Fantastic Opportunities for Silver Investors During Economic Uncertainty

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When everyone panics during economic uncertainty, silver begins to look like an even better investment. People have been buying silver for thousands and with good reason.

Silver is abundant enough to be used in various industries, but it's still rare enough to be considered a valuable commodity. And, unlike other commodities, silver doesn't require a lot of processing before it can be used. In other words, it's a highly liquid asset.

Silver is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat, making it valuable in the electrical and electronics industries.

With all that in mind, let's talk about why silver is such a good investment during periods of economic uncertainty.

People lose faith in paper currency during economic downturns

Paper currency is indeed fiat money, which means it's not backed by a physical commodity like gold or silver. But that doesn't mean people don't have faith in it.

However, during times of economic uncertainty, that faith can be shaken. And when people lose faith in paper currency, they start looking for assets that will hold their value.

That's where silver comes in. Silver has been used as a currency for centuries and is still considered a valuable commodity.

Moreover, silver is much more abundant than gold, making it a more practical choice for use as currency.



Silver is a good hedge against inflation

When the economy is doing well, prices tend to go up. This is due to inflation when the money supply increases and each currency unit is worth less.

In other words, inflation is when your money doesn't go as far as it used to.

During periods of inflation, people tend to buy assets that will hold their value. And silver is a good choice for this since it's a valuable commodity that's not subject to the same fluctuations as paper currency.


Silver is also a good hedge against deflation

While inflation can be bad for your purchasing power, deflation can be even worse. Deflation is when prices decrease, which can be caused by various factors, such as a decrease in the money supply.

During deflationary periods, people tend to hoard cash since it will be worth more in the future.

However, this can lead to decreased economic activity since people are less likely to spend money when they know it will be worth more in the future.

Silver is a good investment during deflationary periods because it's a valuable commodity that's not subject to the same fluctuations as paper currency.



Are you convinced that silver is a good investment?

If not, you should be! Silver is a valuable commodity not subject to the same fluctuations as paper currency, making it a good investment during economic uncertainty. And Jrotbart and others make it easy to purchase silver online.

Silver isn't going away any time soon, and it's only going to increase in value as time goes on. So it's wise to invest in silver now, while the prices are still relatively low. People are now beginning to understand the value of silver and are investing in it for the long haul.

Pinoy Olympiads recall journey to winning on international stage

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Dedication, hard work and perseverance were keys to victory for the Philippine teams in international science and math competitions. 

  

After a series of wins on the international stage, students and coaches who represented the country shared their stories of competing and winning medals during the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Media Conference presenting the 2022 Philippine Teams to International STEM Olympiads held recently at  the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). 

 

Present during the event are representatives from the national organizers for the Philippine participation in six (6) prestigious STEM Olympiads held this year, namely:  1) the 63^rd International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) held in Oslo, Norway; 2) 33^rd International Biology Olympiad held in Yereven, Armenia; 3) 54^th International Chemistry Olympiad held in Tianjin, China;  4)  52^nd  International Physics Olympiad held in Switzerland; 5)  34^th International Olympiad in Informatics held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. 

 

This year, the Philippine teams bagged ten (10) bronze medals, eight (8) honorable mentions and a merit citation. 

 

Dr. Ronald Cruz, team leader to the 33^rd IBO narrated how the Philippine team’s medal haul this year is its largest since joining in 2018. Dr. Cruz also mentioned that they are planning to host the 36^th IBO in 2025.  Dr. Faith Marie G. Lagua, coach of the PH team to the 54^th IChO explained how this year’s competition was conducted. She thanked all the organizations, including DOST-SEI, for the support to the national  team.  

 

Since their first medal haul in 1999, the award streak continues for the Philippine Team to the 52^nd IPhO according to Dr. Perico Esguerra,  who also talked about the importance of finding talented students outside the usual line up of schools.  

 

Dr. Christian Paul Chan Shio, team leader of the PH Team to the 63^rd IMO and Mr. Gerard Francis Ortega, team leader to the 34^th IOI highlighted how the support of the Institute has helped them increase their reach throughout the year.  

 

All team leaders are hopeful that the participation of the Philippine Teams to the international Olympiads will be even more successful as they prepare for full in-person competitions in the years to come.  

  

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, through a video message, congratulated and encouraged the students to continue aiming for excellence while honing their skills and core values as they become inspiration for other students to take interest in the breeder sciences of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics.  

  

“The medals that you have won are fruits of your perseverance, and proof of your world-class talents. Wear it proud, fly high but keep your feet on the ground. Reach for greater heights but do not forget that your countrymen need thinkers and doers like you to become bearers of hope for your country.” 

  

Dr. Solidum also honored and recognized the efforts of the following organizers in constantly developing a rich pool of talents in STEM: 

  

  

Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP) 

1. Philippine Federation of Chemistry Societies, Inc. (PFCS) 
2. Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas, Inc. (KKP) 
3. Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers, Inc. (PACT) 
4. Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) 

5. Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas (SPP) 
   

6. Samahang Pisika ng Visayas and Mindanao (SPVM) 
7. Philippine Physics Olympiad (PPO) 
8. Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) - Department of Biology, School of Science and Engineering, 
9. Ateneo Biological Organization (BOx) 
10. National Olympiad in Informatics Philippines (NOI.PH) 

  

On the same occasion, the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) award was conferred to selected students who won in international STEM Olympiads in 2021. The awarding was led by DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo, Deputy Director Engr. Albert G. Mariño and Dr. Ruby R. Cristobal, Chief of the Science and Technology Manpower Education, Research and Promotions Division of DOST-SEI. The YES medal signifies DOST’s high regard for excellence and competitiveness and is part of the Institute’s thrust to develop a culture of science in the country. The YES medals are annually awarded by the DOST secretary to young Filipinos who had significant achievements in international science and math competitions at the primary and secondary education level. 

  

Dr. Biyo also thanked the media for giving prestige and importance to the achievement of young people in STEM. She congratulated the Philippine Teams and the national organizers for an outstanding feat and highlighted the importance of recognizing and honoring STEM excellence. This is part of DOST-SEI’s mission to inspire more students to join the field. 

  

“The fact that we are excelling in these fields on the global stage says that we should increase our support in nurturing the talents of our students and to continuously recognize the significant contributions of these organizations as DOST-SEI’s partner in promoting the value of pursuing excellence in STEM.”

Beyond Running: Marriott Road to Give Reinvents Virtual Race

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Marriott International’s Run to Give returns under the new name of Road to Give, offering more inclusivity for all types of movement such as running, biking, walking, or dancing. Road to Give (RTG) is a Marriott International-initiated charity running event that is simultaneously conducted in Asia Pacific as part of its Take Care programs.

In the Philippines, the Road to Give event is organized by the Marriott Worldwide Business Councils (MWBC) Philippines in coordination with all Marriott properties in the country such as Manila Marriott Hotel, Clark Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Manila Bay, Sheraton Manila Hotel, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan, and The Westin Manila Sonata Place. The virtual race aims to raise funds for the Marriott Associate Welfare Fund and its partner beneficiary, Save the Children Philippines.

The Road to Give virtual race allows runners to have the flexibility and freedom to achieve fitness goals at their own pace, route, and schedule from October 17 to November 15, 2022.

Runners may choose a distance goal of 100km, 200km, or 300km. Registration fee starts at Php 500 for Standard category inclusive of e-certificate, Php 950 for Deluxe category inclusive of Marriott Road To Give Dri-Fit Shirt, Printable Race Bib, and e-Certificate, and Php 1,250 for Premium category inclusive of Finisher’s Medal, Marriott Road To Give Dri-Fit Shirt, RTG Race Bib, and e-certificate. Proceeds from Road to Give goes to Marriott Associate Welfare Fund and Save The Children Philippines.

To register visit https://marriottroadtogive.raisely.com

SSS offers a new loan penalty condonation program to members with unpaid loans

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The Social Security System (SSS) launched on October 4, 2022 a new penalty condonation program that aims to aid its members in paying their past-due loans.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Michael G. Regino urged members with unpaid short-term member loans to take advantage of the Consolidation of Past Due Short-Term Member Loans with Condonation of Penalty.

Members qualified to avail of the program are those with outstanding Salary Loans including Salary Loan Early Renewal Program (SLERP), Calamity, Emergency Loan, and Restructured Loan.

“We continuously offer loan penalty condonation programs to help our members settle their loan balances without penalties and regain their good standing with the SSS,” Regino said.

Under the program, SSS shall combine the principal and interest of a member’s past-due short-term member loans into one consolidated loan while all unpaid penalties shall be consolidated and condoned upon full payment of the consolidated loan.

Interested members must meet the following requirements to qualify for the program:
have a past-due short-term member loan at the time of their application;
have not been granted any final benefit such as permanent total disability or retirement;
have not been disqualified due to fraud committed against the SSS; and
have an active My.SSS account.
Regino said members may pay their consolidated loan through a one-time payment within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving the approval notice or they may also opt to pay through installment.

For the installment scheme, members must pay a down payment equivalent to at least 10% of the consolidated loan within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving the approval notice. Meanwhile, they can pay the remaining balance for up to 60 months, depending on the amount.

He said that if the member fails to meet the payment terms based on the consolidated loan agreement, SSS will deduct the outstanding balance of the consolidated loan from the short-term benefits (sickness, maternity, or partial disability benefit claims) and final benefits (permanent total disability, death, retirement), as authorized by the Social Security Commission (SSC).

The SSS chief added that the outstanding balance of the consolidated loan can also be deducted from the death benefit of the members’ beneficiaries or deduct it from the actual final benefit claims.

“We want to collect the past-due loans from our members. However, we also recognize that the pandemic has greatly affected the livelihood of many of them. At this point, they might already be able to pay their loan obligations. Hence, we designed this consolidated program to help them settle their loan obligations by condoning the penalties and offering flexible payment terms,” Regino concluded.

Members may submit their application for the consolidated loan program online through their My.SSS account.

Vietnam’s Claims and How it is a Threat to the Philippines

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Vietnam might just become the next China.

That is, when it comes to territorial disputes and claims in the West Philippine Sea. This hotspot is a heavily contested region that features heavy trade traffic between shipping and logistical lanes. Furthermore, there is some speculation that the continental shelf beneath the sea contains huge amounts of crude oil, which can bolster the economy of the nation-state that taps into them first. It is, without a doubt, a ticking time bomb that constitutes some of the ingredients for boiled territorial disputes.

The West Philippine Sea Dilemma

Indeed, border and delimitation disputes are a thing in the West Philippine Sea. The Spratly Islands itself consist of at least 56 major islands/islets. Brunei claims one, Taiwan claims two, Malaysia claims six, China claims seven, the Philippines claims 11, and Vietnam claims a staggering 29 of these features. The Spratlys are only one of the island groups in the region that’s disputed; there are also the Natunas and Paracels.

Another complication about these claims is that they’re not entirely collected in one area. These claims are randomly scattered across the West Philippine Sea, overlapping with other countries’ claims. 

Therefore, it is a chaotic “bundle of mess” that doesn’t have defined boundaries that are causing the decades-long dispute in the region.

Delimitation between ASEAN States and Vietnam’s Greed

In light of this, border delimitation talks between ASEAN countries have been ongoing to “organize” and sort out the confusion brought about by these disputes. Vietnam and Indonesia have been doing this for a long time, as well as Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and the Philippines.

The Exclusive Economic Zone delimitation talks between Indonesia and Vietnam started in the early 2000s. This series of talks followed agreement after agreement on whose feature is whose. However, it is worth noting that the recent EEZ delimitation talks between the Republic of Indonesia and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam last July 14 to 16, 2022 put the former at a disadvantage. 

According to Indonesia’s DPW-KPS (Regional Executive Board of the Prosperous Justice Party), Vietnam will take at least 65% more territorial waters than Indonesia following the deal.

This is despite Vietnam having the most claimed features in the West Philippine Sea among ASEAN states.

PH Delimitation Strategy with Indonesia Key to Resolving Disputes?

Recently, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. said its delimitation strategy with Indonesia may be the best template for establishing the regional border disputes among

ASEAN nations. While the entire strategy itself isn’t revealed to the public due to matters of national security, President Marcos said that it is “worthwhile to explore at the very least” since it was one instance where both countries came to both conclusion and resolution.

This type of delimitation strategy, President Marcos says, can be used when dealing with border disputes with other countries such as Vietnam and China.

Backgrounder: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

To further understand the factors at play, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea establishes a legal framework for maritime laws of all nation states and parties concerned.

According to the convention, a country’s territorial sea should stretch 12 nautical miles from the baseline of its coast. After that, the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) should stretch 200 nautical miles from the edge of its territorial sea.

Both the Philippines and China are signatories of the said treaty, to which they have exclusive economic rights 200 nautical miles from the said 12-nautical-mile territorial sea. The latter currently claims around 80% of the West Philippine Sea due to its “historical” nine-dash line.

However, neighboring countries have rejected this claim. The culmination of this rejection came with the legal victory of the Philippines against China, stating that the latter is obliged to follow the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) rather than its historical claims.

Importance of Delimitation Treaties

To make territories more defined when EEZs overlap with one another, delimitation treaties are created to superimpose a proper border between two countries.

This reflects the importance of delimitation agreements and/or treaties, but that is not merely the point. Vietnam’s claims in the Spratly Island Group are far from the 200-kilometer EEZ of the said country.

Therefore, they technically don’t have the backing of the United Nations with their claims in the disputed islands. Vietnam is roughly 1,400 kilometers away from the Philippines, with their claimed islands somewhere in the middle at 700 to 1,000 kilometers away from their mainland.

Vietnam’s “Historical” Claims

Since Vietnam and the Philippines are both signatories of the UNCLOS, both countries should follow the “law of the sea” rather than historical claims. Vietnam asserts its claims in both the Paracel and Spratly Islands because of historical records that prove the country’s occupation of the islands that stretch to the 17th century.

However, the Law on the Convention of the Sea states that historical claims should not be the basis anymore for formal border delimitation implementation. This is the same reason that China is trying to impose to no lawful avail.

It would seem that the dispute between Vietnam and Indonesia was not as fair as it was between the Philippines and the Republic of Indonesia.

To add to this case, Vietnam has a long history of aggressive expansion, going as far as occupying parts of Laos and Cambodia during and after the Vietnam War, and clashing with China when things didn’t go their way despite being friends from the start.

The Threat of Vietnam against the Philippines

And so, this highlights another threat over the horizon: will the Philippines be at odds with Vietnam? As mentioned earlier, Vietnam is currently claiming 29 features in the Spratly Group of Islands, while the Philippines only lays claim to 11 of these islands and islets. The claimed territories of Vietnam often overlap with the Philippine claims. In a nutshell, some of their claimed islands are too close for comfort to Filipino-claimed islands.

If ever there are border delimitation talks, will Vietnam play fair and square? How is there an assurance that they won’t do to the Philippines what they did with Indonesia?

The answer is UNCLOS.

However, this raises another issue: the incapacity and incapability of the United Nations to police this convention on the law of the sea. If it was properly policed, then there would be no disputes in this region. China would go back to their rightful territories and everything would be organized in neat, old-fashioned borders that are 200 nautical miles from the edge of each country’s territorial waters.

Of course, we know that’s not happening. Logically speaking, they have legitimate claims in the Paracel Islands, but not in the Spratlys.

Now, we go back to the beginning of this article; can Vietnam become the next China when itcomes to island and land grabbing in the West Philippine Sea? Possibly. However, certain factors such as the UNCLOS and the face of a greater threat in the personification of China may just unite these two ASEAN countries against a common threat, arriving at a peaceful resolution to the dispute in these islands.

Vietnam’s aggressive claims in the Spratly Islands need to stop. They claimed far too many islets outside of their Exclusive Economic Zone. Their government should give back these islets to their rightful owners according to the UNCLOS so that they may not be sanctioned and frowned upon by the international community.

Vietnam should follow the law and not become like China in terms of aggressiveness in the Spratly Group of Islands. If they do, they might just find themselves in the crosshairs of multiple ASEAN states. Indonesia’s doing enough to combat intruders into their Natuna Group of Islands, whether these are Vietnamese or Chinese boats. Perhaps a similar engagement may happen in the Spratlys, but tensions in the area may just put everyone on the brink of war, so probably not.

In the end, we can’t tell how big of a threat everyone is to each other. That’s just how geopolitics work.

As for the question if Vietnam is a threat to the Philippines: lawfully, no, but if they follow the footsteps of China, they may just find themselves toe-to-toe with stationed Filipino Marines in the Kalayaan Group of Islands. After all, the Philippines has the backing of the United Nations following its ruling against China last 2016.

PH Post Office releases National Teachers’ Month 2022 commemorative stamps

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The Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) issues stamps and official first day covers for National Teachers’ Month (NTM) 2022 on October 5, 2022, with the theme, “Gurong Pilipino: Dangal ng Sambayanang Pilipino”.

“In coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Metrobank Foundation, Inc., the Post Office attractively design stamps to honor the hard work, sacrifices and dedication of our Teachers in molding the society”, Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said.

Every fifth day of October is designated as National Teachers’ Day pursuant to Republic Act No. 10743. This is also the culminating activity for National Teachers’ Month, when all teachers are praised and celebrated.

The stamp design focuses on Filipino teachers, who in the illustration symbolizes the nurturing figure towards her student in protective embrace and guidance. The teacher’s face represents the sun in the Philippine flag, which illuminates the path towards a bright future.

Teachers not only educate in the academic sense – they are also dignified beacons of imitable, good morals. The serene image of the teacher in the design also represents the common attribute of teachers being a source of refuge for students. The National Teachers’ Month logo appears prominently on the stamp design.

Post Office In-house stamp designer Agnes C. Rarangol did the layout of the stamps.



For inquiries, please call 8527-01-08 or 8527-01-32 or follow/like the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PilipinasPhilately/ for updates.

Pinay pioneers in biomedical and marine research win TOWNS 2022 Award

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From the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic to the forefront of ocean research, Filipina scientists from the University of the Philippines - Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) are leading the country and the world in life sciences.

Two of the 11 winners of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) 2022 are both experts in life sciences from the UPD-CS. As Director of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB), Dr. Pia D. Bagamasbad has been a key player in the country’s pandemic response, while the Marine Science Institute’s (MSI’s) Dr. Aletta T. Yñiguez has continually been helping to improve the lives of fisherfolk and uplift the country’s fisheries sector through her work in marine ecology.


Spearheading Philippine COVID-19 response

With her years of extensive experience in using RT-PCR for various biomedical applications and assays, Dr. Bagamasbad quickly rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Early on, she was able to train over a hundred medical technologists from dozens of testing laboratories and hospitals across the country in the use of RT-PCR testing. She is also deeply involved in research towards better understanding the molecular basis of hormone action and hormone-dependent cancers. As a researcher, she continually advocates government support for STEM practitioners, especially women scientists.

“My vision is for our country to get to a point where we have eliminated most, if not all, barriers to scientific progress, and prioritized the development of STEM professionals to give them enough motivation to stay,” Dr. Bagamasbad says.


ARAICoBeH, HABHub help empower fisherfolk

Meanwhile, Dr. Yñiguez is a well-known advocate of sustainable fishing practices and a staunch defender of marine ecology and biodiversity. Her marine research is focused on developing technologies and practices that can help oversee and protect coastal ecosystems, including an early-warning system for harmful algal blooms called HABHub. She and her team also developed a coastal monitoring system, officially called “A Rapid Assessment Instrument for Coastal Benthic Habitats”—but affectionately referred to by its tongue-in-cheek acronym, ARAICoBeH—that provides a low-cost way to take underwater photos of endangered areas such as coral reefs. Ultimately, Dr. Yñiguez is working towards forging close partnerships between coastal communities and public and private entities so that the science can be mainstreamed.

“It's understandable that we want to have more and better production for a growing population and for economic growth, but the science and technologies to ensure sustainability and thus the health of the ecosystems for marine resources should also go hand-in-hand with these,” Dr. Yñiguez explains.

Inspiring future Filipina scientists

As professors at the UP Diliman College of Science, Drs. Bagamasbad and Yñiguez both continually inspire young students to become the country’s next generation of scientists. Their TOWNS win is a testament to the country and to the world of what Filipinas can aspire to and achieve.


Since 1974, the TOWNS Awards have been bestowed on outstanding Filipino women between the ages 21 to 50 years old who have contributed invaluably to the country’s economic, social, and cultural development, as well as to national security and unity. The Awards are given every three years by the TOWNS Foundation, a non-profit organization whose members are committed to using their experience, skills, and resources to improve quality of life and to serve as catalysts for national development.

PDB PHOTO.jpg - National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Director Dr. Pia D. Bagamasbad was at the forefront of the Philippines’ COVID-19 pandemic response, training hundreds of frontliners in the use of RT-PCR testing methods. (PHOTO CREDIT: Dr. Pia Bagamasbad)

ATY PHOTO.jpg - Marine Science Institute professor Dr. Aletta T. Yñiguez is seen here exploring Benham Rise in 2019. Her marine research is geared towards empowering fisherfolk and conserving marine ecosystems. (PHOTO CREDIT: Jean Utzurrum)

In celebration of UPD’s Science, Technology, and Society (STS) Month, Dr. Bagamasbad and Dr. Yñiguez will be speaking at the online event, “A Woman’s Place is Everywhere: A forum on the multidisciplinary works of UPD-CS’ TOWNS 2022 Awardees.” Free and open to the public, the forum is hosted by the UPD College of Science and is scheduled for October 20, 2022 at 2:30-4pm. Those who are interested to attend may register via https://bit.ly/STSMonth.

Calle Con: Urban Music & Fashion Festival Mounts Its Comeback Event After 3 Years

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Since its founding in 2019, Calle Con has made history in the local urban community scene by bringing together the country's biggest local fashion brands, local artists, and the people within the local street culture. During the event’s first stint, Calle Con made history by gathering 32 live acts, and 54 local brands in a “first of its kind” event. This brought more than two thousand street culture enthusiasts under the same roof, celebrating the same culture.

This year, Calle Con completes its comeback after 3 years. Upping their game and taking a major step further by formally announcing a 2-Day Festival this November 11-12, 2022 at Metrotent, Metrowalk, Pasig City. Calle Con will house over 50 live performances from the country's biggest hip-hop artists, 80 Local streetwear brands, 10 streetwear fashion shows, a Game of S.K.A.T.E. Tournament, and an all styles dance battle. Brought to you by the founders; Rekta Sa Kalye, Midas Music and Entertainment, and TMP Productions, Calle Con culminates the comeback year of events and live gatherings by mounting the biggest and most prominent event in Philippine Hip-Hop! This is Calle Con 2022!

CALLE CON 2022: BATANG CALLE

We bring back the stories from the streets to a bigger stage. We look back to how it all started.

Highlighting every story of passion and talentfrom their diversified roots.

ABOUT REKTA SA KALYE

Rekta sa Kalye is a Philippine-urban events production and management Company founded by Vince Marasigan also known as Droppout. Known for mounting events in large scales bringing together high-demand acts, Rekta Sa Kalye has made its mark in the culture and in the industry.

ABOUT MIDAS MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

Midas Music and Entertainment is a multifaceted talent management, events, and production Company founded by Nick Hernandez. Priding itself with managing some of the country’s biggest Hip-hop Artists.

Midas brings you music and entertainment in it’s purest form.

ABOUT TMP PRODUCTIONS

TMP Productions is a Philippine-based events management, talent management, and production Company founded by Douglas Brocklehurst in 2017. TMP Productions Inc. boasts an ecosystem that caters to almost every area of music and entertainment. TMP Productions Inc. is the company behind the biggest artists, events, and innovations in the local music industry for the past half-a-decade.

Get up to date on the latest announcement and more from Calle Con: Urban Music and Fashion Festival by following us on Facebook, and Instagram.

#ShootShareYourCordillera Experience Travel Vlog - Bontoc, Mountain Province

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#ShootShareYourCordillera #WazzupPilipinas

#FindYourselfInTheCordilleras 

Are just some of the trending hashtags today after the Cordillera Administrative Region announced their 200k prized competition.

This is my official entry for the Department of Tourism - Cordillera Administrative Region Office "Cordillera Experience" travel vlog competition. 

CLICK BELOW TO WATCH THE MOUNTAIN PROVINCE VIDEO BLOG

https://fb.watch/fYUZCvZI2_/

With just a mid-end smartphone, and not those high-tech and expensive gadgets, I capture the memories of our adventures at different destinations genuinely expressing my appreciation of the beauty of the Philippines.

I know there are a lot out there with advance equipment and videography skills especially on editing, but I should say that I put everything on this by heart, never scripted, never rehearsed, never dictated, always impromptu and sincerely coming from the heart.

Please help me by Liking, Sharing and Commenting on the actual video. Please click the video first, then Like, Share and Comment.

Thank you very much, and advance congratulations to all the participants, especially the chosen winners.

Highly recommended to create a vlog about your tour just like this:

https://fb.watch/fXqv1QQ5Za/

#ShootShareYourCordillera 

#FindYourSelfintheCordilleras 

Travel is Returning and Intent to Spend is Strong, Despite Rising Costs

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The new Traveller is digital savvy, strongly influenced by social media and more inclined to combine work and leisure in their travel.

A survey of more than 8,000 travellers globally, including 2,461 travellers in China, Indonesia and Thailand, reveals a growing appetite for overseas travel as countries reopen, that hasn't been dampened by rising living costs.

The annual Changing Traveller Report 2022 by SiteMinder (ASX:SDR), the world's leading hotel commerce platform, also found that about half of respondents – 48% of travellers in China and Thailand and 52% of travellers in Indonesia – intend to travel "internationally or domestically" over the next 12 months. Millennials (age 26 to 41) form the largest segment who plan to travel, accounting for 58% of travellers in Indonesia, followed by 56% in China and 52% in Thailand.

As the largest accommodation-specific traveller survey globally, insights from SiteMinder's 2022 Changing Traveller Report showed that:

Gen Z (age 18-25) are also the most likely to be influenced by the social media presence of the property they book, compared to other age groups. Thai travellers are the most influenced by social media, with 78% of respondents saying they are "very influenced" or "influenced" by the property's social media presence in their booking decision, followed by 75% in China and 74% in Indonesia. In fact, respondents in every age group agree they are all influenced by the social media accounts of the accommodation they book.

Bleisure continues to be a growing trend with 49% of Gen Z global travellers most likely to take a working holiday, followed by 46% of Millennials. 65% of Thai travellers, almost two in every three, are the leaders in bleisure travel, followed by 62% of Indonesia travellers and 47% of Chinese travellers. In fact, a quarter or more of travellers from every country surveyed in the report will be bleisure travellers on their next trip.

Travellers are likely to change their perception of the accommodation provider if they have a negative customer experience when accessing and using the accommodation provider website, for example if the website is slow or the payment process is not secure. A high proportion of travellers – 89% in China, 72% in Indonesia and 75% in Thailand – said they are "very likely" or "likely" to change their perception when the accommodation provider is not using technology effectively.

• The use of AI and robots by accommodation providers to replace hospitality professionals is also well accepted with 86% of travellers in China, 85% of travellers in Thailand and 76% of travellers in Indonesia saying they are "very supportive" or "supportive" of accommodation providers using AI and robots to automate previous human work processes.

Sankar Narayan, Managing Director and CEO of SiteMinder, said, "We can see that optimism is returning from travellers to the tourism sector, and there is demand for travel as travel restrictions and health concerns abate across the world. Despite inflation and rising costs, travellers are reporting they are undeterred and do not intend to cancel their travel plans, which is a positive sign for accommodation industry resilience and travel globally, particularly in Asia.

"The long-awaited recovery of travel has also emerged with a new type of traveller, who has higher expectations from hotels and their travel experiences than ever. We can see that, more than ever, travellers now have ambitions to book, travel, work, connect, and experience the world with the greatest flexibility and security possible."

The extensive report also extensively uncovers five key travel trends set to inform and inspire the accommodation and tourism industry:

• The Macro-Travel Trend: The urge to travel is stronger than rising inflation
• The Digital Influence Trend: Right now, travellers are the most winnable consumers on earth
• The Bleisure Trend: Working travellers want the hotel of the future, today
• The Trust Trend: Every digital touchpoint matters for the new trust-critical traveller
• The Human Connection Trend: Tech-enabled travellers are not willing to compromise on human connection

Explore SiteMinder's interactive hotel experience to gain more insights and to read the full report.

Survey methodology

Powered by Kantar, in August 2022, SiteMinder undertook a survey of 8,182 travellers aged over 18 years in August, 2022, in 10 markets, including Australia, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Thailand, UK, USA. Respondents were asked 25 accommodation-specific questions, and were split up by gender, generation, location (urban, suburban, rural), travel plans, work plans and the type of accommodation they plan to stay in next. The data was supplemented with reports and data from McKinsey & Company, Deloitte, Paysafe, and others.

About SiteMinder

SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the world's leading open hotel commerce platform, ranked among technology pioneers for opening up every hotel's access to online commerce. It's this central role that has earned SiteMinder the trust of tens of thousands of hotels, across 150 countries, to sell, market, manage and grow their business. The global company, headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangkok, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila, generated more than 100 million reservations worth over US$35 billion in revenue for hotels in the last year prior to the start of the pandemic.

Across the 3 countries polled in Asia Pacific, 71% of travellers in China and 56% in both Indonesia and Thailand, said that inflation had "no impact" to "moderate impact" in their decision when planning and evaluating the cost of travel. Respondents who cite a "moderate impact" also stated that cheap accommodation rates are not the most important factor when booking their travel.

Japan-Affiliated Telco - InfiniVAN, Inc. is now ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Telecommunications and digital solutions provider InfiniVAN, Inc. a subsidiary of Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed IPS, Inc., has been awarded the International Organization for Standardization Certification ISO 9001:2015 for its Quality Management System (QMS) that secures the quality and reliability of services to its clients or customers.

ISO 9001:2015 is defined as the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system. The breakthrough is part of the company’s consistent commitment to be recognized as a company that redefines the standards of quality and service in the telco industry.

After management consulting and training firm FCU Solutions, Inc. conducted an Appreciation Workshop for ISO 9001:2015 at InfiniVAN, Inc. in November 2021, the company was inspired to take on the standard certification. This meant it would work towards and commit to provide products and services that meet customer and other related requirements, develop and implement a Quality Policy to fulfill its objectives, demonstrate leadership and commitment to the QMS, reduce the risks in the implementing processes and improve the performance of the QMS.

“We moved towards ISO certification because we aim to be the benchmark for telecommunications and digital solutions and prove it too. With the ISO certification, our customers will be assured of the quality of our service and our commitment to continually improve on our offerings. It will demonstrate our mission and vision towards continuous and sustainable improvement,” said Engr. Edgardo A. Opulencia, InfiniVAN’s COO.

Engr. Opulencia added that the ISO certification is a milestone and a great achievement for the company as a whole as it prepares and continuously improves Infinivan’s conformities, processes, and operations. With it, InfiniVAN’s top management commits to ensure adequate resources and support to help the company achieve its goals.

InfiniVAN, Inc.’s services and coverage areas can be found at www.infinivan.com. For more info, please call (02) 7-368-5232 or send an email to info@infinivan.com.

Why You Shouldn’t Try to SexChat with Pornstars on Websites

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If you’re into sexting then you’re also going to be very into the idea of doing it with a porn star. That’s because you’re getting everything that you could possibly want. You see these porn stars all the time when you’re horny. You see the things that they can do with their bodies, and you can’t stop imagining what it would be like to do it for yourself. You can keep watching your favorite porn stars or you could take it to the next level. You could try to actually sext with them and interact with them directly. That’s something that most people would never be able to resist. Still, it’s not going to be everything that you want it to be. The simple fact is that sexting with porn stars is never really a good idea. If you ever try it out, you’re just going to end up unsatisfied and disappointed.

Why sexchat is not a possible option with pornstars?

1. Pornstars don’t have time for you
2. Onlyfans stars pay people to pretend to be them
3. Sending messages are expensive
4. They will reply you to sell their services
5. Arousr is the best sexchat site for you

1. Pornstars don’t have time for you

There are two major options for sexting when it comes to online platforms. One is Sext Panther and the other is OnlyFans. Both of them make it seem like they can show you the kind of good time that you just can’t find anywhere else. That’s just not true. Both of the sites have porn stars, but they also have reasons for not using them. The biggest problem with Sext Panther is that the porn stars are only online to sell their content. If you want to sext with them then you’re going to be out of luck. You won’t talk to them directly and you’ll only end up wasting your time.

 

2. Onlyfans stars pay people to pretend to be them

OnlyFans is pretty much the same. They have very famous porn stars that have hundreds of followers. There’s no way that they’re ever going to be able to sext with all of those people directly. That’s why they end up paying other people to pretend to be them online. If you ever think you’re sexting with a porn star, then you’re really just talking to a stranger who’s trying to earn the porn stars money for her and that’s not a good thing.

3. Sending messages are expensive

Then you get to the cost of the whole thing. When you’re sending messages to porn stars on a site like SextPanther then you’re also going to be spending a whole lot of money. If you were getting what you want in return, then it wouldn’t be a huge deal. You’re not, though. In fact, what you get on this site isn’t even worth getting it for free. The girls here are never going to care about your fantasies or making you happy. You’ll have to pay to send every single message and you’ll never hear back from the porn star.

 

4. They will reply you to sell their services

The only time you’ll get a message back from her will be when she’s trying to sell you more videos. You’ll never have a night where you actually play around with her and that’s what you’re after. If you want to be able to actually sext with someone then you have to find a girl that’s not a porn star. You need an amateur girl who’s only after a good time. When you manage to find her, you’re going to have a totally different experience that you’re going to be able to enjoy.

5. Arousr is the best sexchat site for you

If you want to have a good time over a hot sexchat session, then you really need to be on Arousr instead. This is a site that never promises you porn stars. It only has amateur girls who just want to sexchat with someone new. These women only log on when they’re horny and in the mood to sext with a stranger. That’s because there’s really nothing else to do on the site. It’s a platform for women to find men to make them cum and that’s it. When you see the girls for the first time, it’s going to be obvious that they’re just regular girls. They can provide all of the filthy fun that you’re after because they want to have it just as badly as you do. You can see the girls before you send them a message and they’re always going to respond to you. They’re going to do anything they can to get you to pick them over the other girls. They need your sext messages to turn them on while they touch themselves and you’ll always find a girl who’s willing to cum with you.

Why the dollar power and weakening peso affects ordinary Filipinos the most.

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Filipinos to prepare for the worst The Philippine peso could further depreciate to P65 to P68 against the US dollar in the coming days.

Because the dollar power and weakening peso issue has to be discussed, here’s a brief explainer and analogy on why it affects ordinary Filipinos the most.

1. The Philippines has no industries.

While it may seem that “there are” industries in the country, they are mostly owned by foreign investors or multinational companies. This means that we can’t produce basic goods on our own such as oil, transpo, telcom, basic metals, etc.

2. US has industries and control of most of the products in the world.

US imperialism, or domination of US over a country’s economic, political, and cultural aspect, has ensured that it has its hands over strategic industries such as oil [1] through warfare and aggression.

At the same time, its economic policies (having one of the dominant currencies in the world) do not only occur in US but can seep through to other countries: such as the US Federal Reserve’s increase of interest rates to fight inflation in their own country which can weaken peso.

3. Given this economic relation, where will the Philippines buy basic commodities?

From US. But with the currency exchange, we will need more peso (58.80) to purchase the same product that amounts to 1 dollar - which means that prices will also increase for low income Filipinos.

4. While this may seem “good” for OFWs (since a dollar of remittance would mean more peso for their families here), it’s “benefit” would be canceled out by inflating price of goods that their families would have to pay.

In short, mataas nga ang padala, mahal naman ang bilihin.

5. This may also be interpreted as an “advantage” for local producers and agrisector - since imported products would be harder to get in, meaning less competition.

However, due to the continued negligence of the state over our farmers and agriculture, resulting to the overdependence on imported goods (such as rice, sugar, salt, etc.), local producers can only do so much, and the government would still have to pull in products from outside.

Unless agriculture and our farmers get the support they deserve, we remain food insecure and dependent.

6. How do we remove our reliance on US and the absurd dollar-peso relation?

Through national industrialization based on genuine agrarian reform. Improving our agricultural condition and building industries able to produce our basic necessities ensure our economic independence.

If we have sustainable agriculture, where the demands of our farmers (such as land distribution) are met, we can produce healthy and affordable food for the country.

If we have our own industries, we can produce affordable basic commodities for the ordinary Filipinos.

We would not be needing to maintain the import-dependent and export-oriented characteristic of our economy. Which means, we can and will also be sustainable without the intervention of US and its economic policies.

Our peso would not need to contend with dollar.

"It's not the lack of love for our country that's driving Filipinos to work abroad, it's the notion that we need to endure and settle for less just to prove our love and loyalty for a country that doesn't even listen nor care for our pleas"

References:

[1] https://t.co/1aeiVQJEtd

[2] https://t.co/ZM3zLpSpZE

Written by: Ajay Lagrimas

Aliw Awards 2022 set for December 5

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


The 35th Annual Aliw Awards presentation on Aliw Awards Foundation’s 45th year will take place on December 5,2022 at the prestigious Manila Hotel’s Fiesta Pavilion, after an absence of a year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This was announced by Founding President Alice H. Reyes , who bared that preparations are in full swing for the event, much-awaited by the entire live entertainment industry.

Executive Committee Chairman for the 2022 awards is Irma Meg Ventolina Loyola, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee is Rema Tan Manzano.

Directing the presentation rites is Jose Maria Hilario while the TV coverage will be directed by Joey Nombres, who is also chairman of the Screening Committee.

Nominations for the different categories of awards will be accepted by the foundation starting on October 15,2022.

“ We hope to rise from the ashes of Covid-19, like the Phoenix, with a spectacular presentation,” Reyes declared.

She added that , due to the dearth of live performances during the pandemic, there will be less categories, although one or two new ones will be added.

In the 2020 Aliw awards, held during an Aliw Congress that year, she noted that there were over 50 categories .

To be given their Lifetime Achievement Awards this year are Vic del Rosario, Johnny Manahan, John Lesaca, Nanette Inventor and Jay Enriquez.

Reyes further announced the launching of the Aliw Legacy Awards for individuals who have left their mark in the fields of live entertainment and public service.

Reyes expressed the hope that other Aliw benefactors will join PAGCOR, Greenfield Development Corporation and the Quezon City Government under Mayor Joy Belmonte in supporting this year’ s event which aims to raise funds for the displaced live entertainers during the pandemic.

A limited number of tickets to the dinner-show are available. For information, please call 89215135.

Dusit Thani Maldives recognised by South Asian Travel Awards 2022

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The luxury resort won two gold awards at the prestigious annual event for its commitment to sustainability and hospitality.

At a glittering gala dinner on 30 September 2022, representatives from Dusit Thani Maldives were delighted to celebrate the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2022 and receive the Gold Award for Nishan Senevirathe Best CSR Programme and the Gold Award for Leading Family Resort.

SATA has been recognising the best of South Asia’s hospitality and travel industry since 2016. 

The prestigious annual event – hosted this year at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi in the Maldives – honours stellar organisations and individuals in a range of categories. Eligible candidates can be nominated in up to three categories, and the winners are selected in two phases: 40% via online votes from the public and 60% by hotel presentation.

The team from Dusit Thani Maldives was honoured to be awarded gold in two categories that reflect Dusit’s core value of care: CSR and family. Attending the gala on behalf of the whole staff were General Manager Mr Jacques Leizerovici and Marketing and Communications Manager Ms Iryna Okopova. 

Mr Leizerovici said, “We are delighted to accept these awards, which are a testament to the dedication and the hard work of the entire team. We value the recognition for our commitment to sustainability as we continue to create unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages.”

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll – the Maldives’ first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve– Dusit Thani Maldives is just 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital city, Malé, or a 25-minute domestic flight and 10 minutes by speedboat from Dharavandhoo Airport.

Surrounded by a house reef full of marine life, the resort’s luxurious over-water villas and residences await guests seeking island adventure, fine dining, and relaxation. Devarana Spa offers elevated treatment rooms among the coconut trees, and full-service amenities ensure every whim is catered to.

Meet Toots, Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore’s Green Ambassador

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

To mark Children’s Day, the resort rolls out its refreshed mascot to enliven the stay experiences of its young guests amid its host of family friendly facilities. 

Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore, the only beachfront resort in the country, invites guests to meet Toots. The resort’s green ambassador has a brand-new look and ready to meet guests from 7 October to celebrate Children’s Day. Guests will have the chance to meet and get to know Toots during their stay at the resort.

Toots lives by the motto “Green and good vibes only” and promises to extend a fun and welcoming experience to guests both young and old. He will make appearances to mingle, take photos with guests, and give free hugs as he shares his love for travelling and making new friends. 

Toots is an Asian Tree Frog, a species that can be found in Sentosa island. As the Green  Ambassador of the resort, he encourages the conservation of natural habitats to protect all species, especially endangered ones. He will be seen participating in various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities around the resort such as beach cleaning.

Before the official launch on Children’s Day, the public can “play with” Toots virtually on the resort’s social media @RasaSentosa, via Augmented Reality (AR). A contest rewarding the most fun use of the AR feature with room and dining vouchers will be held from 23 September to 2 October. More details will be available on the resort’s Instagram account @RasaSentosa.

Families wishing to up the ante on their resort experience can look forward to the Rasa 

Sentosa Kids Activity Book featuring Toots and his family, given to every child residing in the resort. Kids can enjoy hours of wholesome fun playing pool bingo, colour the peacock after spotting one, or even hunt down the frog statues in the property. The Adventure Hunt is one not to be missed, where stickers can be collected from various spots in the property, while the children embark to discover its nooks and crannies. There is even a prize up for grabs at the end of it.

Hungry? Feasting and fun times await on Fridays and Saturdays at Silver Shell Café as the restaurant’s Seafood Sensation buffet dinner - a delectable spread of live oysters, snow crabs, Boston lobsters and premium seafood cooked in various styles - is enhanced with activities specially curated for little ones. Young diners can be enthralled by entertainment that includes magic performances, balloon sculpting, and face painting. More dinnertime fun awaits with do-it-yourself mocktail making and cupcake decorating kits. Every child takes home a goodie bag of Toots merchandise as their memento of the resort too!

Can’t get enough of Toots cuteness? Guests can take Toots home by purchasing a plush toy at the Resort’s Rasa Shop (SGD 29.90+). His lime green tones and cheerful expression are sure to charm children and keep them happy.

Family Fun All Day

Along with the many comfortable family accommodation options featuring spectacular sea or tropical views, and the introduction of Toots, the resort has no shortage of facilities for the young ones to busy themselves. There are water slides, a children’s pool under a canopy and a fun splash pad. For more action, sea sports activities such as kayaking, pedal boating and stand-up paddle boarding at the resort’s private beach are sure to entice those looking for some sun, sand and sea. Daily activities at the pool and beach with the resort’s Fun Team are also available for guests to participate in.

Cool Zone, the resort’s indoor kids club for up to the age of 12, houses a giant tree-house slide, which whizzes the young ones from three storeys up into a colourful ball pit, and a mini jungle gym. Storybooks, toys and a host of engaging activities organised by the resident team

are available for children to enjoy as well. Those seeking some fun next to Siloso Beach can head to outdoor playground, Nestopia, just a five-minute walk from the resort. The unique open-air space, with 17 play sections, features netted obstacle courses connecting three giant nests and two of the longest slides on Sentosa.

For reservations and more information:

Room stays

Email: reservations.sen@shangri-la.com

Phone: (65) 6371 1088

Dining

Email: fbreservation.sen@shangri-la.com

Phone: +65 6371 1966