‘Go Green,’ Kraft Foods Philippines’ (KFP) program to help save water and energy and reduce carbon emissions was given the Gold Award for Environmental Excellence at the 4th Global CSR Awards 2012.

Kraft Foods Philippines’ Gold Award for Environmental Excellence was handed by Hon. Mayor John Yap of Malay, Aklan (center) and Atty. Michael Frederick Musngi (right) Undersecretary for Special Concerns of the Office of the Executive Secretary, The Office of the President of The Philippines, to the Company’s Communications Officer Caitlin P. Punzalan (left) during the 4th Global CSR Awards.

Held April 19, 2012 in Boracay, the Global CSR Awards prides itself as Asia's most prestigious recognition awards program for corporate social responsibility (CSR). The Awards Program is organized by The Pinnacle Group International based in Singapore and recognizes companies for outstanding programs, which demonstrate ongoing commitment to respect for individuals, communities and the environment in the way they do business.

This is the 5th award that Kraft Foods has received for its ‘Go Green’ program in two years. Kraft Foods aims to help in the preservation of the environment by ensuring that reducing, recovering and recycling precious resources is part of its business. ‘Go Green’ is aimed at reducing Kraft Foods’ use of water and energy and lessening its carbon emissions. One way which Kraft Foods helps Mother Earth through ‘Go Green’ is the recent upgrading of its water recycling facility.

Kraft Foods’ new water recycling facility. This allows the Company to use treated or recycled water for many other purposes. Previously only used for maintenance tasks, the water that Kraft Foods recycles is now being used for cleaning inside its manufacturing facility.

In March of this year, Kraft Foods inaugurated its improved water recycling facility for its Sucat, Parañaque manufacturing plant. This upgraded facility utilizes reverse osmosis and ultraviolet light to treat the water that Kraft Foods uses in its production activities.

To ‘treat’ means to remove impurities the water has acquired through use. The goal of treating is to ensure that the water returns as close as possible to its natural state. By treating the water it has already used, Kraft Foods is able to use less fresh water and help in preserving this natural resource.

“I am personally very pleased to share that with this improvement initiative, Kraft Foods will be able to make a significant reduction to its water consumption,” says Sudip Mall, Kraft Foods Philippines’ General Manager. The amount of water that Kraft Foods hopes to reduce with this new facility is equivalent to filling up 4 Olympic-sized swimming pools or 581,000 5-gallon containers of water!

Kraft Foods recently inaugurated its improved water recycling facility for its Sucat, Parañaque Plant. The new facility aims to help reduce and recycle the water Kraft Foods uses for its manufacturing activities. This initiative is part of Kraft Foods’ 5-year ‘Go Green’ program aimed at reducing not only its water use but its energy use and carbon emissions as well.

He continues, “Our programs like ‘Go Green,’ don’t just make sense for our business. We also work to protect resources for future generations. I would like to add that it is truly remarkable the way our employees have relentlessly focused on driving our environmental initiatives, of which this facility is an example. We are very proud of the award bestowed upon us and this new phase of our program for the planet’s betterment.”

Making every drop reusable. For many years, Kraft Foods has had a wastewater recycling program inside its plant. Before, the water the Company treats was used only for watering plants or other maintenance tasks. This new facility ensures the treated water can be used for much more.

This is because this specific process ensures that the treated water meets the high quality standards that Kraft Foods needs for its manufacturing activities. Instead of using fresh water to clean inside its production area, the treated water is now used instead.

“We have been a community partner of Parañaque for almost 50 years, since our plant opened in 1963,” shares KFP’s Operations Director Gautam Pal. “This improved water recycling facility is another way of helping our community. By using less water, and using it smartly, we are able to contribute to our community’s efforts to save our water resources.”

In the future, Kraft Foods is looking at installing biomass boilers, or those, which use alternative energy sources, to reduce its carbon footprint even more. To find out the other ways Kraft Foods makes today delicious, visit www.kraftfoods.ph.

Microscopic Image of Rotavirus vaccinenewsdaily.com

This is not a bug nor a malware in a computer but it's something that children should not have during their first 2 years of life.  It's a rotavirus which is the leading cause of diarrhea or pagtatae. According to information, diarrhea is the second leading killer of children aged less than 5 years old.  Everyday, 1,500 children around the globe die because of rotavirus-related diarrhea.  Parents should be alarmed and educated about this.

That's what we learned when we attended an event held in Mango Tree Bistro in Trinoma Mall.  Since it's high time of the celebration of the Chinese New Year it is also high time to celebrate that the Department of Health has announced to the media that they'll be including the Rotavirus Vaccination as part of the Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) 2012.  The Philippines will be the very first Asian Country to implement Rotavirus Vaccination in the EPI.

This is really great news for those who don't have much access to expensive vaccines for parents to protect their children.  Also and maybe it's about time that DOH will do some campaign with regards to this rotavirus.  For sure if you're going to ask a simple house-wife if they know about this rotavirus, only few would respond to this.

To educate us more about ROTAVIRUS, here are some more information about the indirect and direct effect of the virus.

Image form mydochub.com

• Diarrhea leads to serious long term effects to a child's development in terms of height, energy levels and cognitive abilities.
• Diarrhea affects nutrient absorption.
• Growth shortfalls of up to 8.2 cm by age 7 years.
• Hospitalization due to acute gastroenteritis/diarrhea.
• Quality of life as well as their livelihood due to an income loss.

This disease is highly preventable through vaccination and with this there would be a better reduction of infant mortality rate.  ROTAVIRUS Vaccine is best given to babies from 6 weeks up to 8 months of age.  It is administered orally 2 to 3 doses depending on the brand of the vaccine.

Image from baby.families.com

Though Rotavirus vaccine have already been around for quite sometime there is still lack of proper campaign and education with regards to this vaccine.  Hopefully, the Rotavirus vaccine would be available soon on health centers and as part of the immunization programs.

Many people are now getting into running, not just into loosing weight and getting fit but also getting the fun out of it. Running alone does not really give you motivation and the boost to go run for more and finish what is intended to finish.

I have been running on my own during my bachelor days but I never had a chance to join any running event. My supposedly 1st time to join the running event was hindered by the typhoon before. Maybe it meant to happen.

My recent run was unprepared. Very much unprepared because I run with only a Sandugo Sandals and take note I run 5K (watch out for the upcoming post about BonPen Festival). It was really an unusual experience. I was able to finish the run in 35 minutes which is not bad for a runner on sandals.

On November 12, 2011 I will be joining the Race for LIFE 2011 which was organized by Real Life Foundation to support their educational advocacy. I just hope and pray that I will be able to wake up early and be there at the venue ahead of time.


There will be a 3K, 5K and 10K race and also an “Amazing Race” Big and Small team category wherein one adult and one chile (5-10 years old) will run, skip, hop and much more to the finish line. If you have not registered yet, it is still available at the following

• Chris Sports (SM Megamall)
• Nike Park (Bonifacio High Street branch), and
• G/F Bookstore Every Nation Bldg., 32nd St. cor. University Pkwy, Bonifacio Global City

Here are some important details to take note:

• Starting point: Grounds in front of Every Nation Building (32nd St. cor. University Pkwy, Bonifacio Global City).
• 10km race kicks off at 6 AM
• 5km, 3km, and Amazing Race “Big & Small” races start from 6:15 AM onwards
• Registration available in Nike Park Bonifacio High Street branch & Chris Sports Megamall branch during regular store hours and at the G/F Bookstore of the Every Nation Building in The Fort from Tuesday-Friday, 1pm-5pm.
• Registration is P500 for 3K; P600 for 5K; P700 for the 10K category; and P800 for Big & Small Team of 2, which includes race kit, finisher t-shirt, and a donation to Real LIFE Foundation.
• Late registration fee: P1,000 (All registrations on race day, Nov. 12).

Route maps





Of course there are also prizes and other giveaways!


Real LIFE Foundation is an educational advocacy organization dedicated to serving the poor and empowering their dreams through education, mentoring, and community service.

Their vision is to transform lives, families, and communities through hope and education. Their programs are

LIFE Scholarships | Educational Assistance – education assistance program provides financial support to marginalized but deserving high school and college students.

LIFE Coaching | Character Development – personal growth program for the underprivileged youth of the Philippines provides training in practical skills and character development.

LIFE Line | community Service – collaborating with other innovative non-profit organizations, this program provides effective holistic community development and emergency relief for people in distress.

Change a LIFE, Change a nation.

For more details visit http://www.igivetolife.com/

Setting aside entertainment and foods, here's something to help an old classmate. Also this will be part of this blog's peace advocacy between Filipino Muslim and Christian. A series of understanding and learning.

Last July 23, 2011 they launched the book entitled "Kris of Justice" a novel written by Abdel Karim C. Tillah, a Filipino Muslim descendant of the Royal House of Tawi-Tawi.

Here are some excerpts from the Press Release

Image from the Press Release.

... “To come up with a peaceful and lasting solution to the never ending war between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Muslim rebels in Mindanao, we must first know the root cause of the conflict.” This was the statement issued by the the author Abdel Karim Cristobal Tillah during the launch of his novel last Saturday, July 23 at the UP School of Economics Auditorium. In partnership with the National Interfaith Consultative Committee (NICCOM) and the UP Institute of Islamic Studies, the launch was hosted by Mr. Chito Villegas. KRIS OF JUSTICE: The Story of the Greatest Race of Warriors the Modern World Never Knew, written by Abdel Tillah is the first novel that tries to explore the root causes of the ages-old conflict between Muslims and Christians in Mindanao. “How can you expect the Philippine government to come up with a just solution to the problem when the majority of Filipinos and even the members of the govt. peace panel don’t know much about the history of Mindanao and the root causes of the conflict?”, the author, a Filipino Muslim descendant of the Royal House of Tawi-Tawi, born to a Muslim father and a Christian mother, said...

Image from the Press Release.

...“The Kris of Justice is the first novel that aims to educate Filipinos in an entertaining way on the glorious history of the Moros. It is presented in a concise, comic-book, graphic novel, or movie-script style that can be easily absorbed by a generation of Filipinos not used to reading, but used to watching TV and reading Facebook, Twitter and comic books,” Mr. Larry Henares writes.

“The dramatic flow of narration along the rhythm of the history of the Muslim armed struggle and the deep longing for peace and national unity adds a meaningful value to the Filipino Muslim literature as part of national heritage,” Prof. Samuel Tan adds.

The novel is the result of the author’s extensive studies on the story and history of the Muslims in the Philippines and his experience and insights into the practice of both Islam and Christianity. Abdel was exposed to interfaith activities at an early age, since his father is a founding member of the first interfaith committee established in the Philippines {and probably the first in the world) in 1973. In 1992, Abdel Tillah composed an interfaith song entitled “God of Abraham.” This song is contained in the CD that is included with the book.

In his review of the book, Mr. Boyette San Diego, writer and a top executive of a printing corporation, narrates, “I think the journey away from simplistic portrayals of Islam and the Mindanao conflict and stereotypes begins in Chapter 9 – “Islam, the Light of the Dark Ages.” There’s so much fascinating information in the chapter – e.g., advances in science; that the first university in the world was founded by a Muslim, and a woman at that; the premium Muslims give to education, etc. – that will stimulate study and understanding and prevent rushes to judgment… The putting in context of the Muslim situation continues and is deepened in Chapter 10, “Hidden History” and Chapter 12,“More Hidden History,” which weaves superb research and scholarship into the historical origins of the current state of affairs in Mindanao. The idea of colonialism and its motivations and tactics (such as divide and rule) are fleshed out and illuminated with historical examples.”

The publication is a very interesting and engaging reading material that will help the readers, especially the youth to have a better understanding and appreciation of the Muslim culture. It hopes to foster solidarity among the present and succeeding generations of Muslims and Christians, not only in the Philippines but also in other countries. The author strongly believes that only by bringing out the truth, can there be genuine understanding between peoples of two faiths resulting in better Christian-Muslim relations, peace in Mindanao and ultimately, lasting peace for the Philippines and the whole world...

To purchase a copy of the book “Kris of Justice” with the included CD for P350.00 visit www.krisofjustice.com or if you wish to contact Mr. Abdel Karim Tillah, you can email him at truthhorizon@yahoo.com or by phone: 09178962528.

This is the Shirt

One of the Miss Earth of 2008 who joined with us  in the Tree Planting Activity (It's not that shirt that I am donating. Hehehe)

Not an Environmental Activity but in the Organization it's called Social Environment (A Medical Mission for the indigent people in Pampanga)

Almost a month ago I attended a very interesting event. It is not the usual events that I go to. There are no celebrity present, no loot bags to peek on to and no expensive gift certificates to buy what we want, it is just a plain advocacy call with a lot of interesting stuff to talk about and learn. I myself did learn a lot from it. Another thing is that it did change my perspective about the people around me. I could say that the event is all about respect and understanding whatever race, culture, religion or ethnicity we have.

The event’s attendance is not that well enough, we all know that because the event is an advocacy call so quite few people will for sure respond to that and the organizers do know that. Plus the weather before and during that time was not really that good. Though the weather is not good the whole situation went well for us because we were able to have a more meaningful talk with the speakers. It actually turned out into an open discussion. Much more insights and explanation were shared to us.
I’m sure by reading through the first two paragraph you are wondering what I’m talking about. Well, to explain it first, the event was all about introducing PEACE through the new technology and social media. So to be exact it’s an advocacy for PEACE. I’m sure most of you will raise your eyebrows about this matter. Well better take it down and read it first.
Now, the advocacy call was organized by PEACETECH. So what’s PEACETECH? For the word itself PEACE and TECH, it’s a two word merge together to have a better way to introduce peace though the youths, the Peace and Technology.

According to the group PEACETECH is a
“…non-profit organization that builds peace among the world’s youth.
PeaceTech recognizes the need to promote an understanding of the causes and consequences of conflicts in the Philippines and the common challenges young Filipinos face. Our goal is to build understanding among the youth throughout the Philippine archipelago.”



They are doing this advocacy to enlighten everyone about the conflicts that we Filipinos have and what are the ways that we could do to stop or at least minimize the conflicts. They are doing this by using one of the greatest inventions of man, the internet. The Internet plays an important role in spreading this advocacy and as a blogger it is one of my duties to introduce peace to everybody in a simplest means of spreading it.
This is just the start of my series of PEACE talks because I know if I talk about it here it will be too boring to read a very long article so I will just have to post it part by part. Stay tuned for more articles and things about this advocacy. If you want to know more about PEACETECH simply visit their website at www.peacetech.net .