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Vinyl Gold Rush: More music enthusiasts turn out for the most recent “One Stop Record Fair” event

An increasing number of vinyl record collectors are spending hours rummaging through records in hopes of finding the long-lost vinyl. The inaugural “One Stop Record Fair” of the year was packed with audio enthusiasts when it opened at the brand-new Greenhills Mall in San Juan City.

More than thirty vinyl record vendors, including Bunnygod Records, Tambai Records, Lennox Records, Kapitan Plaka, Musique Vibe Records, Mamsy Records, Plakatons, Ohmandys, and Perfect Day Records, were present at the quarterly music festival called “One Stop Record Fair.” Vinyl records from the 1960s to the 2020s were available for as little as 200 pesos, with discounts of up to 50%; nevertheless, you are free to haggle and request lower prices. It’s wise to remember that first pressings are frequently sold for a high price and to bring extra cash the next time.

Do you not yet own a turntable or other audio equipment? Don’t worry, though; CDs and cassette tapes were also offered at the record fair. Turntables and speakers were among the audio equipment that Audio-Technica was selling at a booth. Notable records sold at the event include “Feel like Making Love” by Bob James Trio and “The World’s Greatest Audiophile Vocal Recordings” from UG34 Music; “Buckingham Nicks (Japan Pressing)” by Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham and “City Pop Avenue” by Paper Moon Project from Bunnygod Records; “Shooting Rubberbands At The Sky (US First Pressing)” by Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians and Charles Mingus’ “Mingus at Monterey (Japan pressing mono)” from New Vintage Culture, among other notable records sold.

Cubil’s wife Keiko Necesario, who is also a singer-songwriter, joined him on stage to sing their song “Una.” Meanwhile, director and actor Bobot Mortiz launched his 8-track vinyl album “Goin’ Standard,” a collection of standards popularized by Frank Sinatra, at the record fair.

“I am happy with the outcome of this event. One Stop Record Fair is indeed successful. I can say that ‘our events are always successful, and it was different from previous fair since it was more fun and more people came,'” said Sari Osorio, the organizer of the record fair.

According to Osorio, attendees are more enthusiastic this time around since they are aware of what the record fair has to offer and are eager to see what has been introduced since the last fair.

In June 2024, there will be another “One Stop Record Fair,” so get ready to start digging.

April 5, 2024 by
Lifestyle, News

The ADVanCE for Creatives Program’s top five startup finalists are revealed by DTI

On March 21, 2024, at the Launchgarage Innovation Hub in Quezon City, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) formally unveiled the top five startup finalists for the Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (ADVanCE) for Creatives Program.

After being chosen from a starting group of eight growth-stage companies, the top five candidates were evaluated based on organizational capability, business development, and preparedness. During these sessions, DTI and Launchgarage assessed each startup on the basis of its current state of product development, team composition, goals for the future, and obstacles, with an emphasis on how the program may help it flourish. This made sure that the selected finalists were not only capable of handling upcoming obstacles but also in a position to significantly influence the creative industry with their creative and adaptable solutions.

The top five finalists are AniMattify, a startup transforming print ads into animations; KikoMonster Creative Studio, providing creative solutions from Zamboanga; Bihasa, merging instructional design with production for learning videos; ROC.PH Digital Marketing Services, assisting businesses and professionals through website management, digital marketing consultation, creative design, and strategy implementation; and Bentamo, a tech startup showcasing creative Filipino brands. The finalists will undergo intensive training based on the specific interventions identified during the needs assessment.

The ADVanCE for Creatives program, launched on December 5, 2023, aligns with the visions outlined in the Innovative Startup Act (ISA) and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA). This initiative underscores DTI’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the Philippines.

DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Group Rafaelita M. Aldaba commended the selected startups, emphasizing DTI’s dedication to supporting their growth. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the top five startup finalists of the ADVanCE for Creatives program,” said Usec. Aldaba. “DTI is proud to support the development of these promising startups as they contribute to the advancement of the Philippine Creative Industries.”

The finalists will receive in-depth instruction via a sequence of educational workshops, industry expert mentorship, and tailored business matchmaking and acceleration initiatives. A demo day in April, which marks the program’s culmination, will provide the businesses a chance to present their work and draw in possible partners and investors.

To support the Philippine Creative Industries even more, DTI previously unveiled ten carefully chosen creative startups and enterprises for the Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Assistance (IDEA) program. The startups that were chosen for IDEA are Wika, 7×7 Development Corporation, MVRK Simulations, Pamitisan Shoe Shop, Transcend Studios Inc., Kwentoon, Carisle Media Corporation, Produkto PH, DND Denim N’ Denim, and Brave Story.

April 3, 2024 by
Lifestyle, Tech

On World Autism Awareness Day, the Mylo Speech Buddy app was released to help autistic children develop their speech faster

This tech platform, utilizing a video modeling method, aims to complement the efforts of speech therapists and medical professionals in accelerating the speech development of individuals within the Autism spectrum

Photo Shows from left: Worthy Habla, Vincent Rocha, Katherine Tiuseco and Dr. Francis Dimalanta

Mylo Speech Buddy, a groundbreaking speech development system created to help people with speech impairments and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), formally debuted in connection with World Autism Awareness Day.

With the goal of helping nonverbal kids go from having no words to saying their first word, the app uses video modeling and gives parents precise enunciation instructions so they can support their child’s speech development while they’re at home.

The app worked closely with speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and other medical specialists who prioritize the special requirements of people on the autistic spectrum to assure its efficacy in further assisting ASD and speech delay. Its team is made up of parents with substantial experience in developing preschool and special education curriculum, as well as firsthand knowledge of raising children with autism spectrum disorders.

Vincent Rocha, President and CEO of Mylo Speech Buddy, emphasized the app’s pivotal role within the autism community, “Mylo Speech Buddy is a powerful platform that enables parents to actively support their child’s speech development right at home. It enhances and works alongside the valuable contributions of speech therapists and medical professionals, adding to a holistic approach to speech development rather than substituting professional care.”

Rocha also recalled his personal struggles and the app’s efforts to improve for the autism community. “As a parent of a child with autism, I draw inspiration from the challenges my son, Noah, faced when diagnosed at the age of two,” he explained. “Our mission is to bolster individuals with autism in developing verbal abilities and to foster genuine support within the autism community.”

ASD, commonly known as autism, is a global condition affecting approximately 1% or 75 million individuals worldwide. In the Philippines, around 1.2 million cases of ASD are reported and approximately one in 100 children is diagnosed with autism. This underscores the scarcity of accessible and affordable occupational and speech therapy services for Filipino parents with children diagnosed with ASD. With this, Mylo Speech Buddy wants to emphasize that early intervention is crucial for enhancing learning, communication, social skills, and fostering positive changes in underlying brain development.

The tech platform will release a series of “Ausome Stories” videos on social media starting on World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2024. These videos will feature 10 real-life families with members on the autism spectrum, showing glimpse into their daily lives, challenges, journeys, instances of happiness, along with the stereotypes and societal judgments they encounter.

Rocha also highlighted the importance of storytelling in fostering understanding and empathy, “Ausome Stories allows us to share the diverse experiences of individuals with autism, celebrating their strengths and achievements.”

Co-founder Enrico Aquino also stressed the significance of supporting autism communities, stating, “The launch of Mylo Speech Buddy represents a significant milestone in raising awareness, understanding, and supporting individuals with autism, particularly as the world observes World Autism Awareness Day.”

By leveraging the power of technology and compassion, Mylo Speech Buddy aims to pave the way for a brighter future, serving as a collaborative partner in therapy and support.

Website: mylo.ph 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mylospeechbuddy 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mylospeechbuddy 

April 3, 2024 by
Automotive, Lifestyle

Honda Philippines Launches Solar Power Project to Cut Carbon Footpri

Newly inaugurated rooftop solar power project, to help Honda transition to clean energy


From left: Mr. Arnold Panghulan, HPI General Manager for Manufacturing Operations Office; Mr. Juan Gerry Datario, HPI Assistant Vice President – Business Administration; Ms. Maria Fe Quijano, HPI Assistant Vice President – Finance and IT; Mr. Jomel Jerezo, HPI Vice President – MC Sales Office & Supply Chain Management Division; Mr. Yasunori Miyamoto, HPI Vice President – Finance & IT; Mr. Kohei Yamamoto, HPI Executive Vice President – Manufacturing; Ms. Sayaka Arai – Hattori, HPI President; Mr. Ross Coull, Skye Renewable Energy CEO; Mr. Gary Espino, Skye Renewables Philippines Inc. President; Mr. Atsushi Kawasaki, Idemitsu Lubricants Philippines Inc. President; Mr. Toshifumi Yokoyama, Singapore Branch Shoseki International K.K Head; Mr. Atsushi Koyano, Idemitsu Lubricants Philippines Head of Sales.

Today, Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) officially inaugurates its 1.056 MW rooftop solar power plant, marking a critical milestone in the company’s drive towards a cleaner future. The operational phase of this project, which was started in cooperation with Skye Renewables, is already underway at HPI’s production facility located in Tanauan, Batangas.

“This inauguration marks a crucial step towards achieving our global carbon neutrality goal by 2050,” said Sayaka Arai-Hattori, President of Honda Philippines, Inc. “We are not just a company that manufactures and sells products; we strive to be a positive force for society. This project embodies our commitment to environmental responsibility and demonstrates our dedication to inspiring a more sustainable future for both our employees and customers.”

HPI partnered with Skye Renewables, a top Southeast Asian producer of captive solar systems, to bring this project to life.

“Skye Renewables has always been committed to supporting the energy transition across Asia and we are delighted to help support Honda Philippines, Inc. in its sustainability journey,” said Gary Espino, Head of Philippines for Skye Renewables. “With this project, we helped install the solar panels, which then convert the energy of the sun’s photons into electricity. This clean energy will power HPI’s operations during the day, and if needed, they can seamlessly switch to grid electricity when necessary. In some countries, even excess solar energy can be fed back to the grid.”

The newly inaugurated solar power project consists of a total of 1,958 panels, each with a capacity of 540 watts. This technology harnesses the abundant Philippine sunshine, generating at least 35 percent of HPI’s maximum daytime energy demand. This translates to 1,267 MWh of clean energy utilization annually, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to environmental benefits.

Additionally, the solar power project will help HPI experience cost savings since solar energy is typically cheaper than traditional grid-purchased power. The project also aids in strengthening the company’s sustainability strategy, enabling HPI to achieve its goals of becoming carbon neutral in its operations.

“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Honda Philippines’ sustainability journey. This project is a testament to the power of collaboration, and we believe it paves the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for all,” Espino added.

The launch of HPI’s solar power project is evidence of the effectiveness of partnerships between well-known companies and producers of renewable energy. This project serves as a powerful model for other companies looking to adopt sustainable practices and improve the environment for future generations.

April 1, 2024 by
Lifestyle, Tech

LOOK: Galing is coming to NYC thanks to Alamat and DITO Telecommunity!

A huge digital billboard in New York City is featuring the PPop boy group Alamat and their collaboration with the #GalingDITO 2024 campaign


DITO Telecommunity x Alamat is featured on a huge digital billboard in New York City as part of the #GalingDITO 2024 campaign.

We went to New York City! With the help of a massive digital billboard, the distinctive PPop boy band Alamat and DITO Telecommunity are creating waves in the Big Apple!

The DITO Telecommunity billboard, located in Times Square, the center of New York City, one of the busiest and most famous cities in the world, is truly bringing Filipino “Galing” and talent to the international arena. A portion of the official music video for the #GalingDITO 2024 campaign, Ang Galing DITO, featuring Alamat, is included on the billboard. Clips of every #GalingDITO 2024 talent are also included.


#GalingDITO 2024 highlights Filipino excellence with a diverse set of talents, including surfing, textile weaving, tattooing, visual arts, and more.

Check out DITO Telecommunity x Alamat’s collaboration here on YouTube: DITO Telecommunity x Alamat | Ang Galing DITO.

Launched last February 2024, the #GalingDITO 2024 campaign brings together talents from across the Philippine islands. The roster of the 20 talents hails from all over the country, from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, each representing “Galíng” in a diversity of pursuits and crafts from music, dance, fashion, visual arts, craftsmanship, and more. Truly, Filipino excellence stands out when the excellence of diverse regional cultures comes together.

The noteworthy list of talented Filipinos includes:

1. Grace Palicas, Tattoo artist Gáling Kalinga, Galíng ng Cordillera

2. Nhoda Muñoz, Miniature Artist Gáling Pampanga, Galíng ng Central Luzon

3. Cid Cempron, Blacksmith Gáling Bohol, Galíng ng Central Visayas

4. Joneil Severino, Leaf Artist Gáling Samar, Galíng ng Eastern Visayas

5. Nurainie Ampatuan, Designer Gáling Sultan Kudarat, Galíng ng Bangsamoro

6. Bea Vega, Surfer Gáling Siargao, Galíng ng Caraga


DITO Telecommunity is promoting Filipino “Galing” even internationally with their #GalingDITO 2024 campaign!
 

Full list of talents can be found on the Galing DITO website: Napakagaling Talaga Ng Iba’t Ibang Galing DITO!

DITO Telecommunity offers the PaGALINGan Dito Promo with prizes up to 3 million pesos in addition to the official song video! All subscribers need to do to enter to win thrilling cash prizes and thousands of DITO reward points is to show off their “Galing” and post a video to TikTok. Visit https://bit.ly/PagalinganDITO to learn more and join the PaGALINGan Dito Promo.

Visit https://dito.ph/ or follow @DITOphofficial on Facebook and Instagram for additional details and updates.

DITO Telecommunity Links:  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DITOphofficial 

Instagram: @ditophofficial

Twitter: @DITOphofficial  

Tiktok: @ditophofficial

Viber: @ditophofficial

April 1, 2024 by
Lifestyle, News

Digido receives 11 honors, including two Global Banking & Finance Review “Best” awards

Earlier, Digido announced that it has served over one million Filipinos through its safe, reliable and inclusive digital lending services.

Digido, a multi-awarded consumer finance company, has received eleven award recognitions from four prestigious international financial and business periodicals as of the end of the first three months of this year.

The digital lending service was recognized as the nation’s “Best New Fintech Company” and the Philippines’ “Best New Online Lending Services” by the Global Banking & Finance Awards® for the second consecutive year.

Three titles were won by Digido at the World Economic Magazine Awards: “Best Personal Loans Provider Philippines 2024,” “Best Customer Service Company For Finance Philippines 2024,” and “Best New Online Lending Services Philippines 2024.”

The Global Financial Market Review named the platform the “Best Digital Lending App in the Philippines” while the Gazet International Awards recognized Digido in five categories: “Best Digital Lending Firm Philippines 2024”, “Most Customer-Friendly Financial Solutions Philippines 2024”, “Most Innovative Digital Lending App Philippines 2024”, “Best Digital Loan App Philippines 2024”, and “Best Digital Lending Platform Philippines 2024”.

Earlier, Digido announced that it has served over one million Filipinos through its safe, reliable and inclusive digital lending services.

Commenting on the 11 awards, Digido business development manager Rose Arreco said: “We recognize the unprecedented nature of this series of recognitions from these prestigious finance and business publications and feel incredibly humbled. We at Digido have been striving to ensure we remain a trusted financial partner for the Philippines’ underserved, and these awards are stark reminders to do so with the consumer at the forefront.”

Because of their versatility and ease of usage, personal loans were the most preferred formal credit option, according to a previous Digido-commissioned survey, which found that 54% of respondents had one in 2023.

With Digido’s First Loan For Free program, first-time borrowers can obtain a normal personal loan up to PHP 25,000 for returning customers and up to PHP 4,000 with no interest for first-time borrowers. It is available via Lazada Loans, its apps on Google Play and the iOS App Store, and its official website, digido.ph.

March 31, 2024 by
Lifestyle, Travel

Enchanting getaways: Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija’s LakeFarm Resort

Experience the captivating charm of Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija’s LakeFarm Resort, where every moment transforms into a magnificent memory.

Our resort is located near the magnificent Pantabangan Lake and has a stunning hot air balloon that is carefully crafted to add a romantic and magical touch to your stay. Imagine yourself entering a place straight out of a fairy tale, where you are surrounded by magnificent views and vivid hues as you record priceless moments with the people you love.

But LakeFarm Resort offers more than just a stunning backdrop. With our pet-friendly policy, no family member gets left behind. Bring along your furry companions and unwind in our tranquil ambiance, where relaxation and adventure await without breaking the bank.

Indulge in the awe-inspiring infinity swimming pool, where the serene waters seamlessly merge with the horizon, offering a refreshing escape from the chaos of daily life. Lounge by the poolside, bask in the sun, and let your cares dissolve as you soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

As night falls, immerse yourself in the magical ambiance of our 5,000 roses blooming under the moonlight. Lose yourself in a sea of rosy hues, where each petal seems to glow with its own inner light, creating a romantic atmosphere that lingers long after dark.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, leisure, or a little bit of both, LakeFarm Resort guarantees an amazing time that will make you want to come again. Come experience the magic of LakeFarm Resort and allow it to transport you to a place where dreams and reality coexist together.

For reservations and inquiries, contact us at: Phone: 0917 891 1836 Email: [email protected]

Located at L15 KM5 Villarica, Pantabangan, Philippines.

March 31, 2024 by
Lifestyle, Sports

ArenaPlus celebrates the 26th Kadalag-an Festival with locals

Your all-day sports betting app, ArenaPlus, continues to play a leading role in the local entertainment industry by providing fun and entertainment at the 26th Kadalag-an Festival in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

The 26th Kadalag-an Festival, which took place from March 21 to 24, 2024, had the full backing of ArenaPlus, a platinum sponsor, in order to provide the Negrenses with top-notch entertainment. The company gave attendees of the festival a number of ways to make the most of their weekend and make lasting memories.

At Sidlak Victorias Global City, ArenaPlus set up an interactive booth where guests could play Roll the Dice and Spin the Wheel for prizes and acquire premium items. Tony Labrusca and Elyson De Dios were also brought in by ArenaPlus to perform for a crowd in order to provide even more fun and excitement. In a similar vein, there were games and prizes for the audience to win on stage.

In addition, ArenaPlus made sure to take part in one of the festival’s main events: the Miss Kadalag-an Queen 2024. The brand joined the coronation night last March 22 and awarded Ammeline Alegarbes, one of the pageant’s overall Top 5 candidates, Php 20,000 for winning the Miss ArenaPlus Kadalag-an Queen 2024 title. Jasper Vicencio, President of ArenaPlus’ personally congratulated Alegarbes as he handed the prize.

ArenaPlus continues to work with local organizers to bring more entertainment to various parts of the Philippines, regardless of how far the event and their communities are from the Metro. This effort extends to Visayas-based celebrations like the 26th Kadalag-an Festival in Negros Occidental, solidifying ArenaPlus’ dedication to developing entertainment all over the country.

Digiplus Interactive Corp. is a leading provider of gaming and leisure services in the nation, and BingoPlus and ArenaPlus are two of its proud flagship brands. Visit www.bingoplus.com and www.arenaplus.net for additional updates, or get the apps right now from Google Play and the App Store.

March 27, 2024 by
Food, Lifestyle

One of Pasig City’s Top Taxpayers is Jollibee Group


Fifth Top Taxpayer of Pasig City. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto (third from left) and Vice Mayor Robert Jaworski, Jr. (fifth from left) lead the recognition of the city’s top taxpayers. Receiving the award on behalf of the Jollibee Group were Clarisa Guerra, Jollibee Worldwide Services Director of Tax Services (fourth from left); and Atty. Anna Marie Curan, Jollibee Group Corporate Tax Manager (second from left).

The Jollibee Group’s dedication to helping to grow the country was further strengthened when it was recognized as the top five business taxpayer in Pasig City for 2023.

With the subject “One of the Pillars of Progress: Honoring our Tax Contributors,” The Grove by Rockwell hosted the award ceremony. The Pasig City Council, Vice Mayor Robert Jaworski, Jr., and Mayor Vico Sotto honored the top taxpayers in the city for their prompt and effective payment of overdue taxes, which supported the city’s services and programs.

“As a company proudly founded in the Philippines, we share in the role of nation-building. We do this not only by growing our business and serving food that brings joy to Filipinos but also by being a responsible taxpayer and corporate citizen,” shared Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Chief Business Officer and Head of Jollibee Group’s Philippine Business. We remain committed to supporting the government’s programs that help uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos.”

Popular Philippine brands like Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Mang Inasal, and Red Ribbon are part of the Jollibee Group’s portfolio. In the nation, the company operated about 3,300 outlets as of December 2023.

March 26, 2024 by
Lifestyle, News, Tech

Auto Tech and Association for Mobility Inc. Declares New Leadership Group at AIM-DBI Roundtable ATM in Makati


Auto Tech and Mobility Association Officers: Mr. Mark Saberola, Chairman and President, Ms. Odessa Escartin, Treasurer, and Atty. Marlon Valderama, Corporate Secretary.

At the highly anticipated Roundtable ATM [AutoTech and Mobility] event held at the Asian Institute of Management – Dado Banatao Incubator (AIM-DBI), Makati City, The Auto Tech and Mobility Association Inc. (ATMAI), a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to pioneering advancements in the auto tech and mobility sectors, proudly introduced its new slate of officers.

David Almarinez from PeekUp and Alan Cheah from Carsome delighted the visitors with their engaging keynote addresses at the most recent roundtable. A significant milestone for ATMAI was also reached at the event when they signed a formal agreement to collaborate with Asia Events Group. This collaboration exemplifies ATMAI’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the automotive technology and mobility sectors and paves the way for the upcoming Future of Automotive conference, which is slated to take place in Pasay City. The event served as a great platform for introducing ATMAI’s new leadership team, who are equipped to lead the company into a bright future.

Mr. Mark Saberola, a seasoned auto industry professional with over two decades of experience, was elected as President and Chairman of ATMAI. A diverse group of officers who each bring a wealth of knowledge and commitment to the association complement his leadership, to wit:

– Ms. Odessa Escartin, Treasurer, brings her insightful experience from the event management and insurtech industries to oversee the association’s financial health.

– Atty. Marlon Valderrama, Corporate Secretary, a startup lawyer and a legal tech founder, lends his extensive legal expertise to ensure governance and compliance.

This dynamic team is further supported by a board of directors comprised of Mr. Jayvee De Leon of Forent, Ms. Olive Escartin of Oseas Tech, Mr. Kevin Abalos of AutoServed, Mr. Zes Martinez of Fame Technologies and Mr. Homer Nievera of Negosentro Group, all distinguished professionals from various sectors within the auto tech and mobility industry, all committed to driving forward the association’s mission.

“The introduction of our new officers at the Roundtable ATM marks a historic moment for our association, signaling the beginning of a new era of leadership committed to pioneering innovation in the auto tech and mobility space.” said President Mark Saberola. “With the collective expertise and vision of our leadership team, ATMAI is poised to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future, making significant contributions to the industry.”

The Roundtable ATM event provided an engaging platform for discussions on the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in the auto tech and mobility sectors, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving the industry forward.

In addition to expressing its gratitude to the Roundtable ATM participants, ATMAI urges all parties involved in the automotive technology and mobility sectors to collaborate with it in its efforts to innovate and promote sustainable mobility and technological excellence in the future.

Go to www.autotechmobility.org to learn more about ATMAI and how to get involved.

March 23, 2024 by