[News] Get the Cutest Animal Plush Toys from Rustan's this Xmas

Rustan's Invites You to Buy Plush Toys of the Philippines' Most Endangered Animal Species

 (all photos are screenshots from Rustan's FB page)

Rustan's has teamed-up with Gotta Getta Gund, one of the world's top plus toy manufacturers since 1898, to offer a line of 11 plush toys made exclusively for the retail chain. These are plush toys of endangered wildlife in the Philippines.

For every minimum single receipt purchase of P10,000, you can get your very own limited edition cockatoo, tarsier, Philippine eagle, tamaraw, mouse deer, cloud rat, marine turtle (pawikan), whale shark, bearcat, warty pig, or blue-naped parrot plush toy, for free!

If you didn't know many of these animals even existed in the Philippines, it's because they're already rare and endangered wildlife.

This is part of the reason why Rustan's has tied up with the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) for this Care for the Rare project, to make us more aware of rare animals in our country that need our help.

This promo run from October 15 to December 31, 2011. Rustan's is located at Ayala Center Makati, Shangri-La Plaza, Alabang Town Center, Gateway Mall, and Ayala Center Cebu

Learn How to Win a Care for the Rare Plush Toy Without Spending a Centavo!  

Do you love animals, but can't afford to buy P10,000 worth of items from Rustan's? Get a chance to win a limited edition plush toy for free just by commenting on the Rustan's Facebook Page.

All you need to do is answer the which one of the Philippine's endangered wildlife species (among the 11 listed above) you can most relate to, and why.

As of publication time, there are only 43 comments on their FB page, which means there is a big chance for you to win the plush toy!

[News] The Mandaluyong Animal Shelter Needs Your Help

The Mandaluyong Animal Shelter was created to be a safe haven for stray dogs, where they can receive proper care and attention. And while it seemed to work that way at first, this is far from reality today. The pound was converted into a shelter because of Mandaluyong Mayor Abalos's pro-life stance, and pursuant to RA 8485 Animal Welfare Act and RA 9482 Anti Rabies Act.

Now, MAS is severely underfunded. It doesn't have the budget to keep 50-80 dogs fed adequately, much less given proper medical attention and exercise. In fact, the dogs are fed using a rationing system. While all animal shelters do use rationing systems, the question is if the dogs being fed enough food through this system. At MAS, this doesn't seem to be the case.

What's worse, the bigger dogs take advantage of the smaller and more timid dogs during feeding time, so these weaker dogs get to eat even less. At times, the dogs (both big and small) end up eating their plastic tubs (food containers) and plastic matting due to extreme hunger. This ingestion of plastic could be fatal.

At MAS's some of the dog's conditions may warrant euthanasia; however, the shelter's no-kill policy is taken too literally. Even in America, dog euthanasia is allowed if the animal is suffering from intense pain or an incurable disease.

Really, what is the use of "rescuing" stray dogs from the streets if they are made to suffer in captivity just the same? Fortunately, you can still give these dogs a better life.

If you want to help the Mandaluyong Animal Shelter, please don't donate cash because MAS doesn't accept cash donations. Instead, you can donate in kind. Refer to the flyer below for recommendations on what to donate and where you can send these donations. You can also visit the animal shelter and see the real situation for yourself.

[Architecture] An Avian Sanctuary Community for the Family

The lush environment; the gently-rolling terrain; the nature preserves; and a residential concept that enhances the mind, body, and spirit: aside from offering a flourishing vision of healthy outdoor living, these clearly define Elaro’s vibrant community.

Following the successes of Ayala Land Premier’s (ALP) southern developments Ayala Westgrove Heights, Abrio, Montecito, and Santierra, Elaro is a project set to harmonize nature and urban convenience. A home that embraces the vitality of the green earth, Elaro is poised to become the South’s next major residential enclave.

A quick thirty-minute drive from Makati along the improved Skyway and South Luzon Expressway takes you to the dynamic community of Elaro. Nestled at the heart of Ayala Land’s first and largest eco-community – NUVALI, the 72-hectare development is an ideal address for those who value quality family time and find enjoyment, tranquility, and relaxation in surrounding greeneries.

“Elaro is next to NUVALI’s wildlife and bird sanctuary, thus, ALP continues to make very conscious efforts to ensure that the residential concept will contribute in the maintenance of the birds’ natural habitat,” explains Head of ALP, Jose Juan Jugo.

Notably, NUVALI’s 14-hectare wildlife and bird sanctuary is home to 136 bird species.

“If sensitive avian species can live peacefully amidst the comforts of nature in Elaro, what more for families looking for a home sheltered from the demands of the city life?” says Dr. Roberto Puentespina, Project Manager of the Malagos Garden Resort in Davao.

Aside from providing prospective residents quaint views of Tagaytay Ridge and Mount Makiling, Elaro allows them to take pleasure in serene living spaces and a wide array of outdoor amenities that are designed to complement the natural features of the terrain.

The 3-hectare amenity core features the Village Clubhouse, Main Park, and the Multi-Purpose Courts – all dedicated to the promotion of family interaction.

Paolo Viray – Ayala Land Premier’s Project Development Manager, Jose Juan Jugo – Head of Ayala Land Premier, Christine Cenal of Haribon Foundation, and Dr Roberto “Bo” Puentespina

There will be a social hall, a fitness area, as well as lap, kiddie, and lounge pools. Parks and playgrounds will house a multi-purpose field, a camp site, picnic areas, and man-made ponds.

Likewise, families can spend time together, build stronger relationships, and bear witness to the beauty of the outdoors through the development’s multi-purpose courts, gardens, and green spaces.

Complemented by modern amenities and a verdant environment, Elaro, indeed, creates an ideal community for residents who want to experience living with loved ones amid the splendor of nature.

Elaro is an exclusive 72-hectare residential development of Ayala Land Premier in Canlubang, Laguna. A natural sanctuary for family and nature, Elaro is ALP's fourth development in NUVALI. For more inquiries log on to www.ayalalandpremier.com

[Green Living] TreeHugger Pens and Pencils - Save the Earth through Writing

I first noticed the TreeHugger brand of pencils while I was buying blank CD-Rs in Office Warehouse the other day. It was displayed on the counter where I was paying my bill. It was a pack of five pencils, supposedly made from real newspapers.

As you can see from the photograph, the pencils do look like newspapers. The visible text and photographs do give the pencils a uniquely environment friendly design. Apparently, TreeHugger has also partnered with the local Haribon Foundation.

Thus, you not only help save Mother Earth through buying a green product, you also help save the Philippine rainforests through Haribon's Give a Gift Tree Drive.

After doing some research, I have learned that there actually three TreeHugger products being sold in the country today: pencils, pens, and highlighters. Each of them, is green in its own way.

The pencils are made from 95% recycled newspaper. The retractable pen is made from almost all recycle materials, from the barrel made from recycled cardboard to the peripheral parts made from PLA corn plastic - plastic...you guessed it! Made from CORN. They come in black, blue, and red ink.

Last but not the least, is the highlighter, which is also equipped with a ballpoint pen (black ink only). You can choose between yellow and green highlights. This 2-in-1 pen is also made from recycled cardboard and PLA corn plastic. 

And, in case you've been wondering, these green products work just as good as other writing materials available in leading bookstores. Moreover, these environmentally friendly products are available in leading bookstores including Fully Booked and National Book Store.

Now, you can even get your "I Was a Newspaper" Pencil, GelFriend Pen, and 2-in-1 Highlighter Pen, by purchasing a single TreeHugger gift pack.

I remember a priest once tell me that a good pen is always something one should have at the ready - and not just one pen, but one in every pocket! And what better writing instrument can an eco-lover have than a TreeHugger pen?

[Business] Get with the Program Already

Corporate leaders should quit hedging if they don’t want to miss out on a prime opportunity to seize a competitive advantage now! 

By James Lyon

With BEX Asia 2011 recently over, it leaves much to ponder. And yes, while some headway seemed to have been made, unlike their Western counterparts, Asian companies have quite a bit of catching up to do when it comes to incorporating ‘green’ practices in their business model. “It may sound like a cliché but my advice to companies out there is to just do it’! Don’t fret about doing big things, just as long as you do something!” says Mr Jim McCallum, Senior Vice President of InterfaceFLOR Asia Pacific.

Recently a keynote speaker at the CSR Global Summit in Cebu, Philippines, McCallum spoke about how a brand could boost its credibility by leveraging on sound ‘green’ practices without the conventional dependency on huge advertising budgets. He also shared how progressive corporations like Interface Inc. are using sustainability as a key competitive driver.

“You could say our commitment to ‘Green’ is what makes us stand apart from our competitors. This is especially evident with our Mission Zero initiative, a sustainability strategy which aims to turn InterfaceFLOR into a zero-impact organization by 2020. Fundamentally, we strongly believe in what we’re doing and the fact that we’ve accrued massive savings in the process motivates us further to be good corporate citizens” says McCallum.

Incidentally, InterfaceFLOR, the modular flooring division of Interface Inc., a listed company, recently bagged the prestigious BusinessGreen Leaders Award 2011, Company of the Year. The UK award recognizes the trailblazing sustainability efforts of conventionally listed companies and their credible green business practices that make them beacons of green innovation and commercial success. Additionally, the globe scan survey on Sustainable Leadership 2011, listed InterfaceFLOR as number two on their sustainability index.  InterfaceFLOR was also an exhibitor at the recent BEX Asia 2011.

Drawing away from the bigger picture, InterfaceFLOR is also taking simple steps to make big differences, McCallum explains, such as establishing manufacturing facilities close to their key markets. This resonates well with one of their sustainability markers which is to minimise carbon footprint by exploring ways in which they can transport their carpet tiles more efficiently to reduce waste and emission. It is a sustainable decision that makes good business sense as this leads to a reduction in transportation costs as well.

Still, one can’t help but ask ‘Can InterfaceFLOR really justify a sustainability index rating with mounting fears of an impending recession where customers are trying to make every dollar count? And can the company keep prices low but still sell sustainable products?'

McCallumn explains “The index is meant to drive innovation throughout our supply chain and allow our customers to evaluate products on something beyond just price.” Since the inception of its sustainability efforts, InterfaceFLOR has successfully chalked up waste saving efficiencies in excess of 430 million dollars.

He added “Businesses exist to make money, but more than ever, corporate leaders are starting to discover there is a way to make money, be profitable and do the right thing. And when one company sets the pace, others will want to follow. It’s corporate peer pressure 101. No company wants to be the one that got left behind!”

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James Lyon is a thinker, educator, writer and consultant in the world of public relations, digital marketing and communications.

Keeping the Dream Alive to Raise Funds for Babies at the Philippine General Hospital

Keeping the Dream Alive - Every Child Deserves a Happy Childhood





Keeping the Dream Alive is a project of the Ateneo Graduate School of Business (AGSB) Business Communications 07 class in partnership with CHILD Foundation Inc.

The goal is to raise funds for the purchase of incubators and pediatric beds urgently needed by the Philippine General Hospital's (PGH) Department of Pediatrics.

The project will run from October 1, 2011 to November 4, 2011, although the foundation will continue to accept donations afterwards.

Despite being the biggest and most well funded public hospital in the Philippines, the PGH cannot afford to buy hospital equipments necessary for the health and safety of its patients in its Pediatric wards. These patients belong to indigent families who can ill afford fees charged by private hospitals. Here is the complete list of equipment needed by PGH.

Please visit our official Facebook Page for more information.

Keep the Dream Alive - Let's Not Wait Till Christmas to Remember Them

A simple click and less than two minutes of your time can improve the lives of babies and children at PGH. Asia Pay Philippines, our online payment service provider, will ensure your credit or debit card account is kept confidential. Once you have your card ready, please follow the steps below:


1. Click this link: http://www.childfoundationinc.org.ph
2. Input the amount you wish to donate in Philippine Pesos, then click "donate."

For Credit Card Donations

1. Click the logo of your credit card type (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB).
2. Provide your Credit Card Number, Expiry Date, Full Name, Country of Issuance, Bank Name, and the last three digits of (Card Verification Number) found at the back of your card then click "submit."
3. You will be informed once your transaction is complete. The Keeping the Dream Alive logo should appear once you click "continue."

For ATM/Debit Card Donations

1. Click the logo of your credit card type (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB).
2. Choose the name of your bank from the dropdown list.
3. Provide your ATM Number, Member Number (if required), Account Type, and your PIN then click "pay."
4. You will be informed once your transaction is complete. The Keeping the Dream Alive logo should appear once you click "continue."

If you exceed the prescribed time, a note that says "session timed out" will appear. This means your transaction did NOT push through. Please try to donate again. Thank you for caring for the babies.

But wait! There are two other ways by which you can donate:

1. Deposit money to the Banco de Oro (BDO) account of CHILD Foundation Inc. - account number 2410072166.

2.  Write a check addressed to CHILD Foundation Inc. and hand it over to the Department of Pediatrics Office, Ward 9, PGH, Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila 1000. 

You can coordinate with Dr. Aimee Lou Nano of the foundation by phone: (+6332) 585-0351, or email: info@childfoundationinc.org.ph, for details and arrangements.

We were fortunate to be kids once, now it's time to give others the same chance.