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Author: Press Release

  • How She Blooms: Glorietta’s Women’s Month Celebration Offers Compassion Fatigue Therapy, Art Sessions, and More!

    Compassion fatigue, a silent struggle faced by many women, takes center stage at Glorietta’s Women’s Month campaign, “How She Blooms: A Tribute to Thriving Women.” Learn how Glorietta’s initiatives aim to empower women’s well-being through nurturing activities and retail surprises that cater to heart, body, and mind.

    How She Blooms

    Join the dialogue on March 16, 1:00 to 3:00 PM, at the Palm Drive Activity Center, where Glorietta partners with leading mental health app, Mind You, to host a free coffee and therapy group session. Featuring Mind You’s resident psychologist, Rea Celine Villa, the session offers insights and support for combating compassion fatigue. The session is complimentary and includes coffee and pastries, emphasizing Glorietta and Mind You’s shared goal to reach and create a supportive and safe space for women. Seats are limited and registration for the coffee and therapy group session will be at the Palm Drive Activity Center starting on March 15.

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    Avail yourself of 10% discount vouchers for Mind You app sessions and 10 complimentary sessions to 100 customers for sessions booked through the Mind You app. Drop by the Mind You wellness lounge at the Palm Drive Activity Center from March 15 to 17. Ensure registration on both Zing and Mind You apps to unlock these valuable mental health resources.

    Apart from mental health, physical and emotional health are also integral facets of a woman’s overall wellness. Join Pound workout sessions at 10 AM on March 15, 16, and 17. Slots fill up fast, so secure your spot early to experience the invigorating blend of exercise and rhythm.

    How She Blooms Glorietta Womens MonthIMG 0802

    For those seeking a creative outlet, Glorietta is hosting art sessions with Art Nook, requiring only a single receipt worth P1500 from any Glorietta merchant (excluding groceries) for participation. From March 16 to 17, between 1:00 to 7:00 PM, attendees can express themselves on canvas and alleviate stress through artistic expression.

    How She Blooms Glorietta Womens MonthIMG 0800

    In addition, a special workshop on Young Living essential oils will take place on March 17 at 4:00 PM. Delve into the natural and holistic approach to self-care, and learn about various essential oils, their application, and their therapeutic benefits.

    How She Blooms Glorietta Womens MonthIMG 0801

    A woman can thrive and bloom wherever she is planted, truly, and Glorietta hopes to help every woman flourish by nourishing her mind, heart, and body. 

    To find out more, follow @iloveglorietta on Instagram. For mental health services, and activities or to connect to a certified mental health practitioner, you may download the Mind You app for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You may also find out more, by following @mindyoumhs on Instagram.

  • Shingles Awareness: Vital Advice for Filipinos from Health Experts

    Health experts, in partnership with global biopharma company GSK, are launching a nationwide crusade to illuminate the shadows surrounding shingles—a viral infection that lurks menacingly, often under the radar. With a mission to inform, educate, and arm the public against this silent threat, the campaign endeavors to shed light on the risks, impact, and crucial prevention measures of shingles. The risk of shingles sharply increases at the age of 50.1

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    Shingles, scientifically termed Herpes Zoster, emerges from the varicella-zoster virus, the same cunning culprit behind chickenpox.2 Unlike its infamous counterpart, shingles is a stealthy foe that lies dormant in nerve tissue, resurfacing unexpectedly years later, often when least expected. It’s a revelation that anyone previously exposed to the chickenpox virus can fall victim to shingles, making awareness all the more paramount. Anyone who has been exposed to the chickenpox virus may develop shingles, as the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate years later.3

    The campaign aims to raise awareness about the disease, how it impacts quality of life and the importance of consulting a doctor for disease prevention. The initiative also seeks to correct misconceptions and provide reliable information straight from healthcare professionals and those who experienced the disease. 

    SDAC Photo 1

    Shingles causes a painful skin rash that often blisters and scabs over in 10 – 15 days.4-5 According to dermatologist Dr. Irene Robredo-Vitas “karamihan talaga ng may shingles ang unang una talagang nakakakita ay mga dermatologist”.

    Beyond a rash, there is a significant chance that shingles can lead to serious complications.6 About30% of patients with shingles will experience long-term nerve pain.6 One out of four patients with shingles can get infected near the eye which may lead to blindness in some cases.7

    According to an infectious diseases specialist, Dr. Rontgene Solante, “shingles is not just an ordinary rash. It has complications that can lead to higher morbidity. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and it can also affect your vision. He further added “a characteristic of shingles is that may tumutubo na mga rashes in one side of the body lang, but the more important characteristic is — ito ay napakasakit. It’s very uncomfortable to the point na yung iba, nahirapan silang mag damit, nahihirapan sila gawin housework nila, daily chores nila because of the severe pain.”

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    One of the guest panelists, Karen Davila, a renowned journalist and shingles sufferer, shared her story to stress the importance of shingles awareness “I have had it twice. I felt depressed, scared, and honestly ashamed. I would not want anybody to experience that.”

    There are myths and misconceptions surrounding shingles, and one of them is that it is a sexually transmitted disease. According to Dr. Rontgene Solante, “hindi sexually transmitted ang shingles. because the shingles virus is the same virus that causes chickenpox. When you get older, your immune system goes down and that’s when the chickenpox virus reactivates and can become shingles.”

    No matter how healthy an individual feels, when age 50 or older, one is at risk because the immune system declines with age. Thus, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional about shingles prevention today. 

    The shingles awareness campaign seeks to arm the public with knowledge through educational materials from health experts. This effort also aims to dispel myths and provide accurate, reliable information, enabling Filipinos to make informed decisions about their health.

    Consult your doctor for more information about shingles, and visit www.whatisshingles.ph to learn more. 

    REFERENCES:
    1 Kawai K et al, BMJ Open 2014
    2 CDC, Clinical Overview (v1.0) 2019;1-6
    3 Johnson RW, Therapeutic Advances in Vaccines 2015; 3;109-20
    4 NCIRS, Zoster Vaccine for Australia Adults 2021 
    5 AAD, Shingles: Tips for Managing 2019
    6 CDC, Clinical Overview 2019;1-67 M. Panaligan, M. Rosario, R Zotomayor, G. Zamora, G. Bibera, A. Alejo, J. Javier, The Landscape of herpes zoster management and prevention in the Philippines; proceedings from two advisory boards, Human Vaccines & Immunotherpeutics 2023; 19:2

  • Eastwood City Becomes New Home Of Repertory Philippines

    Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and Repertory Philippines have entered into a strategic partnership that will set the stage for the emergence of a dynamic new home for the country’s foremost theater company in Eastwood City, the entertainment capital of the Philippines.

    Eastwood City Repertory PH

    This groundbreaking partnership, solidified through an official contract signing conducted yesterday, March 12, at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Eastwood City, signifies a monumental stride forward for both entities. Led by Graham Coates, the First Vice President and Head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, and Mindy Perez-Rubio, the President of Repertory Philippines, this collaboration heralds a new era of cultural and entertainment enrichment in the heart of Metro Manila.

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    The brand-new theater will rise at the fourth floor of Eastwood Citywalk and has a total space spanning 1,400 square meters. It features a contemporary classic design and  an expansive mezzanine and common area. 

    Eastwood City Repertory PH 2

    The main theater boasts a seating capacity of 500, providing an intimate yet spacious setting for patrons to enjoy the spectacular performances and theater productions that Repertory Philippines is renowned for. 

    Eastwood City Repertory PH 3

    The new performing space is set to open its doors in October 2024 with the inaugural show, “Jepoy and the Magic Circle”, a Repertory Philippines and Repertory Theater for Young Audiences original production that is sure to captivate audiences and set the stage for an exciting new chapter of the famed theater company.

    Eastwood City Repertory PH 4

    “We are very honored to give Repertory Philippines its new home in Eastwood City through this landmark partnership. More than signifying our commitment to offering diverse cultural experiences to our valued patrons and communities, this new theater symbolizes our shared vision of creating a vibrant cultural hub that puts the spotlight on the world-class talents of Filipinos, fosters creativity and inspires the next generation of playwrights and theater performers,” shared Megaworld Lifestyle Malls head Graham Coates.

    The arrival of Repertory Philippines is a big boost to Eastwood City as it further solidifies its status as a leading entertainment and lifestyle hub in the country, and a hotbed and thriving hub for up-and-coming Filipino artists and performers. The collaboration also aims to foster a thriving arts community, attracting artists and theater enthusiasts from across the metro.

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    The new location of Repertory Philippines, meanwhile, gives theater-goers access to Eastwood City’s diverse array of global brands, retail stores, chef-driven restaurants and new immersive experiences for all ages. 

    Ticket prices and show schedule will be announced soon through Repertory Philippines’ social media accounts and website.

    Megaworld Lifestyle Malls is the retail and commercial development arm of Megaworld Corporation, one of the Philippines’ largest real estate companies. As the country’s premier developer of lifestyle destinations with exceptional designs, offerings and experiences, its mission is to make happiness and meaningful connections a lifestyle for its communities. There are currently 20 Megaworld Lifestyle Malls across the country including: Eastwood Mall, Eastwood Citywalk, Lucky Chinatown, Uptown Bonifacio, Forbes Town, Venice Grand Canal Newport Mall at Newport World Resorts, Southwoods Mall, Festive Walk Iloilo, Three Central Mall, Paseo Center, San Lorenzo Place Mall, Arcovia City, California Garden Square, The Clubhouse at Temple Drive, Greenhouse at Village Square Alabang, Alabang West Parade, Twin Lakes Shopping Village, Mactan Alfresco and Newcoast Beachwalk.

    For the latest information, visit https://megaworld-lifestylemalls.com/ or follow Megaworld Lifestyle Malls on social media: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/megaworldlifestylemalls), Twitter (@MegaworldMalls), Instagram (@MegaworldLifestyleMalls), and TikTok (@megaworldlifestylemalls).

  • CCP Cine Icons Marks First Year With ‘The Flor Contemplacion Story’

    A special screening and talkback of The Flor Contemplacion Story marks the first anniversary of the CCP Cine Icons, slated on March 15, 1 pm, at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City. 

    Free and open to the public, this event is also CCP’s contribution to National Women’s Month, as part of its Gender and Development (GAD) commitment. 

    In partnership with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and VIVA Films, the 1995 crime-thriller film follows the tragic tale of Flor Contemplacion, a domestic worker from the Philippines. Leaving her home to seek work in Singapore, Flor finds employment at a relatively pleasant household. However, her life takes a sharp turn when Flor is accused of killing fellow maid Delia Maga as well as the child in her care. Although evidence supports Flor’s innocence, a trial finds her guilty, and she is sentenced to death.

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    Directed by Joel Lamangan, with the screenplay by National Artist Ricky Lee and Bonifacio Ilagan, starring National Artist Nora Aunor, The Flor Contemplacion Story operates on various personal, social, and political levels. Both controversial and critically acclaimed, it won Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 1996 FAP Awards, among 18 other wins and 16 nominations.

    For the past year, CCP Cine Icons has screened numerous films by newly-minted National Artists Ricky Lee, Nora Aunor, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya in different screening venues and partner schools nationwide. A special program of the CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division-Production and Exhibition Department (FBNMD-PED), this program aims to honor and popularize the life and works of the featured National Artists. 

    The CCP Cine Icons is also part of CCP Lakbay Sine, an outreach program of the FBNMD-PED that brings different film projects to different regions, partner communities, organizations, and campuses primarily to popularize the works of Filipino filmmakers and encourage film appreciation among the youth and the general public. 

    Noranians, film enthusiasts, and interested audiences may secure their seats for the screening by reserving here: bit.ly/CCPCineIcons-TFCS-reg.

    To get the latest updates on future film screenings from CCP Lakbay Sine, follow the official CCP and CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

  • Robinsons Metro East’s The Link to elevate rail commuting experience

    Malling in transport hubs is something that air travelers are quite familiar with. Frequent flyers typically identify airports with duty free shops that offer designer clothing, luxury accessories and beauty products. There are also a great selection of restaurants, coffee shops and stores selling gifts and souvenir items to make the stopover experience complete, if not memorable.

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    Soon, the Marikina Station of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) will provide a similar experience as it will become more than just a major train hub. Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), this week, signed a memorandum of agreement with the Light Rail Transport Authority to incorporate the terminal to The Link, an expansion of Robinsons Metro East mall located along Marcos Highway in Pasig City.

    The Link will not only provide a seamless connection to the Marikina Station as the 4,000 sqm project is set to showcase a diverse selection of food establishments as well as entertainment options including Robinsons Movieworld, Jollyland (the biggest in the eastern portion of Metro Manila), Lazer Maxx and Tom’s World. Travelers and shoppers alike would also be able to visit stores like No Brand, Levis, Ncat, Toby’s, ToysRUs and of course, Robinsons Department Store.

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    Attending the MOA signing ceremony were LRTA Administrator Atty. Hernando T. Cabrera, LRTA Project Manager Engr. John Dexter Buenconsejo, DOTR for Railways Asec. Jorgette B. Aquino, RLC VP-Operations & Marketing Joel S. Lumanlan, RLC Operations Director for NCR Myron Lawrence T. Yao, and RLC Senior Legal Director Atty. Ronald Agustin R. Estrada.

    The stakeholders believe that with the large number of people moving through the station on a daily basis, shops, retail outlets, restaurants and entertainment hubs would benefit from The Link.

    The Link is envisioned to provide commuters with seamless access to various parts of Metro Manila by connecting to both the MRT and LRT1 with the former traversing Edsa, and then Taft Avenue for the latter. These routes will ensure students, workers and professionals convenient transportation anywhere in Metro Manila. Residents and students coming from Pasig and Rizal province will surely benefit from The Link’s accessibility when going to Manila since the rail line has stopovers in Recto, V. Mapa, Legarda, and Pureza. And if they’re headed to  Quezon City, they can choose to stop at the station of their choice, either in Gilmore, Betty Go, or Cubao.

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    In addition to the shopping and dining options, Robinsons Metro East elevates customer experience with an array of guest services. These include a free use of kiddie carts, pet strollers, foosball and table tennis tables, and more. The Link eliminates the need for commuters to leave the train station by going down to the street and then walking long distances to be able to purchase something. 

    For those with cars, they could just park their vehicles at the mall and take advantage of the rail services to not only save time, energy, and resources but also contribute to reducing road congestion and carbon emissions.

    Moreover, Robinsons Metro East also houses the Pasig City Hall Annex where Pasig residents from Barangays Dela Paz, Manggahan, and Santolan can avail themselves of services such as business registration, tax assessment and payment, and regulatory permit application.

    The LRTA assures that passengers will enjoy safe, smooth and efficient travel, thanks to the new LRT trains, punctual train arrivals, and systematic payment counters.

  • “YOLO,” China’s biggest box office hit of 2024, opens in Philippine cinemas April 17

    Sony Pictures recently acquired the international distribution rights to the film, and it will open in Philippine cinemas, via Columbia Pictures, on April 17. Directed by Jia Ling, YOLO is the biggest grossing film so far for 2024, earning a massive $475 million at  the global box office to date.

    YOLO poster

    YOLO tells the story of Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), who has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. Then one day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jiayin), who just may change her life.

    The film was written and directed by lead star Jia Ling, who became the highest-grossing female director in China in 2021 with her directorial debut film Hi, Mom ($839 million at the global box office), which, like YOLO, she also wrote and starred in.  

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    Ling reportedly lost 110 pounds (50 kilograms) for her role in YOLO, inspiring a fitness and sports craze among its audience. 

    Says Master Wen Dao Shen, a movie reviewer in China: “The topic of this film is not how Jia Ling lost her weight, but rather the process of how she becomes stronger and starts to love herself. She plays Leying with her whole heart and soul. This is more than sincerity, this is courage.”

    YOLO, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in Philippine cinemas on April 17. #YOLO

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    About YOLO

    YOLO follows Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), an unemployed woman in her 30s who still lives with her parents until one day, she meets a boxing coach (played by Lei Jiayin ) who just may change her life.

    Directed and written by: Jia Ling

    Starring: Jia Ling, Lei Jiayin

    Photo and Video Credit: Columbia Pictures

  • Character posters for hit mystery thriller “Exhuma” released, starring Kim Go-Eun, Lee Do-Hyun, Choi Min-Sik and Yoo Hai-Jin

    Exhuma, starring Choi Min-Sik, Kim Go-Eun, Yoo Hai-Jin and Lee Do-Hyun, tells the story of two talented shamans, a geomancer and a mortician tasked to find a mysterious grave – and unknowingly unleash a malevolent force buried underneath.  

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    About Exhuma

    After suffering from serial paranormal events, a wealthy family living in LA summons a young rising shaman duo Hwa Rim (Kim Go-Eun) and Bong Gil (Lee Do-Hyun) to save the newborn of the family. Once they arrive, Hwa Rim senses a dark shadow of their ancestor has latched on the family in a so-called “Grave Calling.” In order to exhume the grave and relieve the ancestor, Hwa Rim seeks help from top-notch geomancer Sang Deok (Choi Min-Shik) and mortician Yeong Geun (Yoo Hae-Jin). To their dismay, the four find the grave at a shady location in a remote village in Korea. Unaware of the consequences, the exhumation is carried out, unleashing a malevolent force buried underneath.

    Directed by: Jang Jae-Hyun

    Starring: Choi Min-Sik, Kim Go-Eun, Yoo Hai-Jin, Lee Do-Hyun

    Exhuma opens in Philippine cinemas on March 20, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. #ExhumaMoviePH #Exhuma

    Photo and Video Credit: Columbia Pictures

  • Celebrating Women’s Spaces: Promoting Culture, Transforming Lives

    The Asia Foundation celebrates Women’s Month with a special trade fair, Lokalakalan 2024:  Kultura, Kababaihan, Kabuhayan on March 15-17, 2024 at two locations – Rockwell Powerplant Mall in Makati City, and Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City. Jointly organized by the Accelerate Women’s Entrepreneurship for Peace and Prosperity in Mindanao initiative (Accelerate PH) and Community Crafts Association of the Philippines, the fair will feature traditional weaves and handcrafted products from the Accelerate program, including 11 women artisans from communities across the Bangsamoro region. 

    Rockwell Lokalakalan Event Poster

    Accelerate supports more than 2,500 women in Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Basilan, including both current and aspiring entrepreneurs and women in the workforce across 13 project locations. They include former women combatants, spouses and family members of combatants, survivors, those at risk of gender-based violence, indigenous women, technical-vocational and college graduates, and overseas female workers who returned home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Beyond just a market-selling activity, the event highlights the creativity, innovation, and perseverance of women artisans and the diverse ethnic cultures and identities in the Bangsamoro region. Perlita Laguan, a participating women entrepreneur and President of South Upi Monom Organization (SUMO), an organization of women weavers from the Teduray-Lambangian indigenous tribe in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur shared how trade fair activities, like Lokalakalan, contribute beyond generating sales and market leads. “We became visible – within our families, our community, and the outside world. Our products offered a distinct identity drawn from generations of experience working with what nature gave us. The increasing demand for our products proves that SUMO is doing good, and we can offer more. Now we have a growing number of supporters because they see we can deliver – we are trying,” she said.

    ALABANG TOWN CENTER Lokalakalan Event Poster

    Accelerate and its partners envision a community where women take pride in their cultural heritage and can use the skills and knowledge acquired across generations of weaving to promote women’s economic participation. Along with participation in trade fairs, Accelerate provides women with skills and business development training, connects women entrepreneurs to markets and other business opportunities, and provides capital to help women participants grow their businesses.

    More Than Sales: Women Weavers Find Community and Purpose in Lokalakalan

    Emilyn Pia, the President of Maligue Bamboo-Based Crafts and Creatives (MBCC), highlighted the interconnectedness between what the women entrepreneurs value as individuals and as a collective, such as nurturing nature, working together, and using their creativity to uplift the lives of their families and community. When asked about the significant change in their lives thus far, women bamboo weavers from Maligue, Isabela City shared that restarting their bamboo handicraft production in 2022 made them feel more integrated into the larger community.

    Women weavers of Meh Tubuan Megtetennun Dem Parangbasak in Lamitan, Basilan – renowned for their expertise in weaving intricate designs of the Tennun, or woven cloth in Yakan – look forward to expanding their customer base beyond the province and Zamboanga City.  More visibility of their weaving means more opportunities to continue the Yakan weaving tradition. Products from both MBCC and Parangbasak women weavers will be showcased at the Lokalakalan event.  


    For more information about Accelerate and the event, please visit www.acceleratewomen.ph or our Facebook page Accelerate Women PH. 

  • We Are Women: Shop & get up to 60% off this Women’s Month at Robinsons Department Store

    Women are strong, intelligent, and they deserve to be celebrated for all that they do. With the theme “inspire inclusion,” this year’s International Women’s Month aims to inspire people to value women’s contributions. Robinsons Department Store is joining the celebration with its “We Are Women” campaign.

    Robinsons

    From March 1 to April 15, 2024, you can treat yourself and all the special women in your life with clothes and accessories from brands like Lee and JAG; beauty and skincare from Maybelline, L’Oreal, Y.O.U Cosmetics, Bobbie Cosmetics, CosRX, and more; and other exciting products up to 60% off across all Robinsons Department Store branches nationwide. This is also available via its e-commerce channels on LazMall and Shopee Mall. 

    Customers can also get a free Jelly Pouch (available in three colors) for a minimum purchase of P2,500 on ladies’ items.

    Robinsons Department Store has more promos in store. On International Women’s Day on March 8, GoRewards members can get P300 off on their total shopping for a minimum purchase of P3,000. Snag more great deals at the one-week We Are Women Fair from March 9 to 15 at Robinsons Place Manila Midtown Atrium Activity Center. Get a chance to participate in fun activities, get freebies, and win prizes when you shop.

    Robinsons Department Store is also offering flexible payment options with its “Shop Now, Pay Later” plan. Enjoy 0% interest when you shop using any major credit cards, with three-month installment for P3,000 single-receipt purchases and six-month installment for P5,000 single-receipt purchases.

    This Women’s Month, browse Robinsons Department Store’s diverse offerings to empower the women around you with fashion and beauty finds that make them feel confident. Don’t miss out on these exciting deals from March 1 to April 15. 

    Visit your nearest Robinsons Department Store, or shop via LazMall and Shopee Mall.

  • AS Watson Supports Gender Equity with Commitment to Women’s Empowerment Principles by UN Women

    As International Women’s Day approaches, AS Watson, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, proudly announces that it’s the first health and beauty retailer to be a signatory of the Women’s Empowerment Principles, a global movement under UN Women (United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment) dedicated to advancing gender equity and women’s empowerment. In support of this movement, AS Watson strengthens its commitment to fostering a workplace, marketplace, and community that promotes inclusivity and opportunities for women.

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    Malina Ngai, CEO of AS Watson (Asia & Europe) says, “At AS Watson, we are dedicated to empowering women to be more beautiful and confident. With over 80% of our 160 million members and over 70% of our 130,000 colleagues being women, our top priority is to inspire and support every woman to become the best version of themselves. 

    We are also proud to create an inclusive work culture where women are valued and offered equal opportunities for career growth. AS Watson aspires to leverage our scale for good and inspire every woman to radiate beauty from the inside out. We believe in The New Beautiful – a new kind of beauty that exists within everyone.”

    Nurturing Women in Medicine and Healthcare

    AS Watson’s commitment to women’s empowerment is demonstrated through its partnership with Operation Smile in the Women in Medicine program, which empowers women in the medical and healthcare fields by providing them with educational opportunities and specialty training for them to become global leaders in medicine, healthcare, and surgery. 

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    This program has successfully trained 30 female plastic surgeons through all-women surgical and educational programs and thousands of smiles will be reconstructed every year. AS Watson is committed to sponsoring a total of 10,000 surgeries by 2030.

    Driving Positive Change Worldwide

    In echo with the “Inspire Inclusion” theme of International Women’s Day, AS Watson and its 12 retail brands across 28 markets will launch a series of women empowerment activities for both their people and customers. 

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    Watsons will kick off with “Our Time is Now” campaign on International Women’s Day, furthering the commitment to empowering women to be their true selves. Throughout the month, Watsons will actively engage the community through various activities. 

    In Asia, Watsons will sponsor YWCA’s “ChariTea” program in Hong Kong, supporting self-financed women empowerment services for women in marital adversity, young mothers, and strengthening elderly services while Watsons Thailand is organizing the “Green Ribbon” campaign, encouraging women to unleash their full potential and donating all proceeds to the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Woman, helping women and children with mental and physical issues. Furthermore, in the Philippines, Watsons is collaborating with Punlaan to offer an Apprenticeship program, which provides young women from vulnerable communities the opportunity to jumpstart their careers as Assistant Pharmacists at Watsons. This initiative aims to support 400 young women this year, empowering them through professional growth and development.

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    In Europe, Superdrug will feature the health and beauty brands founded by women across its stores and organize a series of programs to empower its female colleagues including photo competitions and podcasts. Drogas will host the Ladies’ School event, sharing skincare and makeup tips with female customers to inspire them to lead confident and beautiful lives. Meanwhile, The Perfume Shop has curated inspirational videos for its female colleagues, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves. 

    Leading the Charge in Women’s Empowerment

    As the leading health and beauty retailer, AS Watson is dedicated to contributing to creating impact, and promoting gender equality, empowering women, and building a more inclusive world for all. Ngai emphasizes, “We believe that empowering women is not only our responsibility but also our passion for creating a world with equality and inclusion, where everyone’s uniqueness is recognized and valued. We cannot achieve it alone, so we will continue to advocate women empowerment and encourage more customers, colleagues, and business partners to join us in contributing to a better world.”

    About AS Watson Group

    Established in 1841, AS Watson Group is the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer operating over 16,400 stores under 12 retail brands in 28 markets, with about 130,000 employees worldwide. For the fiscal year 2022, AS Watson Group recorded revenue of US$22 billion. Every year, we are serving over 5.5 billion shoppers via our O+O (Offline plus Online) technology-enabled platforms. 

    AS Watson Group is also a member of the world-renowned multinational conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings Limited, which has four core businesses ‐ ports and related services, retail, infrastructure and telecommunications in over 50 countries.

    Please visit www.aswatson.com/our-company/o-and-o-strategy/ for more information.