Revolutionizing the Future: The Return of UMALOHOKAN FEST this December 2024 – A Grand Convergence of Content Creators and Influencers

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a digital age where the power of information knows no bounds, a legendary gathering is set to make its triumphant return. Prepare for an unforgettable experience as the UMALOHOKAN FEST Influencers and Content Creators Year-end Meetup cum Christmas Party returns this December 2024 at the prestigious World Trade Center in Pasay City, coinciding with the illustrious World Bazaar Festival.

In a nod to the storied past of precolonial Philippines, the term "Umalohokan" harks back to the revered town criers who once traversed the barangays, ensuring the voice of the Datu was heard across the land. Today, this ancient role is reimagined, embodied by modern-day influencers and content creators who shape narratives in the ever-evolving online and social media landscape. They are the torchbearers of a new era, revolutionizing how brand awareness and promotional campaigns reach a global audience.

The UMALOHOKAN FEST 2024 promises to be more than just an event; it is a call to arms for those who wield influence in the digital realm. This year-end celebration will unite the brightest minds and most creative voices in the industry, forging alliances that will redefine the future of content creation and information dissemination.

Wazzup Pilipinas, Ganda Negosyo and Red Cloud Interactive are the trailblazers in this movement. We will once again open our doors for collaboration, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities. This is an invitation to be part of something monumental, a chance to amplify your impact and leave an indelible mark on the digital world.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of history in the making. Join us as we converge, collaborate, and celebrate the unstoppable force that is today’s digital community.

For collaboration, sponsorship, and partnership inquiries, please reach out to Wazzup Pilipinas, Ganda Negosyo and zRed Cloud Interactive:

Email: WazzupPilipinas@gmail.com
Mobile/Viber: +639473820042

About Wazzup Pilipinas, Ganda Negosyo and Red Cloud Interactive:
Wazzup Pilipinas, Ganda Negosyo and Red Cloud Interactive are pioneering online platforms in the Philippines, dedicated to empowering content creators and influencers through innovative collaborations, events, and initiatives that shape the future of digital media.

This December, the UMALOHOKAN FEST will echo across the digital landscape, reminding us all that the power of the word is mightier than ever. Be there, be heard, be unforgettable.


Event schedule details? 

We'll update you as soon as we have the final date so be sure to get back to us soon!

Empowering Youth: The Critical Role of Media and Information Literacy

 

This is the first part of the four-part series Empowering Vulnerable Populations through Media and Information Literacy. This article focuses on Filipino youths. It will discuss the importance of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) for the youth. Also, it will elaborate on how MIL can empower them to navigate the digital age safely and responsibly.

In the complex and interconnected digital world, vulnerable youth face unique challenges in keeping themselves safe from bad actors that lurk online. 

Since they have less agency and less discretion on the media they are consuming, they are considered easy targets by wrongdoers. 

Since these vulnerable groups often lack the resources and education needed to effectively interpret media, they are more susceptible to exploitation and misinformation. Thus, media and information literacy (MIL) is crucial to equip them with the skills to critically access, analyze, and evaluate media content. These skills foster safer and more informed online experiences, in particular those who face heightened risks and barriers. 

The Power of MIL for Vulnerable Youth

The common cyber challenges that Filipino youths face include misinformation, cyberbullying, and online exploitation. They are easy targets simply because they lack digital literacy skills to combat these risks. That is where the role of media and information literacy comes in. These skills enable them to understand their online rights, to navigate the digital landscape responsibly, and to make informed decisions.

For example, these youths can avoid scams simply because they can distinguish whether the sales page they are exposed to is credible or not. Another one, they can alert social media companies that they have been harassed online and the said companies will take action simply because these youths know they have the right to be protected from bad actors in the digital space.

When vulnerable youths know what risks they face in using media and how to protect themselves from danger, their guardians could heap a sigh of relief that their wards are on a good digital experience.

Addressing the Challenges

Vulnerable youth often encounter significant obstacles in accessing and interpreting media. These challenges may include limited digital access, lower literacy levels, and susceptibility to misinformation and online risks. Imagine where children are not exposed to gadgets simply because their parents cannot afford them. Then, they reach a certain age where they can afford to get gadgets like mobile phones or tablets. The likelihood they may face online exploitation like scams and misinformation on certain narratives is high simply because they were not trained to use digital resources and were not trained in digital literacy at a young age. 

In short, socioeconomic factors, education levels, and technology access significantly impact their ability to navigate the online world safely. 

So how to address these challenges? First, make it accessible for every family to have digital resources and internet connectivity. Governments should invest in manufacturing cheaper technology that the general population could avail of and ensure that there are enough subsidies to build internet towers in every city. Of course, this will take time but industrialization for the sake of global competitiveness in general should be the main driver to trickle down MIL investments.

However, our policy-makers could make short-term solutions while the country is far beyond industrialization. These include education and community initiatives.

Empowering Through Education

MIL education is vital to empower vulnerable youth. When MIL is incorporated into school programs, children will learn the skillsets attached to the said subject. 

However, there must be some avenues to validate and practice such learning. These include workshops and community engagements. They can equip students with the tools to critically assess media content and to navigate the digital world confidently.

Building Effective MIL Programs

To build effective MIL programs, there should be collaboration among schools, community organizations, and policymakers. Understand that MIL education in itself is an interconnected system so it is a must that people contribute their part to make it work.

Now, how to ensure that MIL programs are successful for vulnerable youth? These programs must be accessible, relevant, and engaging.  It should also be complemented with technology to enhance MIL education. However, as discussed in previous articles, there are some challenges in pursuit of this program so accessibility and inclusivity should always be a priority.

Moreover, teachers should also be empowered and well-financed in the said programs because they are the key determinants in the success of MIL education.

A Call to Action

Empowering the vulnerable Filipino youths through MIL fosters a more informed, resilient, and inclusive Philippines where everyone can access the digital world safely and responsibly.

When policymakers and educators prioritize MIL initiatives for vulnerable youths, they can create a future where every Filipino can access and engage with media confidently and critically, regardless of his circumstances. This empowerment is vital for a safer and more informed online experience for all.

Hence, stakeholders should champion MIL education through supportive policies, resource allocation, and continuous training for educators. 

Premium European Products - Better Knowledge Better Choice

 

The European Union is proud to present a selection of exceptional products from Greece and Latvia as part of the "Premium European Products" campaign. Titled "Information Provision and Promotion Measures on Agricultural Products in Canada, Malaysia, and South Korea," this initiative seeks to elevate the profile of European food products in these key global markets. Under the slogan "Better Knowledge, Better Choice," the campaign aims to bring awareness to the rich cultural heritage, meticulous production processes, and unwavering commitment to safety and quality that define European goods.

The campaign introduces an exquisite range of added-value products, including PDO olive oils, table olives, dried grapes, saffron, hard cheese, gum, and gum oil from Greece, as well as dairy products, candied fruits, chocolates, confectionery, and salty snacks from Latvia. The initiative is built on four main objectives: first, to raise awareness of these high-quality European products; second, to enhance their recognition among consumers; third, to drive an increase in consumption; and ultimately, to boost exports of these European products to Canada, Malaysia, and South Korea.

EU’s Commitment to Quality: Understanding the Labels

The European Union's commitment to quality is represented by the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) labels. These labels protect the names of products that originate from specific regions and have qualities or reputations linked to their production territory. The differences between PDO and PGI primarily relate to how much of the product’s raw materials must come from the area and how much of the production process must take place within the specific region. These factors are important indicators of authenticity and excellence.

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO): This label ensures that a product is produced, processed, and developed in a specific location, with qualities or characteristics that are intrinsically tied to its geographical environment. For example, the renowned "Krokos Kozanis" saffron from Greece is a PDO product, celebrated for its distinctive aroma and vibrant color, grown exclusively in the Kozani region.

PGI (Protected Geographical Indication):Similar to PDO, PGI products emphasize relation to their geographical area. However, unlike PDO, some production or development stages can occur outside the specified region. An example is the Latvian "Jāņu Siers" (Midsummer cheese), known for its cultural significance and traditional production methods.

Premium European Products from Greece and Latvia

The "Premium European Products" campaign offers a selection of high-quality goods from Greece and Latvia, including PDO olive oils, dried grapes, saffron, hard cheeses, and dairy products like cream cheese and sour cream. These products represent Europe's rich heritage, combining time-honored traditions with strict safety and quality standards.

Greek Products: Greece contributes heaps of PDO products, including the renowned "Korinthiaki Stafida Vostizza" (Corinthian Currants) and "Graviera Kritis (Cretan Graviera Cheese), both of which are known for their distinct flavors and superior quality.

Latvian Products: Latvia offers a variety of dairy products, including curd snacks, cream cheese, and semi-hard cheeses, all made with the highest production standard, reflecting Latvia's strong dairy traditions.

Ensuring Safety

The European Union’s strict regulations on food production ensure that these products meet the highest standards of safety and quality. From pesticide control to hygiene standards in processing facilities, every step of the production process is carefully monitored. Additionally, animal welfare is a key focus, with regulations ensuring that animals are raised in environments that prioritize their well-being.

Campaign Partners

This initiative is supported by two prominent organizations: the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS) and the Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC). Both organizations are dedicated to promoting the most prestigious products from their respective countries, reinforcing the reputation of European goods on the global stage.

For more information about the "Premium European Products" campaign, please visit  https://premiumeuropeanproducts.eu/ or email us to info@premiumeuropeanproducts.eu.

Pages dedicated to this program can be found on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, @premiumeuropeanproducts.

Notes to Editor

About National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS)

Founded by Greece's leading cooperatives and established by Greek law, ETHEAS is the national coordinating body of Agricultural Cooperatives in Greece. With over 300 member cooperatives representing approximately 80% of Greece's total agricultural cooperative turnover, ETHEAS aims to foster rural and cooperative development, support and promote its members' activities domestically and internationally, provide expert opinions on cooperative movement agricultural production and sector development, supervise the dissemination and promotion of cooperative ideas, and serve and educate its members through studies, research projects, and assignments.

About Latvian Dairy Committee (LDC)

Established in 1995, the Central Union of Latvian Milk Manufacturers ("Latvijas Piensaimnieku Centrālā Savienība") unites milk producers and focuses on protecting their interests. As a cooperative society with 17 members producing about 80% of Latvia's industrial milk, LDC advocates for milk manufacturers, ensures the sustainable development of the dairy sector, and represents the collective interests of its members.