Tunay na Yaman Public Visual Exhibit Honoring the West Philippine Sea

ANGKIN PH, a non-partisan social movement, recently hosted an immersive public exhibit at Level 4 of Trinoma, paying tribute to the West Philippine Sea. Held July 27-28, the eye-opening display captivated visitors by highlighting the West Philippine Sea's crucial role in shaping our national identity and the importance of protecting our natural resources.

"'Tunay na Yaman' is more than just an exhibit; it is a call to action. By honoring the West Philippine Sea through this artistic and educational journey, we aim to inspire a collective effort to protect and cherish this true treasure. We hope the exhibit will leave visitors with a profound sense of pride in their natural heritage and a renewed commitment to preserving the West Philippine Sea for future generations," said Frankie Torres, ANGKIN representative.

Established in November 2023, ANGKIN collaborated with its public partner, the Philippine Navy Reserve and local advocacy groups to promote a collective and peaceful effort to protect the West Philippine Sea. This initiative raises awareness for vulnerable coastal areas and advocates for energy and resource autonomy while fostering discussions on the Philippines' benefits from the sea.

As part of the commemoration, the event dives deeply into the West Philippine Sea's potential as a source of energy independence, its role in sustaining marine biodiversity, and its impact on the livelihoods of countless Filipino fishermen and their families. The photos, videos, and other artworks presented gave the audience a closer look into the West Philippine Sea’s economic and ecological importance, and the challenges faced by local communities.

One of ANGKIN's showstopper displays is the short documentary "Presyo, Pamasahe, Pamumuhay," which sheds light on the struggles of jeepney drivers, illustrating how ongoing conflicts in the West Philippine Sea impact fuel prices and other essential expenses. With more than 6.1 million views in social media, this documentary has inspired many Filipinos to voice our sovereignty and protect our resources. Watch it on ANGKIN's Facebook page.

Aside from the documentary, COMMANDER LADY CHATTERLY ALVARO-SUMBELING, PHILIPPINE NAVY (PN) highlights ANGKIN’s role in raising awareness about the West Philippine Sea. “We need these kinds of organizations na magsalita or mag spread ng awareness about our West Philippine Sea,” she said. 

“We want as much organizations such as Angkin to spread awareness, to help the Filipino people be more aware kung ano po ang nangyayari. At the same time, makapag provide po tayo ng support para sa ating mga authorities na nandoroon,” Commander Alvaro-Sumbeling, PN added.

The Philippine Navy has released a song titled "WPS Akin Ka" performed by COMMANDER LADY CHATTERLY ALVARO-SUMBELING, PN. The song was released on YouTube and was performed at the event. COMMANDER ALVARO-SUMBELING PN, shared her creative process, revealing how tapping into her most profound emotions fueled her songwriting. 

The public also participated in engaging activities, including an educational gallery, a photo booth, a pledge wall, and informative segments featuring talks on the importance of the West Philippine Sea. Audiences witnessed presentations that educated them about the West Philippine Sea’s pivotal role in our ecosystem, national sovereignty, resource independence, and economic growth. The educational display gave a deeper understanding of the urgent need to protect this natural treasure from various threats.

Visitors engage with Angkin's informative exhibit, learning about key historical events that have shaped the West Philippine Sea dispute.

Participants pledge their support for the West Philippine Sea at Angkin's interactive pledge wall, demonstrating their commitment to protecting our maritime sovereignty.

In addition to participating in events like ASEAN Clean Energy Week and RunRio’s “Takbo Para sa WPS” fun run, ANGKIN has also made a tangible impact through outreach efforts. With support from the local government unit in Masbate, ANGKIN provided essential relief goods to 100 fishermen and their families, demonstrating its commitment to supporting communities while promoting sovereignty over Philippine natural resources. 

             

L-R: YN3 Daine Ann Meriel PN(Res), CDR LADY CHATTERLY ALVARO-SUMBELING PN,  Frankie Torres, ANGKIN representative; and EA1 Kirby Paredes Rioja PN(Res) stand proud of their collective commitment to raising awareness about the West Philippine Sea and advocating for national sovereignty.

Angkin PH thanks the public who joined the captivating visual gallery event dedicated to the West Philippine Sea. To know more and get fresh updates about the West Philippine Sea, please visit Angkin.org.

Skyrocket Studios Inc., Asia's marketing technology agency, is the creative force behind Angkin.org.

 

Prepping for School in 2024

Our kids are both going to school now. One is an incoming college student and the other is a nursery student. The age gap is amazing, I know. 

The budget allotted for things outside the tuition fee is mind blowing. This is something that a lot of parents need to remember. After all, any seasoned Mom or Dad knows that miscellaneous fees are more expensive than tuition fees. 

• Uniforms 
• Bags 
• Lunch Box 
• Thermal flask 
• Weekly Allowance
• Transportation or School Bus 
• Food for Baon 
• Projects 
• Costumes 
• School Parties 
• Gifts for Classmate's Birthday 
• Teachers Week 

There will be more things that need to be paid and it can be overwhelming. I sometimes wonder where I will get the money for it, but God has been so good in providing for our needs. When I was a single Mom, I was able to provide for B and now that I have a husband, I know that things will be better in providing for both B and K.

Today was K's first official school day. M took a leave of absence so that he could be there on K's first day. It may not mean anything to K for now but in the future, it will matter. 

To me, it mattered a lot because my own Dad was never there. I think the only times he was in attendance in my school was for my high school graduation and my college graduation. Two times in 18 years that I was in school.

Thank you, Lord for the gift of a complete family for my kids. 

Sadly, no photo with our college one because he needs to learn independence and I think it'll be weird if we bring him to school and send him off when he's already a freshman. Haha. 

Radiant Photo PH Launched at Ayala Museum last July 20

Radiant Photo, the latest photo and video editing software innovation, launched in the Philippines on July 20 at the Ayala Museum. This event unveiled Radiant Photo’s advanced features and unique tools to media, dealers, and photography enthusiasts.

Launch Event Highlights

The day began with a media and dealer roundtable, offering a unique opportunity to interact directly with the Radiant Photo team. In the afternoon, the consumer launch featured free workshops, photo contests, portfolio reviews, and interactive touch-and-try areas, showcasing Radiant Photo’s capabilities.

“Radiant Photo is here to transform the tedious editing process into an efficient, enjoyable experience,” said Elia Locardi, founder of Radiant Photo and renowned landscape photographer. “Our software offers unmatched customization and quality, ensuring photographers can easily achieve their vision.”

Key Features and Pricing

Radiant Photo was developed by photographers for photographers, providing high-quality, fair-priced software without gimmicks. Radiant Photo analyzes each image upon opening and immediately shows an enhanced version of the photo. However, you have full manual control. Even more, users can customize their Smart Presets to ensure that each photo retains the user’s personal touch while being enhanced efficiently. 

“What makes Radiant Photo special is its ability to easily bring out the natural colors and life-like details in a photo,” Locardi added. “We’ve created a tool that not only enhances photos but does so in a way that feels completely personal and authentic.”

The software is available for $49 per year, including access to the application and plugins, integrating seamlessly with popular editing software like Adobe Lightroom Classic and Photoshop. Each purchase is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring complete customer satisfaction.

Data-Driven Insights

Radiant Photo’s unique technology leverages advanced AI to provide scene detection and per-pixel analysis, resulting in images that are perfectly exposed and vibrant. Users can enjoy three distinct modes: Quick Edit, Detailed Edit, and Color Grade, each designed to cater to different editing needs and skill levels.

Press Release Summary

• Event: Radiant Photo Launch in the Philippines

• Date: July 20, 2024

• Venue: Ayala Museum, Makati City

• Morning Session: Media and Dealer roundtable

• Afternoon Session: Consumer launch with workshops, contests, and more

• Features: Personalized AI Presets, photographer-run company, three editing modes

• Pricing: $49 per year with a 30-day money-back guarantee

• Brand Ambassadors: Featuring renowned photographers and Radiant Photo ambassadors leading workshops and activities :

• Elia Locardi (Founder)

• Cris Magsino

• Erwin Lim

• Jeremy Sandel

• Omell Cruz

• Jay Jallorina

• John Kimwell Laluma

• Ricky Ladia

• Jojie Alcantara

• Rhonson Ng

• Arlene Donaire

• Raymond Tanhueco

• Co-Presenter This event was co-presented by Ayala Foundation and Summit Creative, and in addition to the Radiant Photo ambassadors, Summit Creative's ambassadors including Celine Murillo, Dennis Murillo, Jo Serrano, and Jack Ponpon also participated.

Summit Creative provides the ultimate camera bag and carry solution system for creators and adventurers. Their design features versatility and maximum protection for equipment while maintaining a comfortable and well-balanced aesthetic in its multi-use form factor.  Explore Beyond Limits with Summit Creative.

• In collaboration with esteemed partners and sponsors, contributing to the success of the launch: Fujifilm Philippines, Zone V Camera Club, ProArt by Asus Philippines, Quantum Matrix Design, SanDisk, WACOM, LaCie, Nanlite, Sirui, Manfrotto, Sigma, Samyang, EcoFlow Philippines by ENABLED, Nanlite, and Big Pix Graphics Systems.

 

Struggling to Grieve

Last May 31, 2024, my Mom died. 

It's been almost two months now and I still haven't properly grieved. I thought I was okay but apparently, I was just being delusional in this. 

I was in denial. 

I didn't realize you can be in denial even when something is right in front of your face. After all, I saw my Mom when she was gone. I touched her. I hugged her. I held her icy cold hands in my hand. I even kissed her forehead. 

I was there when she was taken out of the house. I was there when she was being prepped for cremation. I saw her body go inside the crematorium and I held her ashes in a ziploc bag when it was still hot. 

I have her ashes in locket on my neck and apparently, with all these, I am still in denial. 

This is the question in my head now. 

Why is it so hard for me? I already know for a fact that she is no longer here. Logically, I know that she is gone. Emotionally and mentally, it's a whole different ballgame. 

Sometimes, I find myself crying but the moment I realize that I am, I stop myself because I feel like there's other things that I need to do. I don't think I have spent more than 10 minutes of non-stop crying.

I just can't seem to do it. 

Maybe I'll just wait for that one thing that will make me snap. 

I know it's unhealthy but I really just don't know what to do. 

I need help.

Filipino Home Cooks Shine at Emborg Cheesarap Cook-off

Emborg, the number one brand for chilled cheese in the Philippines, celebrated Filipino home cooks at the Emborg Cheesarap Cook-off Challenge, held at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City on 13th July. The event highlighted Emborg’s support for local culinary talent and its commitment to providing a diverse selection of high-quality dairy products from Europe transforming Filipino meals into a joyful celebration of flavors and togetherness. 

“The Philippines has a rich culinary history, and many of our home cooks have created wonderful versions of beloved classics. We hope that through the Emborg Cheesarap Cook-off Challenge, we can encourage everyone to ignite their passion, get inspired, and fall in love with cooking all over again,” says Gerson Garcia, Emborg’s country manager in the Philippines.

Emborg celebrates Filipino culinary ingenuity

Emborg challenged Filipino home cooks to showcase their most unique and original Filipino culinary creations on social media using Emborg Shredded Cheeses. Thirty winners were chosen each week in June and awarded cash prizes. Each week's three best home cooks were selected to compete live at the Emborg Cheesarap Cook-off Challenge.

Twelve passionate cooks from diverse regions across the Philippines, including Batangas, Bulacan, Rizal, Sorsogon, Laguna, Marikina, and Parañaque, competed in three teams, each guided by a distinguished mentor: renowned food creators Jujumao, Abi Marquez, and Foodie Fred. Under the expert guidance of these mentors, the teams showcased their creativity and skills by crafting various everyday Filipino dishes. They elevated the flavors and excitement of their creations using Emborg’s high-quality dairy products, spanning across a wide variety of cheeses, creams, butter, milk and fresh frozen fruits and vegetables.

The competition consisted of three rounds, each focusing on a specific course: appetizers, main course, and dessert. Esteemed judges included Erwan Heussaff, a renowned food content creator and creative director of FEATR; Nik Michael Imran, a Malaysian-Australian culinary icon known from MasterChef Malaysia; and Hans Madlos, a Filipino food scientist and culinary innovator with over a decade of industry experience.

Cooking live on stage before a large audience was challenging enough, but the teams faced an extra test with each round's Mystery Box. This further tested teams' creativity and skills as the mystery box contained a mix of surprise ingredients and Emborg products. The home cooks had to quickly craft delicious dishes from these ingredients, aiming to impress the judges on taste, originality, presentation, and teamwork.

In the appetizers round the teams prepared two dishes: baked tahong and Pinoy nachos. The home cooks used a variety of Emborg Shredded Cheeses, including Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and 3 Cheese Bake, to enhance both dishes. The cheeses contributed with own unique qualities to the dishes such as depth, saltiness, meltiness, stretchiness, sharp flavor, and creaminess. In a stroke of creativity, teams added Emborg Black Lumpia Fish Caviar to the Baked Tahong, elevating it to a more gourmet level.

The challenge continued with teams preparing their unique versions of caldereta - Baked Lasagna version, Baked Spaghetti and Penne versions for the main course. The home cooks used a selection of Emborg shredded cheeses, cooking cream, milk, and butter. The dairy products worked together to create a smooth, creamy texture and a balanced flavor profile that enhanced the richness of caldereta.

Lastly, in the dessert round, the teams created traditional mango refrigerated cakes using Emborg Cream Cheese, Whipping Cream, and Mascarpone. Emborg’s products gave the dish volume, stability, and a richer flavor.

Emborg Cheesarap Cook-off Challenge culminated with Team Jujumao as the grand champion. Team Abi was awarded first runner-up, while Team Fred was second runner-up. Foodie Fred was also given the Best Mentor award.

Members of Team Jujumao received coffee machines worth P11,800 and a bundle of Emborg products worth P5,000. Meanwhile, the members of Teams Abi and Fred received air fryers worth P6,500 and a bundle of Emborg products worth P5,000. 

Emborg inspires Filipinos to find joy in home cooking

Emborg Cheesarap Cook-off challenge underscored the joy and creativity of home cooking, making it a memorable celebration of Filipino culinary traditions. Besides watching teams test their creativity in the kitchen, the audience enjoyed interactive activities that added to the day’s excitement. Emborg offered visitors free samples of various cheeses, helping Filipinos explore the vast world of cheese beyond of well known Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Parmesan, and bringing these diverse flavors to their tables.

The cook-off challenge reflects Emborg’s commitment to providing quality European dairy products to Filipinos. It also highlights the brand’s mission to inspire everyone to transform their everyday Filipino ulam dishes into mouthwatering creations for family and friends, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines. 

For more information, please visit https://www.emborg.com/ph/. 

How to Choose the Right Wholesale Soap for Your Business

Selecting the perfect wholesale soap for your business can be daunting, but it’s crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and driving sales. With countless options available, making the right choice requires careful consideration. This guide will walk you through key factors to remember when choosing a wholesale soap supplier, ensuring you stock high-quality products that meet your customers’ needs and enhance your brand's reputation. Let's explore the essential steps to help you make an informed decision.

About Soap Sales Business

Soap is one of the bath items that many people use every day. That is why a soap business can be a promising investment. Soap sales can depend on several factors, including market, quality, demand, etc.

But since soap is a staple product, there will always be demand for it. We just have to make sure that the quality and price match the market demand. The profit margins of a soap business can vary widely.

You can expect a margin of 50%-80% but it can be more than that too. Factors to consider include branding, marketing, cost management, quality of ingredients, and pricing. Although this business is promising, you must make sure to choose the right supplier to ensure successful sales.

How to Choose Wholesale Soap Supplier?

To achieve soap business success, you need to choose the right soap wholesale supplier. To avoid choosing the wrong business partner, consider the following points:

1. Check About Supplier Credibility

For you to get professional services and quality products, make sure you choose a credible supplier. Not all of them can be relied on, you need to choose suppliers based on certain documents. The point is that you have to make sure the business is legal with the availability of business licenses, certificates, and so on.

You can also find out about a supplier's credibility from online reviews. If there are a lot of negative reviews, then the supplier may not be worthy of your choice. It would be better if they provided a guarantee both in terms of quality and delivery.

Verification like this may be a tricky thing, but you must run your business with peace of mind. Make sure the wholesale soaps you choose have a good reputation for the success of your company.

2. Choose The One That Suits Your Business Needs

Ordering soap products from suppliers usually comes with a minimum order requirement. Try to ask about this beforehand, including asking about maximum orders if there are any. Business is all about speed of supply, so make sure orders don't arrive late.

Another customization could be private labeling, the supplier may provide such services that you can utilize to be more efficient. Make sure the supplier can customize various aspects of the products to your needs.

3. Find Out The Specifications Of Your Wholesale Soap Products

One important step is understanding the specifications of your wholesale soap products. Many consumers avoid allergens and certain ingredients like parabens and SLS. It’s essential to thoroughly investigate the ingredients and production methods of the soaps you intend to sell. Fragrance components, in particular, can often be undisclosed by suppliers, so make sure to ask detailed questions. As a professional business owner, being meticulous about the ingredients will help you maintain a high standard for your products.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the best supplier, ensuring your business runs smoothly and professionally. Remember, continual innovation and staying attuned to market trends are key to keeping your business relevant and successful. 

SHEIN Takes Centre Stage at One Ayala Mall

SHEIN, the global online fashion and lifestyle retailer, is excited to announce its latest pop-up event at One Ayala Mall, Makati. Kicking off on July 16 through July 21, this event promises to bring an immersive and exhilarating shopping experience to fashion enthusiasts in the Philippines.

With various size-inclusive apparel and accessories refreshed hourly, customers will surely find something to their liking. Make-up fans can rejoice as best-selling SHEGLAM products will be made available for testing in an exclusive Beauty & Home Showcase. Home and Living items such as home storage goods and decorative pieces will also be displayed, offering inspiration for customers looking to spruce up their living spaces. All displayed products from the showcase can be purchased online by scanning a QR code on the product tag. 

Customers can look forward to receiving free gifts by RSVP-ing their attendance at https://bit.ly/SHEINpopupPH, participating in surveys, and sharing their SHEIN pop-up experience on social media.  

"We are thrilled to bring our trendy and fashion-forward styles to the Philippines once again," said a SHEIN spokesperson. "Having had several successful pop-ups in the Philippines, we aim to continue to engage with our Filipino customers. What SHEIN offers is designed to align with our Filipino customers’ preferences, as we continue to provide the best in fashion and lifestyle products at affordable prices. We look forward to seeing everyone at One Ayala Mall and making this event a memorable one."

Date: Tuesday, 16 July 2024, - Sunday, 21 July 2024

Venue: One Ayala Mall

Hashtag: #SHEINtakesPH 

Always Incredible AI: ASUS Philippines Officially Launches ASUS Vivobook S 15, its First Copilot+ PC

Experience Next-Gen AI with the first-ever ASUS Copilot+ PC in the country, packed with incredible AI power and portability!

 

ASUS Philippines has launched a new era in AI-powered computing with the debut of the ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507). Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, the device is the company’s first Copilot+ PC, with Windows AI features and a collection of exclusive ASUS AI apps. 

ASUS Philippines Business Development Manager Harrison Cheng shares, “As leaders of innovation, we are excited to introduce to our Filipino audience our first Copilot+ PC, the ASUS Vivobook S 15, designed in collaboration with Qualcomm and Microsoft. This AI PC aims to take users' lives to the next level, making them more secure, efficient, and personalized. AI connects users to endless possibilities, opening a new incredible way to work, study, play, and create, ultimately giving back valuable personal time to its users.”

The Vivobook S 15 is equipped with the efficient power and built-in AI engine of the Snapdragon X Elite Platform. Users can also enjoy incredible performance and efficiency as a result of the custom-integrated Qualcomm Oryon CPU. With up to 18 hours of battery life, enjoy uninterrupted productivity. It has a stunning 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display, Harman Kardon-certified audio, and a sleek 14.7 mm-thin, 1.42 kg-light body, so it's built for effortless mobility.

The Vivobook S 15 is backed up with the ASUS 4A Quality & Service – a two-year international warranty, a free Office Home & Student 2021 lifetime license, and a one-year Microsoft 365 Basic subscription.

All-new next-gen AI experience

Packed with the latest Windows AI tools and powered by the Snapdragon X Elite with built-in Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, the Vivobook S 15 boasts a 45 TOPS Neural engine for swift on-device AI processing. An ultrafast 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD and 16 GB of 8448 MHz LPDDR5X RAM are included for ample storage and memory.

Next-gen AI-powered enhancements include Windows Studio Effects and an ASUS AiSense IR camera. The camera's presence-detection capabilities enable Adaptive Dimming, which dims the screen when the user looks away, and Adaptive Lock, which locks the laptop when the user moves away and unlocks it upon return. The Vivobook S 15 is the first device to feature the exclusive AI app StoryCube, which uses AI to sort, edit, manage, and export digital assets.

Additional features include Windows Studio Effects for enhanced lighting and noise removal during video calls, Live Captions for real-time subtitles, and Cocreator to transform sketches into finished artwork. These technologies enhance security, privacy, and creativity.

By leveraging these advanced AI capabilities, the Vivobook S 15 not only enhances productivity and efficiency but also frees up valuable personal time. The AI-driven features streamline tasks and automate mundane activities, allowing users to focus on what truly matters to them, ensuring personal time is reclaimed and maximized.

Incredible AI on-the-go

Built for effortless portability, the Vivobook S 15 features a 14.7 mm ultra-slim and 1.42 kg all-metal design, blending minimalist aesthetics with strength and stability. The CNC-engraved logo adds a touch of class, while the 70 Wh battery provides up to 18 hours of productivity or entertainment, support for fast charging, and ASUS USB-C Easy Charge.

The premium styling includes a single-zone RGB backlit keyboard for personalized styles and a dedicated Copilot key for instant access to Windows AI tools. The large, smart touchpad offers effortless navigation and intuitive control for various tasks, enhancing the user experience.

Seamless connectivity

Equipped with a comprehensive set of I/O ports, the Vivobook S 15 ensures seamless on-the-go connectivity. It includes two USB4 Type-C ports supporting fast charging, 4K displays, and up to 40 Gbps data transfers, plus two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a microSD card reader, and an audio combo jack.

With WiFi 7 enabled by the Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 system, the Vivobook S 15 delivers speeds up to 5.8 Gbps, outpacing WiFi 6 by 4.8 times. This ensures seamless streaming, effortless multitasking, and lightning-fast downloads.

Stunning audiovisuals

The Vivobook S 15 offers a premium audiovisual experience with a 15.6-inch 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display, providing vivid, true-to-life color, refined highlights, and extraordinary shadow detail. This display features an 89% screen-to-body ratio, 0.2 ms response time, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 certification. It also includes TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue-light levels for eye care and the ASUS OLED Care system to reduce burn-in risk. Complementing the display is a Harman Kardon-certified audio system with immersive Dolby Atmos sound.

Availability

The all-new ASUS Vivobook S 15 retails for PHP 84,995. Buy one today until August 15, 2024, to score fantastic bundles through the ASUS Cool for School Promo. Buyers can also avail of Home Credit’s 0% interest financing for up to 12 months. Visit the nearest store and experience next-level AI computing by ASUS.

 

Model	Specifications	SRP
Vivobook S 15 S5507QA-MA032WSM	Snapdragon X Elite X1E 78 100 Processor 3.4GHz / 3K (2880 x 1620) OLED 16:9 aspect ratio / 16GB LPDDR5X on board / 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD / Qualcomm Adreno GPU / Qualcomm Hexagon NPU 45 TOPS / Windows 11 Home / Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 + Microsoft 365 Basic One-Year Subscription / Cool Silver	PHP 84,995.00