Food export show IFEX Philippines returns on site this September

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Discover your love affair with Filipino flavors at IFEX Philippines

IFEX Philippines, the country’s long-running and biggest export-oriented food show, is back on the trade show floor at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City from September 22 to 24, 2022.

With the theme “Discover your love affair with Filipino Flavors,” the event is set to offer international food importers, buyers, and aficionados a multi-sensory food experience which has been missed by many at the height of the pandemic. IFEX Philippines is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“This is the first time that IFEX Philippines is going to be back on site since the pandemic in 2020. We look forward to welcoming our participants, especially buyers and guests, and for them to see and taste first hand what the Philippines has to offer in terms of food exports,” said CITEM Deputy Executive Director Ma. Lourdes D. Mediran.

It’s a Love Affair

Built on the Filipino concept of a “love affair,” IFEX Philippines 2022 seeks to “pursue and enthrall” participants and guests by capitalizing on the practice of “panliligaw” or local courtship traditions. “Love affair is the heart of Filipino food. We’re tapping into local culture to evoke a sense of discovery and romance in creating a unique Filipino food experience. Through IFEX Philippines, we want to highlight the reasons why Filipino flavors stand out in the world and why the Philippines is a premier destination for food products and ingredients,” said Mediran.

Expected to join the expo are more than 300 companies and enterprises all over the Philippines from the following sectors: beverages; fine food and specialties; fruits and vegetables; biscuits and confectioneries; snacks and crispy savory food products; meat and poultry; dairy products; cereals, grains, and starch; seafood and marine products; organic and natural; raw materials and food ingredients; and allied services.




A Showcase of Familiar and New Flavors

IFEX Philippines 2022 will have multiple trade components including exhibitions, business matching activities, seminars and talks, and special events. The event will also feature a thematic showcase of distinct Philippine food and ingredients, dynamic cooking demonstrations, and product presentations. These on-site activities will be complemented by digital components such as virtual business-to-business (B2B) meetings and online streaming for special events.

This year’s trade show will also introduce a special section named Flavor Finds as its main highlight. It will feature new and innovative products from NXTFOOD PH, the banner for products developed under CITEM’s food innovation program, as well as currently in-demand local products like ube, plant-based food, and handcraft beer among others;​ and new products from select exhibitors.

The event will also pilot CoconutPhilippines, the country branding of the most versatile food produce of the Philippines, through a showcase of coconut products from food SME exporters. CoconutPhilippines is presented through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) which aims to increase the productivity of and modernize the country’s coconut industry.

IFEX Philippines 2022 will be held in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Offices in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and CARAGA, as well as the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau, DTI-Foreign Trade Services Corps, Philippine Exporters Foundation Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc. (PHILFOODEX), Integrated Food Manufacturers’ Assn. of the Phils. for Productivity (INFOMAPP), and Coconut Farmers & Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

To learn more about the event, visit IFEXConnect.com or email ifexphilippines@citem.com.ph.



About CITEM

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

For nearly 40 years, CITEM has established the country’s image as a premier destination for quality export products and services. It continues to set the highest standards of creativity, excellence and innovation to achieve competitiveness in the home, fashion, lifestyle, food, creative, and sustainability sectors.

CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated approach to export marketing in partnership with other government and private entities.



About IFEX

IFEX is the country's most comprehensive trade promotions program for the domestic food industry, helping Philippine and global exporters promote premium quality food and ingredients to the world through physical and/or digital trade shows and business-to-business platforms, digital marketing efforts, an online community, and a product innovation program.

IFEX Philippines (formerly International Food Exhibition) is CITEM's long-running trade event and sourcing program for Philippine and global food and ingredients.

Together with IFEXConnect.com, IFEX Philippines serves as a one-stop business-to-business (B2B) platform aiming to optimize their sourcing experience of buyers from anywhere in the world.

IFEX Philippines is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions & Missions (CITEM).

Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, Training Ground, Home and Haven for Athletes and Sports Enthusiasts

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



After the successful staging of the Green Run -- a multi-level run for elite athletes, training athletes, fun runners and fitness enthusiasts last July –Ayala Land’s 750-hectare Vermosa Estate is stepping up development to make it a complete venue for an active and healthy lifestyle down south.

Launched in 2018 as a South Luzon-based multi-sports facility that would help hone and prepare national and aspiring athletes to reach their individual and collective goals, Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH) is already recognized as the go-to training facility south of the metro. Its multi-feature Sports Hub boasts of a FINA-standard Aquatic Center with an Olympic sized pool, an IAAF-certified Athletics Center with a world-class track oval, a football pitch with natural tiff grass, and a gym operated by Santé Fitness Lab.

In the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, AVSH was the playing venue for underwater hockey. Today, national athletes continue to train at the Sports Hub due to partnerships forged with the Philippine Athletic and Track and Field Association, the Triathlon Association of the Philippines, World Archery Philippines and the Philippine Rugby Union.

Vermosa Sports Hub facilities are constantly growing and evolving. The Aquatic Center now has a 25-meter warm-up pool and 240-seater bleachers around the Olympic-size pool. The installation of a lighting system has made the track oval ready for evening events. Also available is the Athlete’s Lounge that can also be a venue for seminars and small gatherings like product launches. Soon to rise is an athletes’ dormitory called The Athletes’ House. The initial phase will have 30 rooms, with 3 beds per regular room and 2 beds for PWD rooms, with a total of 87 beds.

“The Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub was built with athletes in mind,” said Moses “MJ” Aragones, Vermosa Project Development Manager. “We want athletes to come here and consider it their training place and call it home.

“The Athletes’ House aims to support the needs of elite national athletes who will train in the Sports Hub. It lets them do lock-in training so they can avoid the hassle of transporting to and from the training venue. We want our athletes to start preparing already for the 2024 Olympics,” Aragones said.

A multi-purpose field where sports like archery, frisbee, and rugby can take place is also in the planning stage. Eventually a multi-purpose gym will also be built where indoor sports can be played, with spectators.

The world-class facilities and thoughtful features for competitive athletes and believers in a healthy lifestyle, all show Ayala’s commitment to developing the Filipino athlete. To ensure nurturance while keeping fit, there are food establishments around Vermosa Sports Hub, such as the Vermosa Food and Lifestyle Market, Mc Donald’s, Jollibee, Starbucks, and Chicken Peri-Peri.

“These continued improvements have made AVSH grow into a viable venue for hosting key local and international sporting events,” said Vermosa Estate Head Jay Teodoro.

“Hopefully, we can continue to make this place a home and training ground to more athletes and enthusiasts. This is for all athletes to realize their dreams and for individuals to move forward in their pursuit of a healthy and active lifestyle.” Teodoro added.




For more information about Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, go to vermosa.ph.

Save the Children sets up learning spaces, repairs classrooms for safe return of children in Odette-damaged schools in Bohol and Southern Leyte

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Over 4,000 learners in the provinces of Bohol and Southern Leyte will be able to utilize four Multipurpose Learning Spaces (MPLS) set up by Save the Children Philippines to support children’s safe return to school and continued learning amidst the ongoing pandemic and emergencies.

The humanitarian organization also repaired seven classrooms and provided back-to-school kits to over 2,300 learners and teaching kits to over 12,000 teachers.

Each back-to-school kit includes school supplies, a school bag, a bluetooth speaker, and mobile load cards. The teaching kits include office supplies, classroom supplies, mobile load cards, and reams of bond papers for the printing of modules.

“Through this multipurpose learning spaces, more learners will have access to basic education,” said Cantumogcad School Head, Nicasio Sosoter.

He adds that the repair of the only two classrooms of Cantumogcad Primary School in Buenavista, Bohol destroyed by Super Typhoon Odette, and the MPLS constructed will significantly help their students as they resume in-person classes.

Save the Children’s humanitarian response integrates the Education in Emergencies framework which provides uninterrupted, high-quality learning opportunities for children affected by humanitarian crises. It also focuses on children’s well-being and includes, among others, the conduct of return-to-learning (RtL) sessions and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services for children, teachers, and parents to address learning barriers. It also provides shelter repair assistance to families with damaged houses and child protection in emergencies.

“Education in Emergencies is an integral part of Save the Children’s holistic approach in responding to the needs of families affected by Typhoon Odette. We give utmost importance to every child’s right to access basic, inclusive and quality education which must not stop even in emergencies,” said Save the Children Philippines Humanitarian Manager, Jerome Balinton.

Funded by the European Union and in partnership with Humanity and Inclusion, the Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS), Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya Inc. (SIKAT), and Oxfam Philippines, Save the Children’s humanitarian response is able to support the Department of Education’s thrust to ensure the safe return to schools of millions of students.





Super Typhoon Odette hit the Philippines in December 2021 and left devastating damages in various provinces in Visayas and Mindanao. It affected more than 12 million learners across 29,671 schools. In Bohol and Southern Leyte, many damaged classrooms are still left unrepaired.

Minamahal Kita: The Art of Filipino Love Songs (A Tribute to the 2022 National Artists) All set on September 15

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A crossover artist generally refers to an artist who has had substantial success in multiple genres of music. It’s been used particularly to refer to a handful who have marketed themselves as performers of the classical and pop repertoire.

One can make the argument, however, that most of them are simply pop artists
who try to sing in a classically trained style.

Going by its definition, or at least by its generally agreed notion, a crossover artist must be someone who, let’s say, has professionally performed operatic roles or oratorio solos while concurrently rocking pop music establishments.

If we go by this definition, then Rogelio B. Peñaverde Jr. is a bonafide crossover artist
par excellence.

Peñaverde is a homegrown Filipino who moved to the US to pursue a scholarship at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City for a Master’s Degree in Voice.
After graduating, he carved a career in opera, sacred music and musical theater with critical acclaim.

The New York Times praised his “sweet sound” while Opera Magazine lauded him as an “incisive tenor”.

Some of his career highlights include the role of Ferrando from Cosi Fan Tutte (W. A. Mozart) with the Martina Arroyo Foundation, tenor solo in Missa Solemnis in C (L. Mozart) at the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral of New York,and the role of Basel in the Off-Broadway run of Figaro 90210 by Ragman Ventures.

He has also performed as a featured artist at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Carnegie Hall, the Manhattan Center, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

When the pandemic hit in 2020 and wiped away all his engagements, Peñaverde rediscovered his passion and gift for songwriting.

While it began as an outlet for anxiety,
it became a serious creative endeavor as he churned one pop song after another.

By 2021 he was sitting on 12 compositions that he collectively called the
Pearl Drive Project. When Covid restrictions eased, he debuted selections at Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn, an institution in New York’s independent music scene.

It was so well-received that the show was picked up by the iconic Mercury Lounge in New York City, a hallowed ground of pop music that has featured the likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran.

Performing as Ilustrado (his pop alter ego), Peñaverde became the first homegrown Filipino to play a full set of his compositions in this hall. He is scheduled for a repeat after the commercial release of 2 singles from the Pearl Drive Project this fall.

Catch the artistry of Rogelio B. Peñaverde Jr. as this consummate crossover musician visits home in a featured performance on
September 15 (Thursday), 5:00 p.m. cocktail reception 6:30 p.m. show proper, at the Main Theater Lobby of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Entitled MINAMAHAL KITA: THE ART OF FILIPINO LOVE SONGS (A TRIBUTE TO THE 2022 NATIONAL ARTISTS), the show was conceptualized by Peñaverde and produced by the Friends for Cultural Concerns
of the Philippines (FCCP) under the leadership of its current president, Martin Lopez.

It will also feature the following guest artists, most of whom are FCCP Scholars:
Athena Macatangay (Soprano), Giuseppe Diestro (Cello), Kris Gonzales (Baritone),
Lance Capitan (Guitar), Madeline Jane Banta (Piano), Myramae T. Meneses (Soprano) and
Nathan Gemina (Piano).

Directed by Manolet Garcia, the ensemble will be performing Filipino love songs from both the classical and contemporary repertoire.

The gala is part of Peñaverde’s advocacy to present quality performances of Philippine music here and abroad that educate as
much as they entertain.

Proceeds will go towards funding the tuition or travel expenses of the 26 FCCP scholars studying in local and foreign schools.

For more information, or to buy tickets, please visit the Facebook page of the
Friends for Cultural Concerns of the Philippines or call Angie Godoy at
+63927-2292128.

Hamilo Coast and WWF: partners in eco-tourism and sustainability

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Hamilo Coast, the premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas, may be the weekend haven of the country’s affluent set, yet it is on track as a thriving model of sustainable eco-tourism practices.

Touting 5,800 hectares of prime seaside development, Hamilo Coast is a project of SM Prime’s Costa Del Hamilo, Inc. (CDHI), which carefully integrates residential, resort, leisure, commercial, and institutional land uses in the sprawling estate. But beyond its vast scope and stunning vistas, Hamilo Coast embraces sustainable tourism at the core of its philosophy and shows how beautiful beachfront homes can harmonize with nature and the environment.

2022 marks Hamilo Coast’s 15th year of productive partnership with the conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF). Hamilo Coast and WWF have been working together on key areas for sustainability—coastal resource management, ridge-to-reef management, solid waste management, mangrove reforestation, the use of renewable energy sources, and environmental awareness.

This long-standing collaboration with WWF signifies Hamilo Coast’s determination to pursue eco-tourism and sustainability while upholding international standards for leisure property development.

Ms. Imee G. Francisco, Vice President and Head of CDHI Projects and Operations, takes pride in the partnership’s objectives. “More than building and maintaining a beautiful community, we seek to create and sustain a world that future generations can enjoy. To help serve this end, CDHI continues to develop Hamilo Coast without compromising the quality of wildlife living around it.”

Santelmo Cove was among those declared as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) regarded as a coastal zone where human activities are strictly regulated to ensure their long-term conservation.

Hamilo Coast embraces sustainable tourism at the core of its philosophy and shows how beautiful beachfront homes can harmonize with nature and the environment.

This year, Hamilo Coast and WWF will focus on addressing the major components on waste management, which include assessment of solid waste, water and wastewater management practices, formulation of environmental management plan, and the promotion of food shed farming systems. Apart from these, Hamilo Coast and WWF will continuously work on programs that will help conserve, protect, and nurture the environment.

For one, Hamilo Coast and WWF’s Ridge to Reef program declared three of Hamilo Coast’s 13 coves–Pico de Loro, Etayo, and Santelmo–as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These are coastal zones where human activities are strictly regulated to ensure their long-term conservation. Declaring more MPAs would also mean expanding Hamilo Coast’s scope in safeguarding more marine ecosystem and resources.

Hamilo Coast also continues to implement a mangrove reforestation program in its 24-hectare mangrove belt—one of the largest in Nasugbu. Here, Hamilo has planted 50,000 propagules hand-in-hand with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.

Mangroves are the first line of defense for coastal communities, stabilizing shorelines by averting erosion and providing natural barriers to storm surges, flooding, and hurricanes. As an effective carbon storage, mangroves absorb six times more carbon than mature tropical forests, making it all the more vital in slowing down the effects of climate change.

Finally, Hamilo Coast and WWF will further push for environmental awareness by celebrating occasions that show respect for biodiversity. One is the annually held Earth Hour, during which time people are urged to shut down electricity to make a substantial difference in energy consumption. Individuals, organizations, and establishments also come together on Coral Triangle Day to shed light on ocean conservation and the ways we can protect and preserve the world’s epicenter of marine biodiversity.

Likewise, the development boasts the largest volunteer effort for the ocean’s health, made possible with the International Coastal Cleanup, where people gather on the Pico and Santelmo beaches to collect trash and record information on the collected debris.

For all these sustained efforts, WWF has awarded Hamilo Coast with the Longest Sustainability Partner Award, recognizing the development’s commitment to sustainable tourism and its positive impact on the Philippine tourism industry.

Francisco affirms, “CDHI is proud of how far we have come at Hamilo Coast with the help of WWF. This inspires us to do even more, in the hopes that our efforts will make it possible for future generations to witness the beauty of nature as we see it today.”

Hamilo Coast is a master-planned seaside residential community in Nasugbu, Batangas. Developed and managed by Costa del Hamilo, Inc., a subsidiary of SM Prime. It is approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 7-945-8000 or visit www.hamilocoast.com.


COVER PHOTO:

Hamilo Coast and WWF further push for environmental awareness by celebrating occasions that show respect for biodiversity such as the Coastal Clean Up.

MATIMCO and it's majestic Arc of Innovation on display at the WorldBex 2022

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

MATIMCO, House of Wood proudly displays their Arc of Innovation at the World Trade Center from August 31 to September 3.

I got in early at the WorldBex 2022 to get first glimpse of the return of one of the premiere expositions in the Philippines, if not the world. I've been attending #Worldbex, the biggest building and design expo, since it started and it was such a delight finally seeing it happening again after 2 years of inactivity, 

And OMG! I'm glad I was there among the early birds to see this amazing structure that can be found at the far end of the Interior Designers' Lounge area. I was actually surprised that after the challenges brought by the pandemic, a company would invest on setting up such a huge piece of what can be considered as an artistic and well-designed booth effectively showcasing their wood products. It's definitely the epic centerpiece among the other booths on display inside the entire World Trade Center (WTC).

After going around all the booths inside the WTC immediately after witnessing the opening ceremonies led by Worldbex founding Chairman Joseph Ang, with guest speakers led by Senator Mark Villar and former Congressman Harry Angping (representing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr - who we all popularly know as BBM), I actually returned to the Matimco booth to ask one of their sales or marketing peeps to tour me around the booth and explain more about Matimco via a vertical video format that I would later upload and share on my social media pages. It is not everyday that I get genuinely curious and interested about a company, and proud that we have one like them in the Philippines. 

From their Facebook page (Yeah, I looked them up to know more about them because I was really gawking at how awesome their booth is since I do appreciate art being a frustrated artist myself but had to study Electronics and Communications Engineering instead of Fine Arts or Architecture because my parents said there was no money in art.), 

But enough of that, according to one of their posts featuring a video, "the Arc of Innovation signifies the flow of nature into the architecture and defines the flexibility of sustainable construction in today's changing world. It is an unconventional, arboreal inspired Architecture that features an array of innovative wood products."

Nosebleed! First time I encountered the word "arboreal" which according to my Google search is "relating to or resembling trees" ...hhhmm..makes perfect sense ... I learned a new word today and adding that to my vocabulary. Thanks, MATIMCO!

"As the leading wood provider, MATIMCO continuously leads innovation and unceasingly influences today's design and construction."

I got all these from just watching the videos...and l was no longer surprised that their videos were also very appealing after seeing their majestic booth. Kudos to the ones who conceptualized the videos, and just about every post on their Facebook page, was damn good and catchy, that I got hooked watching and reading more about them. Imagine getting my interest as early as 2 am ( I never returned to bed to sleep again when I'm supposed to be still sleeping at this time). You really have to check them out. I'm totally impressed and would love to keep following their updates and innovations. I'm writing this because my followers need to know while the WorldBex is ongoing so they could head on over to the WTC to see the stunning craftsmanship of a booth they call the Arc of Innovation!

"MATIMCO is Wood, Wood is MATIMCO" 

Know more about them at their Facebook page or at www.matimco.com

This is not a sponsored post, mind you. I maybe a blogger/vlogger/influencer but they don't need to hire people like me to promote them. They can stand proudly on their own and just let their 55 years of wood expertise -  providing quality wood products and superb innovations speak for themselves.

But it will be bad if you missed seeing their booth with your own eyes. One photo does not justify the real experience you'll get walking around and immersing yourself in their arboreal inspired ARChitecture! It is truly a sight to behold!

Saw what I just did? Yup, I just used "arboreal" !...and I have to thank MATIMCO again for that. 

I hope to hear more from them in the coming days, but for now be sure to get to the WorldBex event at WTC. WorkdBex is happening until Saturday September 3 but don't wait until the last day, be among the first ones, just like me, to get awed by their very distinctive booth highlighting the event.

#TheArcOfInnovation #Matimco #HouseOfWood #WorldBex2022 #WazzupPilipinas #WorldBex #ThePremiumWoodExperience #PremiumWoodShopping #LetsTalkWood #ALegacyBuilt #WorldTradeCenter

Innovations on optometry, haribon conservation, emergency response headline YIP winners

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Amidst the global health issue and social challenges, young Filipino innovators continue to become bearers of hope for the country. This was on full display during the 5th imake.wemake: create. innovate. collaborate. ‘s Awarding Ceremony held on Aug. 26, 2022.

The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) recently bestowed the coveted Youth Innovation Prize (YIP) Award to three school-teams for their creative solutions for eye disease detection, monitoring and conservation of the haribon or the Philippine Eagle, and aerial emergency aid for isolated areas. These projects emerged as winners for their technology’s novelty, functionality, patentability, extensibility and practicability.

Youth Innovation Prize Award


The first YIP winner is Bansud National High School – Regional Science High School for MIMAROPA for their project “SINAGTALA: Automated Detection Kit for Selected Eye Diseases Using Ensemble Framework of Deep Learning Neural Networks (CNN x ANN)”. The project focused on automatically detecting certain selected eye diseases using convolutional (CNN) and artificial (ANN) Neural Networks to address the need for a medical screening device to promote high-quality and accessible eye care interventions, particularly for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataract. The team is composed of Franklin Razon, Jarell Aldrix Famadico, Josh Vincent Sario, and Sophia Margaux Dilodilo, with Alexis Albo as their coach.

Philippine Science High School (PSHS) – CALABARZON Region Campus also received the YIP award for their “Deep Neural Network Embedded on a Microcontroller for Detection of the Bird call and songs of the Philippine Eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi” project. Here, they showcased a system wherein an Embedded Deep Neural Network programmed to a microcontroller with an external microphone captures calls of the Philippine Eagle helping bantay-gubat and bird trackers by determining and understanding calls made by the Pithecophaga jefferyi in their natural habitat. The team is composed of Amina Javellana, Alexander Bañados, Lance Alilio, and Weinfree Saludares, with coach John-Niel Masong.

“Project Kidlat: Inter-Island Automated UAV for Medical Delivery and Emergency Response” of Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial – Dumaguete Science High School likewise secured the YIP for their innovation addressing the difficulty of delivering medical and emergency aid to isolated places. Project Kidlat is capable of crossing seas and assisting in medical response and disaster by carrying supplies needed in remote areas. Project Kidlat is crafted by team members Mondrayneil Sarte, Marvin Nillas, John Raymond Enolpe and Kristine Mae Tilos, with coach Ivan Jayson Macabenta.

With the win, the school-teams each received Php 200,000.00 cash prize along with the YIP trophy. The winners were determined based on scores of the Board of Judges composed of Engr. Percival Magpantay from the University of the Philippines Diliman, Engr. Carlos Matti Opus of the Ateneo de Manila University, and Engr. Edison Roxas from the University of Santo Tomas.



Young Scientist Award


DOST-SEI's partner, the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF), also conferred three students with the Young Scientist Award (YSA). Winning this award are Alexander A. Bañados and Amina M. Javellana of the PSHS CALABARZON Region Campus, and John Raymond P. Enolpe of Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial - Dumaguete Science High School. They were given the “STEM Scholarship for Excellence” for demonstrating global competence through their innovations.


     The GBF scholarship allows them to pursue a STEM course of their choice at any university or college in the country. Ms. Grace Colet, GBF’s Executive Director, led the announcement of their new scholars.


     “Originally, we planned to select just two scholars, but after watching and listening throughout the final presentations, we decided to add another recipient due to the quality of work they all have done,” Colet bared.


DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. graced the hybrid event and congratulated all the winners and participants for their creativity and thanked them for striving to create positive impacts needed to solve the problems of today and of the future.

“More than declaring winners for the Youth Innovation Prizes and the GBF Young Scientist Awardees, what matters most to us is to have successfully convened budding makers with great mentors, advisers, and of course, people from the government and private sectors, as all of us are stakeholders in the innovation process,” said Secretary Solidum.

The DOST Secretary also led the announcement of the opening of the 6th imake.wemake competition.

DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo also congratulated all the winners and urged them to pursue STEM courses and avail of the Institute’s undergraduate scholarships.

“This imake.wemake project should give you an idea of how to be in the field of innovation, and we hope that science and technology will have an asterisk among your list of careers to pursue,” she said.

A Celebration of Filipino Cuisine, Arts, Music, &More at &More By Sheraton

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Sheraton Manila Bay pays tribute to all things Filipino at “ALAB: Poetry, Craft Beers, &More” event on August 25, 2022 held at the hotel’s newest food and beverage hub &More by Sheraton and Unspoken Bar.

Fittingly named Alab that translates to passion or flame in Tagalog, the evening showcase fiery performances from talented local artists in music, arts, and spoken word poetry. Guests, gourmands, and media partners also delight in bespoke craft beers from the proudly local brewery Crazy Carabao and delectable Filipino-fusion bar chow platter prepared by the hotel’s culinary team. The platter selection includes bite-sized serving of Kilawin Spring Roll (Citrus Marinated Tuna, Chili Vinegar), Beef Pares Gyoza (Beef Floss, Pares Sauce), Baked Sisig Quiche (Pork Sisig, Kesong Puti), Adobo Churros (Chicken Liver, Spicy Adobo Dip), Truffle Flower Fat (Pork Flower Fat, Truffle Oil, Sinamak), and Sausage Inasal (Homemade Vegan Sausage).

Diners were serenaded by the rhythmic gongs of Kulintang played by world-class percussionist Tusa Montes. Afterwards, renowned poets of Spoken Word Manila—Charms Tianson and Hannah Pauline Pabilonia, performed sentimental and moving original poetry pieces which truly encapsulated the very essence of the event.

Another highlight of the ALAB experience is the LikhaAngono Painting Exhibit. The LikhAngono Painting Exhibition, in cooperation with JAV Talent Unlimited Foundation, feature 15 select artworks from youth artists from Angono, Rizal, touted to be the Art Capital of the Philippines. The exhibition with run until September 2, 2022 where part of the proceeds from the sale of the pieces will be donated to San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Elderly and Bahay Tuluyan, a non-profit organization for children's welfare.

The event was hosted by Sheraton Manila Bay’s Marketing Communications Manager, Stephanie Cabrejas and was officially opened by the hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Juvy Agudon who relayed an inspiring welcoming message about passion.

“This event is inspired by the word ALAB, a root word of “Mag-alab” which in English means to be aflame or to burn with emotions, become excited with strong feelings or a deep level of enthusiasm or passion. Passion is something that is hard to define. It is something that we feel, rather than something we see. It is what compels us to do the things we love, and drives us to be the best we can be. For me, passion is all about creating and experiencing beauty. Whether it is through writing songs or poems, painting, or simply appreciating food in general, we find immense satisfaction in beauty. Passion is our fuel” said Juvy Agudon, Sheraton Manila Bay Director of Sales and Marketing.

&More by Sheraton is located in the Main Lobby of Sheraton Manila Bay, M. Adriatico cor. Gen Malvar Street Malate, Manila. For reservations please call +632 5318 0788 or email reservations.manilabay@sheraton.com. Like us on Facebook and Instagram @sheratonmanilabay and Twitter at @sheratonmnlbay. For more information, please visit our website at www.sheratonmanilabay.com.