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. 

EYE MO Launches EYE MO COOL RED EYES with DUSTIN YU

Just got off the EYE MO event at the Monet Ballroom of Novotel in Quezon City. They got us experience redness and irritation when we arrived at the venue, and we know, something must be done to make things better. They introduced a new eye drop variant, the new EYE MO COOL RED EYES and did it with PBB Celebrity Collab Edition star DUSTIN YU!

Mr. Weitarsa Hendarto says "Our brand is the most trusted one in Filipino homes. We deeply value this and inspires us to innovate. In humidity, Filipinos find ways to get refreshed and recharged, and we are launching the new EYE MO Cool Red Eyes to improve the quality of life of our consumers. We also want to connect with our younger market, and this is our response to that. This helps consumers to find relief, and launching a new campaign "#CoolNgEyeMo". By making eye care accessible and relevant, ww are not only introducing products but leadership. Thank you!"

Eye Mo Senior Marketing Manager Earl Jayona adds "Refresh and recharge your eyes with Eye Mo. Our consumers are living a stressful life, simple lives, and this is where Eye Mo comes in. Dustin Yu represents the brand and he brings it closer to his generation. With Eye Mo, each day is a refresh and recharge day!"

With the summer making its presence felt, this comes with dust, smog, the wind, the sun and just about anything that can make you irritated in the eyes. Eye Mo Cool Red Eyes was made to address this as part of their portfolio. It's cooler than the usual, and will be part of their REFRESH and RECHARGE Your Eyes with Eye Mo Cool campaign. You will see this extra visible with your favorite KOL's as part of their awareness campaign plus their man for the brand, Dustin Yu! 

The company also wants to continue innovating their brands as more will be in the pipeline of the eye drop brand including some that would be safe for contact lens wearers.

Make sure you follow their social media channels by searching Eye Mo Philippines on different platforms. They're here for a reason, and will continue to serve the Filipino consumer in years to come!

Forging Bonds During Lunar New Year Festivities at the Beautéderm Headquarters

Being in the midst of celebrities was not on my plans for Lunar New Year, but the good CEO of Beautéderm Ms. Rei Anicoche Tan made our day special by bringing in some of the country's brightest stars at their headquarters in Angeles Pampanga as they celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse!

I've been informed that this year is going to be very fast paced and dynamic, and we've all got to have more patience, more energy, do more bold moves so we could achieve our dreams and experience more things. While Ms. Rei didn't have any plans to do an event, she knew this yearly bonding activity would be something good for their brand but their numerous endorsers, so they could get to know each other, especially off the stage, on a very personal level. It was something important for her and the Beautéderm Corporation, so she made it happen even in the midst of a very busy month. They made tons of arrangements, Lion and Dragon dance, took photos of them in different floors, and showcased them outdoors for the public to see. 

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Ms. Rei says "Happy Chinese New Year! As I look around this room, I see our influencers, press and Beautederm ambassadors. We are driven, fearless and this has become a tradition for us. We give thanks, and doing it in this building means a lot for us. We continue to grow together, share even great success. May this year bring abundance to all of us!"

The event was also graced by GMA's prime actor Dennis Trillo, Board Member Aaron Villaflor, the iconic Lorna Tolentino, hunky Vice Governor Ejay Falcon, Sexbomb and Bulacan Queen Sunshine Garcia Castro, the hilarious Sugar Mercado (who's both doing RAWND 6 soon!), Darla Sauler, Thou Reyes, Dental Diva Kakai Bautista, actress Thia Thomalia, your Baby Boy Kimson Tan, the beautiful Nadine Samonte, beauty queens Rochelle Barrameda, lovely Chanel Morales, Pepita Curtis, Jennie Gabriel (her Angel Locsin impersonation was super good!), Buboy Villar (who was with his family and cute baby!), and a whole lot more. I've seen PBA pro Terrence Romeo and a few of his friends during dinner, it was so nice to see them in the flesh! Plus the whole family of Ms. Rei Tan was there to support and celebrate with her. 

 

I'd like to take this bit to thank Beautederm and Ms. Rei for making us part of the festivities! May you continue to be a blessing to not just yourself, but to other people. Happy Lunar New Year!