Emirates’ Aircrafted KIDS initiative reaches 700 young students across Asia

Saturday, April 19, 2025


Emirates donated handmade children’s backpacks made from upcycled aircraft interiors to children in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan

Supporting children’s education and making meaningful connections within the communities it serves, Emirates has engaged with several educational entities across Asia; to provide 700 handmade schoolbags and essential stationery supplies directly to young students. Each schoolbag is a piece of history—a limited-edition bag from Emirates’ Aircrafted range, made from the fabrics and parts of Emirates’ iconic aircraft. With 1300 bags already distributed across Africa, the Asia Aircrafted KIDS delivery is part of a larger initiative by Emirates to repurpose and upcycle materials for the benefit of children across the globe.

Aircrafted Kids by Emirates goes to Asia

In India, Emirates collaborated with Smile Foundation India, a respected institution that provides education, healthcare, and livelihood programs to children aged between 6-14 years. In Bangladesh, Emirates partnered with Kanan, Thikana (Shelter Home), and Ahsania Mission Shishu Nagari – three sister entities across Dhaka that provide shelter for women and children, and a safe place to nurture education and wellbeing. In Pakistan, Emirates worked with SOS Children’s Villages, a renowned entity which serves local communities by creating a nurturing and inspirational space for financially disadvantaged youths to continue their education. In the Philippines, Emirates has been a long-time partner of Virlanie Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to help disadvantaged children reach their full potential and reintegrate them into society. Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, Emirates has a long history of supporting children’s welfare programs, and Aircrafted Kids is an extension of this work.

Emirates has a local office in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, so each entity was visited by the Emirates representatives who helped pack the bags and distribute them and were eager to connect with the organizations who do such important work in the community. Inside the bags, Emirates provided school supplies such as stationary, calculators and essentials, as well as a variety of books that can be shared throughout schools.

The next stop on the Aircrafted Kids schoolbags trail is Egypt, with more destinations in the MENA region to follow.

The making of Aircrafted Kids schoolbags


As part of an environmental strategy that includes responsible consumption, Emirates committed to repurposing more than 50,000 kilograms of materials, from 205 aircraft that are undergoing a cabin interior refit and refresh. The team at Emirates Engineering brainstormed a myriad of ways in which the old materials could be reused and upcycled and settled on a range of sturdy backpacks. The high-quality seat fabric of Emirates Economy Class seats is 95% wool and 5% nylon, a flat weave structure sourced from Germany and Ireland which is ideal for upcycling due to its durability and non-flammable nature.

In a dedicated workshop at Emirates, a team of 14 Engineering Maintenance Assistants creatively designed and tailored a whole range of backpacks for children of different ages. The Emirates Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand team then identified charitable entities, schools and foundations, where the bags could be distributed for most impact, communicating with the NGOs on what their preferences would be. The teams spent weeks researching styles, ensuring the bags were safe and comfortable for children to use. Across all the bag designs, the fabrics were professionally laundered, then further deep cleaned by hand, leather-conditioned for the accents, and thoroughly disinfected before being sewn into unique pieces. Brand new lining was added to the bags, along with functional zippers and adjustable straps, before being packed into specially branded ‘Aircrafted Kids’ boxes and shipped to their final destinations.

With the transport and logistics fully supported by Emirates’ SkyCargo teams, and dnata Logistics across the continents – Aircrafted Kids by Emirates connected the community of employees within Emirates to achieve a meaningful goal.

Aircrafted by Emirates Limited Edition Luggage for sale

Emirates fans can also get involved in this ‘connecting communities’ initiative, by purchasing limited edition luggage in the coming months, as the Aircrafted by Emirates retail range prepares to launch a second phase of the capsule collection. Like the first collection, which sold out in a matter of days - proceeds after costs are donated to Emirates Airline Foundation supporting humanitarian projects around the world. Customers and fans can also donate to Emirates Airline Foundation any time, and help children in need.

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CCIP unveils its first-ever official theme song, “Beauty & Beyond”

Monday, April 14, 2025


A Tribute to the Philippine Cosmetics Industry

The Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP) proudly unveils its first-ever official theme song, “Beauty & Beyond”, a powerful tribute to the organization and its members. This milestone marks a new era for CCIP, capturing the heart and soul of the Philippine cosmetics industry through music.

The song was officially revealed at CCIP’s 1st General Membership Meeting, where over 200 representatives from member companies gathered to witness this historic moment.

“This song is more than just an anthem—it’s a symbol of unity, passion, and innovation in the Philippine beauty industry,” shares Denice Sy, CCIP information, publication & public affairs committee head. “Beauty & Beyond” reminds us of our collective journey in elevating industry standards, fostering collaboration, and driving growth both locally and globally.”

With its inspiring lyrics and uplifting melody, Beauty & Beyond celebrates the artistry, science, and entrepreneurship that define CCIP and its members. It serves as a rallying cry for industry professionals, reinforcing the Chamber’s mission to shape the future of beauty.

CCIP invites its members and the public to embrace Beauty & Beyond, now available on CCIP’s Instagram and Facebook pages (@chamberofcosmeticsph)
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Filipinos Show High Awareness and Trust for Direct Selling - Herbalife survey


Herbalife, a premier health and wellness company, community and platform, today released findings from its Asia Pacific Direct Selling Survey. The survey findings for the Philippines revealed a high level of understanding around direct selling with 9 in 10 (95%) respondents correctly identifying “direct selling as a method of selling goods or services directly to a consumer, through personal contact without the need for a permanent retail premise”. Philippines has the highest understandings of direct selling compared to other countries in Asia Pacific (APAC).

Filipinos also showed a strong awareness of direct selling regulations and trust in the industry. More than 9 in 10 (92%) recognized the existence of laws that protect consumers, regulate the industry, and guide voluntary self-regulation. When asked about perceptions of the industry 8 in 10 (81%) said they trust direct selling. This places Philippines at the top, followed by Vietnam (70%) and Malaysia (69%).

“These findings reflect the strong and growing confidence Filipinos have in direct selling as a trusted and legitimate business model,” said Allan Domingo, Director and General Manager of Herbalife Philippines. “With one of the highest levels of awareness and trust in the region, it’s clear that the combined efforts of direct selling companies, industry associations, and regulators to promote ethical practices and consumer education are working. This makes the Philippines a strong environment for entrepreneurship, where individuals feel confident exploring direct selling as a flexible and credible way to earn supplementary income — and with Herbalife, they have access to a proven business opportunity backed by the training and support of a trusted global brand.”

Conducted late last year, the survey aimed to understand consumers’ perceptions towards direct selling and identify key motivating factors for starting a direct selling journey in APAC. It polled 8,000 respondents in eight countries, including Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Trust in Direct Selling Higher Among Younger Filipinos

Across generations, trust in direct selling is higher among the younger age group. More than eight in 10 (82%) Gen Zs said they trust direct selling, compared to 78% of Boomers. The top three factors influencing consumer trust in a company are proven quality control measures (65%), well-know and recognized brand (62%) and brands that have been established for decades (59%).

"For over 40 years, Herbalife has delivered science-backed health and wellness products to consumers worldwide, including here in Philippines. We believe in offering economic opportunities to people from all walks of life and our distributors engage directly with customers and communities to educate them on good nutrition and promote positive lifestyle habits. This 'distributor difference' helps us make a tangible impact in building healthier communities everywhere we are,” said Domingo.

Women More Likely to Start Direct Selling for More Flexible Working Hours

Filipino women are more likely to cite flexible working hours as the main reason to start direct selling (34%) compared to 29% of men who said the same. The top three motivation for women to take up direct selling were wanting the opportunity to be their own boss (41%), having flexible working hours (34%) and to earn extra cash to supplement their income (30%).

In addition, local women were also more likely to view direct selling as a business opportunity suitable for anyone, with 62% of female respondents concurring with this statement compared to 51% of men.

Support Needed from Direct Selling Companies

While trust in the direct selling industry is strong, respondents also cited the possibility of financial risk, especially if they are unable to sell the products they purchase. To help mitigate this, 62% expect support from the company they buy products from and 55% want support from other people within their direct selling community. Additionally, 44% expect backing from family and friends, highlighting the social nature of the business.

“Entrepreneurship can take many forms, and direct selling remains a trusted option for Filipinos looking to start their own business. Many recognize the value of structured product knowledge, business fundamentals and personal development training to achieve longer-term success.”

“At Herbalife, we equip our independent distributors with expert-led training on health, nutrition, and our products, ensuring they can confidently guide customers. Beyond training, we focus on strong customer service levels and foster a vibrant peer-support community with mentorship. With a global network of over two million entrepreneurs, Herbalife remains committed to sharing knowledge and strategies to drive business success,” added Domingo.

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Insular Foundation Supports 26 Young Filipinos in STEM

Sunday, April 13, 2025


Insular Foundation, InLife’s corporate social responsibility arm, recently awarded college scholarship grants to 26 first-year students taking up Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses.


The Foundation awarded Gold Eagle College Scholarship Grants to 11 students from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD); and 15 students from other partner schools, namely, Aurora State College of Science and Technology, Benguet State University, Bohol Island State University, Central Mindanao University, and Davao Oriental State University. The scholarship benefits include stipend, transportation and book allowance.

During the scholars’ orientation program, Insular Foundation Executive Director Ana Soriano expressed optimism that the scholarship grant will help the students achieve their dreams and live better lives.

“The reason why we continue the Insular Foundation Gold Eagle College Scholarship Grant every year is to be able to help students like you reach your personal dreams, with the hope that you will use your acquired knowledge and skills to make life better. When you graduate, you will be able to help your family enjoy a more comfortable life. When you become serious professionals like a Civil Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Mathematicians, Statisticians, and other fields in the sciences, your impact will expand in the bigger community,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the scholars, UPD student Blessilyn Ramos thanked the Foundation for easing their financial burden and empowering them with the gift of education. “As Gold Eagle Scholars, we are immensely grateful for the privilege of accessing quality education, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive community. Your kindness and trust in our potential give profound meaning to our academic journey—it motivates us to instill discipline in ourselves, persevere despite countless challenges, and become more conscious of the impact we can create,” she said.

Bohol Island State University student Charity Joy Roma said the scholarship grant motivates her to study harder and inspires her to give back to others someday. “The scholarship has provided me the means to focus on my studies and strive toward my dreams. More importantly, it has reminded me of the power of community and generosity in transforming lives. To the Insular Foundation, thank you for your unwavering dedication to education and empowerment,” she said.

Since the Gold Eagle College Scholarship Program’s relaunch in 2008, Insular Foundation has helped 134 students finish their college education.

To learn more about Insular Foundation, visit https://www.insularfoundation.com.ph/.
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Netbank and JuanHand Sign Partnership for a Financially Inclusive Future


Netbank Inc., a leader in rural banking, has partnered with JuanHand, the country's leading pure fintech lending app, to broaden its reach to the unbanked and underserved communities across the nation.

The partnership between the fintech companies will assist Filipinos of all ages in achieving their dreams and financing businesses by offering innovative lending solutions tailored to their specific needs. Attendees at the event include representatives from both organizations, such as Netbank’s Co-founder and CEO David Paulo Dela Paz and Head of Lender Amiel De Sotto. Key figures from FinVolution and WeFund Lending Corp. are also present, including FinVolution Global CEO Tiezheng “Tim” Li and President and CEO of WeFund Lending Corp., Francisco "Coco" Mauricio.

“Through embedded finance, we’re enabling JuanHand to better serve more underserved Filipinos,” said Amiel de Sotto, Head of Lenders at Netbank. “Our goal is to empower partners like JuanHand to scale faster and deliver financial services directly to those who need them the most.”

JuanHand, operated by WeFund Lending Corp., has disbursed over ₱40 billion in loans and over 12 million users. The app is famous for its fast approval, minimal requirements, and easy-to-use interface. JuanHand’s innovation, compliance, and accessibility to customer service earned it the title of the leading loan app in the country.

“We are delighted that Netbank chose JuanHand to be its lending partner,” said Francisco “Coco” Mauricio, President and CEO of WeFund Lending Corp. “This partnership will benefit millions of Filipinos and provide financial assistance anytime and anywhere they need it. With Netbank, we will continue to break through boundaries and serve every Juan without limits.”

Download the JuanHand app from Google Playstore or iOS Appstore. For more information, visit www.juanhand.com.
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Empowered Women, Empowering Generations: ‘Ladies for a Cause’ Launches to Champion Maternal and Child Health


A powerful movement dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of mothers and children took center stage at The Manila Hotel with the official launch of Ladies for a Cause. Composed of strong, passionate, and driven women from various sectors, the initiative aims to make a lasting impact on maternal and child health, particularly during the critical first 1,000 days of life—from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday. 


Dr. Gwen Pang, Convenor of Ladies for a Cause, who is also the Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross, emphasized the significance of collective action, stating: 

“When women come together, we don’t just spark change—we build movements that transform lives. ‘Ladies for a Cause’ is more than just a group; it is a force for good, ensuring that no mother or child is left behind in the fight for health, dignity, and a better future.” 

Why Women? Why This Movement? 

Women are the heart of every home and the backbone of every community. They are natural caregivers, nurturers, and decision-makers who intimately understand the needs of families. Their ability to empathize, multitask, and find solutions uniquely positions them to address the challenges of maternal and child health. 

“Women don’t just witness the struggles of mothers and children—they live them, understand them, and know how to solve them. When women take action, they don’t work alone; they mobilize, they inspire, and they create lasting change. This is why ‘Ladies for a Cause’ is a movement led by women—because when women lead with purpose, entire generations benefit,” Dr. Pang added. 


The launch was further strengthened by the support of Attorney Joey Lina, President of The Manila Hotel and Convenor of the Children’s First 1,000 Days Coalition, who underscored the importance of this advocacy: 

“A nation’s future is shaped in the womb. By prioritizing maternal and child health, we are investing in stronger families, healthier communities, and a more resilient Philippines. This movement is a beacon of hope, proving that when women lead with purpose, the impact is boundless.” 

The event gathered influential women leaders from government, business, media, and civil society, all committed to driving change and championing the health and well-being of mothers and children. The initiative will focus on advocacy, education, and direct community interventions to ensure that every child gets the healthiest possible start in life. 

As Ladies for a Cause takes its first step, it calls on more women to stand together, take action, and be part of a movement that will leave an indelible mark on future generations. 
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DoubleVerify Extends Gaming Measurement Suite Through Strategic Partnership with Roblox

Saturday, April 12, 2025

In the last decade, the gaming industry has exploded. With at least one-third of the global population playing digital games at least once per month, gaming provides advertisers with a highly engaged audience. Because of this, popular gaming platforms, like Roblox, are rapidly gaining advertiser attention due to their large user base and ability to reach them when they’re paying attention, helping drive campaign effectiveness.

However, a crucial component of achieving campaign effectiveness is ensuring advertisers are buying high-quality media and tracking performance across a variety of metrics. That’s why DV has offered coverage on gaming inventory for years. To further this mission, DV is partnering with Roblox to extend our trusted media quality and performance solutions across their inventory.

Advertising on Roblox

Roblox is an immersive gaming and creation platform. Attracting over 85 million active users daily, the platform offers a suite of advertising solutions that allow advertisers to reach their highly engaged Gen Z audiences across devices. Roblox offers a variety of immersive ad formats to help advertisers reach Roblox gamers wherever they are within the platform.

DV Coverage on Roblox

This partnership offers advertisers coverage across all of Roblox’s advertising inventory globally. This inventory includes Billboard image ads — otherwise known as display — and video ads, which serve in in-game environments. It also includes Rewarded Videos, which will soon appear in high-traffic environments such as menus and stores. DV’s coverage also spans across device types such as mobile, desktop, and console.

In-game Billboard Image and Video Inventory Coverage

DV has extended coverage of our trusted fraud/IVT and viewability measurement solutions via a custom integration on Roblox’s direct-sold inventory. These solutions can help ensure that these ad formats are seen by real people.

Rewarded Video Coverage

Advertisers will be able to leverage DV’s measurement solutions, which include media quality and performance. Specifically, this coverage allows advertisers to measure fraud, brand safety and suitability, viewability, geo-relevance, and attention with DV Authentic Attention® leveraging DV’s tags. Advertisers will also be able to protect their campaigns leveraging DV’s fraud, viewability, and brand suitability pre-bid solutions.

Brands can leverage DV’s offerings to better align their campaigns with their unique media quality and performance standards across Roblox campaigns and beyond to make more informed media investment and optimization decisions.
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