Kalayaan: A look back in history

Today is Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) or Bataan Day, so here is quite a fitting tribute to heroes.

Manila in the ‘40s, an American colony, boasted grandiose buildings, wide tree-lined boulevards, proud universities and a lavish lifestyle unheard of in these parts. But as fate would have it, this bustling Asian metropolis was plunged into darkness during World War II. Terror reigned on the streets as the Japanese Imperial Army took the Pearl of the Orient by force.

Manila did rise again and, for the first time, this proud moment in our nation’s history was relived in Kalayaan — A Battle Reenactment of the 1945 Liberation of Manila, a charity event made possible by Buhay na Kasaysayan, Department of Tourism, The Hero Foundation Inc. (HERO), MD Juan Enterprises and the Philippine Scout Heritage Society together with the Intramuros Administration.

The very first of its kind to be staged in Manila, the reenactment was performed at the grounds of the Old PC Cuartel on Sta. Lucia Street in Intramuros to commemorate the events of February and March 1945. The event featured authentic period military vehicles, simulated explosions and weapons fired using pyrotechnics and a recorded narration of the events that took place during the Liberation Period.

The public, media and guests were treated to an exhibit of the battle gear used during the war and were allowed to pose for photos with the reenactors and their wartime equipment. Guests were encouraged to attend in 1940s attire and enjoy cocktails while listening to authentic 1940s music.

All proceeds from this event will go entirely to HERO, a non-profit organization that helps children of fallen soldiers in their education. Since its operations 25 years ago, the organization has supported a total of 2,376 orphaned scholars.

HERO is as private NGO established in 1988 by former President Corazon Aquino, together with then AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Renato de Villa and key members of the private sector, to provide educational assistance in the form of stipends to children or dependent siblings of Filipino soldiers who are killed or completely incapacitated as a result of enemy action. Today, it is led by Fernando Zobel de Ayala as its chairman.

(For more information, visit www.herofoundation.com.ph or call the HERO hotline 0917-8224376.)

‘Legs for Life’

It was a celebration geared towards achieving healthy, beautiful legs when Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines introduced Antistax, the first and only anti-varicose supplement in the local market.

Mely Guerrero, Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines Inc. group brand manager, said, “The brand has always been dedicated to bringing quality products that will help improve the lives of its valued consumers. This is why we are very proud to present Antistax to the Philippine market.”

Guerrero said the anti-varicose supplement is made with natural red vine leaf extract that contains a unique substance called bio-active Flaven, which is scientifically proven to improve blood circulation in the legs, thus preventing common leg vein problems. 

During the launch at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, guests were encouraged to undergo the leg vein screening to evaluate and assess the health of their legs. A photo exhibit also showcased women’s legs in the “Legs for Life” exhibit featuring works by Filipina photographers Sara Black, Mau Aguasin, Ia Genato, Shaira Luna and Ria Regino. The event was hosted by Phoemela Baranda.

Vascular surgeon Dr. Martin Anthony Villa set things straight and debunked common myths and misconceptions on leg health, while Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines Inc. medical affairs manager Dr. Joy Pabellon shared more information about the product.

(For best results, consult your doctor.)

A tribute to empowered women

MasterCard launched the third edition of “Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World” and awarded an additional $25,000 grant to its past grand winner Hapinoy, as a renewal of its commitment to women empowerment.

Co-organized with UN Women Singapore, Project Inspire is a digital- and social media-driven program that encourages young people across the world to empower disadvantaged women and girls in Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa (APMEA). This year’s winner will receive a $25,000 grant from MasterCard.

Leading the event is Georgette Tan, MasterCard Worldwide group head of communications for APMEA, who said,  “This project is a tribute to the women who put the needs of their children, husbands, families and communities ahead of themselves. These women’s goals are to take care of their families by putting food on the table and having access to medicine, ensuring that their children go to school, and to augment their husband’s income. And as a result of their economic empowerment, these women gain self-confidence.”

Mark Ruiz, Hapinoy’s co-founder and president, shared, “Hapinoy was founded in 2006 out of the desire to tap the sari-sari store industry, which is the humblest of businesses but has so much power.  Hapinoy’s listed beneficiaries are up from 2011’s 100 to today’s 1,300, and there are now 7,000 stores under its network found all over the South Luzon area.”

For Project Inspire 2013, MasterCard welcomes more of such transformative and sustainable ideas to support women empowerment.

(For interested participants, please visit www.5minutestochangetheworld.org. Deadline for the submission of entries is on June 30.)