Razon's by Glenn: In the Business of Serving "DELIGHT!"

Filipino comfort food is always served at Razon's by Glenn. It's a company built with family - and love. Consequently, they're celebrating their 21st anniversary and are gunning to have 60 branches by years end. The chain is largely known for their Palabok, Halo Halo, Bibingmamon, Beef Tapa, Beef Kare Kare, and new innovations on the usual Filipino flare. Their menu stemmed from real Kapampangan heritage and flavors, so you don't get disappointed in what they serve.

The Beef Kare Kare is a bit sweet and can be eaten even without bagoong. The peanut sauce has home made peanut butter in it, which they made themselves. The Bibingmamon is available in 4 flavors namely Original (which I prefer), Cheesy Melt, Custard and Nutty Custard. The Beef Tapa is on the sweet, smoky, and spicy side, but quite tender. Their Fresh Lumpia is good and savory, it felt like what grandma used to make. They have a hefty serving of Pork Chop with gravy (my personal favorite served that afternoon). They also teased us with their conceptual Crispy Palabok, which I'm sure young ones and everyone would enjoy!

For those looking for something extra comforting, they've got Caldo Overload which you can ask for refills if you want more. You get the fuzzy feeling that comes with it on a rainy day.

Razon's by Glenn is third generation owned. Their grandma gave them freedom to be creative in recipes, hence the variations they made with the dishes.

Bibingmamon is quite nice, as the name says, it's a cross between the Christmasy Bibingka and the fluffy Mamon. This was quite delicate and perfect to pair with coffee.

Razon's by Glenn has always been regarded as the best spot for Halo Halo. This Special Halo Halo was quite satisfying despite it only having a few ingredients. I personally think it's the Macapuno that makes it different from the rest in the market.

We also got to talk to the owner and President Mark Anthony "Glenn" Razon. Right now, they have 36 branches operating nationwide, but aggressively plan to have 100 of these stores before 2030.

Glenn reiterated "We are not just selling products, we are providing delight!". This is the reason why people who visit their stores feel happy every time they get to taste the dishes coming out of their kitchen. It's also a family spot, so whether you're a Lola who wants their merienda fix or the cutest bunso that wants something sweet, Razon's by Glenn makes every moment special no matter what age group you belong. 

Visit their stores nationwide, or if you prefer to be part of the movement, they are looking for franchisees. Just get in touch with them via their social channels or official website razonsbyglenn.com.

Forest Lake Releases "PAGPAG" Video: A humorous take on Pinoy Superstitions

After having a few of these videos on their social channels and website, the folks at Forest Lake just recently released its 4th installment, just in time for Halloween, and they call it PAGPAG.

For those who don't know, Filipinos have this thing they do right after visiting a relative/friend/loved one from a wake, right after mourning for them in a chapel/place, they must go to a different place before they actually go home. It's a superstitious belief, that when they don't do that, spirits will actually go to their homes and become restless souls.   


Forest Lake actually uses these useful mediums to send their message across about preparing for the unexpected. According to Alfred Xerez-Burgos III their CEO and President, Filipinos desire to always have peace of mind, and telling this story would make the matter a bit light to watch and understand. This one talks about different ways to prepare, the other videos they released tackled unpredictability, bad luck and getting taller on a New Year's Eve.

This new video teaches people how to lessen stress when it come to memorial services, and the things that come with it. This also includes a serious look in what you need for yourself, or your loved ones when the time comes. To not be a burden to those you left behind, while they are already stressed from their loss. Forest Lake does Total Memorial Care services. You can do interment wherever it is possible, give free interment details, QRonicle so you can send shots and stories to family or friends, plus a Customer Portal so those who are far away could look at it online when they need to. If you want to know more, just search ForestLakeMemorialParks on Facebook, IG, and their channels.

BEA BINENE and LOUISE DELOS REYES Star in Gripping Thriller PASAHERO at the 5th SM Cinema SINE SINDAK

It's the 5th year of Sine Sindak, the horror film festival hosted by SM Cinemas. This year, they are holding it from October 30 to November 5, and from the looks of it, there's no stopping them from holding it to stimulate audiences to go back to theaters now. 

For starters, one of the entries called PASAHERO held their red carpet screening today at SM North The Block. It stars Bea Binene, Louise delos Reyes, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Katya Santos, Yumi Garcia, Andre Yllana, Dani Zee, LeAnn Johnson and Rafa Siguion Reyna.

It's been a while since I've last seen these two, and I think the last time I interviewed Bea was during a tax event a couple years back. They've gone through networks and management changes during those times and it was refreshing to see them again, not for anything, but working together. Bea told us they're very good friends and this opportunity to work together was something she was so happy about, thankful that Viva trusted them to do it 

We talked to them in the sidelines right before they walked on the red carpet, to talk about their characters and the experience of working with the Director.

The movie was more of a thriller rather than a full blown horror film. It has its moments, and you could laud the story behind each character except one. You'll learn more about how ordinary folks could end up helping other people, and remember to not turn your back on them when they need help. You'll see that be told multiple times in this movie.

Sine Sindak is an SM Cinema festival where it will be shown in their theaters exclusively. They also charge only Php 150 for this to make sure it is accessible for anyone who wants to watch in cinemas. If you opt to pay 300, you can watch all you want the other entries from the same festival. This is officially their 5th year, and I don't think they will stop anytime soon. Should you watch PASAHERO? Of course! If you're a fan of Louise and Bea, the more reason to do so.

ICE SEGUERRA Set To Do Repeat of Videoke Hits OPM Edition (Isa Pa) at the Music Museum

With the success of the previous one, it just needs repeat. Ice Seguerra will be doing his Videoke Hits OPM Edition (Isa Pa) this coming November 8th at the Music Museum in Greenhills San Juan City. This is under FIRE and ICE Live, the concert production arm of Fire and Ice Productions owned by Ice and Liza Dino Seguerra.

As you may already know, Ice has lots of hits being played on Videoke playlists all over the country, aside from that, she's planning to give life to the best hits the medium has, and this will surely be something to look forward to on that date.

Karaoke is such a huge part of Filipino culture, and with the advent of us winning competitions left and right around the world, Filipinos are being feared when holding microphones. Ice is such a force to reckon with, even if she sings soft and emotional, it just sounds so beautiful even if she sings a phone book.

Ice says "This is quite difficult to make a lineup because even at the end of the week, I couldn't choose singles because there are so much OPM songs I could choose from. Now I'm stuck with medleys so I could sing everything. It's a smorgasbord of all the things I want to sing and hear, rearranged in a different way. As much as possible we want to have different genres because it's not just one thing, but it's fun. The first part are the things I really sing in the Videoke world, my personal list. The second part is the requests of people at the venue, then third are the re arranged ones. You know I've been thinking of releasing a few that came out quite nice because my band was crazy good. That's when I saw how the ones we arranged had different flavors."

He adds "I really didn't want to work on a date near my birthday because I want to give my 10,000 percent all the time. It's just the pressure I didn't want to experience, but I'm so happy that one sold out. The energy was also different and we were three hours running. My wife gave me a motorbike, and I couldn't believe it. I even fell the first night I drove it. I even was sweating because of the outfit. I fell in front of her, but I'm training now." 

"This show will also include "Salamin Salamin" and "Gento", but I felt the dance numbers. It was tiring, and couldn't breathe after, I really have to pace myself."

He doesn't want to lost the magic of being intimate because Music Museum is closer. Through you cannot do it in the balcony, you can go around. The last time he did this, people were involved in most of the numbers. It was wild and they would participate. He says "From seniors to 7/8 year old, they were singing, they were game whoever had the mic in front of them. I want to make them feel it's okay to do it. There's something about this that is therapeutic. It's fun, and we started this in 2016, I think that is why there's magic in the show."

Here's our interview with Ice this afternoon:

Aside from that, they're planning to do a repeat of their previous project called CHOOSING which was staged last July, the difference is that it's going to be done in Quezon City at an even bigger venue. Ice says 'We're planning to do it again soon, this was done previously for pride month, but feel it brought to the next step as it's a mix of comedy, drama and stories of different people from the same community. It's going to be a great way to bridge gaps, to put more people in their shoes in hopes to give them a deeper understanding of what and how we go through things."

Again, if you feel that it's time to enjoy a concert with friends and family, tickets are now available at Ticketnet or at the Music Museum box office. Ice promises that it will be even more fun than the previous one!

MAGIC VOYZ Holds First Concert at VIVA CAFE: Welcomes New Member ASHER to the Fold

It's been a while since MAGIC VOYZ was launched in this same venue, the Viva Cafe. This time, the event is quite different, because they're holding a concert with several performers. They did it with a bang!

From several dance numbers, to song covers and provocative chair exhibitions, these guys didn't hold back including their guest performers Ayah Alfonso, Krista Miller, Marianne Saint, Meggan Marie and Yda Manzano. It was both exciting and fun because they made sure to connect with the audience, not to mention them being pretty too.

 

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When the boys came out, they did several dance numbers with their guests first before taking over the venue. We also got to meet their newest member Asher, who was very young looking and fresh, he's only 18 but eager to perform for the public. He joined Marcia, Juan, Rave, Jace, Johan, Mhack and Ian to sing their original songs including the latest one called "BINTANA" to woo the girls and not so girls in the audience.

They also did covers of OPM songs, so the crowd was able to sing along especially when they did Michael Pangilinan's "Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako", which they dedicated to gay fans in the audience that night. In the end, they enjoyed every bit of their performances and said they're raring to do more in other places within the year. They also told us that they will be releasing another single (their 3rd one) very soon. 

This is just the start for the boys, and they've been very thankful so far about their journey. They thanked not just the fans, but the people who have been making this concert and the other events possible. There will be more, so if you would like them to perform in your town, go like their Facebook page and talk to them about how to make it possible. They are managed by Lito De Guzman and VIVA. They're goal is to make you happy!

Experience TCL's A300 Series NXTFRAME TV at Ronac Art Center This October

The rain, the typhoon couldn't stop art enthusiasts at the Ronac Art Center in Ortigas Avenue, San Juan City. This was the handy work of TCL and legendary Bigboy Cheng as they welcomed us in this showcase of TCL NXTFRAME TV's as part of their A300 series. This collaboration was done to showcase their art, their installations, and digital art placed in their grand NXTFRAME TV's, the colors were just popping!

I could see the application of this in interior design. Instead of an eyesore, these sets become actual focal points in a room because of the sheer aesthetics it produce. Powered by AI, these new NXTFRAME TV's can display art from various iconic artists from different times and be seen either static, or random in these displays, a lot more affordable compared to other brands with the same (likely) feature. This caters to a lot of people that have a lifestyle of not just appreciating art, but those who want to personify their space, something that is important for families. Heck, you can even upload your own photos on it and have yourself or other people immortalized on screen, pretty fancy by any standards.

They also had partner artists CHILL, Reynold Dela Cruz, and collaborations with artists RA Tijing and Ronson Culibrina who digitized their artwork and displayed it on the museum for everyone to enjoy. Bigboy Cheng noted how those who own NFT's and other digital artwork could also utilize this by putting them in these NXTFRAME TV's and have it enjoyed by everyone instead of plainly keeping them in digital space or the void. With the ability of AI, this can also create various images for display with your preferred artists, which you can choose on the menu to display if you leave the TV on like a screensaver.

Bigboy says "These NXTFRAME TV's are beautiful, when TCL presented these to me, we thought of working with different artists, digitize their work and put them on these majestic screens, or use NFT's, because when I saw the results, I was just at awe on what TCL and artists can do. Thanks to them, we can appreciate it more as digital art. It also has different functions, all multipurpose, so where else can you see something like this! Thank you to everyone for being here!" 

TCL Industries Brand Manager Joseph Cernitchez says "For TCL we pay attention to screens that are truly special. It is a reflection of our lifestyle, to meet the demands of our consumers. The new product is A300 Series NXTFRAME TV which you can integrate in any home. The Audio by Bang & Olufsen. It presents a more comfortable color , wide color gamut, reproducing colors of a real painting. NXTFRAME can turn you space like a gallery. It uses AI to display artwork, or you can upload your own photos for the same purpose. At TCL, you can inspire greatness." 

He adds "The initial idea was to put an image in it, to become a focal point in your living room. Now you can customize what you want to put in it. Create your own atmosphere, for those special moments. It's also a powerful work companion too. You can also hang it like a piece of art, it will be seamless too. It also comes in magnetic suction type frame so you can have options with the frame too. Even if it is off, you can choose centuries worth of artwork to be displayed. You can also generate artwork through AI. All you need to do is input the artist and random words you love. It instantly creates one for you. By uploading your own photos can be displayed on QLED, making it more realistic and vibrant. No more glare or reflection caused by ambient light because of the matte screen. It is also ultra thin, sized much like an actual painting. We are also green, from recycled tea based remote, green packaging design, you will love our A300W and A300 Pro. You can also get it with the Bang and Olufsen Slim Wireless Soundbar."

 

This TCL A300 Series NXTFRAME TV only costs 89K, while the one packaged with the speaker is 110,995 pesos. It also comes with a customizable frame, which you can change if your room is in a different color palette. Highly customizable, display art, and use for work and entertainment. If you think you or your family deserve the best, you might want to check this out at the Ronac Art Center (til the end of this month) or get it through different home appliance and affiliate stores nationwide. 

It's pretty cool to have one!

Sendwave Taps OGIE ALCASID: An Affordable Way to Send Money Home

The Philippines is home to 2.16 Million OFW's (Overseas Filipino Workers according to latest statistics), and in so many instances, they need to send money home to help with family, friends, and other reasons. Going through banks and other entities cost so high, and of course, every cent counts with your hard earned money. International Money Transfer service provider Sendwave presents a very affordable option. If you are in one of the countries they serve, sending money to your loved ones will become simple, secured, and fast. This is something that is needed, an essential for family or OFW's so when they wanted someone to represent them in the country and the community, they tapped the good looking singer, songwriter, OPM icon, OGIE ALCASID. They introduced him to the press, and told us the reasons why he was the perfect person to send what they want to communicate:

Ogie says "It's important for Filipinos to send money home that's simple, affordable and without transfer fees. You know, the values of this company and mine as a father, husband is the same. We wake every day for our families, and they take care of hard earned money from abroad to the Philippines with ease, with trust that it will reach the person intended to, it is our connection to our family. We do concerts in other parts of the world and OFW's are an integral part of it. I hope in some way, we could get the message across that there is a way to save while sending money home."

Ms. Janice, the Global Brand Lead for Sendwave says "We are an online money remittance app, designed for OFW's and we champion them. We focus on simple, easy and convenient ways to send money from abroad to the Philippines (or any participating country) and made it affordable. Sendwave has no transfer fees, we stretch the value of the money that they send to their families here at home. We are present in the US, Canada, UK and parts of Europe. If you have OFW friends or family, please tell them to download the app and use the service. Try Sendwave!".

 

Ogie was so happy and honored to be able to represent them. Being part of the Sendwave family he deems is important because OFW's spend years in other countries, but want to make sure they stay connected and felt when help is needed in the Philippines. He also knows how hard it was to work abroad because he's been able to talk to them in performances abroad. They need to make sure that the money they send would be secured, easy to do and affordable.  .

Ogie adds "Why do we work? What are the reasons to wake up in the morning? The reasons to send money home is a lot, this app assures your savings would get to the recipient. As a singer, I've entertained them through concerts in different countries. When I talk to people, they are mostly OFW's, it's not easy to market something like this, but it is important. I just signed with them, and perhaps soon, there will be Sendwave in Australia and I'd get to send money to Regine if needed."

They now have bonus additional money to give out too when you first try the service (10 dollars) aside from the amount you send. There are no transfer fees, so that is free. They just want you to experience it. It's not intended for receivers, but designed from senders from abroad. You don't need to be a member here in the Philippines to receive the money, they just tie up their cards and send it to whatever bank or GCash account the recipient has and get it, it's that easy!

There are limits, dependent on banks abroad and the receiving bank/app in the country because some of them have limits too. It already is being used by 2 Million users, and the plan is to include more people to benefit from it. They have plans to take Ogie to other countries where Filipinos are. Although Ogie already is doing that, he says "The fact that I'd be reaching a lot of audiences this year and next year, we have a lot of people to help. It's most welcome, to be able to sing and help our kababayans. We are partners with TFC, and events may be through that. It's part of their future plans. I'm excited, when I learned about this, at the shoot, it was happy there. It's not easy to do but I'm excited and happy with what we made in just a few days. When you do it with fun, with excited people, it's a breeze. You will receive the amount automatically converted to peso and what you see with the conversion is what they person will get in full."

The company earns through foreign exchange and if you see that their rates are better, you should use Sendwave. Congratulations to Sir Ogie Alcasid, it's so refreshing to see you excited to help more people with this recent partnership. If you can send money home for free, you should take advantage!

"Hello Love Again" Star ALDEN RICHARDS for THE HUNGRY PITA

Ventured a bit north in the province of Bulacan for a momentous occasion of homegrown brand The Hungry Pita. They started with a corner kiosk in 2012 called Khaddison's Shawarma (named after their son) which they set up in the historic town of Malolos; prepping, testing, and creating recipes using the freshest ingredients, perfecting the recipe later on and started franchising branches across the country. They believe it's the perfect time to get their first endorser, and consequently the 117th Franchisee for The Hungry Pita... you guessed it right, it's ALDEN RICHARDS.

Asia's Multimedia Star is one of the most trusted endorsers in the country but he attributes his personal success to the good people around him who never took advantage, ones that he trusts because you need that in the food industry. 

 

Alden says "I am vey honored and privileged to be the first brand ambassador of The Hungry Pita, and I'm very excited, looking forward to this partnership with them. Thank you for welcoming me into your family. I hope you already have tasted their products, solid right?! This is a milestone not just for their brand, but for me, being now an owner of a franchise. I was so surprised when they said that I'd be owning one. I didn't know it was official till they said it today. Trust that I'd do my best to support the brand, here's to more years on hopefully fruitful partnership. Thank you!"

The owners (husband and wife team) were very young newly weds and wanted to earn a living for their family. They started from scratch, and rebranded in 2018, then started having demands for franchising. They started doing that a year after, this was after they carefully studied how to do it. Needless to say, it was successful because sales suddenly went tenfold. Later on, they introduced new products, making sure everything that comes out of their kitchen is made fresh, hot and delicious til now.
 
Alden adds "What I really love about the product is that it's really authentic. It's very affordable, and can be reached quite easily. When it comes to taste and packaging, they made it friendly, and can be appreciated by a larger demographic. The Hungry Pita answered a lot of my requirements for a food business. They have quality, consistency and taste. I'm excited about what other milestones I'd be having with them."    

The Hungry Pita never had a brand ambassador before, and it's one of the reasons why Alden said YES to this endorsement. He wants to discover, and help each other grow. Alden noticed how good the owners were not just to guests, but also their staff and people they worked with. He also mentioned that reaching 117 branches is not an easy feat, and wouldn't happen if they're doing something wrong. They also hire people based on character which is one of the reasons they flourished. It's the same reason why they got Alden Richards as brand ambassador.

Here's the event on video, please enjoy!

 

We also had the chance to interview Alden after the event, he divulged a lot of things about working on set in "Hello, Love, Again" which they shot in Canada. He also talked about their recent magazine cover with Kathryn Bernardo. They really never lost their chemistry. He also discusses The Hungry Pita, his work ethic, how he does businesses and the secret to being successful in it. 

If you want to do business with them, call +63 945 695 2720 or email thehungrypita.sales(at)gmail.com. Congratulations Alden! And thank you for the opportunity to talk with you!

Mikee Quintos, Dudut, Chef Hazel and Chef Ylyt Host LUTONG BAHAY on GTV

4 people hosting a cooking  show, would you watch it? Well that's about to happen as Mikee Quintos, Team Payaman's Dudut, Chef Hazel and Chef Ylyt host a new show on GTV called LUTONG BAHAY. 

Direk says "They have their own flavor and personalities. Hazel does mom stories, Ylyt is technical, Dudut is comedy, while Mikee is very collaborative so she always asks what to do with our guests. It's new, and if it's not Mikee it wouldn't be like this."

Mikee says " I feel with all the projects I did before, it all starts with a character. In this one, I am only going to be doing me. I'm an empath according to my professors, and hosting this will mean I get to connect with people, bring out stories we want to hear. What I would ask will probably be what people want to ask, to humanize our artists. They are just like us and this could show that. My urge to cook is the locked in taping I had because in more than a month, I had to do everything by myself. That's when I started enjoying it, also with The Lost Recipe. To be fully honest, it's been a while since I did a show, I had a long break and I felt it. They told me not to overthink, and instead looked for new skills and had workshops for public speaking. They taught us how to host. And now I'm using that for this purpose. God is so good, I trusted him and he blessed me more."

Hazel shared "I started cooking when I was 8, and growing up in Divisoria, I always look at my Grandmother's cooking. I see them prepare, learn culinary stuff and became a Mom. I was surprised to be tapped here and asked why, I am just grateful. We have a lot to share with people, and our guests too. I am honored to be part of this."

Ylyt adds "I was just a home cook, but used my experience to do content through vlogs. I am still studying, a scholar in ISCAHM, it's very technical and my goal is to teach people what I can do. I didn't get much traction but when they chose me, I felt it is destiny. I want it to be a not so serious one, they get to learn from the guests too."

Dudut says "I know cooking is hard, I'm studying, I'm currently a home cook and cook for my friends. This opportunity makes me nervous, I asked why too, but I said, this is for me, I'm willing to learn as we get along."

It will premiere this coming Monday, 5:45 pm on GTV, go make your afternoon a relaxing one and see them cook, talk and share their stories.

You Should Get This: Discounted Products with the Acerpure Sparkling Holidays promo

You can't resist a good deal especially when it comes from Acepure. The home appliance arm of Acer Philippines is introducing more deals before Christmas season comes so you could plan ahead and see what you could pick for your loved ones and family. I personally have been using an earlier version of Acerpure Cozy Air Circulator, and could attest how much help I've had instead of the normal stand fan we've been using at home for years. Air circulates differently, and never thought I could say this, but really, I never knew I actually needed it. 

What do they have up their sleeves? Let's just say you could get a Php 7,500 worth of discounts on different models of Acerpure Cozy air circulators, Acerpure Cool Air Purifiers, Acerpure Clean Vacuum Cleaners, and Acerpure Beauty Hair Dryers for those who love to fix themselves.

Managing Director Sue Ong Lum mentions how the brand wants to make sure you've got a welcoming and healthy space over the holidays and that's what you're getting if you have these at your homes. This will only be valid in Acerpure authorized resellers, concept stores, and online vendors. It will only be until December 31st, you better have that bonus saved for some of these. Follow their pages for more information or acer.com because it's all there!

Get Limitless Speed to Victory with the realme 13 Series 5G

We've teased a bit about it with a few videos, and now it's finally out of the bag. realme just recently launched the realme 13 series 5G. These are two new phones particularly the realme 13 5G and the realme 13+ 5G. With the call for "Limitless Speed to Victory", these new phones can easily do games with ease, never worry about storage, charge fast, and have no heat issues with the long hours you plan to play with it. Sounds ideal? Of course it is, because it's been thought of quite a lot from the folks who design it. They want solutions that can relate to you, whether you are a casual gamer, or a pro that don't want the fuss about carrying your everyday phone.

Think of this, they are the official gaming smartphone for the Honor of Kings ESports Tournament. At the event, they also got OhmyV33nus and Wise Gaming to show us how the GT mode works. These two are world champions during M3 of MLBB, and they know what they are talking about because they've got actual EXPERIENCE with the phones they utilize on the world stage. 

Ran to them at the escalator just for this photo, I'm a heavy MLBB gamer, and they are IT.

The realme 13+ 5G has a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy Processor. To put it into layman's terms, this is the brain that can balance both performance and do energy output efficiently. If there is something out there that can do multi tasking, this is it. It has made Wise's plays a lot smoother, with the graphics up high, you can see details that others can't see. Someone hiding in a bush, a tree, or targeting one, you can do it with the realme 13 5G series.

As for gamers, we can't have a phone die when you're in the middle of a tournament. No player would wait for you and the actual organizers would gladly hand you a default, you don't want that to happen right? This is why it's got the 80W SUPERVOOC Charge, a proprietary charging tech they've continued to improve over the years. While the folks were talking on stage, they charged the phone live and it got 7 percent additional power in less than 5 minutes. Think of the convenience you could get with that, and how you can fully charge it in a few minutes!

The GT Mode and Vapor Chamber Cooling system makes the phone handle those life like graphics, you know how important that is on some games. It also makes the phone handle temperature, and as OhmyV33nus did it, it only raised 2 degrees in game and went back afterwards. You ultimately need that if you play games that require hours to do in a day. They talked about it lengthily in this video:

 

Here's my attempt to unbox it for the first time, over lunch, because I thought it would be fancy.

In a nutshell, this realme 13+ 5G can do a lot of your everyday work and can be a workhorse for your best mobile games. If you're serious or not, this can take a beating. Aside from that, it's got a camera that can take great photos and videos. See the event video? That was taken by the same phone. Even the shots on this article are from the same. Zoom in or out, it can take great care of your shots and  aid it with AI. All those advancements in phone technology in one handset, what else can you ask for?

Take advantage of the 3000 peso discount on the 19,999 price of the realme 13+ 5G, they also took a thousand peso off the realme 13 5G (check first video about the price announcements). Check the online stores for it, get lots of freebies too while you're at it. But I would advise you to do it now, those promos go real fast. I got my Limitless Speed to Victory. You should get yours.

SPARK CHANGE: The 12th Philippine Electronic Vehicle Summit

Went to the 12th Philippine Electronic Vehicle Summit this morning at the SMX Convention Center. Things may have looked like distant future 12 years ago, but today, electric vehicles are a norm. Government passed laws, and an electrified Philippines is here.

The DOT, BYD, EV Corp, Hyundai, Nissan, Vinfast, AC Mobility, MG, Seres, Meralco, Honda, NWOW, Toyota, Vapor, Toyo, Chery, Lynx, and a whole lot more joined the event and made things possible. They called the event SPARK CHANGE which makes sense because people haven't been as adaptive (though sales are aggressively up), hence the need for more people to plug in, and make travel environmentally friendly. There are a lot more players from China and locally, so the options for different kinds of vehicles are still growing. They were all eager to showcase their latest ones, from Trucks, Jeeps, SUV's, sedans and bikes, so you should definitely go give them a visit because they'll be there til the 28th this month.

Edmun Araga of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines says "We are 15 years old today, but rolling out this event for 12. This will be bigger than last year to push for the electric vehicle use. We still have a long way to go, but plan to grow more in the coming years. We want to have transformative shift, and invite to make the change for an electrified future, not just 4 wheels, but boats, buses, trucks, even airplanes too. We are starting to target students, and reaching the ASEAN region to introduce on EV Technology and build careers in this industry. There will be challenges, but there are experiences to learn to debunk myths, have a panel discuss more about policies here and globally."

VP of Meralco Ronnie Aberrocho also sent their message about sustainable mobility and how it could impact the future. They are powering structures, to hopefully have 25 percent be in clean reliable energy. From zero emissions, it would drive the Philippines into the future.

DOE Undersecretary Felix Fuentabella says "We are fastracking technology in the country and LGU's anticipating the need for it in other parts of the country. Usually we find difficulty in making policies as with our ASEAN neighbors. The procurement of vehicles is a must, for government to pursue that, there will be unconditional things we have to do. The climate commission approves incentives for green jobs, like in this industry. To the EVAP, thank you for opening your doors 24/7, we see this as a community. This is a great opportunity for us to gather individuals who see this as a simpler technology. The incentives, lower taxes, are already happening. We have to look into our targets, try to look into the data of other countries doing it. This will enable the Philippines to compete, and encourage more to invest. We need to have 50 percent penetration of EV's, that's our target. Congrats EVAP and more power!"

VP and Executive Director for the Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert Borje adds "Today's event shapes the future we desire. This requires change, and when we were appointed, we immediately set a talk with DOE to understand it fully. We now see concrete changes, and the future is bright. There are challenges, but it is an issue that affects everyone. Renewable energy is one aspect, to increase capacity and lessen emissions. We want to have 10 percent adoption by 2040. Decarbonizing is part of it, of a broader climate strategy because lives are at stake. Our role is vital and we are working closely with other government units to make this a reality. We need to approach it with a multi mode manner, not only cars but mass transportation. We need an integrated plan for green transportation and see the need how public and private partnerships ensure this be done by more green jobs and implementation. Investing in the skills of the workforce, build infrastructure and define the world for the next generation. We need to decide, to be responsive to the needs of our economy."

Let's all push for greener energy, spark change and see the possibilities of how you can drive electric. Visit the event at SMX Convention Center today til the 26th.

Foundation Implements Programs: Improves Lives in SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Continuing on their efforts on health and livelihood, BingoPlus Foundation (the social development part of DigiPlus Interactive) is taking their social development work down south, particularly in General Santos City. Choosing this place amongst places that needed help must have been a hard task especially for what they plan on doing.

This means they will be bringing KalusuganPLUS and KabuhayanPLUS which are some of the programs they have successfully implemented in other areas which need access to public health, job opportunities too. After all, they wouldn't be just giving out things, but have them learn to fish correct?

This not only would affect individuals, but more of families and communities. Sanitation facilities were awarded to different barangays like San Isidro, Tinagcan, Ligaya, Bawing and Calumpang. This area alone houses 3000 people, so now they all have access to clean water and proper sanitation which is important in urban living. Some of these towns actually have indigent families from the Badjaos, a sea/shore dwelling tribe in the region. This also coincides with the local government unit's efforts especially in health and sanitation, to prevent folks from getting sick from waterborne diseases which happens a lot in the SOCCSKSARGEN region.   
 
KabuhayanPLUS also gives them proper training so they could achieve skills and use it to earn a living. They even teach people dressmaking and tailoring. They get TESDA certifications which they can use later on if they want to pursue something in the industry. This has also given single mothers/parents opportunities to earn, to put food on their table... and for their families.   

From beyond providing aid, this foundation's programs will not only give them what they need now, but beyond that. It would give them hope, and a future that is stable, healthy, and still living.

Legarda Pushes for Women's Hand at Disaster Risk Efforts

Change has been happening but more has to be done. In the midst of a huge typhoon today, it is but a good time to see how women play a huge role in disaster risk reduction. Honorable Senator Loren Legarda puts emphasis on how their roles whether lead or not, can actually spark change in the management of it.

At the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, she says "It is important that women have access to resources, training and education to make sure it becomes a reality. This includes those who are marginalized, whether women, girls or those with disabilities in the region. The countries in these areas have to have systems in place to warn people early, evacuation plans, and even recovery if needed be.. with everyone participating."

Her efforts on pushing for legislation that promote gender equality, the Clean Air Act, plus the Magna Carta for Women and the PDRRM act would help promote and protect them in times of disasters in the country. This puts policy making procedures include women as a requirement. Women's role in all these aspects remain important, to hopefully, also put their needs forward, without prejudice, in any decision that has to be made. 

It just makes total sense.