Women! Drive the Future: Driving out the Stereotypes

In celebration of International Women’s Month and Pilipinas Shell’s 105 years in the Philippines, the global leader in power and energy is launching a campaign to provide a platform that will empower women to take control in making the future and help erase the stigma against women drivers.

Dubbed “Women! Drive the Future,” the campaign aims to help drive out gender stereotypes and support the many meaningful journeys that women embark on every day. It serves as a call-out to all women to embrace their capability to believe in their capabilities, embrace their passions, and go where they want to go.

Ms. Vanessa Ejercito

 (Shell FuelSave Brand Manager) 

“We want to bring together women to talk about how they take on the road ahead of and how they can use this to take control of their lives. We at Shell believe that, through this campaign, we will be able to better understand and subsequently address the needs of every female driver,” said Vanessa Ejercito, Shell FuelSave Brand Manager.

With a goal to continuously enhance the journeys of their female customers, Pilipinas Shell has been coming up with several initiatives such as partnering with the country’s biggest retailer, SM Advantage, to create a loyalty program and reward them with exciting shopping opportunities every time they gas up. Shell stations are also designed to provide convenient, refreshing retail experience – from putting up well-appointed comfort rooms to offering a wide range of healthy products at Shell Select and Deli2go.

And to strengthen their movement to empower women, Pilipinas Shell is partnering with the leading driving school network in the Philippines, A-1 Driving School. With their expertise in providing driving education, A-1 supports the campaign’s goal to break the stigma through knowledge sharing.

Ms. Luna Garcia

(A-1 Driving School Business Development Head) 

Luna Garcia, A-1 Driving School Business Development Head, pointed out the dependency of Filipinos in learning how to drive through informal means. And with the increasing number of female drivers on the road, they came up with a program to equip female drivers on the road with proper driving knowledge that will help in proving wrong the stereotypes placed on them.

The “Women on Wheels” program tackles road safety—from identifying road signs to changing tires. “We want to emphasize that there are numerous preventive measures that we can take to minimize accidents. You start with following the rules, driving defensively, and ensuring proper vehicle maintenance,” Garcia noted.

“We believe that driving is a skill that every woman should have. And through this program, we foresee a future where there will no longer be a distinction of gender but only between an educated and misinformed driver.”

Racecar driver, Michele Bumgarner, and Baby Barangay members Kelly Misa-Fernandez, Patty Laurel-Filart, and Bianca Santiago were also present in the Women! Drive the Future launch event held at Blackbird at the Neilson Tower in Makati City. Joining them as well was Rowie Abracero, Directress of the Girls Racers club—the first all-female car enthusiast club in the Philippines. Led by the event host, Riki Flo of Magic 89.9, the women opened the discussion about driving out the stereotypes and supporting equality amongst men and women on the road.

Later in the program, we participated in the hands-on demonstration of A-1 where we were taught how to change a flat tire, how to deal with a dead battery, and how to perform a lubricant check.

The event is first of three activations in spreading the call for women to drive the future. Pilipinas Shell, along with their partner, A-1 aims to flip the stigma against female drivers and empowering all women across the country with upcoming events in Cebu and Davao.

# # # #

For more information, visit www.shell.com.ph

Maxicare hosts first-ever Veggie Festival

Eating shouldn’t be merely about satisfying your hunger because the diet you choose affects every aspect of your health, including the environment. It’s about time to eat healthy, live healthy, and take control of your health!

As obesity and unhealthy lifestyles continue to grow into a global problem, Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, the country’s leading healthcare provider, arranged its first-ever outdoor festival – Maxicare Veggie Fest 2019, a project in support of the company’s Chairman of the Board Mr. Roberto “Bobby” Macasaet Jr’s personal advocacy for healthier lifestyles.

Some of the products featured during the Maxicare Vegan fest 2019:

Kale Chips Vegan Cheese (Gluten-free and Vegan) Dried not Fried

The Ruby Pantry (a plant-based lifestyle gem) Malunggay Vegan Pasta, Carrots Vegan Pasta and Activated Charcoal Vegan Pasta

Dihani (Sugar-free Cookies)

Mayumi Organics (Shampoo Bar and Soap) 

“One of the easiest ways to start your journey to living a healthy life is by eating a plant-based diet, which is why we are very proud to be holding the Maxicare Veggie Fest. Today, we invite everyone to live their best by boosting not only their physical health, but also their mental. It’s like eating your favorites, but without the guilt,” said Macasaet whose main objective is to improve health and wellness, focusing on plant-based nutrition.

In its mission to improve others’ quality of life, Maxicare encourages members and non-members alike to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and starches, good fats, and lean proteins into their diet so they can live longer and feel stronger by inspiring others to fight disease and eat healthy.

Held at the Legaspi Active Park in Makati City, the veggie fest was packed with

plant-based advocates that offered handpicked products for health-conscious

consumers. The activities included a film showing on plant-based lifestyle and a talk on “Holistic Healing for Wholesome Living” presented by Yoga instructor Donna Francisco, “Guilt Free and Gluten Free Dessert” by Jertie Abergas of Jerties Kitchen, “Skin Food – Understanding the Right Food for Beautiful Skin by Dr. Kathy Amurao-Herrera, “AgingG racefully” by May Manahan-Lagdameo and Dr. Willie Lagdameo of Health & Wellness Coaches Philippines, Inc., “Lifestyle Medicine” by Dr. Johann Manez, and a “Local Native Plant-Based Eating with Mesa ni Misis” by Juana Manahan- Yupangco.

It’s time to get rid of old habits and start concentrating on moving towards excellent health. Don’t forget to place your inquiries, comments, feedback on social media. For more information visit www.maxicare.com.ph or their Facebook page

www.facebook.com/maxicarehealthcarecorporation .

###

Maxicare Healthcare Corporation : One of the pioneers in the health maintenance organization (HMO) industry was established in 1987 by an esteemed group of doctors and businessmen with the vision to deliver a better healthcare system. Three decades later, Maxicare has progressed into becoming the No. 1 HMO* in the country, continuously providing comprehensive healthcare programs via its wide network of medical providers and strengthened customer

support.

Maxicare has more than 1.2 Million Members, more than 56,000 affiliated Doctors, more than 1,000 affiliated Hospitals and Clinics, 3,800 Dental providers, 8 Primary Care Centers and 13 Help desks, 9 Satellite Offices, 5 Exclusive Wings.

Let kids shine at SM Little Stars 2019

For over 12 years of celebrating talented Filipino kids, SM Supermalls unboxes a bigger and more exciting SM Little Stars as the kiddie-talent search gives away over P9.5 million worth of prizes, including 2 brand new Chevrolet Sail, trips for 2 to China, National University college scholarships, an exclusive contract with Regal Artist Management, and P100,000 worth of cash and SM GCs.

“Through SM Little Stars, we celebrate our commitment to making mall-going experiences fun, nurturing, and rewarding for the whole family, and to spark moments that kids will treasure today and in the coming years,” said Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls SVP for marketing.

The kids will get the chance to be trained by celebrity mentors and entertainment gurus in a series of workshops to develop their talent, boost their confidence, and encourage them to make new friends with other participants.

SM Little Stars achievers who are now making waves in showbiz include 2016 Boy Grand Winner Marcus Cabais, who exhibits talent as a movie and theater actor, playing the role of the Young Simba at The Lion King The Musical. While 2014 Girl Grand Winner Chun Sa Jung wins fans with her acting prowess as a mainstay of a kiddie comedy show on TV.

Joining the celebrated kids is 2013 Boy Grand Winner Nhikzy Calma who was awarded as WCOPA Junior Grand Champion Performer of the World in 2017 and has now become part of primetime variety shows. Not to be missed is 2016 Girl Grand Winner turned commercial model Sheena Kirtsten Bentoy who plays as the Young Nala in Disney’s The Lion King The Musical Asian Tour.

Let your kids shine at this year’s SM Little Stars! Auditions start on April 6 in select SM malls nationwide. For more information, visit www.smlittlestars.com.ph.

###

For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.