“I see this partnership with Let’s Save The Brain Foundation as life-changing. It is a mission where we are called warriors, as stewards. We use our time, talent and treasure, and we are all-in in this partnership.”
These were the words reiterated by Mr. Dan Pascual, the Co-Founder of the Filipino Development Programs Incorporated (FDP Inc.) in an interview with The Film Dream.
FDP Inc through The Film Dream and SD2 Studios in collaboration with Maxweb are all committed to tell inspiring stories and encourage people to support Let’s Save The Brain Foundation (LSTB) in its vision of providing accessible neurological healthcare to every Filipino.
After the successful re-launch of LSTB last February 25, we couldn’t help but wonder how it all started and where the campaign is going in the next few years. There are a lot of projects in the pipeline, but one thing is for sure, this partnership will last forever– to help change and save lives.
How It All Began
The partnership started last year through Maxweb Inc., represented by Michiko Gargollo. She coordinated with The Film Dream to develop content, based on some digital initiatives. The Film Dream is the one who is supposed to be doing the content with them based on the given marketing directions and other components of the campaign until they realized the different needs of LSTB.
“With the realization of the different needs of LSTB, we are now also involved in the other components of the marketing communication campaign. That's why FDP Inc is now involved. But for The Film Dream, we will be supporting this partnership by telling inspiring stories that will support the initiatives and advocacy of LSTB,” Mr. Dan Pascual shared.
“We believe in the advocacy of LSTB. We want to create programs that will help in the holistic development of a person, especially the Filipinos. We believe that it starts with one’s self– body, mind, soul, spirit and heart. And once you’re developed, you can also give to others. You can now contribute to the development of others. And that will now be family and community building. And if that happens, it now leads to the development of our country. In our own little way, we wanted to do that through FDPI. When that advocacy came, there’s no hesitation that yes, we will do this. ” Pascual junctured.
In addition, Mr. Pascual highlighted that he really believes with what Let’s Save The Brain Foundation wants to accomplish.
“The brain is everything, it controls everything. And when you say development, it contributes to the health and wellness, the well-being, all of the faculties. Without the brain, we are nothing. Upon the discovery of neuroscience and all these related sciences that are connected with the development, it’s really a big yes to this partnership,” Pascual added.
Life-Changing Partnership
Mr. Dan Pascual shared an anecdote when they had an ocular visit to the Philippine General Hospital, a week before the LTSB Corporate Ad and AVP shoot.
“When I saw baby Smiley, a baby diagnosed with hydrocephalus, together with her mother, I really felt the environment, the energy there. We felt blessed to have this platform, to be in the communications industry. And that made me think to commit more, that whatever happens, I am in this for the long haul, until my last breath.”
“The patients are really in need of our help, not just financially but also post surgery. How can we be part of their story where they could say they’ve had success? Patients like them, when they grow up, how can we help them to succeed in life? We want to be there for them.”
During the early stages of the pre production for the Let’s Save The Brain Foundation campaign, Mr. Dan Pascual said that the faces he saw in PGH sparked his creative energy.
“Even now at 45, it’s something that I see doing even when I'm older and grayer. Until my last breath, I want to use communication for good. This is a great partnership to reach out not just to hundreds of thousands, but to millions of Filipinos who need our assistance and help.”
True enough, when we work, it is really a calling.
Purpose-Driven
Your one-peso can pay for three-minutes of a ventilator. Yes, you read it right. There’s no small or big amount of donation. Once we extend a helping hand, we are able to save lives and allow them to dream again. That is the very reason why our collective effort can have a macro effect to change lives.
Mr. Dan Pascual fondly recalled what Dr. Lourdes Ledesma said during one of their meetings.
“Sabi nga ni Doc Wally, for life ang partnership. So as long as LSTB wants to partner with us, then we are committed to this partnership. We are always open to long term and sustainable partnership.”
He also shared that working with LSTB is fulfilling and full of joy especially with its President, Dr. Godfrey Robeniol, and the Founder, Dr. Lourdes Ledesma who are very much hospitable, humble, and open to ideas.
“If you’re into advertising, they’re like the ideal client. Very open to ideas, very humble. I'm sure they have a lot of contacts, more established than FDPI but they gave us an opportunity. They listened to what we have to say, and they are very supportive of the projects.”
“It’s a very enjoyable and fulfilling experience that you wanna do more projects with them. It enhances your commitment. And this is a purpose-driven experience, a gift from above.”
Let’s Save The Brain, Now!
After the new campaign materials were released on February 25, according to Dr. Wally Ledesma, someone pledged a huge amount to help support the beneficiaries of LSTB.
“For me, it’s about blessing from above. If you ask blessings from above, they will multiply and will have that impact.”
Imagine, what more if we continuously support this very meaningful cause. We are not only saving lives one brain at a time, we are changing their lives forever.
“When Filipinos work together and be united, we can do a lot of great things. And much more for LSTB, we could help save more lives through our work. And help patients dream again. If you want to have a better Philippines, we have to start somewhere and we have to do our own little way. In our own little way, we could do a lot of things,” Mr. Pascual said.
Looking Forward
“I really want to use communication, marketing and other connecting disciplines. It leads me to different projects. How about a book? An e-book, a web series,or a film. There’s a lot in the pipeline. Different multimedia projects in the pipeline. LSTB is very positive and enthusiastic about those projects so let’s do it. I can feel the synergy and collaborative energy.”
The partnership between FDP Inc. and LSTB is truly life changing. And what makes it even more fulfilling is they have remained true to their mission of saving and changing lives.
Here’s to more stories of ordinary Filipinos who become heroes and heroes working together.
To donate, visit letssavethebrain.org or contact (02) 8635 6190