AFN 2026 Releases "Asia Pacific Declaration" in Manila

 

Took a really early trip to the city of Pasig to witness some of the most remarkable gathering of experts for the Asia Forum on N|c0+ine as they discuss matters and push for larger efforts in T0bacc0 Harm Reduction and advocating safer N|c0+ine utilization especially in Asia. 

The event was attended by Clarisse Adriatico of the Coalition of Asia Pacific T0bacc0 Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), Michael Ellis formerly of Interpol (discussed Illicit Trade), Professor Marewa Glover the Director of the Centre of Research Excellence Indigenous Sovereignity and Sm0k!ng, UST's Professor Jay Jazul, Dr. Hiroya Kumamaru of the AO1 Universal Hospital, Nancy Loucas of the Coalition of Asia Pacific T0bacc0 Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), Dr. Lorenzon Mata the President of Quit for Good, Heneaege Mitchell the founder of factasia, Commissioner Ariel Nepumoceno of the Bureau of Customs, Gabriel Oke, Professor Tikki Pangetsu, Professor Young Bum Park, Asa Saligupta, Sairah Salim Sartoni, Jagannath Sarangapani, Professor Dr. Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Ron Christian Sison of the UST and convenor of HARAP.

They chose the Philippines for something specific and told us "We chose the Philippines because organizations here have been very supportive of the work that's being done in the entire region. So this is a kudos to them and that is why we are here."

They see a huge challenge when it comes to implementing T0bacc0 Harm Reduction (THR) measures in the region and also study the implications of it and how it causes activity in illicit markets. They also discussed this with consumers and asked for the issues they face. While THR is not accepted in most Asian countries, they are doing this to provide information so adults can give informed decisions when it comes to staying off the habit. They are advocating for availability of options for lesser harmful products and its regulation. Their call is for a broader access to safer products across the Asia Pacific region and hope that other countries would learn from those who have successfully implemented it. The 2 day forum was held at Astoria Hotel and streamed live on the CAPHRA YouTube channel.

Here's the whole press conference on video:

They presented the Asia Pacific Declaration which is  call for stakeholders (including government and public health officials, the WHO and folks in this region) to recognize risks posed by high risk combustible T0bacc0 products and show how lower risk n!c0+ine alternatives can provide options with regulated adult access with youth protection measures. This is used as an advocacy tool which participants can carry to their respective countries and submit to WHO regional offices and further their cause. They mentioned how this is evidence based, scientific, and hope governments listen to it. More materials about the cause can be found on afn.asia if you need it. 

Visit their website and social channels to participate in the discussion and to know more about it. 

Christmas Bonus Coming: Here's Why You Should Build an Emergency Fund First

It's that time of the year again folks and yes, it's the 13th Month Pay season. That goes without saying that Christmas is just around the corner, and I'm sure you've already been thinking how to spend that hard earned money you got for your bonus. Gifts for family or friends, or the most special one on earth, YOU. Not to burst your bubble, but I'm here to suggest something different, why not give yourself something more important, some peace of mind! 

If you're new to the saving game, that just feels so boring to put some of it in an emergency fund.  I'm not saying you should put off thinking of that new phone you've been saving up all year or that trip you want to go to, think of it as a gift to your future self when the most unexpected things happen. Remember that Metrobank financial education program called Earnest? That teaches you that emergency funds are for those that are unexpected and urgent. When you suddenly get hospitalized or perhaps lose your ability to work, you will be safe because of it. 

How do you start one?

It's all about planning. Since you're quite eager to give gifts this season, take that same knowledge and apply it to other things like lessening the expenses. Don't be that person who just received his Christmas bonus and so eager to burn it all up in shopping and merrymaking. Take the step to saving a portion of it, it doesn't have to be huge, a small amount would do. At the end of the day, you should at least have left something for the rainy days. 

Constantly reevaluate your relationships, yes a very generous friend like you must be popular during this season, but that doesn't mean you would need to become the spitting image of Santa Claus right? The essentials are okay, but you don't have to spend on that friend who's been putting you off all year, or that grumpy geezer who's never been nice to you anyway. Make it all about food, transportation, rent and paying your bills. It doesn't need to be done the whole year but just a place to start. If you've got a lot of people who depend on you, try to adjust your savings into bigger amounts, like one or two years worth, and of course something sensible and achievable. You need to veto a lot of things especially identifying your wants from your needs. Save where you can even while shopping, use those coupons while you're at it, but don't scrimp on where you shouldn't because you need investment outfits, a break when you need too. 

The way to do it is by doing it regularly. Make it a habit to put aside a percentage of your salary every cut off and have it separate from your main egg basket. Open a Metrobank eSavings so you can still access it online but generally away from you and your subtle temptations. 

Of course you can still enjoy the season and the magic it brings, but don't forget to put yourself on your Christmas list every year. You deserve to be pampered, a massage every once in a while, go open one with your valid ID in Metrobank today! 

TABERNA GROUP OF COMPANIES Hold Open House at Metro Tent Pasig

Success in business was something the Taberna Group of Companies was familiar with, but it didn't come overnight for the lovely couple. Anthony and Rossel Taberna experienced hardships just like ordinary folks and doing business was initially just a fallback for them (as he was still a journalist and doing this business on the side with his wife). Learning the ropes, failing a few didn't stop them from adapting, innovating and taking chances. Today, Today, they have 4 brands under their belt and over 250 people helping them make their dreams come true.

They realized it only takes ONE STEP, which they named this event after. This is the business expo for TGC, an Open House so they could teach entrepreneurs to invest and become partners with the TGC group. Mrs. T and Anthony Taberna went up on stage and said "Our warmest welcome to you all. We call people in our community our teammates. When we planned the TGC expo, we were nervous but thank you so much for seeing you here, your presence is treasured. We welcome you our VVIP's, and time has really gone fast. In the past, we treated this as fall back, but I figured we can't be in VMX (they kid), we do this with Christian values and we have gone through numerous struggles. When Mrs. T handled all of these, it became all smooth. I was the one struggling, now we have integrity, a system that works and trust from our people. We are partners and hard work has brought us here. What we can build together takes one decision, one step, for us to become business partners. Let's take this step together."

 

Mrs. Rosell Taberna introduced their guest Ma. Cristina Roque of the DTI and she congratulated them about the nature of their business. She assured them that the government will help wherever they can as a Philippine based brand and one that has lots of potential. It has the capacity to grow not just locally, but internationally. She also mentioned how they build businesses and provide jobs for a lot of people. They can also mentor others to succeed in the industry and she encouraged them to drive others to also do the same with their food businesses, management and entertainment.

 

Mrs. Taberna added "We have a lot of commissaries, kitchens which we plan to operate on our new building in Tandang Sora. Hopefully next year we get to launch our new building, this took us decades of hardships, nitty gritty work. We also have some commissaries in Nueva Ecija and 2 in Quezon City that are operating now. That's a lot to be thankful for! It means we are capable now to expand!" 

 

Here's our interview with them that afternoon:

 

 

Now you can access their 4 brands and venture into business too. Ka Tunying's is the popular Filipino restaurant and has packages as low as Php 25,000. Kumbachero Food Corp is a food manufacturing solution which can supply your own business, use your own branding for it so you could resell it as your own entity. Taste of the Town Catering can do food service for corporate or social celebrations. They also do hotboxes, grazing tables and customize for your event when needed. Outbox Media Powerhouse Corporation on the other hand has been doing events at a full scale, from sound system to creative direction, you just need to step back and watch and let them connect all four to leave convenience and planning to the experts.

They've been trusted partners of huge corporations and existing convenience stores. Your local coffee shop might also be supplied by them without you even knowing it. They're making this available for you as a partner and all you need to do is get in touch with them.Visit TGCForBusiness.com to see how you can start that dream, that one step today!

LAMELEX Introduces "Barrier First" Skincare to PH Market

When you look at yourself at the mirror, what do you want to see? Brighter, smoother, supple skin, done with skincare that is not complicated... just healthy and comforting to do. These days, it's not just about having that glow, it has to recover after exposing it to the ravages of time, the sun and just about what a day contains, pollution and all.

Prepping you for recovery is where Korean skincare pro Lamelin produced LAMELEX. It was launched this October during the PACCD convention, their 23rd convention to date. This was done in front of 300 dermatology professionals and physicians, including Dr. Finesse Angelica Evangelista. She discussed the concept of skin barrier health and the various ways we treat our skin. This includes lasers, chemical peels, microneedles, which has been a staple in clinics and aesthetic centers. But before it all, she tells how taking care of the skin is sort of a good preparation. Your skin should utilize it's own protective barrier to aid in recovery. They talked more about multi Lamellar Vesicle tech so you get hydration and protection you need before anything happens in procedures.

Some of their products include Comfort Bubble Cleansers, Tripple Barrier Cream, PDRN Cream, Derma Care recovery Cream, and Multilamella Cream. Using it and having it part of a routine is key. Physicians should help you with it. LAMELEX wants you to become ready to recover through science, and the manner of following protocols. 

Talk about it with your medical professional. Skincare is essential, and you're surely not an exception.