Health: Gift that truly matters

As Christmas approaches, everyone searches for the perfect gift to give their loved ones. Giving a gift that prioritizes well-being is a beautiful reminder to take a moment for themselves and their own wellness.

One example is enrolling loved ones in a wellness program and gym. A one-month gym membership transforms fitness into a fun and social experience that mothers or daughters can enjoy.

Preventive health matters. Consider giving regular screenings such as Pap smears and human papillomavirus (HPV) tests. Detecting potential issues early offers peace of mind that is truly priceless. Screenings also empowers one to take charge of their health proactively.

HPV can also cause other diseases such as anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, penile cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer and genital warts. One can avail of HPV vaccination at a local pharmacy while school girls aged 9 to 14 can get free HPV shots in public schools across the country.

Being informed about HPV and cervical cancer is the first step to protection from such diseases. Read more about HPV on https://guardagainsthpv.ph/.

Okada Manila’s ‘sustainable’ premium water

Okada Manila is replacing single-use plastic bottles with reusable glass bottles for its premium water. This initiative was made possible through a partnership with Nordaq, a Swedish company known for its state-of-the-art water filtration technology. Nordaq’s patented system is the preferred choice of top hotels and restaurants worldwide, allowing Okada Manila to provide its guests with sustainable, premium water.

With this new system, Okada Manila can produce 1,000 bottles of water per hour within the five-star integrated resort. This sustainable approach not only enhances the quality of water provided to guests, but also eliminates the use of approximately 2 million single-use plastic bottles annually.

“We are elevating our waste management protocols through the Okada Green Heart program. This bold move proves that we can prioritize the planet while still delivering a premium experience to our guests,” said Byron Yip, Okada Manila president and chief operating officer.

“By embracing this change, we’re not just reducing waste — we’re setting a new standard for what responsible hospitality should look like,” said Rob Scott, vice president of hotel operations. “It’s a win for our guests and a win for the planet.”

Stronger connections for public schools

This holiday season, how about giving the gift of tech-enabled education? Globe is inviting its customers to help bridge the digital divide and join its latest G-Gantic Goal by providing modern learning tools and connectivity to five public schools in underserved areas.

Globe and TM customers can take part in this initiative by donating just one Globe Rewards point from 28 November to 30 December 2024, showcasing how a simple collective action can create a lasting meaningful impact for many.

The goal is to collect 100,000 points to fund a technology revamp for beneficiary schools across the country, with support from the Ayala Foundation and Khan Academy Philippines.

The schools will be equipped with Globe Fiber Internet to power their students’ learning hubs, while 100 WiFi-enabled tablets will be distributed to provide students with essential tools for their academic needs beginning January next year.

“This season’s G-Gantic Goal reflects our shared responsibility to uplift communities and address challenges that many public schools face in accessing technology,” said Yoly Crisanto, chief sustainability and corporate communications officer at Globe. “By going beyond traditional presents and offering the gift of connectivity and learning, we believe we can deliver lifelong impact on students.”