Coca-Cola and President Aquino Identifies 12th Batch of Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations of the Philippines

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. Vice Chairperson, Juan Ramon Felix and President Aquino III recently awarded the 10 most outstanding youth groups of the Philippines at the 12th Ten Accomplished Youth Group Organizations (TAYO) Awards at Malacanang Palace. For the past 12 years, the TAYO Awards Foundation Inc., in partnership with the National Youth Commission and the Office of Senator Bam Aquino, has and is continuing to recognize youth organizations across the country who have made exceptional contributions to national development through wide-reaching impact, innovative resourcefulness, and sustainability of the programs implemented in their chosen communities. Today, the TAYO Awards has become a widely recognized honor for nation building.

Coca-Cola and President Aquino Identifies 12^th Batch of Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations of the Philippines

Photo: (L-R) Atty. Juan Tañada Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines Public Affairs Director, Juan Ramon Felix, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Vice Chairperson, with 15-year old Diwata Donato of Red Cross Youth and Rescue Team, one of the 10 winners of the 12thTAYO Awards and winner of the Coke Barkada Award, Cecile Alacantara, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. President, and Atty. Adel Tamano, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications.   

Photo (L-R): Winners of the 12th TAYO Awards pose with President Aquino III, National Youth Commission Chairman Gio Tiongson, TAYO Awards Foundation President Aika Robredo, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. Vice Chairperson Juan Ramon Felix, TAYO Awards Founding President Senator Bam Aquino IV, and TAYO Awards Foundation Chairman Jose Sixto Dantes III. 

Manila, Philippines, 24 February 2015 – The search for the 12th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) victors came to a close as President Aquino III and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. Vice Chairperson, Juan Ramon Felix, awarded the 10 most outstanding youth groups from the 20 finalists named in November last year, at Malacanang Palace. 

For the past 12 years, the TAYO Awards Foundation Inc., in partnership with the National Youth Commission and the Office of Senator Bam Aquino, has and is continuing to recognize youth groups across the country who have made exceptional contributions to national development through wide-reaching impact, innovative resourcefulness, and sustainability of the programs implemented in their chosen communities. Today, the TAYO Awards has become a widely recognized honor for nation building.

After screening more than a hundred entries from organizations across the country, the following emerged triumphant, with projects that are deemed sustainable, impactful, creative, and reflective of the true spirit of volunteerism and citizenship:

(In no particular order)

1.     Kanlungan Pilipinas Movement Inc. (Balay Kanlungan)
2.     Phi Lambda Delta Sorority (Milk Matters)
3.     Red Cross Youth and Junior Rescue Team (Disaster Management Eco-Raft) 
4.     Youth for Environment in School Organization (Mangrove Reforestation Program)
5.     Katipunan ng mga Kabataang Santiagueno (Agricultural Waste to Energy)
6.    Indigenous Youth Servant Leaders Association of the Philippines (Pondong 2B’s para sa IP’s)
7.     Access-PYLP Alumni Association, Inc. (Project RISE)
8.    Move this World – Philippines Inc.. (Empathy-Based Programming through Games and Creative Expression for Bullying Prevention)
9.    University of San Agustin Little Theater [USALT] (Project IMAGINE|A|NATION)
10.     Rescue Assistance Peacekeeping Intelligence Detail, Inc. (Saving Lives Program)

In 2014, TAYO received close to 400 entries – in which majority of the projects focused on environmental protection, health and wellness, medical services, disaster recovery, education, entrepreneurship, and keeping the cultures and traditions of the Philippines alive.

Being a company that has been a pioneer of key sustainability programs that focus on wellbeing, women, and youth empowerment, Coca-Cola is upholding its commitment to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities around the world. “We are very pleased to help address challenges and foster sustainable causes and communities through the programs they develop,” says Atty. Adel Tamano, Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Philippines. 

“Our partnership with TAYO has gone a long way in the past 10 years. We are very proud to co-present and award these youth organizations for their significant contributions to society. While only 10 groups are awarded out of the 20 finalists, and the hundreds of other groups that applied – I would like to commend all your efforts and commitment. You are all winners for being of service to other people and to your respective communities,” adds Juan Ramon Felix, Vice Chairperson, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.

About the TAYO Awards and the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc.

Since it started in 2002, thousands of organizations from all over the country have joined the TAYO awards, entering their nation building projects, hoping to win a cash grant and to be part of the recognized ten for their service to their specific sectors. It is established as the country’s only award giving body that recognizes and supports outstanding contributions of youth organizations to the Philippines.

The awardees win a Php50,000 cash grant given by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI) to support the winners’ causes and receive a specially sculpted trophy from renowned Filipino sculptor, Toym de Leon Imao.

Coke Barkada Award

Apart from the TAYO awards, a special category dubbed the “Coke Barkada Award” was also recognized during the ceremony. The award and additional cash grant was given to the Red Cross Youth and Junior Rescue Team for their project, ‘Disaster Management Eco-Raft’ as recognition for embodying the qualities of a true Coke Barkada Ambassador – a group that shares happiness, and in changing communities through projects that mirror what Coca-Cola has been doing in the fields of water stewardship, women empowerment, and promoting well-being.

The ‘Disaster Management Eco-Raft’ is a project headed by the youth volunteers of The Red Cross and Junior Rescue Team who are committed to help communities respond to natural disasters and reduce damages brought about by typhoons, flooding and other calamities. The group is dedicated to help communities be skillful and innovative by turning 465 waste plastic bottles into a raft used in rescue operations and at the same time turn junk into an eco-friendly equipment that can save more lives.

For more information on the TAYO Awards, you may visit www.tayoawards.net. 

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About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands.  Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our Company's portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands including, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, POWERADE, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia, Dasani, FUZE TEA and Del Valle.  Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks.  Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.9 billion servings a day.  With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate.  Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates.  For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

If you have any questions, please contact Petro Kacur, Media Relations Director at petkacur@coca-cola.com or +01 404.676.3127.

For more information about our 20 billion-dollar brands go to: http://www.coca-colacompany.com/brands/billion-dollar-brands.

Coca-Cola PH shares “Sari-Saring Happiness Day” in Pampanga

By: Catherine Lou P. Perez

Last Saturday, (November 08,2014) I was invited to attend the “Coca-Cola Sari-saring Happiness Day in Brgy. Maimpis, San Fernando Pampanga. The said event coincides with the first year anniversary of Yolanda.To be in one with our kababayan’s resiliency a simple candle light memorial tribute was held. The lighting of the coca-cola parols was a simultaneous event  in Taguig, Batangas, Bacolod, Tacloban,Davao and Pampanga around 8:00 in the evening.

I just want to share some highlights of the Sari-Saring Happiness Day in Pampanga:

C-hilled with a Coke

My commute from Angeles City to Brgy. Maimpis,San Fernando wasn’t the usual smooth and relax ride.Patience was very valuable to me that day.As I registered, the staff approached me with a warm welcome and a bottle of coke inside my coca-cola eco bag token.Truly,”a bottle of coke a day keeps the bad trip away.”hehe.

O-n Making a Difference for Pinay micro-entreprenuers

I was inspired by the Global Vision of the Coca-cola company. The 5 by 20 Program. The simple goal is to empower 5 Million women entrepreneurs by the year 2020.The STAR (Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources) program made it possible for women micro entrepreneurs to have access to training and financial resources so that they can grow their small sari-sari stores to big businesses someday. As Zig ziglar quoted it, “You don’t need to be great to start but you have to start to be great!.”

C-herished the STARS

It was my first time to catch a glimpse of how Gretchen Ho, Enchong Dee and Jessica Reynoso shines the night for everyone. I loved the way Gretchen Ho hosted the event with confidence and spontaneity by herself. I loved how Enchong Dee (My sister’s crush) would naturally reached out to the kapampangans with his singing prowess. I felt the sincerity when he said that the food here in Pampanga really tastes good. He can’t forget the “Betute” (Stuffed Frog) that was served to him. Well, we can’t forget him too, that was his chinito problem.hehe.Lastly, I loved how Jessica Reynoso (product of the Voice Philippines) rocked the night with her singing talent. I got last song syndrome (LSS) with the song “Rolling in the Deep”of Adele on my way home.

A-mazed by the PAROLS

The coca-cola parol was the first one to get my attention that day. I am really fascinated by its uniqueness and simple creativity. It reminds me that we can afford to have a simple yet HAPPY CHRISTMAS. How I wished we could have them lighten our Brgy Remedian  in Angeles City.Among the christmas decors, I  agree that “Pinoy na Pinoy nga ang Parol.”With the aim of bringing christmas closer to communities like the barangay. Coca-cola philippines launched the “Make your own Coca-cola parol contest”. It is open until November 30,2014. The Top 25 Best Looking parols will receive a christmas salu-salo package for their respective barangays. For more information visit http://www.coca-cola.com.ph or the official facebook page of Coca-Cola Philippines.

Coca-Cola 5by20 Empowers Pampanga Women Entrepreneurs

Coca-Cola 5by20

Coca-Cola 5by20 was held at Holy Angel University Gym, Angeles City, Pampanga last Monday, October 20, 2014.

The following is all about Coca-Cola 5by20:

"Coca-Cola 5by20

• 5by20 is Coca-Cola's global commitment to enable the economic empowerment of 5 million women entrepreneurs across the company's value chain by 2020. Through 5by20, Coca-Cola addresses the most common barriers women face to succeed in the marketplace.

• The initiative offers women access to business skills training courses, financial services, and connections with peers or mentors--along with confidence that comes with building a successful business.

• There are 5by20 programs launched in a total to 12 countries: Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Haiti, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa, and Thailand. At the end of 2012, approximately 300,000 women were impacted in total through the initiative."

Reynor Mercado, owner of of Rain’s Carinderia and Eatery near Pampang Market at San Francisco, Angeles City, Pampanga has learned how to grow her business, how to minimize expenses, and said it is important to list what you get from your store or business from the said training and seminar from Coca-Cola Philippines and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Reynor, a former OFW, has been managing her eatery on and off since 2005.  She said she grew up in a family managing their own eatery, also. "Minimize debtors, be strict and limit those who get store items as "utang" or debt. Be hands-on in managing business." These were Reynor's own words or answer when asked what was the most striking lesson she learned in the Coca-Cola 5by20 seminar-training.  

While Joselyn Catchin, proprietor of Palma's Sari-Sari Store at Fil-Am Highway Angeles City, Pampanga for more than three years is also a former OFW has learned bookkeeping, marketing and management of business, and effective communication between owners and customers. She is grateful to Coca-Cola for having the STAR Program of Coca-Cola 5by20 wherein women business owners and entrepreneurs have become empowered by the knowledge they have gained and learned more about financial management.

The Coca-Cola STAR Program is a global commitment of Coca-Cola Philippines and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) who both signed a Memorandum of Agreement last July 19, 2011 to develop a program that will build up and raise the business knowledge and skills of eager women sari-sari store owners and small business operators. Thus, the program was named Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources. (STAR). The STAR Program provides women sari-sari store owners and small business entrepreneurs with training, access to financial support, have access to merchandising materials and store assets, and social development activities. It runs from 2012 to 2020, hopefully reaches and targets 100,000 women sari-sari store owners and entrepreneurs throughout the country.  

The Range Of Over The Counter Sleep Aids Available To Improve Your Chances Of A Good Night's Sleep

Everyone needs some beauty rest for a better and lively day. If you are suffering from insomnia, the more you should read today's post. Below are some tips about over the counter sleep aids.

For anybody suffering from poor sleep, over the counter sleep aids are the first form of treatment to come to mind. Finding a simple, quick fix without the need for doctors is ideal and thankfully there are plenty of options that can be easily obtained at local pharmacies.

Photo from www.sleepdisordersv.com

The most well-known and popular forms of sleep aids used are traditional forms of medicine - your Doxylamine and Diphenhydramine pills - but there are also natural substances that have been formed into capsules and other forms on offer too. The conventional pills generally contain anti-histamines that produce a sedative effect by either eliminating the production of histamines or limiting their effect. Natural alternatives, such as Valerian and Melatonin, act as a sedative in a different way. Valerian stimulates GABA neurotransmitters while a Melatonin boost to the body's own supply can trigger natural drowsiness.

Deciding with method to use is purely down to personal preference, for some the simple inclusion of either "alternative" or chemical ingredients can be enough to make up their mind, but there are other factors to consider. Conventional drugs are efficient, fast acting and simple to use, however this quick fix can lead to side-effects and dependency. Natural methods, on the other hand, have less side-effects and can provide a more natural regulation of the body's restful state, but they can take time to become effective and the dosages are not always so clear.

In short, there are positive and negative sides to all forms of sleep aids, and sufferers must therefore make an informed decision and be open to trial and error before they find the solution that is right for them. This wide range can, however, only be seen as an advantageous thing. Having so many different types of over the counter sleep aids so readily available not only increases the choice and provides more desirable options, it also brings people closer to a potential cure.