Holcim pushes for faster blended cement adoption in Philippines

Holcim Philippines is advocating for more blended cement to be used in the country’s infrastructure given its performance and sustainability advantages. The Davao Coastal Road is among those that used blended cement specifically infrastructure building solution Holcim Solido. (Image courtesy of DPWH Region 11)

Since 2010, the Philippines has seen increased spending on infrastructure to boost the country’s development. With the incoming government pledging to continue this building drive, the construction sector will remain a major driver in the country’s economic recovery and development. In fact, the Department Trade and Industry’s Philippine Construction Industry Roadmap projects the building industry to potentially contribute up to Php 130 trillion to the economy by 2030 from Php 2.3 trillion in 2018.

Meralco recognized for ESG excellence, now a FTSE4Good constituent

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has been recognized as one of the most socially and environmentally responsible companies globally.

UK-based FTSE Russell, a global sustainability index provider, announced Meralco’s inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index Series—specifically in the FTSE4Good Emerging Index and in the FTSE4Good ASEAN 5 Index.

Meralco is the second power company in the Philippines recognized by FTSE Russell for outstanding sustainability performance.

The FTSE4Good Index Series is a set of global sustainability indices that measure the performance of companies in key environmental, social, and governance (ESG) areas such as climate change, labor standards, and anti-corruption. It was designed to help market participants assess sustainable investment products, to research environmentally and socially sustainable firms, and to provide a transparent and evolving global ESG standard against which businesses could benchmark their performance.

To be included in the FTSE4Good Index, a company in an emerging market must achieve an overall ESG rating of 2.9 or higher.

In FTSE Russell’s latest assessment, Meralco garnered and ESG rating of 3.2 – topping the Philippines’ and the global energy sector’s averages.

“We are very honored and grateful for this distinctive recognition of our sustainability strategy and initiatives. This confirms that we are indeed progressing in the right direction. Our inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index inspires us to heighten our sustainability agenda and to continue creating a positive and transforming difference for all we serve—truly, powering the good life,” said Meralco First Vice President  and  Chief  Sustainability Officer Raymond B. Ravelo, who also serves as the President and CEO of eSakay, Meralco’s electric vehicle subsidiary.

Meralco’s sustainability agenda called “Powering the Good Life” is deeply rooted in and promotes the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The company’s key sustainability initiatives include sourcing 1,500 megawatts (MW) of its power requirements from clean energy in the next five years while building 1,500 MW of renewable energy capacity through 2027; electrifying 25% of its vehicle fleet by 2030; planting and nurturing five million trees by 2025 to help protect and preserve Philippine forests and watersheds; and achieving 40% women representation in its workforce by the end of this decade.

“We, in Meralco, will continue to advance our drive towards sustainability not only by intensifying our efforts to keep the lights on for our customers and communities but also by heightening our initiatives to protect and preserve the planet,” said Meralco President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Ray C. Espinosa.

“As we forge ahead, we are committed to accelerating our sustainability transformation while meeting the needs of our recovering nation. We likewise set our vision towards co-creating a society with all the hallmarks of enduring and meaningful progress as we provide and power more life to sustain the Filipino,” he concluded.

Aira Lopez reveals her lifestyle’s perfect partner

Multifaceted influencer, athlete, host shares her story of winning races, health, and advocacy to help more people live better lives 

The 24-year-old goal-getter, influencer, athlete, and host for CNN’s Cycling Unlimited TV show, Aira Lopez, proves that a healthy lifestyle is not as simple as a 30-day diet routine but a daily practice of healthy habits. Recently, Lopez became one of the new brand ambassadors of Santé, a premier natural and organic health and wellness product and services provider.  

Despite juggling work hustles daily, Lopez always finds time to exercise and drink her supplements. “I do cardio exercise more often. I do biking, running, and swimming, especially if I have a lot of time on my hand. And if my morning schedule allows me, I go for a morning bike ride,” Lopez shared. 

“I don’t follow any specific or strict diet. I eat whatever I want. But the secret to staying fit is I burn it through exercise. I exercise a lot so that I can eat a lot. Plus, part of my everyday healthy lifestyle is drinking Santé Barley every morning after my workout session,” she blithely added. 

Infinix Unveils 180W Thunder Charge Technology, To Debut on Upcoming Flagship Phone

Infinix has unveiled the seriously fast 180W Thunder Charge Technology, which will debut on selected Infinix flagship phones that will be announced in the second half of the year. The breakthrough new technology will enable users to achieve the time for a 1-50% charge of the 4500mAh battery in just four minutes [1], providing users with a faster and safer advanced smart device charging experience. 

“Following last year's Infinix 160W fast charging Concept Phone release, Infinix 180W Thunder Charge is another industry breakthrough that delivers ultra-fast charging technology to the public. Infinix aims to keep improving daily efficiency through iteration and innovation of fast charging technology so that users around the world can be the first to experience efficient and convenient digital life,” said Joseph Cernitchez, Marketing Head of Infinix.

UNIQLO’s Comfortable, High Quality, and Innovative Jeans for Every Lifestyle

Japanese global apparel retailer UNIQLO launches its newest lineup of high-quality, innovative, and sustainable jeans. Designed with individuality in mind, the diverse collection features different silhouettes, colors, and cuts to cater to any style.

“As Filipinos return to the office, spend more time with friends, and go out more, they are looking to expand their wardrobe with pieces that are comfortable, stylish, and fit their personal style. Our new line of jeans is perfect pair for this new lifestyle since it’s timeless, comfortable, innovative and can transition from work to play,” says Masato Kusumoto, UNIQLO Philippine’s COO.

MR.DIY Celebrates 4 Years With Super Anniversary Salebration This July!

Get ready for a month-long treat of exciting deals and prizes as MR.DIY, your one-stop shop for home improvement, celebrates its fourth year and 254 stores nationwide with the Super Anniversary Salebration this July!

Starting July 1 until July 31, 2022, MR.DIY customers can enjoy up to 30% off on selected items with no minimum spend, as well as a chance to win great prizes for its raffle promo.

Everyone can join by spending a minimum purchase of PHP 500 at any MR.DIY stores nationwide, scan the promo QR code and answer one simple question, and finally, submit your entry to stand a chance to win.

UNIQLO Launches JOIN: THE POWER OF CLOTHING, a Campaign Supporting Action for a Better World

Starting July 1, Campaign Includes Doraemon Sustainability Mode 

Items Made With 100% Recycled Fibers

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO today announces the launch of JOIN: THE POWER OF CLOTHING, a global campaign to support activities for a better world. The campaign will start from Japan on Friday, July 1.

The aim of the JOIN：THE POWER OF CLOTHING campaign is to encourage UNIQLO customers to be a part of the environmental sustainability activities that UNIQLO has conducted up to now. The two main initiatives, conducted at UNIQLO stores and the uniqlo.com online store, are Buy and JOIN and Learn and JOIN. The program aims to raise awareness of global problems such as ocean pollution among customers, and to inspire action that makes the world a better place.