Priceless prizes

Every moment with one’s loved ones counts. Every day is a celebration of sorts as happiness is cultivated among family members.

Recently, beautiful moments were created when MasterCard and Toys ‘R’ Us granted four lucky MasterCard cardholders the priceless opportunity to shop for the newest and the coolest toys with their kids. They were also given the chance to take their families on a fun-filled adventure to any of four Asian destinations.

The winners –– Jean Lesley Ang, Christopher Chua, Jessie Supelana and Fernando Tesoro –– and their respective families were treated to a whole day of shopping at Toys ‘R’ Us using their P25,000 gift vouchers. Each of them was also awarded travel vouchers for four to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur with P100,000 credited to their winning MasterCard.

MasterCard Philippines VP and senior country manager Poch Villa-Real said: “Through these, we are very pleased that we are able to give priceless memories and experiences to MasterCard cardholders and their families.”

Abel Tejam of Toys ‘R’ Us Philippines said: “Indeed, we are known for toys that are high-quality, affordable and safe. However, what we are really devoted to is bringing fun and excitement into the lives of our customers. This promotion allowed us to give them more memorable bonding time with their families.”

True enough, the winners and their families had the time of their lives upon receiving their travel vouchers and while shopping at Toys ‘R’ Us. Needless to say, these winners will surely look back to this moment as one of the grandest times they’ve had with their families. These priceless prizes produce priceless memories.

Walk the green mile

The environmental problems that Mother Nature experiences now are indeed alarming. Concerted efforts in saving the earth should be in everyone’s consciousness.

The Haribon Foundation, an environment conservation organization, and ELRO Commercial and Industrial Corp., the exclusive distributor of Brazil-based brand Ipanema, have recently worked together to support the preservation of the country’s rainforests. Their crusade was carried out through “Walk the Green Mile” walkathon at Fort Bonifacio in Global City.

Haribon Foundation, through its awareness campaign called “ROAD to 2020” (“Rainforestation” Organizations and Advocates) and ELRO have gathered people to show their support and concern for the environment by marching around Bonifacio High Street wearing their favorite Ipanema footwear from the GB Seeds collection designed by Gisele Bündchen.

Guests checked the Ipanema GB Seeds booth to experience comfortable, stylish and eco-chic footwear made from safe, recycled materials and supplies such as industrial residues, painting residues and surplus PVC. ELRO managing director Patxi Elizalde welcomed everyone by saying, “We hope that you continue to support the Ipanema GB Seeds Collection to help preserve our environment.”

Guests cooled off after the event at Le Soufflé for drinks as Haribon Foundation director for organizational sustainability group Anabelle Plantilla presented Patxi with a Certificate of Appreciation of Support for sponsoring the walkathon and for its efforts in supporting the preservation of the Philippine environment.

Dancers from both Ballet Philippines and the Philippine Ballet Theater performed a number choreographed by James Laforteza of Steps Dance Project.

For every purchase of the Ipanema sandals from the Gisele Bündchen Seeds Collection, a donation will be made to the Haribon Foundation, which aims to conserve and protect the Philippine rainforests by increasing the number of seeds planted each year.

(The Ipanema GB Seeds Collection for women is now available in SM Department Stores, Crossings, Landmark and other boutiques nationwide. Check out www.ipanemaphils.com)