TypeKita, the newbie-friendly platform for Pinoy writers and readers

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


TypeKita aims to bring creatives together for more dynamic and accessible storytelling

If there’s anything Filipinos love, it’s a good story—funny, drama-riddled, or romantic, we’re quick to sniff out a saga and follow it to its conclusion. Whether fact or fiction, there’s nothing quite like having oneself immersed in the twists and turns of finding out who said what, did what where, and who were they with?

Plots and characters have come to life on any number of platforms throughout the years, but one relatively recent emergence is quickly finding its legs: TypeKita is a newly launched app that aims to empower young Filipino storytellers by rewarding their creativity with accessible and self-determined monetization, while gifting readers with an interactive and visually stimulating reading experience. While the rest of the world criticizes Millennial and especially Gen Z readers for choosing shorter, digital formats, TypeKita promises to inspire and encourage the diversity already present in reading material available today.

At TypeKita’s official launch on August 16, Head of Growth Ysabel Yuzon, Vice President of Strategic Management Dana de la Vega, and Creator Manager Erich Valdevioso took questions from attending members of the press and detailed the ins and outs of the app, as well as its growing potential to “open doors even for those who may not have considered writing before,” according to Yuzon. Live readings of current TypeKita favorites Babalik Sa’yo (Rej Martinez), The Day I Said Goodbye (Miyuki Jeishi), and Hush Lucas (Arki Aaron) were then performed by rising stars Nour Hooshmand, Ian Pangilinan, and Benedix Ramos, bringing to life all the ups and downs of romance in fiction. Finally, singing champion and Silver Badger Featured Live Kumu Streamer Kathleen Anne wrapped up the program with some contemporary classic love songs, as well as her own single, Nagkulang.

Launch of TypeKita hosted by Ayie Tinsay and Julie Ann Macalagay

Ysabel Yuzon, Kumu Multi-app Head of Growth

(L-R) Dana Dela Vega, Kumu Multi-app Strategy and Innovations Lead, Ysabel Yuzon, Kumu Multi-app Head of Growth and Erich Valdevioso, TypeKita Creator Manager

Live Novel Reading of Miyuki Jeishi’s “Chrysanthemum” by actors Nour Hooshmand and Ian Pangilinan

Live Novel Reading of Rej Martinez’s “Babalik Sa’yo” by actors Nour Hooshmand, Benedix Ramos, and Ian Pangilinan (L-R)

Live Novel Reading of Arki Aaron’s “Hush, Lucas” by actors Benedix Ramos and Ian Pangilinan

Performance by Kumu campaign winner Kathleen Anne

The app is a localized version of from the Thai original Joylada, and is further powered by homegrown social entertainment platform Kumu—a partnership that speaks to the growing online fiction community. “We have always been on the lookout for talent of all kinds, and TypeKita is the space we’re dedicating to the written word,” says Rexy Dorado, Kumu President and Co-founder. “We believe creative people always find their way to each other, but this is where we can also help people find the creativity within themselves, bolstered by a safe community. Both Kumu and TypeKita share a similar moderator system to keep things appropriate and any hate out of the picture.”

But that safety doesn’t mean stifled storytelling; if anything, the shorter bursts of creativity that TypeKita champions through the chat-fiction format effectively refashion the digital novel experience, making both creation and consumption that much more accessible—providing a gateway to long-form in the future if creators are so inclined. This is further enriched by the wide range of genres at the readers’ disposal on the app, but the top categories so far are reflective of its current audience and what is meaningful to them. They gravitate not only to romance, but to diversity within romance via LGBTQ+ themes; to young adult, coming-of-age stories; and to fantasy and mystery, indulging imagination and curiosity. And yet, TypeKita serves as a new content platform that fits our modern habits—just like getting a friend’s whole story from a single screenshot of a private chat.

Prior to its launch, TypeKita has seen a steady growth in terms of users, showing potential for genres such as romance (including sub-genres in BL and GL), coming-of-age, mystery, and fantasy. TypeKita showcases the best of Filipino storytelling with a majority of its featured stories written by talented Filipino writers. It also boasts an intuitive and user-friendly chat editor that makes creating that much easier for writers, an immersive reading experience that allows readers to be part of the conversation, and shareable stories that lets you instantly connect and share your experience via social media, email, or messaging apps.

While many of its best features are free, the app also has the makings of the ultimate side hustle for writers of all kinds, as seen in their monetization feature for creators. This is where everyone can read or write what they love, directly support the creators they believe in, and gather around the digital campfire, as it were, for a good story—because one of the best things about online fiction communities is the connections they’ve made organically throughout the years, and TypeKita will be no different.

Ready to find your audience, or your next favorite source of kilig? Download TypeKita today via App Store and Google Play and discover more how you can be part of a growing community of digital creatives.

Powered by Kumu and Ookbee Thailand, TypeKita is a newly launched chat-style novel app that puts the power back to authors and readers to enjoy compelling and exciting stories, complete with engaging characters, twists and turns, and unforgettable moments, their way! Whether you're into romance, drama, comedy, or mystery, there's a story waiting for you in TypeKita. To learn more about TypeKita, visit their website. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to get the latest updates.

ArenaPlus Welcomes Jordan Clarkson as its Official Endorser

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



ArenaPlus, a 24/7 online sports betting platform in the Philippines and the official sports entertainment gateway of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) proudly announced that NBA star Jordan Clarkson is their newest official endorser.

The momentous deal follows the brand’s recent partnership pacts with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and GILAS Pilipinas.

ArenaPlus is also the official gaming partner of the Philippine Volleyball League (PVL) and the STL.

Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc. President Rafael Jasper Vicencio warmly welcomed Jordan Clarkson into the brand and said his endorsement shows ArenaPlus’ growing venture in providing excellent and top-tier sports entertainment, along with its commitment to bring more fun to the Filipino people. “With Jordan’s presence, the brand ensures a more accessible world class basketball entertainment, anytime and anywhere. ArenaPlus supports Jordan Clarkson as he joins the national basketball team in competing in the highly-anticipated FIBA tournament,” Mr. Vicencio said.

The signed partnership promises an exciting experience for basketball fans and enthusiasts in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. The event will take place in the country from August 25 to September 10.

Support your favorite teams and keep yourself updated with the current scores and results of numerous games worldwide with ArenaPlus. The app can be downloaded via Google Play and the App Store.

Tañon Strait dolphins declining and in peril

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Researchers from the University of the Philippines - Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) are warning that unchecked ecotourism and overfishing are threatening the cetacean biodiversity of the famous and richly diverse Tañon Strait.

A lone spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) plies the waters of Tañon Strait. Whereas in previous years one might spot as many as 100 individuals in a single day, only no more than 90 were spotted over a recent four-day survey. (Photo credit: UPD-CS MMRCL)

 

A narrow passage of water between Cebu and Negros islands, Tañon Strait is renowned worldwide for its rich marine life. It is home to numerous cetaceans, including 15 species of dolphins and whales. However, recent findings suggest that the populations of these marine creatures are on a fast decline.

“We encountered only between 80 and 90 individual spinner dolphins throughout our four-day survey. This is in stark contrast to surveys in previous years, where we might spot as many as 100 individuals in just one day,” said Dr. Lemnuel Aragones, head of the UPD-CS Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Laboratory (MMRCL).

Tañon Strait, designated as a protected seascape in 1998 under Presidential Proclamation No. 1234, has been a sanctuary for a diverse array of marine species. A popular destination for ecotourism, particularly dolphin and whale watching, the strait has attracted numerous visitors eager to witness these remarkable animals in their natural habitat.

Dr. Aragones spearheaded the survey from July 20 to 23, focusing on dolphin populations within the southern part of Tañon Strait. The initiative revealed deeply concerning trends, such as a decrease in dolphin numbers, a reduction in species diversity, and evasive behavior possibly linked to increasing human activity in the area.

In the past, these surveys witnessed vibrant gatherings of diverse species of cetaceans—including numerous kinds of dolphins and species of whales, with groups of as many as 100 individuals spotted in a single day. However, the recent survey was starkly different, showcasing only three species: spinner dolphins, common bottlenose dolphins, and dwarf sperm whales.

Of particular concern was the notably evasive behavior of the dolphins, a possible sign of stress or disturbance due to the persistent presence of aggressive dolphin watching boats. Dr. Aragones and his team, who have been monitoring the region since 1997, noted a significant increase in the number of dolphin watching boats, even notwithstanding the destruction caused by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021.

The area now hosts around 60 boats, down from the original 260. Nevertheless, Dr. Aragones fears that this may still be too much: “Too many dolphin watching boats in the area disrupts the cetaceans’ habits,” he said.

Dr. Aragones also warned against the overutilization of the area’s resources. “There should also be a comprehensive assessment of fisheries resources in the entire Strait as there is clearly less food now for these creatures,” he explained.

UPD-CS MMRCL head Dr. Lemnuel Aragones (foreground) surveying Tañon Strait with his PhD advisee, Apple Amor (center) and intern Cheska Espiritu. (Photo credit: UPD-CS MMRCL)

To preserve the delicate ecosystem and to safeguard the remarkable marine mammals in Tañon Strait, the scientists have proposed several measures. First, they recommend a moratorium on adding more boats to the already existing fleet. Second, a comprehensive assessment of fisheries resources including fishing activities in Tañon Strait is essential, as a decline in food availability may be exacerbating the dolphins' struggles. Furthermore, strict monitoring and regulation of illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices in the area are necessary.

Dr. Aragones emphasized the importance of educating boat operators on responsible dolphin watching protocols. A certification process that trains operators to navigate around dolphins without causing stress could play a pivotal role in protecting these charismatic animals. Research also suggests that previous ecotourism activities negatively impacted dolphin behavior, reinforcing the need for responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

The findings from this survey underscore the critical situation facing dolphins in Tañon Strait. Urgent action is imperative to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures and to maintain the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem they inhabit.