Aren@P|us Makes NBA and US Dreams Come True

After holding one of the biggest parties for VIP's last year, the good folks from Aren@P|us stay true to their word by giving away 2 all expense paid trips to the United States and arrangements for shopping, touring, and the best NBA experience they could possibly do. 

The first winning VIP did it with his wife and children, which they did across different states in the US, from New York to Los Angeles where he stayed at the Trump Tower Hotel and Marriott LA. He met Jordan Clarkson, and also had dinner with him before seeing him play at Madison Square Garden. He said "I was super happy because it was my first time to be there, and see Jordan Clarkson in the flesh! It's way different than seeing him on TV! I will not forget this experience!"

In LA, he was able to join the 2026 NBA All Star weekend at the grand Intuit Dome where he also saw performances by Ludacris and the rest of the NBA players. He had so much fun because he was able to experience time with the players and the energetic crowd too. Then he did the best thing for his family by taking them to the loveliest luxury shops and outlet stores so they get to take home something for themselves. He adds "This experience is surreal and I can't thank them enough for the experience, the shopping and tours we did here. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!"

The second VIP winner on the other hand stayed at the nippy city of Chicago. He stayed at the Trump Tower Suite and did it for his favorite team the Chicago Bulls. He met Derrick Rose who signed his merch, and as a person who collects cards and outfits, it was something he wouldn't forget.  He says "I was just starstruck seeing them all at the NBA. We also did the Chicago Barrel Run and finished it off in KTV's in the evening. I really am so thankful for it!" 

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the surprises they have for VIP's, and the Aren@P|us community. Stay tuned because they've definitely got more up their sleeves. 

KUCHI KUCHI Unleashes New KUCHI KUCHI COOLING POWDER CITRONELLA Variant

When I read about this, I couldn't believe it exists! Best of all, it's made in the Philippines, which is why I'll get some for personal consumption and for my Mom. See, my Mom always complains about how it is super hot in the afternoons, and when she's even doing nothing, she becomes an easy target for mosquitoes, something that she has dreaded for years now. 

Kuchi Kuchi has made a Kuchi Kuchi Cooling Powder that is a Citronella Variant. This means, you get to solve 2 things at the same time,.particularly if it's too HOT (as it gives you the cooling effect) and when there's mosquitoes (as Citronella plants are known for deterring mosquitoes naturally). 

The product is also gentle, easily accessible as it is available in Shopee and Lazada. It comes in 50g and 100g bottles and cost less than a hundred pesos. For those who want a more mortar and pestle style of purchasing, fret not because it'll be available in pharmacies like Mercury Drug, Watsons, Rose Pharmacy, even stores like Puregold, SM Supermarket and Robinsons starting next month. 

Now is the time to put Kuchi Kuchi Cooling Powder Citronella in your go bags, for your Mom or kids, it's FDA approved and safe! Isn't that a good thing?!

FFCCCII Launches 2nd Short Form Video Comp for "Operation Barrio Schools"

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. or FFCCCII just recently announced their 2nd TikTok Video Competition with this year's theme: A Classroom For Every Dream (How FFCCCII Barrio Schools Have Improved Lives). 

The occasion was attended by FFCCCII President Victor Lim and his fellow FFCCCII officers Mr. Jayson Size, Mr. Peter Mangasing (Co-Chairman of Youth Integrated Committee), Mr. Reynold Sy the FFCCCII Vice President, Mr. Eddie Cobankiat (Chair Public Information and Media Committee) and Kamuning Bakery Owner and Journalist Wilson Flores. 

After the successful contest last year, they're gearing to get more people to join in this 2026 edition. For those who don't know, the organization has already built over 6,500 since 1961 and have been able to help countless students to finish their studies in different regions across the Philippines. 

This is open to Filipinos, 13 yo and above. Entries should be 1-2 minutes short, shot vertically with English Subtitles featuring FFCCCII Barrio School experience, impact or topic. You may upload this privately or through QR codes then tag @FFCCCII.official and use the hashtags #FFCCCIIBarrioSchools on May 5 - 15th this year. Total cash prize amount to 850,000 pesos and the Grand Prize is Php 120,000!

Mr. Victor Lim says "We at FFCCCII would like to encourage Filipinos especially the young ones to join our competition. Our organization's flagship project Operation Barrio Schools is part of Filipino Chinese tradition and we hope to showcase these to spark hope and see progress in communities."

The competition will be set in 2 categories #MyFFCCCIIBarrioSchoolJourney and #TheFFCCCIIBarrioSchoolsStory. Deadline for entries is on May 15th. So if you are a budding content creator or story teller, you've got to join this on the black app! Category A will be for currently enrolled students, teachers and school employees. Category B will be for content creators (pro or non pro, please scan QR for complete mechanics).

Here's the press conference on video, please enjoy!