What's Happening to Filipino Morals? The Alarming Rise of Online Gambling Among Gen Z and Celebrity Endorsements

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The moral fabric of Filipino society is under siege, as online gambling infiltrates the daily lives of many, particularly our impressionable Gen Z population. Once regarded as bastions of family values and discipline, Filipino culture is now being tainted by the widespread normalization of gambling—a phenomenon exacerbated by young celebrities, and even influencers like bloggers and vloggers, content creators and other social media personalities, who serve as endorsers. The allure of quick money and flashy lifestyles is enticing, but the social and moral costs are staggering.

The Problem: Gambling Disguised as Entertainment

Online gambling apps, often disguised as harmless “scatter games” or online casinos, lure users with promises of excitement and easy wins. However, the reality is much darker: lives are being destroyed, families are falling apart, and hard-earned money is vanishing into the digital void.

Young people, especially Gen Z, are particularly vulnerable to these platforms. With access to smartphones and digital wallets, they can fall prey to relentless advertising and peer pressure. This troubling trend erodes not only their financial stability but also their moral compass, as they begin to view gambling as a legitimate pastime rather than the vice it truly is.

Celebrities at the Helm of a Moral Crisis

The most disheartening aspect of this issue is the involvement of high-profile celebrities—individuals who wield immense influence over the public. Endorsers like Piolo Pascual, Alden Richards, Ivana Alawi, Maine Mendoza, Kim Chiu, and others have lent their faces and names to these gambling platforms, appearing on massive billboards and digital campaigns. Their endorsements send a dangerous message: If your idols approve, it must be okay.

But is it? These celebrities, revered for their beauty and talent, have become unwitting accomplices to a social epidemic. Their promotions glamorize gambling, normalizing a practice that has been proven to break families, ruin finances, and damage mental health.

The Government’s Role—or Lack Thereof

While the Philippine government has sanctioned certain forms of online gambling, this doesn’t make the practice ethical. The lack of stringent regulations and effective awareness campaigns only exacerbates the problem. Gambling platforms exploit loopholes, targeting vulnerable groups with aggressive marketing strategies.

The government’s inability to curb these activities raises questions: Are our leaders truly committed to protecting the moral and social well-being of the Filipino people? Or are they turning a blind eye in favor of the revenues generated by these platforms?

A Call to Accountability: Celebrities, Take Responsibility

It’s time for endorsers to reflect on their moral responsibilities. No amount of fame or financial gain justifies promoting a vice that destroys lives. By choosing to endorse gambling platforms, these celebrities align themselves with an industry that thrives on exploitation and desperation.

The reference to “Satanista” in connection with these endorsers may seem extreme, but it underscores a sobering truth: Promoting gambling is akin to selling one’s soul for profit. When celebrities abandon their values for the sake of financial gain, they risk becoming agents of societal decay.

Breaking the Cycle

To address this crisis, several steps must be taken:

Stronger Government Policies

Stricter regulations must be implemented to limit the reach of online gambling platforms, particularly among the youth.


Celebrity Accountability

Public figures must be held accountable for their endorsements. Fans can demand that their idols uphold ethical standards and promote positive practices.


Public Awareness Campaigns

Nationwide campaigns should educate Filipinos about the dangers of gambling, its impact on families, and the deceptive nature of endorsements.


Community Support Systems

Families and communities must create safe spaces for dialogue and support to help individuals affected by gambling addiction.

The Final Word: Choose Values Over Vanity

The rise of online gambling is a wake-up call for the Philippines. While the allure of wealth and status may seem tempting, true success lies in upholding values that strengthen—not destroy—our society. It’s time for all stakeholders, from the government to celebrities and influencers, to take a stand.

After all, what good is fame or fortune if it comes at the cost of the very people who look up to you? Let’s choose integrity over greed and work together to restore the moral compass of our nation.

Neri Naig-Miranda: Legal Troubles, Christmas in Jail, and the SEC Case

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"Neri is facing 14 counts of violation of Securities Regulation Code (Section 28 of Republic Act 8799), in addition to estafa, for allegedly endorsing Dermacare's call for investors even if the company is unauthorized to solicit public investments because the company is not registered and operating without a license"

Former actress Neri Naig-Miranda, wife of Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda, faces a grim holiday season as her legal troubles deepen. Currently detained in the Pasay City Jail female dormitory, Neri's scheduled arraignment for multiple alleged violations of the Securities Regulation Code has been moved to January 9, 2025, delaying her opportunity to present her defense.

The Case at Hand

The controversy centers on Beyond Skin Care Solutions, a company associated with Neri through her endorsement efforts. According to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the company allegedly solicited investments from the public without proper registration—a violation of Section 28 of Republic Act 8799. Investors were reportedly promised lucrative returns of 12.6% interest per quarter for five years, alongside free services from the clinic chain. These activities were flagged by the SEC in a September 2023 advisory as unauthorized and potentially fraudulent.

Neri faces 14 counts of securities violations, with bail set at ₱126,000 per count—amounting to over ₱1.7 million. She is also accused of syndicated estafa, a non-bailable offense, which involves fraudulent schemes perpetrated by a group of five or more individuals.

A Motion to Dismiss

Neri’s legal team filed a motion to quash or dismiss the complaints, citing her lack of direct involvement in the company's operations and unauthorized use of her name in connection with illegal activities. The Pasay RTC has sought comments from the SEC and the prosecution before moving forward with the arraignment.

SEC Clarification

In interviews, SEC Director Filbert Catalino Flores III stated that Neri's role as an endorser contributed to promoting the company’s offerings, making her complicit in its unregistered investment schemes. However, Neri, in a September 2023 Facebook post, clarified that she had severed ties with Beyond Skin Care and disavowed any unauthorized use of her name.

“Any transactions or engagements made under my name by Dermacare are unauthorized and have been conducted without my consent,” Neri stated, urging the public to inform her of any misrepresentation.

Arrest and Detainment

Neri was arrested on November 23, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, during her participation in the 15th PHILSME Business Expo. The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Southern Police District confirmed the arrest, citing a warrant issued by the Pasay RTC. Chito Miranda criticized the process, alleging that Neri had not received prior notice of the complaints or an opportunity to defend herself.

Chito Miranda's Defense

Chito has taken to social media to defend his wife, asserting her innocence and implicating a certain “Chanda Atienza,” identified as the COO of Dermacare, as the primary culprit. In his posts, Chito emphasized that Neri neither solicited funds nor benefitted from the alleged schemes. He also expressed gratitude to former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, his uncle, for providing legal assistance.

Pangilinan echoed Chito’s sentiments, arguing that endorsers like Neri should not be held accountable for the illegal operations of companies they promote unless they are directly involved in ownership or management.

A Victim or a Culprit?

The case highlights a broader issue of accountability in the age of influencer marketing. While endorsers can lend credibility to brands, they may also unknowingly be complicit in deceptive schemes. The SEC's advisory warns that endorsers, brokers, agents, and promoters of such schemes may face legal repercussions, regardless of intent.

What Lies Ahead

As Neri remains in custody, the legal battle is set to continue in January. Meanwhile, public opinion is divided—some empathize with her plight as a possible victim of fraud, while others call for stricter accountability for endorsers. For now, the former actress is poised to spend Christmas away from her family, awaiting the court's next move in her case.

The unfolding events not only impact Neri’s personal life but also serve as a cautionary tale for influencers and endorsers, underscoring the need for due diligence and transparency when associating with businesses.

Essential Tips for Building a Thriving Community Through Networking Events and Summits

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Building and nurturing a community through networking events and summits is a strategic approach to foster meaningful relationships, enhance professional growth, and create a supportive environment for all members. 

Networking events and summits are more than just professional gatherings—they’re opportunities to build a thriving community of like-minded individuals who inspire, collaborate, and grow together. Whether you’re in the travel, hospitality, or corporate sectors, the key to creating lasting connections lies in intentional strategies and thoughtful follow-through.

Here are essential tips to effectively build and cultivate such communities:

1. Craft a Compelling Introduction

Start with a Memorable Introduction

First impressions set the tone for all future interactions. Develop a concise, engaging narrative about yourself that highlights your passions and expertise. The goal is to leave others curious and eager to connect further.

Your initial interaction sets the tone for future relationships. Develop a clear and engaging narrative about yourself that highlights your passions, expertise, and what you bring to the community. A well-crafted introduction not only piques interest but also encourages others to connect with you.

2. Engage in Active Listening

Actively Listen and Engage

Conversations should be a two-way street. Truly listen to what others have to say, ask thoughtful questions, and express genuine interest. People remember how you make them feel, and feeling heard is always appreciated.

Networking is a two-way street. Focus on understanding others' perspectives, experiences, and aspirations. Active listening fosters trust and respect, laying the foundation for genuine relationships.

3. Show Appreciation

Show Gratitude and Celebrate Others

Strengthen your connections by acknowledging achievements, sharing useful insights, and expressing gratitude for their time. This fosters goodwill and builds trust, making people more likely to engage with you in the future.

Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of your community members. Expressing gratitude strengthens bonds and fosters a positive, supportive environment. Simple gestures, like a heartfelt "thank you," can have a profound impact.

4. Leverage Mutual Connections

Mentioning shared acquaintances can create instant rapport and trust. Mutual connections provide a bridge for initial conversations and can lead to deeper relationships.

Shared connections can serve as a bridge to new relationships. When reaching out to someone new, mentioning mutual contacts can establish immediate rapport and trust.

5. Diversify Your Network

Break out of your comfort zone and connect with professionals from various industries and backgrounds. A diverse network not only broadens perspectives but also unveils unexpected opportunities.

Engage with individuals from various fields and backgrounds. A diverse community brings a wealth of perspectives and ideas, enriching the overall experience for everyone involved.

6. Follow Up Thoughtfully

The real magic happens after the event. Send personalized follow-up messages that reference your conversation, and maintain periodic contact to keep the relationship alive. Avoid overwhelming them with frequent messages.

After initial meetings, send personalized follow-up messages to express appreciation and suggest potential collaborations. Regular, meaningful communication keeps relationships active and demonstrates genuine interest.

7. Be Mindful of Non-Verbal Cues

Master Non-Verbal Communication

Your body language can be as impactful as your words. Maintain open postures, make eye contact, and use gestures to convey confidence and approachability.

Your body language communicates volumes. Maintain open and confident posture, make eye contact, and be mindful of your gestures to convey approachability and engagement.

8. Exercise Patience

Be Patient and Genuine

Building a meaningful community doesn’t happen overnight. Focus on cultivating authentic relationships instead of seeking quick results.

Building meaningful relationships takes time. Focus on developing genuine connections rather than seeking immediate results. Patience and consistency are key to long-term success.

9. Attend Diverse Events

Attend Cross-Industry Events

Participating in events outside your industry exposes you to fresh ideas and new connections. You might discover shared interests that lead to collaborative opportunities.

Participate in events beyond your immediate professional scope. Webinars, workshops, and conferences on various topics offer opportunities to meet new people and expand your network.

10. Maintain Consistency

Consistency Is Key

Networking is a long-term investment. Regularly attend events, engage with your network, and nurture relationships to maintain a strong community over time.

Networking and community building should be ongoing practices, not one-time activities. Regular engagement and participation in community events demonstrate commitment and foster deeper connections.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a vibrant and supportive community that not only enhances your professional journey but also enriches your personal growth. Remember, the essence of networking lies in building authentic relationships that offer mutual value and support.

Beyond Professional Networking

Building a community isn’t just about work—it’s about creating a support system of individuals who share your values and aspirations. Here are additional considerations for sustaining and growing your community:

Manage Leadership Burnout: As communities grow, leadership responsibilities can become overwhelming. Prevent burnout by delegating tasks, onboarding co-leaders, or redefining your community’s structure.


Decide on Monetization: While monetizing your community can provide resources, it may clash with your values or goals. Consider the needs of your members and the long-term vision of your community before deciding.

Pro Tips for Event Success

From industry insiders:

Polish Your Online Presence: Make it easy for others to find and connect with you. Update your LinkedIn or professional profile to reflect your current interests and achievements.


Remember Names: Use word associations, repeat names during conversations, or ask for spelling to help you remember. A name tag is not just a formality; it’s a tool.


Break the Ice: Help quieter participants by introducing them to groups and keeping discussions dynamic. Everyone should feel included.


Explore Personal Interests: Learning about hobbies and passions outside of work can strengthen relationships. Often, shared interests create the strongest bonds.

A Journey Worth Taking

Networking isn’t just a task to check off—it’s a rewarding journey of mutual growth. By approaching every event with intentionality and genuine interest, you’ll build a vibrant community that enriches both your personal and professional life.

What tips or strategies do you use to build and sustain your community? Let us know in the comments!

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