The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) officially kicked off the 31st anniversary of the Breast Cancer Campaign in SM Mega Fashion Hall. With the theme “Beautifully United Against Breast Cancer,” ELC is honored to bring together private businesses, medical practitioners, breast cancer advocacy groups, and partners from the press to drive breast cancer awareness and education among consumers and communities.
Founded in 1992 by Evelyn H. Lauder, the Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign is the company’s largest corporate social impact program with the goal of creating a breast cancer-free world. In the Philippines, they have donated more than P19 million to renovate the East Avenue Medical Center and provide bio-hood equipment to the Philippine General Hospital. In partnership with Kasuso Foundation, the campaign raised over P9.8 million to fund 6,500 free mammograms for underprivileged women last year.
Country general manager of ELC Philippines Sharyn Wong said, “It is more important than ever to support efforts to end this disease, which remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world and one of the most common cancers among women in the Philippines.” She also announced that for every use of the hashtag #TimeToEndBreastCancer on a public, in-feed Instagram post, Estée Lauder’s global headquarters will donate $25 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
President of SM Supermalls Steven Tan said, “We believe that it’s not just about finding a cure but ensuring access to that cure for all, conveniently and equally. By coming together today, we are making a statement that no one should be left behind in the fight against breast cancer.”
In partnership with SM Cares and SM Supermalls, several landmarks were illuminated in pink in support of the campaign: SM MOA Globe, Time Sculpture at SM Megamall, and SM Lanang Fountain during select dates in October. Megaworld’s Uptown Mall BGC also joined the illumination campaign.
Guest speakers Dr. Bernice Navarro, Susan Afan, and Dr. Lourdes Gozali shared their knowledge and stories on breast cancer. Navarro of St. Luke’s Medical Center started by debunking breast cancer myths such as wearing a bra or that using anti-perspirant or deodorant can cause breast cancer. President of Ramon Magsaysay Foundation Afan and pediatrician Gozali are both breast cancer survivors who shared their inspirational stories battling the disease to prove that life can go on after breast cancer and upon early detection.
The next day, ELC hosted a wellness session for breast cancer survivors and patient support workers in partnership with the iCanServe and Kasuso Foundations. Two-time cancer survivor and president of iCanServe Foundation Nikoy de Guzman said, “We all had cancer, but cancer never had us.” Mental health advocate and 10-year survivor of breast cancer Alya Honasan said, “Cancer is not a death sentence. Education is power.”
During the two-day event in SM Megamall, ELC offered free breast clinical examinations in partnership with doctors from St. Luke’s Medical Center, with over 160 women availing of the checkup.
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Visit ELCompanies.com/BreastCancerCampaign and check out #TimeToEndBreastCancer.
Nagi show in Manila
The latest addition to the Nagi Group’s portfolio, Nagi Sushi, celebrated “The Art of Sushi Masterclass” led by chef Oshikiri, who displayed his culinary mastery in Japanese cuisine and sushi, honed through years of dedication at Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market.
Nagi Sushi offers sushi in two distinct forms: the first is Edomae-style, which preserves the pristine state of the fish, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience with each bite; and the second is the hand-rolled Temaki style.
They use high-quality ingredients with their seasoned sushi rice from Koshikari rice and seasoned with traditional “aka-zu” vinegar. Their high-quality nori (seaweed) is sourced from Tsutaken Shoten in Yokohama and their wasabi is sourced from Kaneku.
There was a tuna-cutting demonstration at the opening with the Japanese chefs carving a 50-kilo tuna for guests to enjoy.
Nagi Group’s Erickson Farillas says, “Nagi Sushi is a place where you can come to experience the true essence of Japanese culture, from the food to the atmosphere. We want our guests to feel like they are stepping into another world when they enter our restaurant, and we hope that they leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected to the heart of Japan.”
A sushi and ramen meal is a perfect combination, so Nagi Sushi also serves all types of ramen from Ramen Nagi at the new restaurant.
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Nagi Sushi is located at The Shops at Ayala Triangle and is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
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