October 11 – Called to Rescue Philippines (CTR PH) launched a short film yesterday at the KMC Armstrong Cafe. The short film stars popular young celebrities Donny Pangilinan and Nourijune Hooshmand that aims to raise awareness on the recovery and reintegration of human trafficking survivors to the society.

Written and directed by international filmmaker Dean Colin Marcial, the film ‘GRADUATION’ is about a young woman played by Nourijune, who fell into depression after surviving human trafficking. Through the support of her brother, played by Donny, she was able to slowly get back on her feet.

Beyond Rescuing

GRADUATION was the brainchild of Marcial, CTR PH Advocacy Head Abby Anciano, and CTR PH President Anthony Pangilinan. The three, advocates and active volunteers of CTR PH, found the need to bring emphasis not only to a survivor’s rescue, but to their reintegration to society as well.

“Bakit hanggang rescue nalang? Yung after-rescue rin kailangan. [This project] was out of frustration for me, and is one of the reasons I decided to do this,” Anthony explained.

“Our main focus [was on a] survivor’s reintegration into society. It’s something that I drew on, something Donny and Nourijune drew on as well,” Dean expressed. 

From there, the two gathered a team of volunteers to bring the short film to life. With help from family, friends, clients, and donors, Graduation was set out to be one purpose-driven production.

Heeding The Call

The short film centers Cinemalaya actress Nourijune Hooshmand and Star Cinema actor Donny Pangilinan. Donny is a long-time anti-human trafficking advocate, while both are currently active CTR PH volunteers. Director Dean Marcial, script-writer and director of the film, handpicked the two for the starring roles.

When asked about participating in the project, Nourijune and Donny expressed no hesitation whatsoever.

“When Dean accepted to go through this project, alongside Nour, it’s not something I had to think twice about,”  said Donny, “I specifically chose to do this. I really believe this is something we needed to do.”

“This [advocacy] is really important work. I’m very thankful that I had this opportunity. I’m really happy to be a part of this,” Nourijune shared.

Everyone Is Called To Rescue

Doctor Cyndi Romine, international director of Called To Rescue, noted: “The film is for everybody because we all know somebody. To assume we don’t know somebody would be an error on our part.” 

Though people might wonder who this film is truly for, whether it’s for those rescued or those taking care of the rescued, Graduation is a film made to touch all audiences who view it. It sheds light on the significance of aftercare work and a loving community — a part of healing that is more often than not, overlooked. 

“Once a person is rescued, you need to meet a lot of people and still go through the journey with the help of people who love you,” Donny noted. 

“The bond of family is different, and knowing someone is there for you can really help what you’re healing from,” Nourijune adds. 

Through the 5-minute film, CTR PH hopes to draw attention to the post-rescue challenges of trafficking survivors and promote the collective role of community (especially family members) in addressing their needs, supporting their rehabilitation process, and cultivating a safe space for their ongoing journey of healing. 

“It takes a village to raise a child: It takes a village to heal a child,” Anthony shared. Everyone is called to rescue. 

GRADUATION was made possible with the generous donors: Magic Crackers, Jollibee, Grab Philippines, KMC Solutions, Cabalen, MediCard Philippines, and LabX Corporation. 

Contact person : Abby Anciano, CTR Advocacy Head | 09692931953

Buying and collecting gold jewelry go beyond aesthetics nowadays. With the value of gold continuously on an upswing and even expected to outweighs inflation risks (source), now is the best time to buy jewelry. It’s an investment that you can use for your personal enjoyment, as well as a dependable source of cash in times of emergency.

Cebuana Lhuillier is giving its loyal clients and general public another taste of its widely-anticipated jewelry sales with the announcement of its “Rainy Day Gold Rush Sale,” set to take place from July 13 to 19.

The country’s most trusted micro financial services company is offering discounts
of 10% off plus up to 50% off for selected jewelry available in more than 3,000 branches nationwide. Meanwhile, clients can enjoy discounts up to 25% off when they purchase in any of Cebuana Lhuillier Jewelry Premium (CLJP) and Just Jewel branches nationwide.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier president & CEO, has always encouraged the public to take advantage of gold sales in order to build a sizable investment that can serve as back-up during times of emergency. “Unlike high-end gadgets, gold jewelry will never lose its value over time. Instead, it will serve as a good source of emergency fund during times of need. Buying jewelry will always serve as a wise purchase,” he adds.

Contrary to the usual, pawnshops are also good source of jewelry. Buyers are assured on the quality and authenticity of the items purchased, especially since all the items offered have been thoroughly appraised.  

Discounts can also be enjoyed in any of CLJP’s online presence: through the official website of Cebuanalhuillierjewelry.com and any e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and Zalora, where all items available at a 10% discount.

For more information, go to www.cebuanalhuillier.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/cebuanalhuillierpawnshop.

Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) signs an Information Sharing Protocol (ISP) Agreement with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to support government measures to combat financial crimes in the country. The ISP framework aims to effectively control, detect, and investigate money laundering (ML), terrorism, and financing of terrorism (FT) in the country. It will also cover information exchange and capacity-building measures to enhance the ability to address ML, terrorism, and FT concerns. Further, the ISP aims to institutionalize an adequate documentation mechanism to perform targeted suspicious transaction monitoring and reporting, as well as develop valuable/breakthrough investigative leads.

“This is in line with the Bank’s efforts in promoting a strong and good corporate governance culture,” said Cecilio San Pedro, SBA’s President and CEO. SBA recognizes the importance of the collaboration between the public and the private sector in upholding a framework that will deliver a more efficient and effective identification and detection of financial crime patterns and trends. “Sterling Bank will extend its full cooperation in the exchange of information and financial intelligence and full support in the capacity-building measure of AMLC,” said San Pedro.

For more information and updates about Sterling Bank of Asia, visit www.sterlingbankasia.com and download the Sterling Bank Online App to experience secure and convenient banking.

Keeps up growth momentum in North America

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA. 25 May 2022 – Jollibee in Downtown (DTLA) recently opened its doors this May to customers who are excited to savor their Jollibee favorites. The DTLA is at a prime location at 729 7^th Street in the heart of the city’s Financial District, on the corner of 7^th & Flower Street across from the Bloc, a prominent shopping destination for residents, office workers, and visitors.

“We are thrilled to be opening our doors at one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse metropolitan hubs whose people have a strong sense of community,” said Maribeth Dela Cruz, Business Group Head, Jollibee North America.

Available to Downtown LA diners are Jollibee’s must-try menu items bannered by the world-famous Chickenjoy fried chicken and Chicken Sandwich, each with its own spicy variant, as well as the Jolly Spaghetti and the refreshing Peach Mango Pie.

Loyal customer Nikolai Garcia, who was at the location before 8:00 AM, was the first one to enter the store on opening day. A Jollibee fan, Garcia proudly brought along a Jollibee keychain that he has had since 2013.

Growth momentum in the US

The DTLA adds an element of excitement and a sign of revitalization for an area actively recovering from the pandemic. It is the first in Downtown Los Angeles and marks the brand’s 57^th store in the U.S, joining the brand’s two other restaurants in the Metro Los Angeles area on Beverly Blvd. (East Hollywood) and Colorado Blvd. (Eagle Rock).

“Southern California has been and will continue to be a key growth area for the brand,” Dela Cruz said.

The Jollibee Group sustains its growth momentum overseas as it continues to hit its aggressive global expansion targets in North America with more store openings scheduled in 2022.

It is set to open a second location in West Covina, California, by second semester of the year. West Covina is also home to the brand’s North American headquarters. California is also home to Jollibee’s first U.S. location, which opened in Daly City in 1998 and has since remained one of its best performing Jollibee locations in the US.

Sarap ng home-style goodness with Magnolia Chicken Ready-to-Cook Timplados.

・Selyado Sigurado – Packed at Magnolia chicken plants to ensure safety and quality.

・High in Protein – To help boost immunity.

・Pre-marinated and Ready-to-Cook in less than 30 minutes – Pre-marinated and packed at its peak of freshness, for a delicious and healthy meal in less than 30 minutes.

・Delicious Homestyle Goodness – Delicious ready-to-cook homestyle meals that your family will surely enjoy.

Cooking instructions

Thaw chicken in the lowest part of the refrigerator overnight. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. When oil is hot enough, coat chicken with breading and deep-fry for 12 to 15 minutes or until cooked through. Drain excess oil on rack or on paper towels.

Hindi lang ang buhay ng mga tao ang nagbago makaraang tumama ang COVID-19 na pandemya sa buong mundo noong nakaraang taon. Maraming namatay, nawalan ng negosyo at dahil walang negosyo, marami din ang nawalan ng trabaho. Marami din ang natigil sa pag-aaral at pagtuturo dahil nagsara ang mga paaralan.

Gayunpaman, nakasira man sa maraming aspeto ng buhay ang sakit na ito, mayroon din namang kung tawagin ni Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray na nagsilbing “silver lining” sa kabila ng mga masaklap na mga pangyayari. Napilitan mag-isip ang marami kung paano mabubuhay, ang mga negosyante nag-isip din dahil marami sa kanila sa negosyo din umaasa ng ikabubuhay ng kanilang pamilya.

Mabuti at marami ang nag “adapt” sa takbo ng sitwasyon, naging “innovative.” Dahil bawal lumabas, marami ang sumabak sa “e-commerce” kung saan ang negosyo ay lahat online. Marami man sa mga batikang negosyante at yung mga nagsisimula pa lamang ay natutong gawin ang negosyo online. Medyo mahirap sa umpisa ngunit noong lumaon ay nakasanayan din. At marami sa kanila naging matagumpay. Kaakibat ng “convenience” ng online business ay hindi pa din mawawala dapat ang sipag at tiyaga.

Iyong mga nawalan ng trabaho, sumabak naman sa online delivery. May mga online delivery platforms, partikular pagdating sa pagdeliver ng pagkain at iba pang bagay, ang nakapagbigay trabaho sa mga unemployed. Basta may motorsiklo o kahit bisikleta man, pwede na sa online delivery. Maraming nagtiyaga kahit mahirap kaya marami din ang nakinabang at kumita ng maayos para sa ikabubuhay ng pamilya.

Naapektuhan din ang sektor ng edukasyon dahil natigil ang “face-to-face” classes. Mabuti na lang din at nauso ang “online classes” para sa mga may internet at kung wala man, ginawan ng paraan ng Department of Education (DepEd) na matuloy ang pag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng “blended learning” o paggamit ng “modules” kung sakaling walang internet sa bahay. Maraming naging pagsubok, pero hindi nagpadaig ang mga Pilipino sa hamon, guro man or mag-aaral, kaya tuloy ang pag-aaral. At kamakailan ay nagsimula na din ang “limited face-to-face classes” sa kung tawagin ay “low-risk areas” o yaong kakaunti ang kaso ng Covid-19.

Madami pang mga naging pagbabago sa buhay ng tao bunsod ng pandemya. Mabuti din at napilitan ang mga Pilipino na maging malikhain. Dati-rati, ang pagsabak sa “online” gamit ang “digital technology” ay hindi gaanong pinapansin at lahat ay puro “manual” na pamamaraan pa din. Mabuti at namulat ang mata ng karamihan sa mga pakinabang gamit ang internet, ang pagnenegosyo o pag-aaral online. Dahil sa pandemya, napabilis ang “adoption” o ang pagyakap ng tao sa digital technology at kung paano nito mapapagaan ang buhay.

Subalit sabi nga ng isang superhero, “with great power comes great responsibility.” May kapangyarihan na ang tao gamit ang “digital technology” subalit may kaakibat itong mga responsibilidad. Dapat ang mga aktibidad online ay naaayon din sa batas. Sa pagbugso ng paggamit ng internet at digital technology, napapanahon na pagukulan ng pansin ang mas masidhing paggamit nito at may kaakibat na mga batas na magbibigay proteksiyon sa mga gumagamit nito para sa kabuhayan at iba pang aktibidad, at karampatang parusa din para naman sa mga aabuso nito.

Isa sa mga layunin ng “CLICK” o ang “Computer Literacy, Innovation, Connectivity and Knowledge” ay ang mabigyang-proteksiyon ang maraming sektor sa lipunan, yaong mga nagne-negosyo online, mga guro at mag-aaral para sa online classes, at pati na din ang mga konsyumer na bumibili online. Sa pamamagitan ng batas, maisusulong na ang abot-kayang internet para sa lahat kahit saan man lugar nakatira, lalo na sa may gustong pumasok sa “e-commerce,” makipag-“network” sa iba pang negosyante na may karanasan na dito, o yung may gustong mag-aral online at kahit sa mga empleyado na nais ipagpatuloy ang “work from home setup.”

Marami pang dapat pag-usapan tungkol sa mga gawain “online,” lalo na sa aspeto ng “online privacy” at
“data security.” Subalit sa pamamagitan ng mga panukalang batas, unti-unti ay maisasaayos lahat ng ito upang mas lalong mapabilis at maging “convenient” ang buhay, at magamit ng tao ang digital technology at gawin itong kapaki-pakinabang sa mamamayang Pilipino, ngayon at sa mga susunod pang mga henerasyon.

Para malaman ang iba pang detalye tungkol sa CLICK, sundan lamang sila sa kanilang social media pages.

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