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Chevron Enhances Safety with Solar Street Light Donation in Misamis Oriental Communities

Friday, December 13, 2024


Chevron facilitates the installment of solar street lights at Brgy. Palilan and Brgy. Tabo-o to enhance road safety and improve visibility for the residents.

Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of Caltex fuel and lubricants recently donated solar street lights to Brgy. Palilan and Brgy. Tabo-o in Misamis Occidental, underscoring its commitment to enhancing safety in host communities. Chevron operates a terminal in both barangays—the same terminal that serves several Caltex stations in Misamis Oriental, including in Cagayan de Oro, the province's largest city.

The solar lights illuminate key pathways and roads crisscrossing the barangays. By providing reliable lighting, Chevron aims to reduce the risks associated with poorly lit areas, fostering a safer environment for the community and travelers. This initiative is particularly crucial in emergencies, such as power outages or natural disasters, where adequate lighting is vital for safe navigation and evacuation.

The people of Barangay Palilan and Barangay Tabo-o expressed their deep gratitude to Chevron for its generous donation, which has significantly benefited their community. The installation of solar streetlights has enhanced illumination and improved safety for both residents and tourists, particularly at night. The new lighting has made the streets safer and more secure, alleviating concerns about poorly lit areas.

“At Chevron, we are proud to support communities through donations like this. We will continue to pursue initiatives that enhance safety for our local communities, " said Irven Walter Abenojar, Terminal Operator Associate, CPI.

Chevron's commitment to supporting local communities is evident through this project, reflecting its dedication to sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The company looks forward to building on this initial effort with future initiatives that further promote community welfare.
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EastWest Employee-Athlete Shines in International Dragon Boat Championships, Contributes to Philippines’ Historic Victory

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Peter Arreglado

EastWest proudly celebrated the recent achievements of Peter Arreglado, a dedicated member of their Cebu office’s Real and Other Properties Acquired (ROPA) team, who played a key role in leading the Philippines to an impressive victory at the 2024 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Dragon Boat World Championships held in Puerto Princesa.

The Philippines led the medal standings with an impressive 11 gold medals, showcasing the country’s strength in dragon boat racing and the remarkable talent and resilience of employee-athletes like Peter. Notably, he earned three medals across different events: a silver in the 200-meter small boat, a bronze in the 500-meter small boat, and another bronze in the 2000-meter standard boat.

Peter, who has been an active paddler since 2019, fulfilled a lifelong dream by participating in this prestigious global competition. Selected through a rigorous national selection process, he was honored to be part of the Master’s National Team, representing both the Philippines and EastWest on the international stage. “Being part of this historic event is already like winning a gold medal,” Peter shared, reflecting on the significance of his journey and the pride he feels in contributing to the country’s success.

EastWest extended full support to Peter’s training and preparation, providing him with a flexible work schedule and additional financial assistance to ensure he could balance his professional responsibilities with the demands of intensive training. “EastWest’s support in my training made it possible for me to focus on what mattered—giving my best performance at the World Championships. My success in this competition was made possible thanks to our team effort and their sponsorship in terms of fitness, gym access, personal trainers, and other aspects,” he noted. “This opportunity is a dream come true, and I am deeply grateful for the backing I received from my team and the management at EastWest. I’m so grateful for the chance to work with Eastwest, and for having great leaders, especially from the top level.”

The values of teamwork, resilience, and strong leadership, central to the sport of dragon boat racing, align closely with EastWest’s corporate culture.

“Dragon boat racing is a team sport that requires unity and persistence, values I experience every day in my work at EastWest,” Peter explained. “Having a supportive environment at work has empowered and allowed me to pursue my passion in both my athletic and professional life.”

In addition to his personal triumphs, Peter hopes that his participation will inspire his colleagues and the broader community at EastWest to engage in even more athletic pursuits and strive for excellence. “I hope that my achievements encourage other sports enthusiasts among EastWest’s workforce and employees, showing the rest of our community that the bank is wholeheartedly supportive of our interests beyond the workplace,” he added.

EastWest Human Resources Head Alfie Suarez explained the significance of Peter’s triumph, sharing that "At EastWest, we believe in fostering a culture that values dedication, resilience, and teamwork—qualities exemplified by our very own Peter Arreglado and the entire Philippine team at the 2024 International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships. Their hard work and commitment to excellence inspire us all, and we are incredibly proud of Peter’s accomplishment as he brings this international recognition not only to our country but also to the EastWest family."

Looking ahead, Peter envisions more opportunities to represent both the country and EastWest in future competitions, with hopes to participate in upcoming invitational races abroad and continue his dragon boat journey at the next World Championships in Canada.

With his success, and in celebration of its 30th anniversary, EastWest once again reaffirms its commitment to supporting its employees in their personal and professional endeavors, celebrating each milestone as they go “Further for You.”

Other premiere clubs that EastWest is currently supporting include the EastWest Motion Dance Group, the EastWest Voices Choir, the EastWest Click Photography Club, the EastWest Milers Running Club, the EastWest Racquets Badminton Club, the EastWest Hoops Basketball Club, and the EastWest Pisotivity Club for Investment Enthusiasts.

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Generika Drugstore, Ayala Foundation’s Scholarship Program Empowers Next Generation of Pharmacists

Thursday, October 3, 2024


Aspiring pharmacist Micaella Abedejos from Davao City is pursuing her degree for a deeply personal reason: she wants to help her sick grandmother, who is taking several medications.

"Whenever I come home from school, my grandmother would ask me about her medications, and being able to explain it to her made me happy," 20-year-old Micaella shared. 

Her knowledge from pharmacy school empowered her to explain to her grandmother the purpose of each medication, helping her manage her health and avoid potential errors. To Micaella, this is the important role pharmacists play in the community—to educate and empower the vulnerable sectors of our society.

“This inspired me to share my knowledge about her medications because I didn't want her taking them without knowing what they were for. I felt motivated to help and make a difference,” she added.

Micaella’s mother is a housewife, and her father works as an informal electronics repairman. Due to their irregular and limited income, it would have been challenging for them to support her college education, especially with three other siblings also in school.

But with her academic excellence and determination, Micaella was one of the chosen beneficiaries of the Enrollment to Employment Scholarship Program of Generika Drugstore, in partnership with Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI). 

This initiative responds to the demand for pharmacists, especially in rural areas, by making it possible for students to pursue their studies.

Atty. Yet Abarca, the President and CEO of Generika Drugstore, emphasized that the scholarship program is in fulfillment of its promise to provide ginhawa by giving Filipino communities access to quality affordable generic medicines. She noted that pharmacists often serve as the primary point of contact for healthcare, especially in underserved areas where drugstores outnumber clinics and hospitals. 

“This is really a milestone for us as we embark on this program with Ayala Foundation. Central to our promise of ginhawa is the pharmacist. We take pride in our network of friendly and knowledgeable pharmacists who are at the core of delivering our ginhawa promise to the communities that we serve,” Abarca said.

Inspiring stories from Generika scholars


Three other aspiring pharmacists shared their inspiring stories.

Elizabeth Montano of Bacoor, Cavite is another recipient of Generika and AFI’s scholarship program. Just like Micaella, a personal family experience sparked her passion to become a pharmacist.

She recalls buying the medications of her father when he suffered a stroke and being intrigued by the complex names of the drugs, "Sabi ko, ‘Ang hahaba naman ng mga pangalan’. Natutuwa po ako kasi natatandaan ko ‘yung mga gamot.” 

Elizabeth Montano

Her curiosity led her to pursue pharmacy, a field she acknowledges is both challenging and rewarding, “Ang dami pong kailangan na skills. Hindi lang po sa memorization, sa pag-intindi rin po, at sa pakikipag-usap sa mga tao. Kasama po lahat ‘yun. Nag-aaral po ako nang mabuti, para as a future pharmacist, masisiguro po nating safe ang patients natin.”

Maureen Concon of Davao City, also comes from a family with limited means. Her father, a former seaman, had to stop working due to illness, leaving her family to rely on a small sari-sari store for income. 

Before receiving the scholarship, some relatives supported her college education, but she wanted to find other ways to support herself and unburden her folks.

"Parang nabawasan ‘yung worries ko financially kasi I no longer have to ask my parents for an allowance. It also lessens the worries of my parents. Parang ‘Yes! May magsu-support sa pag-aaral ko. Wala na silang aalalahanin pa,” Maureen added.


Hannah Menor of General Trias, Cavite was overwhelmed with gratitude when she received the scholarship knowing it would greatly help her family.

“Sobrang natuwa po ako kasi po ginusto ko po talagang maka-help sa family namin regarding sa finances tapos nu’ng binalita ko po sa father ko, naiyak rin po sya. Kaya sobrang thankful lang po talaga ako kay Lord for this opportunity,” Hannah recalled. 

Hannah stays motivated by remembering her reasons for pursuing pharmacy and the potential to help many people in the future. 

"I'm very thankful for this scholarship opportunity. It's a big help para po sa family namin. And ako personally, as a pharmacy student, mas lalo po kong na-motivate na pagbutihin ‘yung pag-aaral ko. And nare-remind po ako na ‘wag pong bumitaw sa mga pangarap ko po," she added. 

Employment to entrepreneurship

Antonio Lambino II, President of Ayala Foundation Inc., emphasized the exciting potential for these scholars to grow their careers, noting the possibility of entrepreneurship through Generika Drugstore’s network. 

“Opening up slots for pharmacy scholars in key Generika Drugstore business locations makes a lot of sense, not just as a business solution but also as support for local community value,” Lambino said. 

“The scholarship to employment track gives Generika Drugstore access to some of the brightest pharmacy students in the country while also contributing to the growth of human capital in the community surrounding these investments.”

The pharmacy students awarded with the scholarship have a wide range of promising career paths that they could venture on. Aside from traditional roles in community pharmacies, they can explore opportunities in hospital settings, pharmaceutical research, regulatory affairs, and even entrepreneurship through drugstore ownership. 

Generika Drugstore’s Enrollment to Employment Program ensures that scholars not only have the support to complete their studies but also access to meaningful careers within the Generika network, where they can directly help communities by providing affordable, quality healthcare.

A perfect example of this is Riza Asombrado, NCR Area Operations Manager of Generika Drugstore and a registered pharmacist. Starting her career as a pharmacist over 19 years ago, she steadily rose through the ranks. But more than the job title, it’s the ability to give back to the community that fueled her passion. 

“I thought my role as a pharmacist was limited to reading prescriptions, dispensing medicines and managing inventory. However, joining Generika made me realize the broader impact that I could have in this profession,” Asombrado said. 

“It was incredibly fulfilling to hear customers share how Generika has touched their lives,” she added.

Vision of uplifting communities 

Gino Guinto, Chief Operations Officer of Generika Drugstore, emphasized that this program is a key component of Generika's broader vision to support and uplift communities through various social initiatives. 

“Over the next two years, we’ll be embarking on this exciting journey together. We at Generika Drugstore are truly excited about this program—this is the very first scholarship initiative we’ve launched, and it’s something close to our hearts,” Guinto said.
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lyf awarded two official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles as it celebrates one year in the Philippines

Monday, September 16, 2024

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS

Celebrating one year of living your freedom, lyf, the extraordinary experience-led co-living hospitality brand of Ascott Limited, capped off the month of August with back-to-back, year-defining events that saw both its properties in lyf Malate Manila and lyf Cebu City soar to new heights. The unprecedented event was supported by The Ascott Limited headquarters and other VIPs such as Ms. Sophie Mogul, The Ascott Limited’s Vice President of Strategy, and Regional General Manager of Philippines & Malaysia, Ms. Adeline Phua, the Vice President and Managing Partner of lyf, as well as Ms. Chia Chu, the Associated Vice President of Operations for lyf. They were also joined by The Ascott Limited Philippines property partners, Cebu Landmasters in lyf Cebu and Mr. Tomas Lorenzo of Torre Lorenzo in lyf Malate, alongside esteemed representatives of the Department of Tourism. Together with the amazing community behind lyf, the two-day festivities on August 29 and 30 culminated with spectacular performances, delectable delights, heartwarming messages, and record-breaking achievements awarded to both properties after their herculean efforts.

An upcycled Masterpiece preluded by the Ephemeral Thresher Shark Display


The celebration began at the Queen City of the South on August 29, where the Thresher Sharks, a majestic symbol of the property and the island, were given the spotlight beyond the already beautiful giant mural on the façade. On that day, 12,479 carefully folded origami sharks swam through the corners of lyf Cebu; Mr. Kazuyoshi Kirimura, the official Guinness World Record adjudicator, appreciated the incredible effort and recognized the titular property with the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the “Largest Display of Origami Sharks.”

lyf’s brilliant conservation partner, Save Philippine Seas, was also present to impart their invaluable knowledge to the wonderful community of lyf during the event, sharing how we can all play an active role in protecting the Pelagic Thresher Shark (Alopias Pelagiucs) endemic to Cebu’s local waters, in doing so preserving its vibrant ecosystem.

“Today marks a pivotal achievement for us, and we are very grateful for our fantastic community for coming together and finding a new place to belong here in lyf Cebu City,” said Rey Vergel Mulat, the lyf Champion and residence manager of lyf Cebu City “Beyond the celebration, we also take pride in our continued commitment to sustainability practices as stewards of responsible hospitality.” 

Despite the monumental achievement of solidifying lyf as the number one specialty lodging in the city, the property still has big plans just around the corner. Guests are encouraged to take their time appreciating the masterfully made paperwork as the temporary display will be upcycled into an even grander art piece that will be revealed in an event that you will want to attend.

A Thrilling lyf Full of Stars 


On the evening of Friday, August 30, lyf Malate Manila also picked up on the celebration and, in true lyf fashion, invited and called upon their community to a star-themed event that commemorated Filipinos worldwide. During the event, those in attendance also witnessed lyf history. Through the arduous effort of everyone, from the regulars of lyf to the several Ascott Limited properties nationwide that lent their support to the property, an astounding 100,000 origami stars transformed into a masterful and artistic paperwork display that made lyf Malate into a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title holder for the “Largest Display of Origami Stars.” 

The momentous occasion also celebrated the country’s history by including the traditional wooden Balangay and galleons in the artistic vision. Used by the ancestral Filipinos, guided by the stars during ancient seafaring voyages across the Pacific islands and the Philippine galleon trade from 1565 to 1815, that celebrates the Philippines as the vital link connecting Europe through Spain, Asia through the Philippines, and the Americas through Mexico.

Throughout the night, there was an uncanny energy in the air, starting from “lyf Centrale,” the community market of the property that was chock-full of collaboration that showcased a superb lineup of products to the awarding of the highly acclaimed accolade. The evening of celebrations was further elevated by the spectacular after-party, which saw multiple showstopping performances from Philippine Billboard top 100 artists Maki and Over October, together with the sensational beats of renowned DJ Rammy Bitong, the storied Malvar Street of lyf Malate was the place to be that Friday. 

“Words cannot do justice to what was achieved by lyf and its community in these two days,” said Joyce Agsaway, lyf Champion and Director of Operational Excellence for lyf Malate Manila. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment, a dream that became a miraculous reality through the phenomenal effort of the most outstanding community, colleagues, and partners anyone could hope for.”

Much like its sister property, lyf Malate has no plans on resting on its laurels. It has also partnered up with Junknot’s Willie Garcia, a creative out-of-the-box artist, to upcycle the origami sharks and stars into a stellar new display for all to enjoy, so be sure to watch for the next big thing they’ll have planned for you together with their vibrant and ever-growing community.

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