

"Kahit gaano kasama ang ginawa sayo ng ibang tao hayaan mo lang wag mong papatulan o gagantihan ipagpasa diyos mo nalang." ~Mama Emy (My Mother)

How do you define a "KaAkbay?" My KaAkbay is a simple person with a simple dream in life and that is to see her daughters be a good person and have a good future. Simple as that. I remember every time we talk with a cup of coffee she always manages to joke around and makes us both laugh... I just wished she's still around that I could take her out for shopping, travel anywhere she wants and take her along with some of my events because she deserves everything a mother should be enjoying while her daughters are all grown up now. But she passed away 14 years ago, yes Mama is gone but she will always be my "KaAkbay" or should I say the wind beneath my wings... I always make sure that in every success and goal I make is to make her be proud of me while in heaven. I just wished she had enjoyed being a Lola to my 2 nephews (Lhenahj and Carlos). I am pretty sure I inherit mama's wit and good heart, well I'm not perfect but I got an angel that taps me whenever I needed one...

Just this year my younger sister Jessamae graduated from college and it was such a glorious thing that ever happened, it was mama's wish and I know I made her proud. I want my sister to start there because her journey is just about to begin. I always tell her to be smart when it comes to managing her financial security a ta young age it was also what mama advised me before but hasn't been able to manage as the years pass by due to responsibilities as the eldest daughter. I want her to learn how to become financially stable int he future starting now. I want to guide her along the way in life...

Here are some of the ambassadors that had found their KaAkbay Lifetime Partner in Life. All the brand ambassadors are long-time Sun Life clients as well.

Sun Life Financial ‘Kaakbay: Stories of Lifetime Partnerships.”  (L-R) Inigo Pascual, Enchong Dee, Charo Santos Concio, Piolo Pascual, Matteo Guldicelli.

At the center of the campaign is a set of videos which shows how their lives were made brighter with the help of their respective lifetime partners, who believed in them, supported them, and inspired them. 

Mam Charo's love story I guess lingers to me it was only now that I had known about it and was happy to be the first to watch it so its a must watch on the KaAkbay stories.

"Seeing an important part of my life immortalized through the video brought back so many memories that I share with my lifetime partner. It was unnerving at first but in the end, it was a beautiful way to pay tribute to someone who impacted my life in so many ways." ~Charo Santos Concio

The odds were against them. But Charo and Cesar remained loyal to their truth: that love can conquer any obstacle.

Piolo, a long-time client and brand ambassador of the company, highlighted that his own relationship with Sun Life is truly one that can be defined as a lifetime partnership. 

"Sun Life has been my lifetime partner in every step of my journey. A 'kaakbay’ in every way. With their help, I’ve been able to secure a brighter future not just for myself, but for my family as well,” he said. "i hope that my story, as well as that of my fellow ambassadors, will encourage more Filipinos to pursue financial security and live healthier lives with Sun Life as their lifetime partner.” ~Piolo Pascual

Time zones apart, Piolo and Inigo took the high but challenging road to nurture their relationship. This is a testimony to their partnership.

Sun Life Financial ‘Kaakbay: Stories of Lifetime Partnerships.” 

The soundtrack for the campaign, also entitled “Kaakbay‘ which was written and performed by Inigo himself, will soon be hitting airwaves nationwide, while its music video will be shown on Myx. 

"It’s a song you can dedicate to an important person in your life. We don’t always tell our loved ones how much we appreciate them, but I hope that this song and our own ‘Kaakbay’ videos will inspire everyone to express just how much their loved ones mean to them." ~Inigo Pascual

Sun Life Financial ‘Kaakbay: Stories of Lifetime Partnerships.” 

"This is it as real as it gets. The authenticity of emotions was clearly captured in the videos, and I look toward to sharing it with everyone." ~Matteo Guldicelli

Depressed. Lost. Matteo was at the crossroads of his career. Then, Nonno’s inspiration pushed him forward. Discover who Nonno is in Matteo’s life.

Sun Life Financial ‘Kaakbay: Stories of Lifetime Partnerships.” 

"It was a very emotional experience developing my video with Sun Life. When I saw the finished product, I couldn’t help but cry." ~Enchong Dee

Enchong looks back with fondness at his humble beginnings and pays a tribute to the person who has taught him so much.

Sun Life Financial ‘Kaakbay: Stories of Lifetime Partnerships.” 

Sun Life Financial ‘Kaakbay: Stories of Lifetime Partnerships.” 

Through the stories of lifetime partnerships shared by Piolo, Inigo, Enchong. Matteo, and Charo, Sun Life hopes to encourage Filipinos to find that partner who will help them shine to their full potential. 

Watch their KaAkbay stories at  premiering every week beginning July 13. https://m.youtube.com/user/SunLifePH

• Coach - July 13
• Nonno - July 20
• Bro - July 27
• Greatest Love - August 3

Those who will watch the videos will get a chance to win a trip for two to Singapore by sharing their own stories of lifetime partnership on @SunLifePH on Youtube or Facebook. Consolation prizes will also be given away. The full mechanics are available on Facebook. 

A lifetime partner makes life brighter

GCash Forest eyes 365 thousand trees planted in 365 days

“GCash Forest is about making it easier, more convenient, and even rewarding for everyone to take care of our environment for the benefit of the future generation. GCash is no longer just providing an excellent platform for accessible financial products and services but also enabling Filipinos to be more active in responding to real-life issues, such as climate change mitigation through reforestation. Many Filipinos, especially the younger ones, care about the environment but a lot of them don’t know how they can  actively take part in environmental protection. This is a barrier that GCash Forest addresses because they only  need to use their smartphones—an already integral part of their daily lives—to make a difference.” ~Anthony Thomas, Mynt CEO

The Philippines' leading mobile wallet GCash is now making it possible for its users to plant trees by simply using a mobile app for transactions. Filipinos who want to contribute to environmental preservation can now conveniently use an innovative mobile phone app to help plant trees and increase the Philippines’ forest cover. It happened last June 25, 2019, at The Eye at the Green Sun with their partners DENR, WWF, and Biofin as GCash unveils this ambitious and innovative plan to plant 365,000 trees in 365 days. GCash considers GCash Forest as the last mile initiative that fully recognizes the emergence of an all-digital Filipino lifestyle.

To implement its tree-planting initiatives, GCash Forest partnered with the:

• Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
• The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN)

The DENR will provide land resources in Ipo Watershed, an essential component of the Angat-Umiray-Ipo watersheds system supplying 98 percent of Metro Manila’s water. WWF will be providing trees and manpower while BIOFIN will provide expertise on monitoring. Recent findings on the Philippines’ vulnerability to climate-related hazards call for greater collective action. Results of the Global Peace Index 2019 identified the Philippines as the most susceptible country to the adverse effects of climate change. By leveraging the GCash platform and scale, GCash Forest aims to rally a coalition of individuals, non-government organizations, and international organizations to meet its 2020 targets. 

Leading mobile wallet, GCash, is introducing an exciting “green” feature on the app called GCash Forest, which lets subscribers plant virtual trees that will have real-life counterparts. By the end of 365 days, GCash Forest aims to plant 365 thousand trees with the help of GCash subscribers.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Forest Management Bureau (FMB), the Philippines is losing 47,000 hectares of forest cover every year. The FMB also reported the need to rehabilitate 1.2 million hectares of forest lands by 2022 to prevent landslides, ensure water availability, and preserve biodiversity.

To plant trees through GCash Forest, GCash users need to collect “green energy” by frequently using the app. Users who get enough green energy can choose which species of trees they want to plant in a selected area at the Ipo watershed. Once the trees are physically planted, users get to receive a certificate of ownership with a serial number, fun facts, and updates on the growth of their trees on their GCash apps.

The new feature is inspired by Alipay Ant Forest, a product operates by Ant Financial, an Alibaba affiliate and the parent company of the world’s leading payments and lifestyle platform, Alipay. Via the mobile platform, more than 500 million users have planted 100 million real trees and advanced a shared vision of sustainable and inclusive development. 

“The GCash Forest shows digital technology holds a huge power to mobilize people in support of sustainable development and the fight against climate change. And this power goes beyond border and is at our fingertips through our mobile devices. We’re more than happy to open up our technology and expertise to current and potential partners to make the world a better place.” ~Yan Meng, Ant Financial’s Global Head of International Partnerships

FAST FACTS

Philippine Biodiversity

• The Philippines is one of the 17 mega biodiverse countries. It is among the countries that contain two-thirds of the Earth’s biodiversity and 70 percent of world’s plants and animal species due to its geographical isolation, diverse habitats and high rates of endemism. 
• Thirty percent of the population, including 12 to 15 million indigenous people, resides in the uplands where most of the forests are located.
• Haribon Foundation forester Thaddeus Martinez said the country needs 54 percent of forest cover to protect against landslides and ensure water availability from watersheds, but currently we are at around 22% forest Cover
• Around 1.2 million hectares of denuded and degraded forest lands of the country need to be rehabilitated by 2022
• The Philippines is one of the world’s hotspots with a large number of endangered and threatened species–making it a top global conservation priority area.
• The country hosts more than 52,177 described species of which more than half is found nowhere else in the world. On a per unit area basis, the Philippines probably harbors more diversity of life than any other country on the planet. 
• According to 2011 FAO data, the forestry sector contributed US $ 528.7 million to the economy, which is approximately 0.2 percent of the GDP.
• At least 49 thousand people are directly employed by the forestry sector.
• The Philippines is losing approximately 47,000 hectares of forest cover every year
• There are 237 terrestrial fauna (animals) are threatened with extinction and - 984 threatened Philippine plants
• The Philippines still ranks among the top ten countries with the largest number of species threatened with extinction (CI, 2013)

Ipo Watershed

• Ipo watershed is a vital link in the Angat-Umiray-Ipo watersheds system which supplies around 98% of the water needs of Metro Manila.
• Primarily consisting of public forestlands, forest cover in the area has dramatically dropped from 85% to just 40% in recent years.
• The main thrust of the project is to go beyond the usual tree planting activities and expand it to forests management to help ensure that the planted trees will actually grow to provide their full benefits to the environment and the different stakeholders. This will include rehabilitation and enhancement of existing forests and not just the reforestation of denuded areas. A long-term sustainability plan will be put in place, managed by an effective management body.
• Philippine watersheds and aquifers could supple 479 billion cubic meters of water annually for domestic, industrial and agricultural uses.

Philippine Forests

• Philippines lose 47k hectares of trees annually.
• Haribon Foundation forester Thaddeus Martinez said the country needs 54 percent of forest cover to protect against landslides and ensure water availability from watersheds. Forest Coverage is currently at around 22%.
• Around 1.2 million hectares of denuded and degraded forest lands of the country need to be rehabilitated by 2022.
• Total Forest Cover has decreased from 7,168,400 (2003) to 6,839,717 (2010)

GCash considers GCash Forest as the last mile initiative that fully recognizes the emergence of an all-digital Filipino lifestyle. 

Vitress Hair Freshener and Solenn Heussaff-Bolzico’s Fight Bad Smelly Hair

“We want to show something different. Solenn’s action film debut beautifully captures how Vitress Hair Freshener can fight bad odors that we’re often exposed to and keep it smelling fresh all day long. Unlike the glamorous hair ads, Vitress Hair Fresher opted for an action film to demonstrate its power in quashing hair odor giving you that instant shine and freshness.” ~Pam Sulit, VP for Marketing and Brand Development

When it comes to hair dryness, dullness, frizz, and split end are the common hair problems that most Filipinas experience in their everyday life.

“Vitress Hair Freshener is my lifesaver. I have one in every bag. It knocks off awful smells like smoke or sweat especially during tapings when I’m under the sun. It’s a quick fix with long-lasting results.” ~Solenn Heussaff-Bolzico

In case you haven’t heard, a new action thriller has just been released, and it’s taking the internet by storm. Solenn Heussaff-Bolzico on being the most badass star in today's generation. Here she is in an action film for Vitress Hair Freshener, Solenn shows off awesome grit and badass moves that show off her shiny fresh hair and well-toned physique. It effectively fights the smells that stick to one's hair, including the smell of food, cigarette smoke, vehicle emissions, and sweat. A quick application of Vitress Hair Freshener makes #ShinyFreshHair a reality anytime, anywhere.

The video stars glam girl Solenn Heussaff, who stuns everyone as she displays her martial arts prowess to tame her tresses, with the help of Vitress Hair Freshener. The action kicks off in what looks like a typical neighborhood food park surrounded by grills and restaurants. Solenn, stunning with her shiny fresh flowing hair, is cast as an ordinary diner out to enjoy a quiet meal. Suddenly, a smelly and smoky presence permeates the air, threatening to take Solenn into its grip as it possesses her hair with its bad odors.

A lightly scented spray-on product for the hair, Vitress Hair Freshener deodorizes bad smells with its encapsulated InstaFresh technology that releases a fresh, fragrant, and long-lasting scent. It effectively fights the smell that sticks to one’s hair, including the smell of food, cigarette smoke, vehicle emissions, and sweat. Just like Solenn does in the action film, all that one has to do is reach for a bottle of Vitress Hair Freshener to achieve #ShinyFreshHair anytime, anywhere.

Take part in the action and see Solenn knock out the enemy. Check out Vitress official Facebook and Youtube pages for real action and to know how your hair can brave any day with Vitress Hair Freshener.