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. 

ALDEN RICHARDS Brings PH to Hollywood via "BIG TIGER" with Max Collins, Byron Mann, Katherine McNamara and Luke Goss

If you haven't heard, Alden Richards is taking his shot at Hollywood this coming 2026. Yes, you heard that right, Asia's well loved multimedia star is producing and becoming a part of "BIG TIGER" an action flick he's starring with fellow GMA star Max Collins, HK American Byron Mann (omg he's Ryu in Street Fighter!), and action star Katherine McNamara, and English actor Luke Goss (who's had several movies in his belt). 

How did this all start? Alden told us that he personally went to LA to look for studios that he could work with via his production company Myriad Entertainment (who's done several ones in the PH). There were a lot of them that he approached but it was either not feasible for them (and a whole lot of other reasons). When he talked to the folks from LUX Angeles Studios, Bims and Sawyer Studios and Voltage Pictures, all it took was 2 zoom meetings and one personal appearance to make things happen. With a Filipino production team based here in the Philippines, Keoni Waxman felt how smooth it was to stage the shoot here, and got lots of praises for the texture they got from locations that would have cost millions to build in the US. Here, it's all natural, and producers called it "COST EFFECTIVE" to make it happen here.

Here's what Alden had to say about that!

 Here's the full video of the media conference a few days ago:

There are tons of plans now to do several flim projects with Myriad Entertainment, and according to the producers, about 9 to 10 films the least. This is huge especially for the ones looking for locations outside the US, and it will bring jobs for PH crews, for Philippine based actors that they plan to do. This is ultimately what Alden wants to happen, and these are all challenges that he will try to overcome. He says "The reinforcement from production partners, to highlight the Philippines, as a location hub for Asia, if this comes true, we will have the chance to increase the quality of what we can do here in the country! I hope to work with Hollywood stars and do it with Filipino actors, this is an opportunity to bring more people to work in the Philippines and have the Filipino actors work here too. They didn't know how affordable it was to make films here, now they do!"

Max says "It's so different to see Alden do this (as an Antagonist) because we've worked together before in ILLUSTRADOS. That's totally different with our characters, he's an @SSH0LE and it was amazing and sexy, his fans would love to see more of those!"

BIG TIGER is a place in the film, and you'll see why it is called that once you see it in cinemas. They have plans to show it here, distribute it in the US and streaming platforms. This is where Alden is going, are you going to support him all the way?!

I know, I would!

Santé Barley Supports Trilogy Run Asia

Running is such a very active sport in the country and with the recent Trilogy Run Asia 2025, the folks from Santé Barley made sure they get their needed support as part of the brand's call to "Live for More". 

The company wants runners to reap the benefits of the BioGro certified organic barley grass products which hails from New Zealand which is why they held promos, deals, even membership that gets them 50 percent off on products if they become Santé Affiliates. 

The event was launched in Cagayan de Oro, then in Iloilo where folks from different industries participated in the race and challenges. There will be legs to be held in Cebu and Davao next which the company is also going to be a part of with their goal to make sure Filipinos would "Live for More" wherever they are in the country. If you want to know more about the event, make sure to follow their social channels because updates will also be there.