Eco-Friendly Hygiene: Best Sustainable Swaps & Where to Buy
Manila/ Terra/ Sustainability

Eco-Friendly Hygiene Alternatives & Where to Get Them

Snapinsta app 456515866 888171903340733 7890713874604808209 n 1080 Photo by The Body Shop/Instagram

Caring for yourself doesn’t have to hurt Mother Earth. If you’re looking to be more sustainable – or maybe just looking for affordable alternatives – consider these eco-friendly items you can use to replace ones you already have. Trust us, they’re just as good – if not better – and are kinder for the environment too!

Menstrual Cups

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Having your period can be troublesome. If you’re worried about period products limiting your clothing options or mobility, consider switching over to menstrual cups. This option allows you better movement and freedom and is much more environmentally friendly.

A single menstrual cup can be reused for up to two years, creating less waste than traditional sanitary products (most of which are made with synthetic and thereby non-biodegradable material). In the long run, the cost of a single menstrual cup is also much less than two years’ worth of sanitary pads or tampons.

Those who want to try it out can check out Sinaya, a leading menstrual cup brand in the Philippines. With over 40,000 customers, Sinaya has diverted over 8 million sanitary pads from ending up in landfills, and continues to advocate for both sustainability and menstrual freedom.

Visit the Sinaya website

Shampoo Bars

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What do you do with your shampoo bottle after all the shampoo has been used up? For most people, the answer is: to simply throw it away. If you’re feeling a little guilty about that extra waste, then we suggest shifting to shampoo bars. Often packaged in paper, shampoo bars can last just as long as regular shampoos but are a more environmentally friendly option (they also take up less space in your shower!).

A fantastic option for shampoo bars is Ecoshift’s line of naturally made bars. They have a variety of options that cater to different needs such as: sensitive scalp, dandruff care, hair fall defense, color protect, and volumizing. Each bar is also made with delicious smelling ingredients such as tea tree oil, patchouli, clementine oil, and cinnamon.

Visit the Ecoshift website

Crystal Hair Remover

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Waxing and shaving are popular options for hair removal, but if you haven’t tried a crystal hair remover yet, you definitely should. It might change your mind about what your favorite method is.

A crystal hair remover, like the one from Nail Staple, is both a hair remover and an exfoliator. To use, simply rub it gently against the target area (such as legs or arms) in circular motions. While it’s not recommended for use on armpits or the bikini area, it does a fantastic job everywhere else, with zero waste afterward. All you have to do is wash it and let it dry before it’s ready for another session.

Visit the Nail Staple website

Bamboo Cotton Buds

Bamboo cotton buds
Bamboo cotton buds | Instagram/Eco Warrior PH

Because most cotton buds are made of plastic, there’s a likelihood that the ones you used years ago are still sitting in a landfill somewhere. Fortunately, there are more alternatives these days, among which are bamboo cotton buds, made with earth-friendly materials that are meant to biodegrade.

Eco Warrior’s bamboo cotton buds are made with sustainable bamboo and organic cotton, making them a safe and healthy choice for your ears. Due to their materials, each bud is 100% biodegradable and comes packaged in cardboard, not plastic – proof that small changes make the biggest difference.

Visit the Eco Warrior's website

Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

Reusable makeup remover pads
Reusable makeup remover pads | Website/The Body Shop

Makeup remover wipes are convenient, but let’s face it, they’re not very eco-friendly. Fortunately, there are reusable options that can be used more than once. Body Shop’s Clean Conscience Reusable Makeup Remover Pads come sold as a set of seven and are made with bamboo and organic cotton. They quickly and effectively absorb makeup removers, oils, and butter to make cleanup that much easier.

After use, soak the pads in warm water to clean any residue, then pop them in the laundry at the end of the week. Voila! They’re ready for use again; no waste is created.

Visit the Body Shop website

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This Week's Event In Manila View more

This Week's Event In Manila

Timeless: J. Moreno
Feb 27 - Jun 29, 2025

Timeless: J. Moreno

Manila/ Terra/ Nature
Explore Manila’s Family-Friendly Nature and Science Attractions
Manila Ocean Park

Are you planning a fun, educational experience for the whole family? Manila is home to exciting nature parks and science destinations that ignite curiosity while offering a peaceful break from city life. Check out these must-visit spots!

Visit Change Maker 2040

change maker photo with dolphin
Photo by Facebook/Change Maker 2040

Come explore Change Maker 2040, the first museum in the Philippines dedicated to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through interactive exhibits, explore all 17 SDGs and discover how they contribute to a sustainable future. The museum is located at 2F 88 Square Mall, Parañaque City, open Wednesdays to Sundays, from 10 AM to 6 PM (last entry at 4 PM).

Book online and get your tickets for P649 instead of P799 (walk-in rate)!

Get your tickets here.

Explore The Mind Museum

the mind museum photos of their exhibits like astronauts, dinosaurs and gorilla
Photo by Facebook/The Mind Museum

Step into The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, and experience over 250 hands-on exhibits spread across five immersive galleries. From the tiniest building blocks of nature to the grandeur of the cosmos, there's something for everyone. The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Start your adventure at the Mind Museum with their ticket rates that fit your fun.
For the Three-Hour Time Slot: Adults (P625), Children and Private School Students up to college (P550), and Public School Students up to college and Teachers (P230)

For an All Day Pass, the regular rate for all ages is P750.

The Mind Museum is offering a Limited Time Offer "All Day Pass + Flight Imagination" Special Package for only P1,000 until June 1, 2025!

All tickets are available on their website. Get your tickets here.

Learn Through Play at Museo Pambata

museo pambata with childrens
Photo by Website/Museo Pambata

Museo Pambata is the first interactive museum in the Philippines for children, offering a fun and educational way to learn about topics like nation-building and more. Located along Roxas Boulevard, the museum is open Fridays to Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Admission for all is P450. Children 2 and under are free. Senior citizens and PWDs are entitled to a 20% discount.

Get your tickets here.

Discover Wildlife at Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden

manila zoo entrance with elephant statue
Photo by Website/Manila Zoo

Explore the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden and meet over 1,000 animals from 90 species, such as a Bengal tiger, Malayan civet, monitor lizard, and hippopotamus. The zoo is located in Malate, Manila, and is open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM (last entry at 6 PM). 

Have a Zooventure at Manila Zoo, a pocket-friendly outing for the whole family!

Entry fees vary, depending on the following: Manila residents (P150), non-Manila residents (P300), Manila students (P100), non-Manila students (P200), Senior/PWD Manila residents (P120), Senior/PWD non-Manila residents (P240), Manila LGU employees and Teachers (P100), and it's FREE for children under two years old.

Get your tickets here.

Dive Into Marine Life at Manila Ocean Park

manila ocean park aquarium
Photo by Facebook/Manila Ocean Park

Explore the wonders of the deep at Manila Ocean Park, a marine-themed destination in Luneta, Manila. Enjoy vibrant exhibits, thrilling aquatic shows, and close encounters with marine life like stingrays, reef fish, and penguins. Open Mondays to Fridays from 10 AM to 6 PM, and weekends/public holidays from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Buy your tickets online for only P680 instead of P750, promo runs until June 29, 2025. Avail now, and the voucher is valid until June 30, 2025.

Tickets are available on their website. Get it here.

See Exotic Animals at Avilon Zoo

avilon zoo entrance with lots of trees
Photo by Website/Beadeegee

At Avilon Zoo in Rodriguez, Rizal, explore a 7.5-hectare wildlife park home to over 3,000 animals from 500+ species. Experience animal conservation and endangered species in interactive exhibits.

Entry fees are as follows: Adults and Children over 3 feet (P800), Children under 3 feet (P600), and it's FREE for babies under 12 months. Senior citizens and PWDs are also entitled to a 20% discount. 

Get your tickets here.

Experience Adventure at the Philippines' Only Biodome

biodome inside scenery with it sgreen enviroment full of trees
Photo by Facebook/Philippines Biodome

Discover the first Biodome in the Philippines, located in Malate, Manila, featuring thrilling experiences like the Zipline Adventure and the Crocodile Tunnel. Also enjoy interactive activities such as Sun Conure Feeding and educational shows at the Amphitheatre. Open Mondays to Fridays from 10 AM to 6 PM, and weekends/holidays from 9 AM to 6 PM (last entry at 5:15 PM).

Buy tickets online for only P680 until June 29, 2025, instead of paying P750! Catch this BIODOME Saver Deal on their website!

Get tickets here.

Don’t let your event or deal go unnoticed! Seize the opportunity to be featured in our The List, Top Deals, and Delish Insider newsletters, the go-to source for the city's most captivating events and can’t-miss deals. Click here to get started!

Manila/ Ohana/ Health & Wellness
Earthquake Preparedness 101: What to Do Before, During, and After
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With violent earthquakes wreaking havoc across Southeast Asia recently, discussions about “The Big One” have resurfaced online, instigating worry among netizens — specifically among Filipinos, as the country is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it vulnerable to powerful earthquakes. 

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recently conducted a study that projects that a 7.2-magnitude earthquake along the West Valley Fault could happen in our lifetime. This 100-kilometer-long active fault line runs along several provinces, such as Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite, including populated cities within Metro Manila

“The Big One” is projected to cause widespread destruction, including the collapse of at least 168,000 buildings, and claim a total of 50,000 lives. 

However, PHIVOLCS continues to remind the public that these are not predictions but scientific projections or possible scenarios, as there is no technology that could accurately predict when or where an earthquake will happen. They shared in a post that people should be discerning with the information they read online and monitor the official pages of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for developments and updates.

If you’re unsure what to do should a tragedy like this hit your area, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! By taking the right steps before, during, and after an earthquake, you can minimize risks and protect yourself and your loved ones

What to Do Before

1. Discern your location and create an emergency plan

It’s important to know where your home is located and determine whether or not it’s situated along an active fault or is prone to collapse. We recommend doing a hazard assessment via HazardHunter PH, which will analyze if your location is prone to seismic, volcanic, or hydrometeorologic hazards. You can also use the PHIVOLCS self-check tool, “How Safe is My House?" mobile application, to evaluate the safety of your home from earthquakes. You can download it for free on the App Store.

It's also important to know your emergency exit routes and safe spaces. If you’re near the water, know where the highest point is in your area. Most properties, local government units (LGUs), and barangays have disaster preparedness plans, so make sure to familiarize yourself with them and know your designated evacuation sites

2. Locate and learn to use disaster essentials

Learn how to turn off the gas, electricity, and water in your home, and know where the first aid kit, fire extinguishers, alarms, and communication devices are stashed. 

3. Prepare an emergency supply kit

PHIVOLCS suggests preparing an emergency supply kit that would last around three days (72 hours). Make sure this bag is stashed in an accessible area so you can easily grab it and go should an earthquake occur. Items you should include in your emergency pack are:

  • First aid kit
  • Food
  • Bottled water
  • Flashlight and spare batteries
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Whistle
  • Knife
  • Candles and matches, lighter
  • Blankets, spare clothes, and shoes
  • Rope (at least 7 meters)
  • Toiletries
  • Permanent marker, pen, and paper
  • Emergency contact information
  • Important documents
  • Cash
  • Medication (for those with special needs)
  • Baby food (if necessary)

4. Earthquake-proof your home

Violent quakes will undoubtedly move things around. Secure heavy furniture to the walls, such as cabinets, bookshelves, and large appliances. It’s also helpful to ensure that electrical outlets and gas lines are properly maintained to prevent sparking fires during an earthquake. 

5. Monitor developments and stay updated

Catch real-time updates on seismic activities by following PHIVOLCS on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter). You can also follow credible news sources online to stay informed, as well as government agencies that often release hazard maps and preparedness guidelines.  

What to Do During

If you’re indoors when an earthquake occurs, remain calm and stay where you are. Perform the DUCK/DROP, COVER, and HOLD technique. Drop down and take cover under a sturdy table. If this is unavailable, protect your head and neck until the shaking stops. Make sure to steer clear of hanging and heavy furniture such as chandeliers and shelves, and stay away from windows, mirrors, or anything that could fall and shatter. 

If you’re outside, locate the closest open space free from buildings, powerlines, trees, or anything that could collapse. If you’re driving at the time of the earthquake, park to the side and evacuate the car. Steer clear of mountainsides as they could corrode, and don’t attempt to cross bridges, overpasses, or flyovers. 

If you’re near the sea, find a high point and move as far away as you can from the water, for powerful quakes could cause tsunamis. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings until the tremors cease. Always remember that you’re safety is a priority. Leave your belongings behind and ensure you get to the evacuation sites. 

Guide
Photo from Facebook/PHIVOLCS

What to Do After

1. Check for injuries and proceed to the evacuation centers

Check yourself and others for injuries and perform first aid if needed. Prioritize children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and seniors. 

If medical help is required, find the nearest evacuation site or call the emergency hotline. You can find a list of National 911 emergency contacts here. Find the trunk and direct lines for your city, and make sure to have these numbers in your contact list. We recommend having a physical copy of these numbers inside your emergency kits, as saving them solely on your phone won’t be useful should the device run out of battery. 

If you’re trapped somewhere, remain calm. Use a whistle or flashlight to make yourself visible to rescuers. Also, cover your mouth and nose to keep from inhaling smoke and debris. 

2. Expect and be prepared for aftershocks

Earthquakes can often be followed by aftershocks, which can be as strong as the initial tremors. Remember to stay alert during this time. 

If you’re inside, some infrastructure might have already been weakened by the first wave, so be careful of falling debris. If you’re outdoors, remain in an open area away from anything that could fall or collapse. Check for water, gas leaks, toxic spills, electrical and other damages. For those in coastal locations, find higher ground immediately.  

3. Stay informed

Communication lines may be disrupted, which is where battery-operated radios may come in handy. Listen in for updates from authorities regarding aftershocks and evacuation orders. If you happen to have your mobile phones on you, conserve battery as much as possible and only use them for emergencies. 

We hope this list has equipped you for when disaster strikes. Stay safe, folks!

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Manila/ Fashionista/ Style
Yong Davalos Advocates for 'Responsible Fashion' Through Fashion Brands
YS Press Images zip 6 Photo by Yong Studio

The fashion industry is notorious for being wasteful. Around 92 million tonnes of fashion waste is produced globally every year, further aggravated by the rise of fast fashion. Should its popularity continue, experts estimate that waste produced could soar to 132 million tonnes a year by 2030.

The fashion industry is also responsible for a significant portion of global water wastage, as it takes 2,700 liters of water to produce one cotton shirt. To add to that, approximately 35% of all primary microplastic pollution in the ocean is believed to come from synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, all of which are used by the fashion industry to produce clothing.

While saddening, these statistics are often hidden from the ordinary consumer – and those who are aware of it may not necessarily choose to prioritize responsible decision-making.

“Plenty of customers lean towards responsible fashion but by the end of the day, accessibility and affordability will always be the first option for [many],” shared Yong Davalos.

Yong, a Filipino fashion designer based in Manila, is both an entrepreneur and an advocate. Her designs vary in style and for occasion though she is most well-known for her work as founder of Yong Studio and Tayo Studio.

A design by Yong Davalos
A design by Yong Davalos | Courtesy of Yong Studio

Through her time spent in fashion – both in retail and as a designer for her eponymous line – Yong has become a vocal advocate for responsible fashion.

“I became inspired to change industry norms when I was exposed to the reality of workers during the beginning of my career in fashion retail,” she shared.

While Yong hesitates to expound, it’s no secret that the fashion industry can be cruel to its laborers. The modern fashion supply chain – particularly for fast fashion brands – prioritizes speed and efficiency to drive huge profit margins; workers often take on the brunt of this sacrifice, working for low wages but providing companies with plenty of profit.

To ensure that her brand veers away from such exploitative practices, Yong makes sure to put “responsible fashion” at the heart of her company’s philosophy. The designer takes on a holistic approach to creating clothes, focusing on eco-conscious solutions and humane labor practices.

“We use as much deadstock materials as possible and care for how clothes are being manufactured,” Yong shared. “We make sure that the people behind the clothes are properly compensated under good working conditions. We’d like to think of our company as not just a business but a social enterprise.”

Yong Davalos designs and manufactures consciously
Yong Davalos designs and manufactures consciously | Courtesy of Yong Studio

But there’s a problem: as much as Yong advocates for the cause, she also realizes the contradictory dichotomy of today’s society. Known as the “intention-behavior gap,” researchers have noted that consumers may care about sustainable ideals and ways of thinking, but that in itself does not lead to sustainable buying habits. A good example of this is how Gen Z – those born between 1997 to 2012 – care deeply about issues relating to climate change and social justice. Yet, they also drive the popularity of brands such as Shein and Temu, both of which market cheap, trendy clothes that appeal to demographics online.

“Conscious consumers are usually well-educated, people who really care for the environment. However, those who support brands like Shein may also be well-educated but just ignore that it’s ruining our environment for the sake of fashion fits,” commented Yong.

While it’s difficult to convince shoppers – especially those on a budget – to change their habits, the good news is that designers like Yong are offering people alternatives. Sometimes, accessibility becomes a barrier to smart shopping but with brands such as Yong Studio, Yong manages to reach people who appreciate what she offers.

A design by Yong
A design by Yong | Courtesy of Yong Studio

As the brains behind the brand, Yong described her designs for Yong Studio as “hyperfeminine.” Designs with ruffles, ruching, and straps are plentiful and come in bright, dynamic colors. Though Yong herself often dresses in casual, utilitarian, and street-inspired clothing, her studio fixates on the bohemian, the feminine, and the flowy.

“I design for our cult following, the sophisticated and feminine consumers,” the designer shared. “I think our brand is always evolving conservatively when it comes to new designs but we make sure to keep true to the core of hyperfemininity and timelessness.”

In 2025, Yong continues her mission to offer responsible fashion for those who desire a more conscious wardrobe collection. Her Spring/Summer ’25 Collection is soon to drop, and her current “Westbound: Chapter 2” line (inspired by the Wild West) is selling out fast. “I’m also exploring international expansions for Yong Studio,” she revealed.

Check out Yong Studio's catalog via their website and follow them on Instagram.

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Manila/ Venture/ Profiles
Can Businesses Be a 'Force for Good'? This Social Enterprise Says Yes
Pandan collection Photo by Che Secillano

Mother and entrepreneur, Cherilyn “Che” Secillano is a superwoman. Known as the lady behind Dwellbeing, Che’s social enterprise stands on three main tenets: providing homes with safe, toxic-free alternatives; empowering vulnerable communities with sustainable livelihoods; and employing a circular business model that is friendly towards the environment.

Cherilyn “Che” Secillano
Cherilyn “Che” Secillano | Courtesy of Cherilyn Secillano

“Dwellbeing started from our own need and problem,” Che revealed. “My son has rhinitis and eczema and during the pandemic, this worsened due to constant hand washing and sanitizing. Our doctor advised us to go for the all-natural route, and this was when the first productlemongrass liquid hand soap – was developed.”

Since then, Dwellbeing has expanded to include sanitizers, dishwashing liquids, shampoo bars, candles, and even accessories.

Soaps are packaged in upcycled bottles
Soaps are packaged in upcycled bottles | Instagram/Dwellbeing

Using Anita Roddick, the founder of The Body Shop, as inspiration, Che developed the business to become a “Force for Good,” ensuring that each item upcycles, empowers, and gives back. “Each of our products is made with upcycled materials,” Che shared. Case in point: soaps are sold in a motley of containers once discarded. Refills are delivered in sanitized wine bottles, while the liquid version is presented in a jug of Tanduay.

“As our business grew, we were fortunate to meet like-minded circular partners who supply [materials] to us,” Che explained. “Restaurants and bars supply us with bottles. Tobi Peanuts has provided us with the discarded peanut sacks that we use for our gift pouches. The retired hotel linens that we upcycle into sleeping masks are from Azzurro Hotel.”

Dwellbeing is a deaf-driven community
Dwellbeing is a deaf-driven community | Instagram/Dwellbeing

Each upcycled product is also expertly created by different local communities that rely on Dwellbeing as a source of livelihood. This empowers vulnerable communities such as people with disabilities (PWDs) and women. “As our business grew, we needed a workforce,” Che shared. “We tapped into the left-behind sector and have now evolved to be a deaf-driven social enterprise. Our team is 100% deaf, including our retail sales team.”

In fact, their research and development process focuses heavily on the community they choose to work with. “For us, the creative process starts with the questions: ‘What can this community make?’ and ‘What are their skills?’ From there, I develop a line centered around what they are good at,” Che explained. “The objective is to make it sustainable, long term for everyone, and not just a one-time transaction.”

Partnering with the NGO Project Pearls – to whom Dwellbeing gives a portion of their gross sales to – Che had created an accessories line with the NGO’s beneficiary nanays in mind. “These ladies used to be garbage collectors but were trained to sew and weave,” she said. “With this skill, we developed an accessories line that includes bags, scarves, and pouches. We want to make this profitable and long-term so they don’t go back to being garbage collectors.”

Dwellbeing has provided 20,000 meals through their collaboration with Project Pearls
Dwellbeing has provided 20,000 meals through their collaboration with Project Pearls | Instagram/Dwellbeing

As of December 2024, Dwellbeing has proudly upcycled over 30,000 bottles and 10,000 papers. Over 20,000 family meals have been donated through their support of Project Pearls’ Hunger Relief operations. They’ve established over ten community livelihood partners who now work to create Dwellbeing’s incredible products.

“The impact that this has had on others has been incredible,” Che said proudly. “We are happy to see others pay [this kind of goodness] it forward, using their businesses as a 'Force for Good.' We are also able to give consumers an option to practice conscious consumerism in their buying habits.”

It's obvious from Dwellbeing’s business model that the social enterprise has put its heart at the forefront of every transaction – and that it is, in fact, possible to do so. For 2025, their goal remains the same: to strengthen and expand this kind of altruistic impact.

“Every year, it has been our goal to double our numbers above,” asserted Che. “That remains true as we work towards hitting the 50k mark both for upcycled bottles and family meals served.”

Dwellbeing is available at Kultura in SM Makati as well as online. For more information, visit their Instagram.

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Manila/ Fashionista/ Style
Trendy and Sustainable Shoe Brand VIVAIA Opens Pop-Up in Manila
20251006 VIVAIA Photo by VIVAVIA/Website

If you’ve been looking for your go-to "it" shoes for this year, then you might want to check out the ones from VIVAIA.

You might have seen some of their ads circulating on social media for quite a while now and may have seen some of their pairs worn by Selena Gomez, Ashley Liao, Park Min-young, Lee Joo-young, and Jenna Ortega. But the wait is over because VIVAIA has finally arrived in the Philippines!

Many of VIVAIA’s best-selling styles and options are available at their Pop-Up Store, including the celebrity-favorite Square-Toe Margot Mary Jane, Pointed-Toe Aria Ballet Flats, Square-Toe Margot 2.0 V-Cut Flats, Pointed-Toe Addison Slingback Sandals, and the Round Toe Julie Pro Chunky Heels.

With their shoes starting at the price of P5,979, VIVAIA also carries boots, loafers, unisex sneakers, and bags.

VIVAIA’s pop-up store is located at Level R2, Bridgeway, Power Plant Mall, just by The Grid Food Hall. Make sure to drop by as soon as you can, because VIVAIA’s pop-up store is only open 'til Mar. 31, 2025!

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Launched in 2020 in the U.S., VIVAIA is a chic and sustainable brand focusing on “conscious comfort,” with their shoes being made from recycled and eco-friendly materials like PET plastic bottles, sugarcane EVA, and rice husks, all in partnership with Repreve.

VIVAIA is committed to keeping their footwear in style and with intention, taking sustainability to a whole new level. Not only are their shoes made using environment-friendly materials, but they are also created through a low-waste process that sets them apart from traditional shoemakers.

Each pair of VIVAIA’s flats comes with a built-in cushion and is thoughtfully designed for all-day wear. They’re machine washable-friendly too, so you won’t have to worry if you get them soiled by accident!

VIVAIA is available across 61 countries, including Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and now the Philippines.

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For more updates, follow VIVAIA on their Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages. You can also check their catalog on their website.

Location: VIVAIA Pop-Up Store, Level R2, Bridgeway, Power Plant Mall

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM (Mondays to Thursdays), 10 AM to 10 PM (Fridays to Sundays)

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Manila/ Terra/ Nature
Philippine Eagle Chick No. 30 Hatches at a Breeding Sanctuary in Davao
20241114 Philippine Eagle Chick Photo by Website/ Philippine Eagle Foundation

The Philippines has a new Philippine Eagle chick!

The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) announced that a Philippine Eagle chick successfully hatched at the newly established National Bird Breeding Sanctuary (NBBS) in Brgy. Eden, Toril, Davao City on Nov. 11, 2024.

Dubbed "No. 30," for now, the Philippine Eagle Foundation views this as a "major milestone" for the conservation of Philippine Eagles and is the first-ever successful hatching at the new center.

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Following a 56-day incubation period, the Philippine Eagle chick's survival is owed to a "critical intervention" done by a dedicated PEF team. This is called the "help out" method, which involves assisted pipping through the air spaces of the egg and was done to prevent the chick from suffocating due to excess carbon buildup.

Excess carbon buildup is a common risk when the hatching period is beyond a safe period.

This decision was "not made lightly" and was calculated, according to Mr. Domingo Tadena, NBBS' Facility Manager and PEF's Conservation Breeding Expert. "Without our intervention, the risk of losing this hatching to suffocation was high."

At the same time, the hatching is also a "historic feat" for the National Bird Breeding Sanctuary, which occurred mere months after its establishment. No. 30's hatching was also possible due to a donation of advanced equipment from Liberec Zoo in the Czech Republic.

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The Critically Endangered National Bird of the Philippines: the Philippine Eagle

The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) or "Agila" in Filipino, is one of the largest raptors in the world. It is an extremely rare eagle and can only be found in four Philippine islands: Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has categorized the Philippine Eagle as a critically endangered species.

There are only roughly 400 pairs left in the wild, according to the Philippine Eagle Foundation. Their "critically endangered species" status is owed to the threat of human activities near their natural habitat, such as deforestation and shooting. Killing a Philippine Eagle is a criminal offense and is punishable by law, with up to 12 years imprisonment and hefty fines.

Efforts have been made to save these eagles. Organizations such as the Philippine Eagle Foundation were made to spread the advocacy on protecting the Philippine Eagles and their importance to the Philippine ecosystem and culture.

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The Philippine Eagle was declared the National Bird of the Philippines by former President Fidel V. Ramos in July 1995 under Proclamation No. 615, series of 1995. Among many laws, Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, protects the Philippine Eagle and several other endemic species in the country.

Get to know more about Chick No. 30 or find out more about the Philippine Eagle Foundation through their Facebook and Instagram pages!

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