In a time where digital ads are in every handset, there's nothing more personal than something that you can hold. A branded merch not only get you loyalty, but practical use that can remind you who cares during these times. It can also get you more than enough brand recall, a perfect tool for marketing especially in the Asia Pacific region.
You can evidently see it's impact particularly in countries like ours, in Indonesia, India, Vietnam, where GDP rates remain bullish despite outside factors. Products like these can also increase name recall, positively associate your brand and give you a high chance of a return customer.
This is where the 38th Corporate Giveaways Buyers Show come in. It's the biggest of its kind in the country, and on July 2-4, you can get all of these products from top suppliers so the next time you would give something to your patrons, they won't be tired from those notebooks and pens you often give away, because if there's something that this event can provide, is VARIETY. It has been an annual event, and super successful in connecting suppliers to intended managers, decision makers and marketing professionals. They'll get you to discover your well loved gifts that you would often only see in other countries.
It's important, and ensures you would connect with the right audience. You can certainly get the professionals handle it. If you want to go, simply register via corporategiveaways.com now and send your intentions. They're officially back!
While the rest of the world is scaling down, top brand Acer is taking out more of their Copilot+ PC's in the market. These new ones have AI capabilities and they'll be doing it in 14 and 16 inch models, something that students, professionals or work anywhere individuals would gladly want.
These new Aspire AI laptops are ultra reliable, and can last a couple of days which would be handy if you are traveling. Aside from that, these lovely units have Recall, Click to Do and Improved Windows Search which could help in a lot of things for school and offices, or if you need to help being creative. It's a pretty handy tool especially if you are doing word processing with the bulk of your work. Acer also has AcerSense, Acer LiveArt 2.0, Acer PurifiedView and PurifiedVoice 2.0 that would make it a cinch to create content in a jiffy. Each unit is built with aluminum chassis, all these new Aspire 16 AI and Aspire 14 AI units can get your tasks done without worrying about lasting the whole day. Display is also phenomenal, has more than enough memory for tasks and has faster WiFi technology (Wi-Fi 7) for those internet breaking apps or programs you need to use every day.
They also have Aspire 14 AI and Aspire 16 AI that utilizes Intel Core Ultra Processors Series 2 to deliver more helpful AI tasks that won't get your usual work be meddled with. With OLED WUXGA+ displays, you get to see it clearly with brilliant colors, especially for your creative work that needs it. The others have an AMD Ryzen AI 7 300-350 series processors and utilize the Zen 5 CPU architecture to make computing easy. If you feel like it, you can opt for the Aprire 14 AI and Aspire 16 AI units that use Snapdragon X for a more reliable workhorse, even for a little play.
If you want a more detailed technical specifications, visit their main website www.acer.com today. Prices will be there too.
The Philippines is a tropical country and these days, you can really feel the heat. It seems that air conditioning is becoming a necessity because it's more affordable to have one rather than spending on health emergencies like heat stroke etc.
Getting one might feel like a chore because sales people usually throw in a number or two for energy efficiency, horsepower and the complicated things that go along with it. Like you, a lot of people would rather try and feel it instead. Do you go and ask them to open up huge boxes for you? Of course not, which is why TCL made the effort to dish out their TCL COOL TRUCK instead so you know how it feels to get cold.
The TCL Cool Truck will be placed in certain locations across Metro Manila so you can simply go inside and experience it. Their first stop will be on May 10th to 17th at the Fort Santiago in Intramuros Manila, and the other one will be at Trinoma Mall on May 18th to 24th at their mall grounds.
TCL air conditioning units are different because it has FreshIN 3.0 technology. It will showcase their very efficient inverter and energy saving technology. The place will also have QuadruPuri Filters so you can have the best quality air possible inside the unit plus wifi so you could lounge around too. It will also contain home decors, seating, imitating your spaces and home environment. This is part of TCL's commitment to smart living, you can use the rooms and see how it feels to have things in a controlled environment. You can only do this with the TCL FreshIn 3.0.
Watching documentaries and seeing the plight of fishermen in the provinces made me realize how some of our fisherfolk's practices are not sustainable. We consume quite a lot of sardines, as it is one of the most affordable food items we have that is properly kept, canned and lasts a long while. In a 2017 survey, they listed 9 out of 10 pinoys actually consume it.
As commercial fishing boats become a norm, overfishing is becoming a huge problem. The amount of sardines they take out from the sea just wouldn't be able to sustain production. Add to that climate issues, and it's a tragedy waiting to happen.
Century Pacific Food Inc. who produces various sardine brands like 555, Lucky 7, Fresca, and well loved brand Ligo launched a campaign called "Sustendido Bulan" at Bulan in Sorsogon. This aims to make sure that sourcing raw ingredients including fish is sourced sustainably. They also want to make sure fisherfolk are educated about processes and make sure the long term supply of it.
They also went over and beyond by doing community work with their products, teaching nutrition to empower the community and have an even better resource management practices in this location. CPFI and Ligo wants to enable they understand that there could be a supply chain that could benefit them all. Through various partnerships, education and innovation, they would be able to balance the needs of people to bring value from the sea to Filipino homes too.
Putting their call "Lamang ka sa Ligo" is a practice that gets both consumers and suppliers at a beneficial standpoint. Something that would not harm the planet and not have overfishing at these locations.
As of now, they have trained 250 fishermen and women about sustainability. They also accredited 500 families as suppliers. They also now created over 850 posts to employ them in plants across the region and had 1075 kids benefit from their school feeding programs. They also noted how rejection rates of fish went from 13 to only 3% and hopefully have eliminated resource strain because of the "Sustenido Bulan" efforts. They are following UN Sustainable Development goals and hope to maintain these gains in the coming years. We fervently hope this becomes beneficial for future generations and be practiced at different locations. It doesn't have to be in one place of course!
Ligo certainly brings value not only from the sea, but to Filipino homes nationwide!
I saw a lot of smiles coming out of vendors from this event. I couldn't blame them because aside from the fact that this is a full bazaar, it's certainly a way to prove that there's a lot of potential for MSME's in the country. This is the STARPRENEUR Bazaar held at the FIFTH at Rockwell in Makati. This is organized by Bela Padilla and Filipino entrepreneurs Ms. Lanie Tañedo and Mr. Dennis Valbuena. If you are familiar with the brand Bela by Bela Padilla, they are the same folks who started her cosmetic, product and perfume line with her a couple months ago. This time, they're working with young Hollywood star and PH showbiz royalty Iñigo Pascual.
Iñigo says "It's something that I wanted to do for a long time. I've dreamt about it since college but I never got to finish my course in entrepreneurship. I've been involved in acting and music, and I wanted something different from that. Before I met them (Ms. Lanie Tañedo and Mr. Dennis Valbuena) I really wanted to start something but I didn't really know what to do and where to start. They showed me the ropes on how to start a business. They also showed me technology because it's different now. You really have to learn what's on trend, and for me, they really are the ones who guided me."
He adds "A lot of the products we have in herzy. is mentholated, and if you just got out of the shower, some complain from the heat, and they're already perspiring. I wanted folks to still feel fresh and clean after trying our products. The difference between men and women is, we want everything to be simple, less fuss, when you try it, it's really nice and smells good. It's easy to use and carry around. The ingredients are also natural, I even styled my own hair with it, and admit that sometimes men are even more vain about hair. We hope you love these products! I hope you love the Brow Serum which they initially designed to grow and nourish hair, last minute, we thought of using it for the brows because people often ask me about it. This was named after my Grandfather, we just turned the Herzig into Herzy to make it easy to pronounce."
Mr. Dennis Valbuena replied "We really appreciate that. Now that you've learned from us, it's your turn to guide others about the business. He was very hands on. We saw his potential right from the start."
At the event, they also took time to talk to entrepreneurs about their businesses and how they started. It was a very nice way for other entrepreneurs to learn from each other and perhaps network so they could also improve their businesses. The Runway Atelier also got their cute models on stage sing and walk for the event. Seeing kids there was super cute!
Here's a short chat we had with him at the venue:
Meanwhile, I have also managed to use the herzy. products this week and so far, I'm loving the herzy. Hairstyling Stick the most. Like him, I've got pretty wavy hair which gets uncontrollable after a few hours. It made my dilemma of looking well put together easy because you can get rid of those frizzy fly away hair in just a few seconds with it. The herzy. Body Wash not only smells good, but a bit minty. It feels fresh even in the hot afternoons in Manila. They've really made a very promising line of products designed for men (that can also be used by women). Best of all, men don't have to smell like flowers LOL.
There was a bit when Inigo Pascual sat down and talked to other MSME's. The chat included Mr. Dennis Valbuena of DL Wear Private, Mr. Nio Siggaoat and Ms. Valerie Lim of beauty brand Ready.Set.Glow (RSG), Twin CEO's Mark and Spencer Elimanco of LINKIT (who introduced high tech calling cards), Ms. Audrey Ong of Sweet Kamote, Ms. Jana Berenguer of J&A The Label (of TikTok fame, you should check out their story), Ms. Rich Garceron and Mr. Jed Homar Sison of Anytime Fitness Hemady Branch (whom you might want to check out to have no excuse to go to the gym) and Ms. Elvira and Eleanor of Thermomix.
The event also featured Dani by Bela (fragrance of Dani Baretto under Bela Padilla's brand), Bela by Bela, The Runway Atelier, AY Clothing Shop, Get Spotted, Sweet Kamote, Kittly Manila, Show Idea Mayumico, iWhite Korea, Hiraya Pilipina, Pan de Carpio, Prints FX and Signs, Miruku, Duchess The Label, alas hot sauce, FizzStop, Nutral, Developers HideOut, Luka's meat products, and a lot more.
The STARPRENEUR BAZAAR was so much fun, and I hope folks not just the consumers learned a lot from the business owners who shared their stories on stage. Congratulations to Bela, Ms. Lanie Tañedo and Mr. Dennis Valbuena. Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeves this year and beyond!
Folks from Golden Haven just recently held the annual Golden Stars Annual Awards for 2024 to recognize top sales performers for the past year. This is their way of making sure they know how valued they are in building the company's success. Golden Haven has been steadily growing these past few years and thanks to their dedication, they were able to attain this status in memorial care, something that sets them apart from others according to Estrellita Tan the COO of Golden Haven Memorial Parks in the Philippines.
She dubs this as a testament of their hard work and passion and attributes it to Golden Haven's success. They held ceremonies over at Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation in Davao for the Visayas and Mindanao agents while the other was held in scenic Camp Netanya in Mabini, Batangas. They also did networking sessions and shared best practices so they could learn from each other, in hopes to further their careers too in the long run.
Awards were given to Top Sales Directors, Sales Managers, Sales Agents. Some of them are OFW's, part timers, home makers who chose to do this on the side and help in this industry.
Congratulations to all the winners, I'm sure you all deserve it!
Went down south today (at Ayala Malls Manila Bay) for the biggest announcement of TIMEZONE, the biggest chain of arcades, fun and entertainment in the country. They've already had milestones in the 28 years they've existed in the Philippines, and today they announced their BIGGEST revelation yet. See, they've never ever had a face represent them in this era of endorsers and brand ambassadors... But that's about to change today as they managed to get the nod for one of the biggest creators, cosplay and gamer girl in the country to represent them. She is MYRTLE SARROSA, a pretty apt person to do this right?
Myrtle fondly remembers when they opened a branch in Iloilo City years ago and she happened to join the event at a mall in the capital. She went back every week and made sure to play a drum arcade game with the amount she got to save from her allowance from school. She remembers how much fun she had there with friends and family, and being a legitimate gamer who often goes to TIMEZONE, she felt so honored to represent a brand that she personally loves.
TIMEZONE Philippines President Rafel Prats Jr. recognized Myrtle's energetic and playful personality, some of which represents what TIMEZONE is as a brand. They see these as great qualities for a brand ambassador so there was no question Myrtle would certainly fit the role. They plan to have Myrtle to be present in activations, more store openings and in paraphernalia of TIMEZONE branches today and in the future ones.
They also announced several promos designed to encourage even more people to purchase Powercards from TIMEZONE. The BLOOKES BUNDLE so when you buy 650 pesos load you can get 800 worth of Powercard Load. The STRAIGHT TO BLUE BUNDLE on the other hand costs 2950 pesos and will get you 4000 Powercard Load value. The STRAIGHT TO GOLD on the other hand is 9950 pesos, but will get you 14,000 Power card load. They also have blind boxes and RC Cars to be given with the tiers, so make sure you get them fast because they may run out soon.
Congratulations Myrtle Sarrosa and TIMEZONE! It's definitely going to be more fun when we visit the arcades because of these new stuff!
Sitting with a throng of screaming Noranians inside a full cinema was certainly not what I expected to see in the screening of FANEY (The Fan) at the Gateway Cineplex just this evening. This is a film by Director Adolf Alix Jr., made as a tribute to the one and only superstar Ms. Nora Aunor who passed a few weeks ago.
This is the handy work of producers RS Francisco, Frontrow International, Intele Builders, Noble Wolf and AQ Films. It is written for cinema by the Director himself, and quite hard to do since it's election season and the energy is pretty down because of our loss, she's a national artist of course!
They
coincided the screening with the superstars birthday, which is today
May 21st. Editors surely had sleepless nights just to make sure it got
shown on this date. Laurice Guillen is good at her craft, uttering iconic lines of Nora Aunor, she made it felt how it is to be a loyal fan. Doing it on screen was no easy job, but she took us along for the ride.
She was flanked by Direk Gina Alajar (who played her daughter) and Kapuso Actress Althea Ablan (as her grandchild) in the film. Direk Gina's character was more of a protective one, who didn't understand how becoming a fan of Nora Aunor meant you would need to have lots of sacrifices including your own family.
If you are a fan of the Superstar, you'll really have to pay attention to the references of this film because a lot of it will be based on Nora Aunor's movies. You'll get moments to ask yourself if what you are watching is real, or a line from another project of hers. It's like every scene would become a test if you know this movie they are referring to or not. Add to that their family dynamics, how they unleashed their anger because they couldn't believe her passion, her loyalty to her idol, and how it has affected their families too. It also showcases the bond, the reasons on how a Noranian is built different and why they remain and adore her to this day.
This film also has gems, like Bembol Roco who brought Nora centric romance in the movie. There's also Roderick Paulate who did several scenes that would rival his fun movies in the 80's, Ms. Perla Bautista who at 85 still felt sharp with her character. You will also get to feel the rivalry between Ms. Nora and Vilma Santos, as there will be bouts of it in the movie. Althea Ablan on the other hand did good as she represents a generation who understands why Noranians are still Noranians. Bring lots of tissues if you are a fan, because this is all about Ms. Nora Aunor and YOU as a fan. The real stories they shared are all incredible, and told by the people themselves, front and center.
It's a well made piece, stay for the ending because you'll feel the nostalgia that her life brings. It is a proper tribute for the Superstar, the National Artist we all adore and love.
I bake, I cook, I eat a lot and sometimes, you just have to have that sweet end to a meal right?
I distinctly remember preparing all our salads and desserts. Back then, we had to tear up huge bars of gulaman, have it boiled then cooled. It was an arduous process, but now, it's way easier! Imagine doing these tasks in every fiesta, birthday, holiday and more, our families enjoy them the most, especially the kids.
They also join me prepare things, sort of a bonding activity. I feed them while they help me. The difference is, Mr. Hat Gulaman made it easier to do. All they need to do is choose a flavor, mix it according to package directions or customize when needed. They also have unflavored ones so if the baking meant you need to invent one, it would be easy!
Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to form. Your bakes and desserts would taste special, you can use the different flavors to enhance your dishes further... that's how convenient they made it.
Best of all, it's made from actual premium seaweed so there's no fear of it having harmful ingredients, those birthday parties and celebrations would certainly be a great venue to showcase your food, be the star of the show!
Here's some recipes you can try:
Coconut Gulaman Coolers, prep squares, mix it with cream, coconut, then drink and chow it all down.
Summer Mango Gulaman needs the Mango flavored sliced to squares. You can opt for the unflavored ones to make it less sweeter. Use real mangoes so you get that sweet-tangy end for dessert. It'll be amazing!
Almond Lychee Jelly, where as the name suggests, you can mix the unflavored one with almond flavoring. Add chopped canned lychees and lightly mix, it'll be a refreshing one.
Vanilla Milkshake with Gulaman, just blitz Milk, vanilla, Vanilla Ice Cream and drop any flavored gulaman of your choosing, you can have one hit summer drink and prepare it right at home. All good, and easy!
Check out this commercial so you get an idea how to make it.
No matter what occasion, make it even more special with Mr. Hat Gulaman. Because if you're craving for it, they say #NasaHatKoYan. You may visit their website seanlucinc.com for recipes, or follow their social channels too.
In this day and age, people in the Philippines often do not get work in places across the country. To find a better life for them and their families, Filipinos venture out at sea and become seafarers. It's not easy to be away from family and remain in the deep blue ocean for weeks, months, some even years. Some fall prey to unscrupulous individuals who wouldn't bat an eyelash to not give them what's due them especially if they need government help, or lawyers to protect their rights (maritime or others) even if they are not in the country.
They need help, and this is where GOLD Foundation and maritime organizations come in. They just announced a concert for a cause called ALON Pagibig, Pangarap at Pagasa, slated this June 28th 6pm at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. This is headlined by one of the most popular bands in the country BEN&BEN, talented singer John Mark Saga and lovely female PPOP Group CALISTA.
Seafarer Cecilia Giron tells us about her experience at work and says "This is a very humbling type of work, I was a bit hesitant at first, but I was able to perform the job. When I went home, I was so thin and didn't encourage me to go back . 13 years in a cruise ship, and a few years more, fooled by our love story, but I didn't want to end my dream. I had to work for my daughter, and later asked to do the same work now. It only took 5 months to finish it."
Jebsen Gamido an awareness advocate in the maritime sector told us about those experiencing not just abuse, but even mental health concerns for those who are working on ships. There are tons of seafarers who are in the same shoes and hopefully it will also be highlighted at the ALON concert.
Cadet Jerimy Orquiza shared how he didn't want to become a seafarer, but since he worked in a maritime school, he was inspired about their stories and got interested with their lives, even if it means being away from their families so they could provide for their loved ones.
Marville Espagob of ISWAN shared how he had a great career, but it was hard for him mentally. The ALON concert is intended to help folks like him, and he will have a chance to talk about it in the show. They provide free helplines to understand them and their stories."
Ms. Lala Tolentino of The Mission to Seafarers adds "There has been no event that is like this to remind ourselves of love, welfare and hope. We support the family and seafarers around the world, no matter what the nationality, race or trust. We are recognizing them, they carry 90 percent of what you are wearing today. They are hidden workers, unseen, and this will make them be on the spotlight. Because they want to help their families, they set aside personal happiness because no matter what it seems, they deserve our recognition. The benefit concert will go to fund the mission for the seafarers and their families."
Gelo Ruiz who's directing the concert says "ALON will be a tribute born out of love. There are about 3 Million out there, and this is very personal for me because I am a son of a seafarer. This will be about their Stories, their Advocacies, and how we have better lives with their sacrifice. We are making ways to inspire people, and our program contains Ben&Ben, Kelvin Miranda, Calista, and John Mark Saga who will sing for one night. Every artist have their own story, it gives people hope. Calista will also showcase women empowerment with their numbers, and John Mark has real seafarer family members. We hope you get to support us on June 28th!"
Expecting a whopping 7000 attendees, they are still looking for partners, you may reach them on their social channels and email too. Tickets available at ticket2me.net and it will be held at the Ninoy Aquino stadium in Manila. Make sure you bring along your seafarer family members, friends and everyone.
John Mark Saga is a seafarer's son and says even the poster tells a lot about growing up without his father on his side. He got to pursue his dreams because of his father's sacrifice which he wasn't able to do in the past.
Calista says "It's an honor to be part of this big movement about seafarers and their families, it's a responsibility to represent the women and we have been advocating empowerment even those who are on board. With ALON, and our music, we hope it touches hearts for those who work in the industry. We will support them, and their dreams as seafarers too."
Calista had their concert years back to help frontliners and medical professionals, this time they're doing it for seafarers which is a very noble thing to do.
It's an important advocacy, for the seafarers and their families. If you want to do the same, go support them in the concert. Tickets will surely sell out fast because concerts like this cost more on a normal day. They plan to give the proceeds to organizations that help seafarers with legal, medical and mental needs. Get tickets via Ticket2Me.net and watch the event at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium because it's going to be one fun night!
The Intramuros Administration, Department of Tourism, The Philippine Travel Agencies Association together with The Runway Atelier just held THE GRAND SANTACRUZAN at the Intramuros grounds today starting from Foro de Intramuros (in front of San Agustin Church) going to Puerto Real Gardens in Manila.
The event was participated by Runway Atelier's models and artists, donning specially designed gowns to commemorate history and the Catholic faith. This is a yearly tradition for Filipinos to showcase its religious significance when Santa Elena tried to look for the holy cross. There will be models and escorts coming from The Runway Atelier participating in the procession, and it was so nice seeing them dressed in their gorgeous garbs and outfits, depicting iconic characters from scriptures. Last year (2024) THE GRAND SANTACRUZAN Reyna Elena was Karylle Tatlonghari and Rosa Mystica was her equally gorgeous Mom Zsazsa Padilla.
Folks were at the venue as early as 3pm, and the crowd was a mix of foreign tourists, locals, people from the church, and relatives of those who were participating in the Santacruzan, They also walked around the Intramuros grounds and converged at the Puerta Real Gardens at the eastern part of the walled city. Faces did light up when they saw other participants, and it was so nice to see them wear their very detailed gowns, and suits for the consortes that evening.
They gave special awards to Nazalea Vicera, Trixie Mariscotes. The Best Dressed Awards went to Marian Angeles, Anne Marie Tolentino, Criselle Ava Geronimo and Alynna Orfanel. Mr Photogenic Awards went to Ardie Matsada and Migs Casimiro. Ms Photogenic went to Zoe Shi and Lizzie Aguinaldo. The Crowd Favorite Award went to Rhianna Altos and Theodore Salgado. Mikael Collin also won Best Escort. Then they announced the Best in Arc Awards. 3rd Place went to Mikay Barruiz, 2nd Place was won by Alyanna Orphanel, and 1st Place went to Rhianna Alto and Theodore Salgado.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants of this grand event. I heard there will be more things happening this month, make sure you follow The Runway Atelier social channels as they post events there regularly.
