Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, invites moms and soon-to-be-parents to sign up for the Mom’s Club Special, its first member-exclusive webinar, this August 16, 10:00 AM to 12:00 NN. Attendees can gain insights on parenting from fellow moms and subject matter experts, win exciting prizes, and get a preview of the member-exclusive deals on Shopee Mom’s Club.
Shopee Mom’s Club Special: In-depth talks by mommy influencers and parenting experts
Motherhood can be pegged as one of the most demanding jobs in the world, and it doesn’t come with a how-to manual. The pandemic has added to the existing challenges parents already face, with heightened concerns and fears over managing child care, coping with the changing landscape, and meeting work responsibilities. Shopee caters to the evolving needs of mothers through Shopee Mom’s Club, where members enjoy one-stop access to top global brands for baby products, as well as exclusive parenting content from mothers and experts on Shopee.
At the Shopee Mom’s Club Special, attendees can tune in to a wide range of discussions covering a variety of parenting stages:
How to #PowerUp Your Growing Baby’s Skin by Mommy Ara Tumuran, Host and Digital Content Creator
Providing the Proper Nutrition for Your Child by Mommy Christine Reambillio, Lactum 3+ and 6+ Senior Product Manager
Power Parent Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep for Mommy and Baby by Mommy Vanna Reyes, Pampers Mombassador
Breastfeeding in the Time of COVID and Vaccinesby Mommy Abbie Yabot, Certified Lactation Counselor and Parenting Educator
Budgeting Hacks: Using ShopeePay to Make the Most out of Your Monthly Budget by Mommy Sam Llanes, Content Creator, and Livestreamer
Exciting prizes from brand partners
Attendees can also look forward to amazing prizes during games and raffle draws from top parenting brands such as Johnson & Johnson, Lactum, Nursery Van, Pampers, Tiny Buds, Promil, Uni-Care, Huggies, Colgate-Palmolive, GSK, SC Johnson, Kleenfant, Cetaphil, Unilever Beauty, Abbott, Splash Personal Care, and Nestle Nutrition.
Mom’s Club members can register for the webinar via https://shp.ee/a5q6yq7 until August 15. Slots will be confirmed via email on a first-come, first-served basis.
More brands, bigger deals on Shopee Mom’s Club
Starting August 16, Shopee Mom’s Club will offer members exclusive deals up to 60% off from a wider selection of brands that suit their family’s needs, including more health and beauty products and groceries. Users who sign up can enjoy benefits such as a welcome gift, exclusive discounts and vouchers, curated collections, and access to talks from experts and fellow parents on Shopee Momdays on Shopee Live.
PETALING JAYA – ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) signed an agreement with AI and Big Data technology market leader Fusionex to introduce ASEANTA Travel Exchange (ATEX), a comprehensive virtual exhibition and engagement platform, to help facilitate an inclusive business environment and provide greater access to new markets.
The COVID-19 pandemic has wrought unprecedented disruption upon the travel and tourism sector as borders have been closed and large gatherings discouraged. By leveraging ATEX to pivot from physical to virtual, ASEANTA is able to seamlessly improve accessibility, connection, and engagement while removing the restrictions of time and space through virtual exhibitions, webinars, digital marketing campaigns, and more.
H.E. Mr. Thong H.E. Mr. Thong Rathasak, Director General of Tourism Development and International Cooperation of the Ministry of Tourism, Royal Kingdom of Cambodia
“This collaboration between ASEANTA and Fusionex is a historical event – a true ASEAN partnership bringing together the combined resources of ASEAN member states, in both the public and private sector, to take tourism in the region to new levels and to firmly establish ASEAN as one of the most viable and attractive tourist destinations in the world,” said Mr. Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, President of ASEANTA.
Pak Eddy Krismeidi, President of ASEANTA; Head of Indonesia Affairs & Policy Airasia
Powered by Fusionex technologies, ATEX offers a suite of innovative solutions to empower ASEANTA in organizing virtual events while driving meaningful and measurable online interactions. The platform offers an intelligent B2B matchmaking feature that connects local enterprises with global businesses, thereby expanding market reach. Travel and tourism players can also leverage the platform’s global distribution system to conduct secure and uninterrupted business transactions.
The robust platform enables businesses to showcase their offerings via virtual booths, facilitate pitching sessions through live streaming, provide real-time reporting capabilities as well as performance monitoring and measurement features. It also allows enterprises to capitalize on powerful AI-powered digital marketing tools to tailor personalized campaigns. ATEX enables ASEANTA to not only create engaging online events but generate vital business prospects and develop networking opportunities as well in a data-driven way.
Dato Seri Ivan Teh, CEO of Fusionex Group
“As Covid-19 has brought the travel and tourism sector to a halt, ASEANTA has demonstrated its dedication to the industry by embracing digitalization to bring new avenues of progress to pave the way for the future of travel, hospitality, and tourism. We are proud to be joining forces with ASEANTA to introduce ATEX to the region as it will play a crucial role in empowering all industry players to innovate, share, collaborate and do business — helping enterprises to cope with the pandemic and new norm for continued sustainability,” said Fusionex Group CEO Dato’ Seri Ivan Teh.
Nigel Wong, Secretary-General, ASEANTA
About ASEANTA
The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) was formed on 27th March 1971 as a non-profit tourism association comprising 35 members from both public and private tourism sector organizations, such as national travel associations, national hotel associations, airlines, and National Tourism Organizations from ASEAN Countries.
ASEANTA plays an integral role in shaping travel and tourism development within the ASEAN region in line with the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan with the following objectives:
Unite our members in common purpose, working in a close bond of cooperation, fellowship, and assistance in furthering and protecting the interest of our members.
Strive towards the attainment of the highest standards of service and facilities for travelers and tourists.
Uphold the dignity and ethics of the tourism business and strive towards its professionalism.
Foster and maintain the best of relationships among the ASEAN countries and their people.
Encourage, support, and help develop tourism into and within the ASEAN region.
Act as a negotiating body for members of the Association and to make recommendations to government departments or agencies or other bodies in relation to any measure which may be taken involving members and/or the travel industry in ASEAN countries.
Serve on or offer assistance to any government, statutory or International body in connection with tourism matters.
Fusionex is an established multi-award-winning data technology leader specializing in Analytics, Big Data Management, IR 4.0, Internet of Things, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. Its state-of-the-art offerings are focused on helping clients unlock value and derive insights from data.
Featured on Forbes, Bloomberg, Gartner, IDC, Forrester, Edison, and Huffington Post, Fusionex is the largest Big Data Analytics company and market leader in ASEAN, bringing state-of-the-art, innovative, and breakthrough data-driven platforms to its stable of clientele (including Fortune 500, FTSE companies, large conglomerates, as well as a wide array of small and medium enterprises [SMEs]) that spans across the United States, Europe, as well as the Asia Pacific. Fusionex is also an MDEC Global Acceleration and Innovation Network (GAIN) company as well as an MSC R&D MGS award recipient.
Gartner’s report on Modern Analytics and Business Intelligence shortlisted and commended Fusionex’s data technology platform. In addition, Fusionex has been identified as a Major Player in IDC’s MarketScape Report for Big Data & Analytics. Fusionex is the only ASEAN-based company to be featured in both reports, cementing its credentials in the data technology market for this region.
Applications for the latest round of the British Council’s Connections Through Culture (CTC) grants in Southeast Asia (SEA) are now open until 05 September 2021.
Initiated in 2019, CTC grants promote arts and cultural exchange between the UK and Southeast Asia to spark innovative ways for participants to collaborate through the arts.
The bilateral grants program supports cultural exchanges and collaborations between artists and arts organizations to nurture cooperation and long-lasting relationships between the UK and for 2021, six SEA countries: Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
CTC_Kamustahan Art Project: Artwork by Joan Monis Pabona, ‘Ayuda Ko, Ayuda Nila’, 2021; An art piece from the Kamustahan Art Projects led by 2020-21 CTC grantees Nathalie Dagmang and Deirdre McKay
Prior to Covid-19, this would have most likely involved international travel. However, with travel restricted and uncertain, the CTC grants will be used to develop and strengthen new and existing relationships and provide funding to promote dialogue and explore the possibilities of online collaboration.
Last year, the grant allowed artist-educator Nathalie Dagmang and Keel University cultural geographer and educator Deirdre McKay to bring Filipino labor migrants into conversation with artists, family members, and policymakers across the diaspora through an online space called ‘Kamustahan Art Projects’. Participants presented their artwork through a virtual exhibition to honor the contributions of Filipino migrant workers in the time of Covid.
CTC_Irine (in photo) is a Filipino migrant worker based in Taiwan. She created flowers from recyclable materials as part of the Mayflowers project under the Kamustahan Art Projects led by Dagmang and McKay in May 2021.
Artists, arts professionals, and art group/collective representatives from the six SEA countries and the UK are eligible to apply for the online grants valued up to 8,000 GBP. A new alumni scheme is also open for previous CTC UK-SEA grantees, with a value of up to 2,000 GBP.
Grantees may use the fund for projects, platforms, and conversations between October 2021 to February 2022. Successful applicants will be announced at the end of September 2021.
Applicants can find full information on the Southeast Asia pages of the CTC grant:
Seoul, Korea –– Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. opened the next chapter in foldable innovation with two new smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. Both devices are premium foldable smartphones built with the craftsmanship and flagship innovations Samsung users have come to love and expect.
The third generation of these category-defining devices incorporates key improvements that Samsung foldable users have asked for—making them more durable with more optimized foldable experiences than ever before. From iconic design to immersive entertainment, Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and Galaxy Z Fold3 5G offer users unique new ways to work, watch, and play.
For those who need the ultimate device for productivity and immersive entertainment, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is a true multitasking powerhouse with next-level performance, an undisrupted 7.6-inch[1] Infinity Flex Display, and the first-ever S Pen[2] support on a Galaxy foldable device. For those who want a style that comes with function, Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is the ideal device with its sleek, compact, and pocketable design, enhanced camera features, and a larger Cover Screen[3] built for quick use on the go.
“With Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Samsung is once again redefining the possibilities with foldable smartphones that empower users with the flexibility and versatility needed for today’s fast-paced world,” said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “As a pioneer and industry leader in the foldable category, we’re proud to build on our legacy of innovation with the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. These devices equip consumers with technologies that unlock new ways to maximize and enjoy every moment with an ecosystem built on openness and innovation.”
Samsung continues its legacy of foldable leadership with rigorous processes to create devices that remain reliable after years of use. The revolutionary Hideaway Hinge, first introduced on Galaxy Z Flip, enables the devices to stay in place at any angle for innovative user experiences with Flex mode[4]. And thanks to enhanced Sweeper technology, the bristles inside the Hinge are now shorter, helping to repel dust and other particles and maintain the devices’ durability and seamless user experiences.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G were also put through a strenuous folding test, verified by Bureau Veritas, to withstand folding 200,000 times[5] . Plus, they’re equipped with the latest powerful 5nm AP and 5G[6] band compatibility for the best experience inside and out.
[1] Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold3 5G’s Main Screen size is 7.6” in the full rectangle and 7.4” when accounting for the rounded corners; the actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.
[2] S Pen sold separately. Only Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Main Screen has S Pen capability. Compatible only with the S Pen Fold Edition. All other S Pens or stylus pens not designed for Galaxy Z Fold3 5G (including those by other manufacturers) may damage the screen.
[4] Flex mode supported at angles between 75° and 115°. For your convenience, it may be difficult to maintain Flex mode while moving due to shaking or other movements. It is recommended to keep the phone stationary while in Flex mode.
[5] These results were backed by Bureau Veritas, the world leader in testing, inspection, and certification services.
[6] Requires optimal 5G network connection, available in select markets. Check with your carrier for availability and details. Download and streaming speeds may vary based on content provider, server connection, and other factors.
Metro Manila is experiencing another “serious surge” in COVID- 19 cases according to the OCTA Research Group and has advised the government to impose a two-week lockdown to head off a deadly surge caused by the more transmissible Delta variant.
We are now on our 3rd round of ECQ since the pandemic. New infections in Metro Manila could reach as high as 13,000 a day by the end of August. This is not the time to let our guards down. As a matter of fact, there is a need to urgently respond to the situation with great caution to effectively manage and control the spread of the virus.
Last July 13, 2021, The Department of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Service Institute in partnership with Philippine Archipelago international Trading Corporation hosted a webinar featuring prominent figures in Traditional Chinese Medicine which was instrumental in the pandemic management in China. The very timely webinar, entitled “Learning from the China Experience – Control and Surge Prevention,” highlighted both countries’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given the current surge, we could make very good use of the learnings we garnered from the prominent speakers who attended our webinar. The two most important learnings gathered from all panelists include “Early Intervention” and “Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine with Comprehensive Rehabilitation Treatment.”
The earlier we detect and treat, the better for us. Cooperation is vital to the efficacy of all preventive and control efforts. The implementation of a top-down, side-to-side, and bottom-up approach basically ensures that the paramount objective of having proper communication and information dissemination to the entire community involving all sectors of society is met.
There are many treatments that we can do that were not given much stress throughout the pandemic. Physiological, emotional, and psychological rehabilitation treatments also play a big part in battling this virus. There are three Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) to treat Covid-19 in China and we are very lucky to have one of these three TCMs registered and widely distributed in the Philippines — LianhuaQingwen Capsule.
Its anti-viral functions are effective against not just the Delta, but also the Alpha and Beta variants as well. Despite its safety, Lianhua Qingwen’s current classification is Prescription Drug (Rx)—requiring a doctor’s prescription.
Academician Zhang Boli gave emphasis to the importance of medication in the cure, control, and prevention of COVID-19. “Quarantine without medicine is only half the success,” said the Academician.
Of course, getting vaccinated is imperative and recommended for protection against the virus. However, it will take more time before we reach herd immunity. Vaccine supplies need to catch up with the demand.
Meanwhile, we still need to follow the preventive measure of social distancing, wearing face masks and shields, washing hands frequently, using sanitizer alcohol, and keeping healthy by exercising, getting sunshine, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep. But should we catch the COVID-19 virus despite observing safety protocols, after all the Delta variant is said to be airborne, we must go for early treatment.
As Dr. Zhang Boli said, quarantine + medication is key. Do not wait until your symptoms become worse before taking Lianhua Qingwen, take it at the onset of symptoms and recover quickly. Remember the importance of the Philippine government’s PDITR +V strategy which is Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, Reintegrate and Vaccinate, which is sure to cut off the transmission chain according to Contact Tracing Czar, Baguio Mayor Benjie Magalong. And of course, with the cooperation of all the Filipinos, we can do our share to help control and manage the surge of COVID-19.
As we go through another hard lockdown because of the Delta Variant, we hope that all this information will come to good use in our own lives, companies, and organization, and on a macro scale for local and national governments. This is a war between an elusive virus and man. And if we all work together we will succeed and win this war against COVID-19.
Despite its safety, Lianhua Qingwen’s current classification is Prescription Drug (Rx)—requiring a doctor’s prescription. Prescription-holding consumers may purchase in all Mercury Drug Stores, Southstar Drug, Watsons, Rose Pharmacy, and TGP nationwide and other pharmacies at a suggested retail price of P288.00/box (24 capsules/box).
For more information on Lianhua Qingwen, visit www.philarchipelago.com or call tel. no. (02) 8361-7491 to 98 loc. 844.
Hong Kong – Following a successful introduction to Hong Kong in 2020, Lyre’s takes another step in expanding its local presence and providing more access to highly-demanded non-alcoholic spirits, with the appointment of Northeast Wines & Spirits Ltd.
Missioned to make mindful drinking accessible and easy for everyone, Lyre’s strategic partnership with Northeast unlocks a health-conscious lifestyle for Hongkongers where the trend towards non-alcoholic variants is growing.
Lyre’s is now partnering with Northeast, a specialist in niche wines and spirits established in Hong Kong in 1993, who recently joined forces in a merger with one of Hong Kong’s best independent spirits distributors, High Spirits HK. Committed to bringing the best selections of beverages to the market, Northeast currently represents a repertoire of 75 brands across the wine, champagne and sparkling, beer, and spirit categories from 12 countries.
Lyre’s continues to provide more health-conscious options to the local market, as demand for non-alcoholic alternatives increases. Out of those who reduced their alcohol consumption in the past year, 72% of Hongkongers did so due to the desire for a more health-conscious lifestyle.
Industry research conducted by Lyre’s also found that 69% of Hong Kong is open to choosing non-alcoholic variants when available, further highlighting the changing local preferences. Having made its debut only two years ago, Lyre’s has become the most widely distributed non-alcoholic spirits brand and is now available in 43 countries. The UK brand showcases a range of 13 award-winning, alcohol-free classic spirits, created using a unique understanding of food science and flavor architecture.
Mark Livings, CEO of Lyre’s, said “We are delighted to be working with Hong Kong’s successful wine and spirits distributor, Northeast. Through this partnership, we will continue building on our early success with some of the key industry players in Hong Kong, including bars and retailers, hence elevating availability and awareness across the city. This is particularly exciting as the no and low beverage category is approaching broad acceptance throughout Asia, where the market is estimated to grow more than 7% by 2025.”
“Seeing the recent rapid rise in low or no alcohol category, with projected growth by 31% over the next three years globally, we are excited to tap into this market spearheaded by Lyre’s. With Lyre’s as the first non-alcoholic spirits brand in our portfolio, we are looking forward to making mindful drinking available to everyone in Hong Kong.” shares Northeast’s Spirits Division Manager, Tom Wood.
On a mission to change the way the world drinks, Lyre’s is a UK brand that made its debut in 2019 and has expanded to 43 countries and counting.
These three best-tasting Filipino dishes will surely satisfy your cravings for good food. Whether dining at home or al fresco in an upscale restaurant, Filipino food will always be present and enjoyed by every member of the family, not just here but worldwide.
Sinigang: Best vegetable soup in the world
Savor the all-time favorite Sinigang, hailed recently as the best vegetable soup in the world on the food website TasteAtlas, which promotes cuisines from different cultures around the world. The website announced its vegetable ranking list via Facebook, last August 2.
Sinigang received 4.8 out of 5 stars, clinching the top spot from other “best” soups, namely Tukey’s mercimek corbasi and Lithuania’s saltibarsciai. The soup base of Sinigang makes it stand out from the rest of the list.
Courtesy: TasteAtlas
“With its sour lightness perfectly matching the harsh tropical heat of the country, Sinigang is a unique soup that is a true representative of Filipino cuisine,” TasteAtlas said. Although, it didn’t indicate which kind of Sinigang is the best (pork, fish, or chicken, among others).
It also mentioned the ingredients, “Sinigang is a sour Filipino soup consisting of sampalok (fruits of the tamarind tree), water spinach, green pepper, cabbage, broccoli, eggplant, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, ginger, green beans, water, and salt. The basic broth usually consists of rice washing, with the addition of a souring agent. Other ingredients such as pork, fish, milkfish, shrimp, chicken, or beef may also be added to the soup.” It added, “Sinigang is traditionally served hot and steaming as a main dish, with rice as its accompaniment.”
Sinigang sa Hipon. Courtesy: TasteAtlas
With the popularity of the dish, “new variations replace sampalok with guava or raw mango, while different regions have their own techniques,” the website stated. It has become an often seen dish on special occasions such as birthdays or weddings.
The website also mentioned the restaurants with good Sinigang: Romulo Café, Sentro 1771, Fely J’s Restaurant, Manam Comfort Food, and Max’s Restaurant.
If we may add to the list, we also recommend the unique and mouth-watering versions of Sinigang sa Beef Buko of The Harvest Hotel in Cabanatuan City, and the appetizing Silang Sinigang of Tia Belle’s Tagaytay. Both are rich in flavor and loaded with fresh ingredients.
Sinigang sa Beef Buko of The Harvest Hotel CabanatuanSilang Sinigang of Tia Belle’s Tagaytay
Pares also known as beef pares, “is a term for a serving of Filipino braised beef stew with garlic fried rice, and a bowl of clear soup.” It also refers to “any dish that is cooked in the manner reminiscent of the ‘asado-style.’”
Putok batok spicy bone marrow. Courtesy: Pares Retiro
Pares Retiro, a Filipino restaurant known for its great-tasting beef pares, mami, goto, and putok batok spicy bone marrow, has also extended recognition to our Tokyo Olympics Gold medallist, Hidilyn Diaz by giving her a lifetime Classic Pares. On their FB page, they shared the poster with the caption “A true partner for life – true Filipino food goes hand in honoring our champion, Hidilyn Diaz!”
Courtesy: Pares Retiro
“Here at Pares Retiro, we improved the traditional food we have all come to know and elevated it to heavenly standards. Mahirap ba paniwalaan? Tara’t tikman ang langit!” stated on their website.
Pares Retiro also offers Filipino cuisine such as Pancit, Sizzling Sisig, Lechon Kawali, Kare-Kare, and mouth-watering desserts like Turon De Leche, Saba Con Yelo, and Halo-Halo.
It opened its very first branch in Quezon City in 2007. Their signature food product is paired with fried rice, chili sauce, and hot beef soup.
Your trip to Tagaytay will not be complete without stopping by Tia Belle’s Tagaytay. Never miss the chance to partake in one of its bestselling noodle dishes – the special Mucho Lomi. This rainy season and even on regular days, this Chinese-influenced dish is so popular, with a volume of orders for dine-in and take-out.
Mucho Lomi of Tia Belle’s Tagaytay
What makes this dish a favorite? “Its rich, flavorful broth, full ingredients, hindi tinipid, and always served hot,” said Evelyn Wise (a.k.a Tia Belle’s) the hands-on owner of the Filipino restaurant.
Many regional varieties are thickened with flour or eggs and incorporate pork or chicken, sliced pork liver, and a variety of vegetables, according to TasteAtlas.
Tia Belle’s owner is generous to share the recipe of Mucho Lomi for you to try cooking at home, particularly during this quarantine period. To order, visit: https://www.facebook.com/belle.tia.1
INGREDIENTS:
100 grams lomi
20 grams tofu
Half the crabstick
1 shrimps ball (cut half)
3 pcs of beef liver
20 grams lechon kawali
1 boiled egg
20 grams kalabasa slice cut to one inch
1 tbsp. fresh chop celery leaves
1 tbsp. spring onions
4 sliced onions
1 tsp. black pepper
1 chicken cubes
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
1 tbsp. ground chicharon
1 tbsp. toasted garlic
One beaten egg
PROCEDURE:
Slice cook liver into a strip.
Prepare the washed lomi, kalabasa, fresh celery leaves, spring onions, tofu, lechon kawali, or fish fillet and 1 boiled egg, black pepper, 2 tbsp. cassava flour and chicken cubes — these can be added at the time of cooking.
Boil the shrimp balls, kalabasa, and tofu for 2 minutes.
Place on a strainer set aside.
Soak the lomi in a small bowl filled with hot water for 1 minute, then wash with cold water. Ready the beaten egg and one lechon kawali.
In a heated wok, pour oil, sauté the onions, celery, lomi, a dash of seasoning, 3 cups of hot water. Let it simmer for 8 minutes.
Mix the black pepper, the chicken cubes, and soy sauce. Then slowly pour the melted cornstarch until it thickens and stir the beaten eggs. Keep mixing using a whisk, until the egg blends into the soup.
Place in a bowl and arrange all the toppings: Shrimp balls, lechon kawali or fish fillet, kalabasa, liver, tofu, spring onion, ground chicharon. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
By Ruby Asoy-Lebajo
Featured photos courtesy of TasteAtlas, Pares Retiro, and Tia Belle’s Tagaytay
In the context of the ongoing pandemic that has brought more families deeper into poverty, digital platforms have been repurposed to leverage their reach and scalable capacities to soften the economic downturn’s impact on the poor and the vulnerable.
Carrying this impact thrust, Caritas Manila – the lead social service ministry of the Catholic Church in the Philippines – is co-launching the Tuloy Aral Project to support the food needs of over 5,000 youth scholars from the poorest communities in the country, while supporting the livelihood of rural smallholder farmers through technology.
Also spearheading the project is GrabPay, the leading e-wallet of super-app Grab, and Mayani, an impact-driven ag-ecommerce platform with over 28,000 smallholder farmers, including the Pililia farmers of the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc (PSFI).
“For the past 60 years, Caritas Manila has been actively shaping total human development and assisting the needs of the unfortunate members of our society through mission-driven partnerships,” says Fr. Anton Pascual, Executive Director of Caritas Manila. “This project firmly complements our Youth Servant Leadership & Education Program (YSLEP), while concurrently extending our alleviation outcomes to our local farmers by sourcing the donated food packs from them.”
YSLEP, which covers the children of the displaced workers due to the pandemic, aims to put them through college and technical vocation education while giving them the necessary means and basic support like food as they complete their schooling.
“While technology is the core enabling engine for mobilizing broad online support for Tuloy Aral, its impact components are very social and two-fold: helping farmers at the grassroots and supporting the basic nourishment needs of the youth scholars. We are glad to play a fundamental role in making this happen, especially now when it matters the most,” remarked JT Solis and Atty. Ron Dime, the Co-Founders of Mayani, whose farm-to-table play has been revolutionizing the agricultural supply in the country.
Mayani, who now powers the fresh produce value chain of the likes of Shell, Robinsons, and Waltermart, among others, is a long-standing partner of GrabPay with the latter serving as its e-wallet of choice in the Mayani ag-ecommerce site. Their existing collaborations include the ongoing Online National Food Fair for Cordillera farmers with the backing of the Department of Trade and Industry.
Grab will be signal boosting Tuloy Aral via its mobile app starting this August leading to the Mayani ag-ecommerce site with various curated vegetable, fruit, and rice boxes that the market can choose from and donate. Mayani will reinforce the online traction-building for the project by employing all its digital channels as well as key billboard sites across Metro Manila with HDI Adventures, its ad-tech lead partner.
The fresh produce in each box will then be harvested by farmers in Pililia, Rizal under PSFI’s Integrated Farming Bio-Systems program, consolidated by Mayani, and then delivered to Caritas Manila for eventual distribution.
Practicing mindfulness to combat stress contributes to better emotional control, improved health, increased resilience, enhanced productivity, and healthier relationships with others.
On the seventh episode of TAYO Naman! (Tulong, Alaga, Yakap at Oras para sa mga Tagapagtaguyod ng Edukasyon), a webinar series of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Globe, speaker Carolyn Tongco advised educators that one way to manage stress, aside from asking for professional help, is through the practice of mindfulness. Tongco is a Consultant Art Therapist of the Philippine Mental Health Association member, Creative Director at Creative Passion Path, and a Registered Expressive Art Consultant/Educator (REACE).
Tongco discussed that for Master Jon Kabat-Zin “is the practice of the non-judgmental awareness in the present moment and a non-reactive, non-judgmental, and open-hearted observation.”
Using Mindfulness, Tongco said people could learn how to regulate the brain to stop the automatic emotional stress responses. She suggested using the “SMPLE” method in order to do this:
S — Stop. Instead of becoming wrapped up in a stressful situation, just stop and take a moment to breathe.
M — Mindful breathing. Take deep breaths. It relaxes the body and helps calm the brain.
P — Pay attention. Assess where stress is happening.
L — Look inside and reflect. Know what is causing the stress.
E — Effective response. Think of the right response or the kindest way to treat oneself and other people.
Tongco added that mindfulness could be practiced every day, not just during stressful situations. Anyone may opt to do mindfulness anytime, even while working, eating, or having a conversation.
She suggested designing one’s mindful moment routine that may be applied during mundane activities such as washing the dishes, making the bed, watering the plants, among others. One must bring full attention to the activity and do it repetitively, just like a routine.
TAYO Naman! is an online Mental Health and Psychosocial Support program designed to help teachers, non-teaching personnel, and parents learn about self-care, wellness, and resiliency.
The latest session focused on “Practicing Mindfulness to Manage Stress.” It was by the DepEd School Division of Cavite City, with Project Development Officer II Patricia Anne Garcia as host, Senior Education Program Specialist Estrella Gonzales as a facilitator, and Teacher Shiela Lee, Principal Randie Salonga, and Medical Officer, Dr. Erwin Bucu.
The 14-part webinar series is led by the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction Management Services (DepEd-DRRMS) and the Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development-Employee Welfare Division (BHROD-EWD) in collaboration with Globe’s Global Filipino Teachers Series on Psychosocial Support Services, Philippine Mental Health Association Inc., and MAGIS Creative Spaces.
Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as UN SGD No. 3 on good health and well-being and UN SDG No. 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.
Francesca Taruc, the Pampanga beauty who bagged the inaugural Binibini Araneta City special award, is focusing her sight on exciting projects and activities this year at the City of Firsts.
Almost a month after the Binibining Pilipinas 2021 Grand Coronation Night last July 11, Taruc is grateful and excited to start an amazing journey as the new face of Araneta City. She will be part of different campaigns, promotions, and events at Quezon City’s pioneer commercial mixed-use development for one year.
She will also be working with Araneta City’s social development arm, J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF), on her advocacy to promote mental health awareness.
“Thank you for this opportunity! I am so blessed and honored to be your first ever Binibini Araneta City. It’s now time to focus on new opportunities and welcome new beginnings,” Taruc said.
The award went to the Cabalen delegate after she bested her fellow candidates in garnering the most number of combined shares and likes for photos posted on the Araneta City social media pages.
(See Taruc’s FB photo at: https://www.facebook.com/AranetaCity/photos/a.10158655199929032/10158655192304032)
During the pageant finale held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Taruc was given a sash on stage by renowned chef Margarita Araneta Forés and Araneta City Assistant Vice President for Marketing Marjorie Go. She also received a year-long endorsement contract worth P500,000 from the City of Firsts.
An early favorite and contender in the pageant, the model and pageant veteran from Angeles City finished at the Top 13 of Binibining Pilipinas 2021.
“We are thrilled to have Francesca as part of the Araneta City family. The City of Firsts is giving this award for the first time in Binibining Pilipinas history, and we are fortunate to have someone like her who is full of energy and charm. Our team can’t wait to start working with this lovely Binibini,” Go said.
Catch Francesca Taruc, Binibining Araneta City 2021, as she banners in upcoming projects and activities of the City of Firsts!
