MANILA, Philippines – “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion,” German poet and dramatist Christian Friedrich Hebbel once said.
Indeed, in a world that values fulfillment and living with unbridled enthusiasm, those individuals who have made an indelible mark in society and in their respective fields truly stand out. Women who inspire others with their innate sense of zeal and commitment to their craft while adopting a stance of openheartedness are definitely emblematic of the ideal “passionistas,” women of definite grace and substance who pursue their “me time” or moments when they reconnect with themselves and live out their various life passions whether it be through the arts, lifestyle/physical activities or life-changing social causes.
Last May 14 at the Ayala Museum in Makati City, the world-renowned beverage Coke Light launched A Coke Light Toast to Passionistas, an affair that paid tribute to Filipino women of passion, recognizing them for having made a remarkable difference in society in their own way despite their demanding careers and busy lives. Coming from diverse fields such as entertainment, medicine and media, each of the outstanding women championed causes covering relevant issues through partner advocacies.
Hailed as the Coke Light passionistas were STAR columnist Mons Romulo-Tantoco for Pink for Life Foundation, fashion avant-garde Tessa Prieto-Valdes for the Philippine National Red Cross, actress and singer Agot Isidro-Sandejas for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo for the Manila Boystown together with TV host and the face behind the current Coke Light campaign, Teresa Herrera, for Trees for the Future.
Spearheading this night of recognition was Francine Rivera of The Coca-Cola Export Corporation, who formally introduced to all Coke Light’s partnership with the passionistas and their respective charitable institutions of choice. Coke Light earnestly supports passionistas everywhere and is proud to identify itself with these foundations, which are not only unyielding inspirations but also active catalysts of change.
As soon as the five passionistas were recognized and revealed before the crowd, a pledge wall featuring the women’s mural-type photograph along with the different causes they are in support of was officially unveiled.
Jaideep Kibe, sparkling category director of the Coca-Cola Export Corporation, says, “With its distinct light taste and no calories, women can be uplifted, able to enjoy the delightful guilt-free break from the worries and expectations brought about by their hectic and fast-paced lifestyle. Knowing how important it is for women to connect with themselves and to find joy in making time to enjoy or to simply unwind from the stresses of everyday life, Coke Light provides that much needed positive feeling of lightness, making it the ideal partner of any woman during her ‘me time’ and her passions.”
And for passionistas who not only possess a zest for excellence but also a heart of generosity, an ice-cold Coke Light is just right to provide them that refreshing break, allowing them to indulge in a moment of pure gratification that they rightly deserve. For indeed, “me time” is Coke Light time.