Lifestyle

From left to right: Yvette Dizon-Deputy General Manager, Festival Mall; Ms. Denise Lagayan, VP and Corporate Marketing Head of Filinvest; ASec. Domingo R. Tolentino, Jr., DTI SCO; ASec. Grace F. Baluyan, DTI ROG; DTI R2 Regional Director Ma. Sofia G. Narag; DOT R2 Regional Director Troy Alexander G. Miano and DTI R2 ARD Henry O. Conel, Jr.

Padday na Lima is back in Manila! Cagayan Valley’s product showcase is again in the spotlight as the trade fair officially kicks off today, September 10, 2024, at Festival Mall Alabang in Muntinlupa.

This year’s trade fair comes with the theme, “Unveiling the Richness of Cagayan Valley’s Lands and Seas, A Fusion of Beauty and Bounty.” In the opening ceremony, the Department of Trade and Industry R2 Regional Director, Ma. Sofia G. Narag welcomed visitors to the fair, promising that they are going to be treated to a smorgasbord of the region’s freshest and finest products from the valley’s diverse agricultural and aquatic resources.

In a heartfelt display of support, the Acting Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, Sec. Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Hon. Senator Loren B. Legarda conveyed their messages of support during the opening for Padday na Lima, emphasizing the vital role of MSMEs in strengthening the region’s economy.

Padday na Lima, an Ybanag vernacular for “made by hands”, aims to promote Cagayan Valley’s rich heritage and create fruitful unions with Manila-based advocates. In this week-long event, guests and Region 2 MSMEs alike are given exciting opportunities and unforgettable experiences like never before! This year’s fair will take visitors through a guided tour of the booths of Cagayan Valley MSMEs with a B2B matching activity for prospective endeavors between producers and consumers in Cagayan Valley and Manila. There are a wide array of other exciting activities at the fair including food and wine tasting, fun games, and a creative crafts demonstration. Another highlight of the trade fair is a fashion show named Hibla’t Having Rehiyon Dos: Padday na Lima Collections featuring Cagayan Valley’s unique weaves.

Clockwise from left: Steps Dance Troupe and ISU Music Ensemble, Hainrich Unite and Kristin Vivien Cacacho (Master of Ceremony), DTI R2 Regional Director Ma. Sofia G. Narag, CESO V

With a hundred exhibiting MSMEs and farmers boasting their wide array of products and services- from farm produce to processed foods, aquatic and fishery products, native delicacies, garden plants, to fashion and wearables, furniture, handicrafts, and tourism opportunities – visitors at the opening day were introduced to the wonders that Cagayan Valley has to offer to the Philippines and to the world. Pavillions highlighting each province in the region – Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya- gave visitors a feel for not just their products but avenues for tourism and other potential investment projects as well.

Clockwise from left: ASec. Grace F. Baluyan, DTI ROG; Steps Dance Troupe and ISU Music Ensemble; ASec. Domingo R. Tolentino, Jr., DTI SCO

We invite everyone, from the average consumer to institutional buyers, to come visit and experience the richness of the valley through the 18^th Padday na Lima. The Trade Fair will run from September 10 to September 16 at the Upper Ground Floor, Carousel Court, Festival Mall Alabang in Quezon City.

But don’t you worry, the fun doesn’t stop at Alabang! You may purchase the finest products of Cagayan Valley with just a few clicks. Shoppers may treat themselves with Padday na Lima’s products through these sites:  Mayani.ph – Farm-fresh produce delivered to your doorstep and PaddayNaLima.com (through Deliver-E).

For more information, please visit their social media accounts: Facebook DTI.Region02; Instagram, X, and Tiktok dti.r2

Eastern Communications, recognized at the 2024 Asian Technology Excellence Awards in Conrad, Bangkok
[From L to R:] Chris Head, Contributing Editor for Asian Business Review with Eastern Communications Team: Brand Communications Supervisor Angelou Leonardo, Co-Coordinator Vince Tempongko, AVP & Head of NPEI Delfin Lopez, Brand Communications Head Hannah Lazatin, and Outside Plant Director-NPEI Felipe Paez Jr.

The innovative telecoms and ICT solutions provider from the Philippines, Eastern Communications, is pleased to announce its win at the Asian Technology Excellence Awards (ATEA) 2024. With its ground-breaking Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, the telco provider took home the Philippines Technology Excellence Award in the Infrastructure Technology – Telecommunications category. PDSCN is a major initiative meant to fortify the country’s telecommunications infrastructure in the event of natural disasters.

“The Philippines is prone to typhoons and in some remote areas, connectivity is not even stable on regular days. The PDSCN project is more than just an infrastructure development and our goal is to ensure that unserved and underserved areas have access to reliable and resilient internet services, even in the face of natural disasters,” said Delfin Lopez, AVP and Head of Network Planning, Engineering and Implementation at Eastern Communications.

Eastern Communications’ Co-Coordinator, Vince Tempongko, extended his congratulations to fellow innovators and award recipients during his acceptance speech.

The Asian Business Review Magazine presents this award, which honors the region’s leading technical innovators and recognizes remarkable businesses that are redefining sectors and accelerating digital change. The fact that Eastern Communications won the telecommunications category shows how important a role the company plays in resolving the communication vulnerabilities in the nation and advancing the ongoing digital evolution.

Apart from this, Eastern’s nationwide infrastructure and expansion efforts also gained global recognition and was previously awarded the Telecom Infrastructure Deployment category at the 2024 Carrier Community Global Awards in Berlin, Germany in June 2024.

Eastern Communications receives recognition at the 2024 Asian Technology Excellence Awards in Conrad, Bangkok
[From L to R:] Eastern Communications Team: Brand Communications Head Hannah Lazatin, AVP & Head of NPEI Delfin Lopez, Outside Plant Director-NPEI Felipe Paez Jr., Co-Coordinator Vince Tempongko, and Brand Communications Supervisor Angelou Leonardo.

Stronger connectivity for all

The PDSCN is the result of a strategic partnership between Eastern Communications, Globe Group, and InfiniVAN. With a PHP 4.3 billion investment, the project extended the reach of high-speed internet to underserved areas and ensured the creation of alternative routes for data transmission, minimizing the risk of service disruptions during calamities.

Through this, Eastern Communications significantly bolstered its presence in Visayas and Mindanao with 33 points of interconnection spanning multiple regions. This extensive network provides enhanced connectivity for every Filipino, laying the foundation for digital inclusion across the archipelago and ensuring that the Philippines remains competitive in the digital age.

Eastern Communications is celebrating its success at the ATEA, but it isn’t letting up on its ambition to lead the nation’s digital transformation effort. The acknowledgement not only demonstrates the PDSCN project’s success but also confirms the company’s position as a pioneer in offering dependable and robust connectivity solutions throughout the Philippines.

Get more about Eastern Communications and its projects by going to www.eastern.com.ph or by calling 5300-7000.

CDC Assistant VP for Business Enhancement, Mr. Rodem R. Perez, and Casino Plus CEO, Mr. Evan Spytma, celebrate the winner of the 303 Million Jackpot in the Color Game.

A lucky player on Casino Plus’s Color Game platform has turned a mere 50-peso bet into a staggering 303.5 million pesos jackpot. This remarkable achievement not only showcases incredible luck but also highlights the platform’s commitment to transparency and fairness in its operations.

Transparent and Fair Gaming Experience

Casino Plus is renowned for its strict operational standards and dedication to protecting user rights. Every bet and every win is processed through transparent and open procedures, ensuring all players participate in a fair gaming environment. This latest jackpot further reinforces Casino Plus as a trusted platform for its users.

Reliable Physical Presence

In addition to its online platform, Casino Plus also boasts land-based casino and an integrated resort, which are currently being upgraded to the highest standards. These ongoing enhancements aim to provide customers with more comprehensive services and high-end entertainment experiences. The continuous upgrades not only enhance the platform’s credibility but also offer additional security and assurance to its users. This blend of online and upgraded offline resources ensures that players can enjoy the fun of online gaming while experiencing superior entertainment and services at our enhanced physical facilities.

Press Conference and more

Casino Plus hosted a press conference on August 30 to detail the events surrounding this jackpot and conducted the award presentation on-site. The event was attended by distinguished representatives, media, and industry experts, making it a truly momentous occasion.

“They aren’t gonna change this

We gotta do it ourselves

They think that it’s over

But it’s just begun

Only one thing can save us—Only the young (only the young)”

Taylor Swift’s “Only the Young” is an anthem that speaks to a profound and urgent reality in a time when long-lasting change can sometimes seem like a distant dream. Youth organizations are rising to the occasion and demonstrating that, after all this time, they have been the harbingers of transformation all along. The song encapsulates this generational call to action.

The TAYO Awards Foundation honored and recognized the ten most accomplished youth organizations in the following categories: Environment, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation; Health, Wellbeing, and Human Development; Livelihood and Entrepreneurship; and Culture, Arts, and Heritage. This year’s 21st National Awarding Ceremony took place on Monday, August 19, at the Metropolitan Theater in Ermita, Manila, and is a remarkable testament to the power of youth-led initiatives.

Under the theme “Makabayani,” a blend of the words makabayan (love for one’s country) and bayani (hero), this year’s awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions of young leaders and their positive contributions to nation building.

“Ang pagsagot sa hamon para maging isang Makabayani ay nangangailangan ng malalim at totoong paniniwala at pagmamahal sa Pilipino, the Filipino is worth uniting for,” said former senator Bam Aquino during his keynote message.

TAYO 21 Awardees as Modern Day Heroes

The 21st Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards Finalists posing with their trophies

For more than two decades, the TAYO Awards Foundation has recognized and honored exceptional youth organizations that embody the spirit of service and patriotism. This year’s theme encapsulates the essence of modern heroism and showcases how these youth organizations are not only driven by a love for their country, but are also actively transforming their communities with their passion projects and initiatives.

The 21st Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Top 10 Awardees are as follows:

● Salumayag Youth Collective for Forests

• Second Chance Philippines
• Achieve Minarog Youth Organization
• MSU – Iligan Institute of Technology Youth Chain of Peace
• Sidha – San Jose City
• Therawee Health Innovation Inc.
• ADHIKA PH Inc.
• Project Barako
• Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders, Inc.
• Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute Inc.

The Top 10 awardees and 10 finalists received a TAYO trophy by national artist, Toym Imao, as well as Php 50,000 and Php 20,000 seed grants, respectively, to help fund their ongoing projects or start new ones.

 This year’s TAYO Awards Top 10 Awardees

Special Awards

Apart from the prizes received by the Top 10 accomplished youth orgs, the TAYO Foundation also gave special awards to select groups. These special awards were chosen by their partners and were given to organizations that will further their individual missions as institutions, corporate organizations, or public offices.

The Coke Barkada Award is a special recognition given to the TAYO Finalist that helps improve the well-being of communities and environment through projects that are aligned with The Coca-Cola Company’s sustainability priorities. This was awarded to Salumayag Youth Collective.

Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI) President Cecile Alcantara emphasizes the role of youth in national development. CCFPI has been a co-presenter of TAYO Foundation since the 5th TAYO Awards.

Meanwhile, the San Miguel’s Better World Award is given to the organization that believes in the healing power of collaboration within communities. Therawee Health Innovation, Inc. took home this award for their work in the health industry.

The third special award—The Hello, Pagkain Award—is sponsored by TAYO Founder, Kiko Pangilinan. It is a special recognition given to a youth organization that trains young people with agricultural practices and technologies that will help them become food & financially secure. This was given to the Kagay-anon Youth Network Alliance.

The fourth special award is the Bida Kabataan Award sponsored by former Senator and TAYO Co-Founder Bam Aquino. This award is given to organizations that have rightfully showcased the bravery and intelligence of the youth. The awardees are Second Chance Philippines and Iloilo National High School Boy Scouts of the Philippines Outfit 154.

Another special award is the Georgina P. Nava Leadership Award. Nava was a beloved TAYO pioneer who dedicated her whole life in service of the Filipino youth. This award was given to Sidha.

The Asia Foundation and USAID, through Youth Leadership for Democracy, or YouthLed, are the sponsors of the last special prize, the Youthled Democracy prize. Model Sangguniang Kabataan Network received this prize.

Young leaders are redefining what it means to be a hero by taking on positions that are being filled around the country. They are actively bringing about change instead of passively waiting for it to happen. These young groups are leading the way with a passion and determination that speaks to the core of our contemporary concerns, from grassroots campaigns to creative initiatives and social movements.

The digital lending segment saw the largest growth in terms of application downloads during the first half of the year.

According to new research from consumer credit agency Digido, the percentage of people in the Philippines who are 15 years of age and older who use mobile apps for financial technologies may rise to 79.5% by the end of 2024, or over 66.4 million unique users1.

It is anticipated that the Digital Commerce area will account for 34% of the growth in said adoption rate, with Digital Wallets contributing 27.2% and Digital Banking 8.6%.

Adults in the Philippines adopted fintech services on their phones at a rate of 76.2% (63.1 million unique users) between September 2018 and June 2042. During that time, 617 million downloads of fintech mobile applications were made in the nation. With 31.4% of downloads, digital commerce was the most popular industry, followed by digital wallets (21.7%) and digital loans (20.3%). Digital banking (7%), digital personal finance apps (8%), and digital payments and transfers (11.6%) made up the remaining amount.

Solely examining absolute figures during the first half of 2024, the largest growth of downloads was seen in the digital lending sector at 25.4 million, followed by digital commerce at 13.5 million and digital wallets at 12.2 million. Digital payments and transfers, digital banking and digital personal finance applications garnered 7.8 million, 6.2 million and 4 million, respectively.

On average, Digido observes that the number of downloads is constantly growing at a rate of approximately 10.26% per half year. Over the first six months of 2024, the digital banking sector experienced the highest growth rate of downloads at 22.34%, followed by digital payments and transfers (17.72%) and digital lending (16.81%).

Commenting on the analysis, Digido business development manager Rose Arreco explained: “The positive numbers seen in digital lending, digital wallets and digital commerce can be attributed to growing trust in these segments and its natural synergies with one another. As strong demand for fintech in the Philippines continues, so too Filipinos’ expectations on convenience, interoperability and improved user experience across these applications.”

“We believe that the Philippines remains on course towards widespread digitalization, with its ‘fintech-ization’ far from weakening. Collaboration within and outside of the industry remains paramount for this growth to be realized at a faster rate,” Arreco added.

A whitepaper outlining a novel strategy for reducing sugar in fruit juices was released by Tetra Pak, a global leader in processing and packaging solutions. This development is a reaction to the regulatory rules that have been put in place throughout Southeast Asia and the growing health concerns around sugar.

More than ever, consumers are turning away from high-sugar food and beverage goods and toward plant-based substitutes as a sign of growing health consciousness. As a result, in order to comply with new rules and rising consumer demands, F&B companies are now considering reformulating products to make delightful beverages like juices without relying on sugar and artificial sweeteners. This has made it difficult for the business to reduce sugar while preserving flavor and nutritional value, which has led to a lot of research and development work in this area.

The F&B sector is changing to accommodate changing consumer tastes and health regulations, which makes creative solutions more crucial than ever. Tetra Pak’s dedication to R&D guarantees that their partners have access to the most cutting-edge technologies out there.

Through controlled fermentation, Tetra Pak’s process can reduce the sugar content in juice to almost zero. This zero-sugar juice can then be blended with regular juice to achieve the desired level of sugar reduction. This innovative process ensures that the juice’s taste and nutritional quality remain intact, leveraging their well-established industry technologies.

John Jose, Marketing Director of Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia, said “Health and regulatory trends are spurring tremendous innovation within the F&B sector. We are always on the pulse of the consumer needs and ready to help our F&B customers solve challenges with our latest technology and expertise. With our advanced fermentation process, we can cut down the sugar content in juice significantly. This process allows us to create a juice that can be blended to meet any desired level of sweetness, without compromising on taste or quality.”

The whitepaper highlights that this approach has been validated through technical and consumer tests. It opens significant opportunities for the F&B industry to develop a new category of reduced-sugar juices and drinks. It also delves into the changing consumer attitudes towards sugar, provides an in-depth overview of the fermentation process, and explores the potential of this new beverage category.

As the F&B industry evolves to meet new health standards and consumer preferences, the need for innovative solutions becomes increasingly important. Tetra Pak’s commitment to research and development ensures that their partners have access to the most innovative technologies available.

Jose added: “We have over 70 years of experience in beverage production, delivering food processing and packaging equipment around the world. Given our extensive specialist knowledge and our innovative ability to combine technology with food application expertise, we are uniquely positioned to support our F&B partners in navigating the challenges of sugar reduction. Our reliable and practical approach towards the fermentation process represents yet another advancement in the field.”

Download the whitepaper from the Tetra Pak website to find out more. Reducing sugar in fruit juices through fermentation: https://www.tetrapak.com/en-my/insights/food-categories/juice-and-drinks/reducing-sugar-in-fruit-juices-fermentation#cf-step-thankyou-textimage

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