Maynilad wins eight Philippine Quill Awards

by Info @Brand Zone | January 24, 2024

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) bagged three Excellence and five Merit Awards at the 20th Philippine Quill Awards, held recently at the Marriot Grand Ballroom in Pasay City. 

Excellence Awards were given to Maynilad’s “NEW WATER Program” or its initial foray into water reuse for drinking (Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication category), the “Ceremonial Launch of Maynilad’s NEW WATER” (Media Relations category), and the company’s management of a pipe breakage incident at Pureza (Issues Management and Crisis Communication category).

Maynilad also brought home accolades for its Sobriedad Pipe Realignment Information Campaign (Issues Management and Crisis Communication category); “Mayni-LAD to the rescue!” Wastewater Video Episode 5, and “Sagot ni Kuya Dong: Maynilad NEW WATER Facebook Videos” (Communication Skills/ Audio Visual); and “Alab CXRO Mid-year Rally 2022” (Employee Engagement category, and Communication Skills/ Special and Experiential Events). 

 “We are humbled and grateful for this acknowledgement of the effectiveness of our various communications initiatives. It will certainly serve as inspiration for us to continue implementing effective communications tools and programs that engage and benefit our 

valued stakeholders,” said Maynilad Corporate Affairs and Communication head Marie Antonette H. De Ocampo.   

The Philippine Quill is the foremost mark of excellence in business communication, which recognizes the most effective and innovative communication initiatives in the country.

Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire in the Philippines in terms of customer base. It is a concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area, which is composed of the cities of Manila (certain portions), Quezon City (certain portions), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite Province.

Sun Protection, Hydration, and Coverage in One? Yes Please! Hello Glow Niacinamide Tinted Sunscreen

by Info @Brand Zone | January 23, 2024

Your favorite Korean-inspired local skincare brand is back with another sunscreen superstar! Get ready to #ShineBrightWithHelloGlow as they unveil their latest sun care innovation: the Hello Glow Niacinamide Tinted Sunscreen!

By now, the importance of sunscreen is extremely common knowledge. You can never start sunscreen too early, and Hello Glow makes it easy and convenient for you to keep your SPF in your daily routine! As with any Hello Glow sun care innovations, this one is yet again jam-packed with numerous skin care benefits, beyond just sun protection!

The Hello Glow Niacinamide Tinted Sunscreen flaunts a new hero active ingredient: Niacinamide! Niacinamide has been a popular ingredient in the skincare world for some time now, so it’s great to see the vitamin finally take center stage in Hello Glow’s newest release!

Niacinamide is a multi-tasking powerhouse that brightens skin, minimizes pores, controls oil, and fades dark spots – all while offering antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors. Thus, with Hello Glow Niacinamide Tinted Sunscreen you’ll be able to protect, brighten, and even out your skin tone, all in one product! It is also boosted with Hyaluronic Acid for your much-needed skin hydration!

The Hello Glow Niacinamide Tinted Sunscreen comes with a natural, skin-tint finish that events out your complexion and conceals minor imperfections. No need to struggle with finding the right shade too, because it adapts to any skin tone! This lightweight tinted sunscreen blends seamlessly into skin with its silky cream formula, and reveals a dewy, fresh-faced glow that never greasy. 

Here’s five reasons why you should get your hands on the Hello Glow Niacinamide Tinted Sunscreen:

• Sun protection: SPF 50+ PA+++ shields against UVA and UVB rays 

• Skin brightening: Niacinamide evens skin tone, fades dark spots, and boosts radiance 

• Oil control: Niacinamide minimizes pores and keeps shine at bay 

• Hydration: Hyaluronic Acid plumps and hydrates for a dewy finish 

• Natural coverage: Tinted formula covers imperfections and evens skin tone 

• Dewy finish: No greasy feeling, just a healthy, radiant glow

Formulated and designed with YOU in mind, the Hello Glow Niacinamide Tinted Sunscreen is perfect for those who want to simplify their skincare and morning prep routine, those seeking lightweight, natural-looking coverage, and generally anyone who wants a brighter and more even complexion! It’s also suitable for all skin types, and safe to use by those who are acne-prone or have oily skin-types!

#ShineBrightWithHelloGlow Niacinamide Tinted Sunscreen now!

Hello Glow Niacinamide Tinted Sunscreen (Php 320) is available online at Hello Glow’s official flagship stores in Shopee, Lazada, and Tiktok. You can also shop it in physical stores such as Watsons, SM Beauty Dept. Stores, Robinsons Dept. Stores, Gaisano Stores, Landmark, Waltermart Dept Store, LCC Group of Stores, among all other leading retail outlets nationwide!

A moment that changed lives.. SM scholars recall the beginning of their SM scholar journey

by Info @Brand Zone | January 10, 2024

Some moments fade with time, certain experiences leave an indelible mark, shaping not just our paths but our very identities. For Atty. Marmie Deniega and Amanda Hora, the SM scholarship application wasn't just a gateway to education; it was the moment that shaped the life they live today.

The first to obtain a degree in the family

Amanda’s unforgettable story as an SM scholar began when she stumbled upon a Facebook post about the SM scholarship application.

“It has always been my dream to pursue a quality education without the burden of tuition expenses. I enrolled in a university in Senior High School because of a scholarship, and I know that the only way to continue my college years at the same university is to obtain another full scholarship. That is why I never hesitated to apply for the SM scholarship, hoping to be accepted,” she said.

In the quiet hours of the night several years back, an email from the SM Foundation lit up her phone’s screen, informing her that she had been selected for their scholarship program.

The acceptance was a mark that she was a few steps away from fulfilling another goal: “I pursued college because I wanted to become the first in our family to get a college degree.”

“My parents did not finish their studies due to financial difficulties, but they’ve always been supportive of my dreams and aspirations. Also, I believe in the importance of quality education. It is something that nobody can take away,” she added.

Amanda snaps a photo with her family as she graduated cum laude with a degree in BS accountancy in 2023.

The scholarship opened doors throughout her college years. Beyond the academic realm, she had the opportunities to join competitions, intern at prestigious firms, and build a network that extended far beyond the classroom.

She shared: “As a scholar, the foundation’s programs and webinars allowed me to hear inspiring stories from other scholars, mentoring and motivating us to pursue our goals. When COVID-19 affected the country and whenever there were calamities, the SM Foundation looked after us. They provided us with tools that are essential for remote learning. It made me feel that I am part of a bigger family and that I am not alone in this journey.”

These experiences paved academic and personal growth. As she graduated cum laude with a degree in BS accountancy in 2023, she aims to contribute to the community by creating a ripple effect of kindness.

“I would use my knowledge to find ways to provide livelihood programs, especially in areas or communities where it is much needed. I would also advocate for financial literacy to help people effectively manage their finances and build resilience, especially during unpredictable life events. I would also use my story to inspire the youth, especially the current and future scholars, and remind them to never give up on their dreams,” she shared.

Scholar makes an impact on the community

Atty. Marmie Deniega (fifth from left) with her colleagues from IBP-Cebu Chapter.

Much like Amanda is CPA-lawyer Marmie Dyan Deniega.

Raised by a single mother amid financial struggles, the pursuit of a college degree seemed like an unattainable dream until she chanced upon a TV commercial that introduced her to the SM College Scholarship.

Recalling vividly the moment, she shares: “My mother and I were watching the television. The commercial for SM Foundation came in, and the application deadline was flashed through the screen. Coincidentally, it was on that day itself, so I rushed and submitted my application at the nearest SM Mall."

The scholarship became the cornerstone of Marmie's academic success. She graduated with cum laude honors in Accountancy from the University of San Jose-Recoletos, crediting the scholarship for providing not only financial support but also the freedom to focus on her studies.

The scholarship not only shaped her academic journey but also fueled a sense of responsibility, which proved valuable when she pursued a law degree with the help of her aunt and part-time jobs.

Now, she proudly serves as an Attorney III at the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) of Mandaue City, actively contributing to her community's development. She is one of the people who played a pivotal role in streamlining business permit processing in their city, making it more accessible to constituents.

As a firm believer in spreading social good, she finances the education of her siblings while actively engaging in community-based projects. She also stands as a resource speaker in schools for several crucial topics, such as the Anti-Bullying Law.

Apart from legal aid work in far-flung areas in Cebu, through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter, she also volunteers with Law Inc., an organization helping victims of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). She conducts seminars across various locations in Cebu, shedding light on the intricacies of VAWC.

In the confines of her office, clients naturally turn to her for legal advice, seeking guidance on various matters: “It cannot be helped that clients will also seek legal advice from me, hence I also make it a point to help them, to the best of my ability, and within the boundaries set by law."

Amanda and Marmie's stories are not just individual triumphs but testaments to the impact of education. Each year, countless dreamers like them are empowered to pursue their academic aspirations and chart their paths to success through the SM College Scholarship Program.

As the application for the SM College Scholarship Program opens from Feb. 1 to March 31, 2024, countless more lives stand to be touched.