The pandemic was surely something that OFW's around the world found difficult. Not only were they restrained and confined in the comforts of their homes, but some also lost their jobs because businesses were not open. That means, a lot of OFW's weren't able to also provide for themselves or their families and returning to the Philippines was also the last resort.
Back home, one OFW who got stuck in the Philippines was Teodorico Ranili Jr. He was awfully scared for his family on where to find food or shelter, as he had no income or ask for alms from his relatives/family. He knew he had to make a way to earn a living, he sold bleach and home made peanut butter online just so they could eat and live decently. With the money he earned with the small business, he started buying more products for a Sari-Sari store that sells food and beverages in the community, and he wished it would become a mini mart some day. At Puregold (where he bought much of his wares), he saw how the Tindahan ni Aling Puring program has helped countless SME's reach their goals. With the perks of becoming a member, he was able to conveniently get the products he need to make his small business flourish even more during the most difficult days in the country. Now, Teodorico owns Ranili's One Stop Shop, a convenience store in Meycauayan Bulacan. He made lots of savings as those items that were on SALE at Puregold stores became more accessible, getting information about it ahead of time free of charge also helped so he could get proper supply every time.
He's just one of thousands of TNAP members who made their small business a successful one. If you want the same thing to happen to you, go ask how to become a member when you visit the Puregold branch near you.
If you're a big fan of basketball (especially in the Philippines) you've probably had the chance to bet on the well loved Filipino "Ending" game in your respective neighborhood right? These days, it's going to be doubly hard to do that with the pandemic still lingering. If you're in the mood to play, there's a new online version of it ran by GameX Sports under the auspices of Las Casas Gaming, Inc.
Your favorite PBA, NBA and NBL games are turned into a game of chance every quarter and would get you the opportunity to win cash by registering through https://gamexsports.com.ph.
This is strictly for adults 21yo and above, and is only encouraged to be done responsibly as they are duly recognized by PAGCOR (The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation).
Several celebrities, PBA Players and influencers were also there to support them:
Parts of their earnings will go to several organizations including those involved in restoring homes that tells a tale, of Filipino design and architecture. The site also accepts GCash and Maya payments and cash-ins so it's easy to manage if you decide to play. You can also pay for as low as 10 pesos, and do it from the comforts of your own home.
If you're like me who take so much time to figure out what to give for kids, their families for Christmas, this is a life saver. Our friends from OISHI are once again releasing new Cuckoo and Weeshee Bags that's filled to the brim with your favorite snacks (old and new) this holiday season!
What's also good is that they only cost Php 87 per bag and are available at your nearest groceries, stores and supermarkets nationwide. If you're not in the mood to go out and do a quick market run, it's also available on online stores like Shopee and Lazada where you can get an extra perk of getting Php 160 OFF if you purchase 8 Cuckoo bags or Php 105 OFF if you purchase 8 Weeshee Bags. So head on to their official OISHI Shopee and Lazada stores as this offer will only last til the end of the year.
You can get more details via the OISHI.ph Facebook page about this, so see you there if you plan to buy more for yourself or those who want those memories from childhood re-lived again!
Star Magic Virtual Workshops has started during the pandemic and has been very successful. It has come to cross borders and now at AMP Studios in Toronto Canada. Direk Rahyan Carlos has been teaching the Chubbuck technique and has been certified to do so, but now they're doing it both virtually and face to face in the northern american country.
Right now, they're doing acting, voice and dance workshops and this year, they've managed to do one last August which will have a culminating activity this December 16th.
Direk Rahyan says "We are so excited to be here. We've been doing this for 2 years and now, we're doing this in the AMP Studios Canada to teach the technique here too. My students here have been family, thank you also to Liza and Ice Seguerra for being here with me. They are very close to my heart. The one we're giving in Canada is what we are giving our artists in Star Magic. What we do with our own actors will be the same, the same premier Chubbuck technique we are giving them, so our actors use pain as fuel for acting. I met them in 2019 and did it online instead of F2F, now we are opening it in Canada. We are also doing this in other countries, and the training involves how to express themselves, to help them become the person they want to be. It's just a bonus if they become artists in the Philippines. In the past 2 years, I have already trusted them about the process, I give my students pointers on ethics for actors. It follows on becoming a better actor, it is important that it starts from there. You are just as good as your last work. We always train wherever we are, talent will be chaos without discipline, and that's what started this all in AMP Studios Canada."
Liza Dino Seguerra says "I look forward to watch your acting showcase, this experience is probably life changing for you as much as it is for me. Thank you for supporting Star Magic to globalize, expanding our industry. We have so much talent in the country, if it weren't for Star Magic I wouldn't have learned the Ivana Chubbuck technique. I am so honored to be part of the showcase, thank you for inviting me here. Thank you so much for your hospitality, it doesn't even feel like work."
Ice Seguerra says "Like what Liza said, training is important. I wouldn't be a singer if I didn't do that, I will be part of your recital, I really can't wait to be on stage with you guys."
AMP Studios Canada and Star Magic Workshops can be joined via website (https://amp-ed.com/), Faceboook and IG account. Just fill up the form and do the orientation. It's the same as in the Philippines and do it by batch. It ends in a recital so it'll be a while if you get in. They are also doing it in EST, more convenient for those in North America or closer locations. The pre requisite is the heart and time to do it. You don't have to have experience in acting, it turns passionate people into actors with the Chubbuck technique. If you have all those, this is perfect for you.
You can get in touch with them via facebook.com/Starmagicworkshops or their Instagram account @abscbnstarmagicworkshops, You can also directly inquire via facebook.com/Ampstudioscanada or at @ampstudios_canada IG account if you want to join the class.