PCPPI reinforces food safety system and culture across all plants

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) — the country's exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages—is bolstering the company’s food safety culture. It benefits its people and the customers in the long term, following the launch of its food safety education campaign.

PCPPI plants implemented the Talas ng Kaalaman on Food Safety program. It is to strengthen the knowledge of its employees on the standard food safety procedures. The goal is to improve its operations responsibly and sustainably.

"PCPPI is committed to meeting the highest food safety and quality standards. This is why we continuously implement programs and workshops that would improve the skills of our people. We ensure that they too become ambassadors of our food safety culture," - Frederick D. Ong, PCPPI President, and CEO

The information campaign was executed through Facebook, bulletin board posts, and email blasts. It provided comprehensive information about food safety culture. It informed how to fight food fraud, product protection, good manufacturing practices, and allergen management. It also highlighted some of the cleaning practices. These include the pest control process, proper waste disposal, and locker sanitation and maintenance.

Throughout the program, PCPPI conducted random ambush interviews with employees. This is to measure their grasp of the food safety system. It recognized the departments with the cleanest space and well-informed personnel on the importance of food safety.

Aside from this, PCPPI completed the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) for its Metro Operations Services, Pampanga, Rosario, STRO, Davao, and Bacolod plants. The FSSC is a globally accepted standard. It recognizes companies’ processes at par with global standards— from employee selection to production and warehousing. Its goal is to evaluate the systems in place to ensure food safety.

PCPPI also assures that their products are safe for consumption as all PCPPI plants have the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) License to Operate. All PCPPI products also have a valid certificate of product registration.

The company also recently completed other third-party food safety and social welfare audits. Some of these are the McDonald's Safe Water System (SWS) and Supplier Quality Management System (SQMS) for the PCPPI San Fernando plant.

PCPPI manufactures and sells well-known brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, and Premier.

Mizuno Run Academy Graduation Run (Module 1)

September 9, 2012

Accomplices: John Paul Lipardo, Liezel Hermedilla, Alfie Raposon, Jonah Lyn Sacluti, Paul Biduya, Rachel Rivera, Alvin John Tolentino, Sophia Dela Rama, Rocel Poblete, Jerome Barba, Niño Mark Joseph Ili, Jorge Michael De Jesus, Jennifer Madrideo, Catherine Mariano, Arriane Custodio

Venue: Filinvest, Alabang

Question: What is better than running?

Answer: Running with friends.

I got invited to run as one of the guest runners for Mizuno Run Academy graduate John Paul Lipardo. This graduation run was supposed to happen last August 11, 2012 but due to circumstances that we experienced last month that was beyond our control (it favored me actually because I ended up cancelling my leave), the scheduled run was postponed to yesterday to give way for other institutions to execute rescue and relief operations in light with the heavy rains and flash floods.

Before we get to Sunday morning's highlights, let us review what the first course was all about, shall we?

The first course was entitled The Mizuno Run Academy Module 1: Beginner’s Course: The Science of Running Discovering the key to efficiency and endurance. Said course included 5 sessions (the fifth session was the Graduation Run). The first four sessions was originally scheduled from June 25, 2012 – July 27, 2012 (7:00 PM- 9:30 PM) happening on three venues on a certain day of the week: Monday (BGC), Wednesday (MOA), Friday (Alabang). Participants who missed a session can catch up by attending the same class on a different location.

Here are the sessions for the first module:

Session 1 – Basics of Pose Running
Session 2 – The Maffetone Method
Session 3 – Your First 45-minute Run
Session 4 – Refresher and Long Distance Slow Run
Session 5 – Graduation Run
Source: Pinoyfitness.com

Now, to the graduation run highlights. Our group had to walk a few minutes to reach the graduation run venue. It was a nice warm up. Upon arrival, we quickly signed the registration list and prepared for our run. Opening remarks were made and a short photo-op for the graduates with family and friends and for the graduates only.

After immortalizing the moment. All participants went straight to the starting arc and waited for the countdown. And we're off! Graduates and participants will be running two laps of 5 kilometers each to complete the 10 kilometer graduation run course.

As stated in the opening remarks earlier, this is the most intimate run as we are only composed of a small group (to my rough estimate, not reaching a hundred people, maybe 60 to 70 headcount). It was indeed intimate. The place was peaceful and gave everyone a chance to really enjoy the run at our own pace. I had the chance to run with my office mates who were guest runners as well. Completing the course with them made me appreciate their company even more. It's different when we are together at work. Yesterday morning was different, we were just friends who enjoy the same passion and got the chance to do this together. The experience was rewarding.

To immortalize our run together (I was the designated photographer for the first five kilometers), I took a group picture of them on every kilometer marker. We even had a group picture at the dinosaur statues near the starting line. Here are those pictures:

Not to be outdone, on the second lap, it was my turn to get immortalized on the 6th, 7th and 8th (repeated 1st, 2nd and 3rd) kilometer markers:

We were not able to took photos for the 9th (4th) kilometer markers as we felt that we already spent more time running and it was about time to finish the race and enjoy the post-race event. We even had a light moment and joked with each other when we passed an area where bicycles can be rented. It was like "duathlon mode" feeling.

After roughly 1:35:xx of running (I forgot to turn on my GPS, lesson learned), we were able to finish our 10 kilometer course injury free, fulfilled and happy. Upon completion graduates and guests get complimentary loot bags composed of the following - two string bags from GNC and Gatorade, GNC loot bag contained the following: GNC Cotton Shirt, a swim, bike run sticker and GNC Towel while Gatorade loot bag contained: Gatorade Lanyard and Gatorade towel.

Then, attendees shared a light breakfast prepared by the organizers. sliced watermelon, apples and carrots, mini sandwiches and cheese crackers, plus, iced fruit candies in the icebox. The food prepared was outstanding. A perfect ending to a sweet beginning. Not to mention, lots and lots of Gatorade for all! Some of the best things in life are still free and there are those that money cannot buy, like this experience :)

Photo from Wheng Ison

Photo from Wheng Ison

 

Photo from Efren Martinez

When the last runners crossed the finish line, it was time to conclude the event by presenting the certificates of the graduates. I had two friends and training partners from HyperSports Philippines, Inc., Cathy and John Paul who were graduates of the class. I did not have a good angle of the shot for both, my apologies.

After the awarding of the certificates, it was time to put the event to a close. At that point in time, all attendees were already good to go, but wait a few more bottles of Gatorade to give away isn't bad as well. The event ended but the memories will forever be in our hearts.

Here is a picture of my office mates who joined in as guest runners:

Of course, it would not be complete if the HyperFriends don't get a group picture wouldn't it?

Photo from Wheng Ison

 

Photo from Wheng Ison

Thank you Mizuno. Thank you Gatorade and GNC for your generosity. Thank you for the invitation, to our host, John Paul Lipardo.

Regent Fun Run 2012

August 12, 2012
Accomplices: John Paul Reginald Pabalate, Ronnel Castillo Sunga, Kelyn Ascaño Das (the birthday girl)
Venue: Bonifacio Global City

"Thought I'd be dead in the end.

But it was the other way around.

I felt even more alive."

I was afraid that this event might be postponed because of the recent heavy rains and flash floods experienced around Metro Manila and nearby cities. A major announcement and a notification from a friend ensured me that I will have a fun run on August 12, 2012.

Weather for this pas week improved. Announcement that event takes place rain or shine made me look forward to running again after not having any for almost two weeks (for a runner, that is too long). Other major races cancelled their scheduled events leaving Regent Fun Run 2012 the last event standing! To make things more in line with the recent calamity, the event featured a drop off tent wherein participants and spectators can bring their old stuff ad donate directly to Red Cross.

This event was anticipated as this is the first time Regent will be organizing a fun run for their 24th anniversary (probably a beta-test for the 25th anniversary fun run) and in my standards, this was successful.

Let me point out why:

Freebies - How often do we receive a pre-race loot? Registered runners were given a Regent Saver's Pack upon registration (see contents here) and upon finishing your category, you will receive yet another loot bag (see contents here) plus a medal and a finisher shirt (for 16k runners only)

Marshal/Photographers - Need I say more? Check out the Facebook Fan Pages of Running Photographers, TAKBO.PH, Leadpack, Grupong Pagong Runners, Sigue Correr Runners, VVLF Runners and pinoyfitness.com; looks like our marshals took some "happy pills" before the event, they were as lively as ever

Cause - this run is for the benefit of Red Cross and with the recent calamity, it just made this event more timely than ever

Hydration - abundant water and Gatorade for the 16k runners plus pineapple pie (replacing the traditional banana) at the 10k turn

Baggage Counter - service was good, I have not heard any complains as of this writing, have to check on that in the forums though

What was missing is the trash bins where runners are supposed to dump their used plastic cups after drinking. This is one item that needs to be addressed moving forward to be more successful.

Overall, it was a good race. It was nice to see a lot of my running friends, some are participants while the others were marshal and photographers. This is my first 16k experience (funny though, I have to first taste a couple of half-marathons before this) and it turned out to be okay. Now I realized I had to be  more prepared for the next half-marathons I will be joining. Good thing I have enough time for that.

Here are some pictures of me in action courtesy of running friends:

Starting Line Photo by Pinoy Fitness

At the 7th km. Photo by Running Photographers/Yani C

At the 7th km. Photo by Spongebob Runner

Walking towards the 10th km. Photo by Xtian Sunga

Last turn and few hundred meters photo by Yani C

Last few hundred meters photo by Kelyn Das

Last few hundred meters photo by Kelyn Das 

Last few hundred meters (almost there!) photo by

John Paul Reginald Pabalate

And here are some post-race pictures of me enjoying the event:

Proud finisher photo by John Paul Reginald Pabalate

With Mr. RUNtarantantan Bearwin Meiley :)

When everybody else left, I fooled around at the stage pretending to be the host for the event, photo by John Paul Reginald Pabalate

The reward when you finish a long distance category:

Bragging Rights! A finisher shirt and medal should say a lot :)

See you on future races guys! Remember, don't forget to say "Hi" when we meet at the road. Happy training and don't stop running!

XTERRA Pang Rave Trail Run 2012

February 26, 2012

Accomplice: John Paul Lipardo

Venue: Timberland Heights, San Mateo, Rizal

Pagkatapos ng Session 6, nagpahinga lang kami sandali ni John Paul at maagang bumangon para sa XTERRA Pang Rave Trail Run 2012. Kailangan naming makabalik sa Market!Market! bago mag 3:00am dahil ang binayaran namin na roundtrip fare sa service ay aalis ng 3:00am at 3:30am (dalawang bus at first come, first serve ang set-up kaya kailangan na mauna, sa bus na lang kami matutulog habang nasa biyahe).

Narito ang paunang kuha habang nasa bus, ang aming ticket at ang aking race bib, sabay banat ng tulog:

Sandali lang ang aming naging biyahe. Wala pang isang oras ay nasa  Timberland Heights na kami. Sa madaling, sabi, maaga kaming nakapaglibot at maraming photo-op habang hinihintay ang iba pang mga kalahok. Nalaman din namin na naurong ang aming guntime mula 6:00am sa 6:30am. Maaga kaming nakarating sa venue, mga 4:00am ay nandoon na kami kaagad. Habang naghihintay, nag-picture-taking na muna kami. Narito ang ilan:

Pagkatapos naman ay dumaan kami sa booth ng isa sa mga sponsors, Alaska! May free sampling ng mga chocolate at milk drink. May free coffee din at ang official creamer ng umagang iyon ay Krem-Top. May libreng pan de sal din na may palaman na consensed milk, siyempre Alaska! :)

Pagkatapos ng quick breakfast, pasyal pa ulit sa venue. Naligaw kami sa sponsor booth ng Vaseline. Dahil kami lang ang tao sa booth, madali kaming naka-experience ng product sampling ng facial wash at toner, may libreng hand massage pa! Narito ang mga larawan ng nabanggit:

Pagkatapos ng special treatment, sightseeing naman bago magsimula ang race proper. Narito ang ilan sa mga nice view sa Timberland Heights:

Ilang sandali pa, race proper na! Narito ang ilang mga kuha mula sa starting line hanggang sa ilang stages ng aking trail run. Masaya ako at nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na maka-experience at nakalahok sa isang event na katulad nito. Iba talaga kapag nature-tripping, feeling ko lang ay nag-dayhike ako :)

Pagkalipas ng isang oras (o mahigit pa), ako ay nakatawid sa finish line. Masaya ako dahil ito ang aking unang trail run at hinding-hindi ko ito makakalimutan! Ang sarap ng pakiramdam kapag may sinimulan ka at natapos mo ito. Maraming salamat sa mga organizer at sponsors. Isa na namang hindi makakalimutan na event.

Ang aking official time:
Bib Number: 1611
Category: 5k
Time: 1:06:43
 
Running for love ♥