Campaign Calls for Responsible G@ming

With the unending thirst for all things exciting, the folks from DigiP|us Interactive and Bing0P|us Foundation just recently launched "Pust@ de Peligro". It's a responsible gaming campaign aimed to promote mindful choices when it comes to this community and entertainment platform. 

The campaign starts with three short films which was previewed to the public today, January 23rd at Gateway Mall Cinemas.

This is coined from the term "Petsa de Peligro" when budget seems low right before salary comes in. This time, it is when there are risks involved and you would want to only do it safe, and not put everything out because it's supposed to be just for fun. 

Eusebio Tanco said "We mark a defining moment for the community, to safeguard joy that g@ming brings. The short films we will see today would shed light where our choices matter most. We partner with mental health and financial experts, to make mindful game decisions. It's just a subset of the financial literacy program that we should have, it's a small piece, you need to safeguard your earnings for your daily needs. The decision to save and spend it. A lot of people use it for consumption, for investment, and how it equates to the savings you make. Without investment, there would be no growth. There should always be returns, everyone should know about it. We owe Pagcor for sharing this vision, a community driven approach of responsible gaming to ensure it remains fun and safe. We hope you put the Pust@ de Peligro message far and wide!"

Putting an entertainment fund is essential, should always bring joy not stress. It should always be through prevention, education, intervention so they could be aware, and do it responsibly. Do pause. Set limits and get the right support from friends and family. This will be included in the app, from controls of daily time limits, and things that could help with it.

Teresita Cambe Castillo, Armand Bengco went on stage and talked about it. This is part of the programs they do nationwide. It's a continuous effort for their financial literacy advocacy.

Ms. Teresita said we are a bit late in executing this because of the huge growth, this is somehow a public health issue too. The campaign should have available self care options, to remind people about something reliable. Problems stem when bills don't get paid, if they isolate, dysfunctional behavior, it is stressful. They are doing a great job in doing this."

Sir Armand says "Public and private efforts would cover a broader market. All stakeholders including the company should be in sync because we want to protect players in elements that go with it. This is a reality, and we hope instead of just playing, present a big picture on what would happen. It is entertainment, not a way to manage your finances, one of the things you do that is regulated. This is not an investment, whether you win or not, it should only be for qualified adults."

Ms. Celeste Jovenir and Ms. Angela Winickie added how they are doing this for the first time and how excited they are about how this will now be out in the public. Hope this will resonate not just for their users, but also for the environment they have, to hopefully be less toxic and exist for the long haul. They also said responsible gaming is everyone's responsibility. They want to educate and protect, to multiply the good. This will be shown in YouTube and their social platforms, including mass advertising. Even before they have invested inside the platform, the next step is to empower them while they are doing it on the KYC and a dedicated tab.

The short films were really fun to watch! You should definitely watch it on their channels.

See A Different Wahlberg in FLIGHT RISK

It's been a while since we've seen Mark Wahlberg on screen, and yes, he's been sorely missed. We loved his previous movies and also the reality shows with his family. But now, it's going to be him, Michelle Dockery who plays Madelyn Harris (as an FBI agent) and a multitude of Hollywood actors in mix (note Topher Grace) who's going to tell the gripping story of "Flight Risk". 

While it may seem like a simple story, it's got a lot of intricate things done to make this appear like a smooth ride, but as anticipated, it wouldn't be one. As expected with a Mark Wahlberg flick, he's going to incorporate that Swedish-Irish physique to good use. He made Topher Grace and Michelle Dockery's character miserable for most of the film, but you've got to see how that happens. This also tells the story of how politics, the mafia, corruption and air travel should not be in one place, but you will root for the lead and want this person to survive this ordeal.

This is the kind of movie that would sometimes make you squirm on your seat, a think that may happen a few times because no matter how they intended to fortify their procedures, there's bound to be some mishaps in between. The only enemy here is complacency, because once they do, it may spell the end, or is it? 

This film is like a character actors dream project. Super love how they portrayed the three lead roles, and the little funny quirky things they also inserted to bring a little humor. But do expect action, fight scenes with Mark Wahlberg is always so satisfying.

Flight Risk is being distributed by Black Cap Productions in the Philippines but is under Lionsgate internationally. It shows in cinemas today, so make sure you head on leading theaters to see it.

GERALD SANTOS Takes The Stage with "COURAGE" Concert

Only 2 days left before the big show as Gerald Santos takes the stage in his concert entitled "COURAGE" which takes place at the SM North Edsa SKYDOME this coming January 24th. 

The profound singer, actor and theater phenom will also perform with greats such as Erik Santos, Sheryn Regis, Elish, PPOP group ASTER, and lovely Aicelle Santos. He's going to give this his all and include a very good cause called "COURAGE MOVEMENT' aimed to help victims of abuse. As you may understand, this is very personal for him and ultimately, wants to help give a platform for those who have been silenced of this crime. He will also be launching his newest single "HUBAD'", and perform it live. 

This is produced and conceptualized by Antonino Rommel Ramilo and Echo Jam  and Visionary Entertainment. You can still get tickets via smtickets.com. Come see him perform on Friday!

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5th PROPAK PHILIPPINES Slated February at the World Trade Center

Another day, another year for PROPAK PHILIPPINES. This is the largest processing, packaging and trade event in the country. They are celebrating their 5th year this 2025 and is slated to run on February 12 to 14 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City. 

Their secretariat expects over 250 exhibitors not only from the Philippines but also other countries. Foot traffic this time is around 12,000 composed of trade visitors, buyers, and business owners especially in the MSME sectors. This is the place to see the latest developments in packaging, designs and innovation. They also are gearing towards sustainability, and more tech that follows food safety standards.

Ms. Apple from Informa Markets says "We have been so grateful for DTI's support, and for their unending help on ProPak, we will make sure all tech will be available on the show store not just locally but also for international clientele. We have a platform for educating which will also coincide with the event."

Commissioner Joseph Jocson of Asian Packaging Federation says "In the past, we often go to Thailand for Propak and now it's here on their 5th, and we support the regional ProPak events in other ASEAN countries. This is the platform for knowledge sharing, and we continue to promote it with sustainability. By actively engaging with this, we contribute to the growth, knowledge and business development which will be beneficial for the industry. MSME's are an integral part of our economy and we can showcase the world of what we have here. New trends are coming out, and it is very crucial, and we have to embrace different solutions in the region. We have to localize packaging design, adapt, foster innovation and align global standards since we export them to other countries. Digitalization is a big help especially for those who couldn't do big inventories."

Ms. Grace from DTI says "For our MSME's, we have different activities and we are excited not just for them but our partner agencies, so they could see and provide information for their respective regions. They purchase machines, ask what they will do next and monitor, it doesn't end at just attending but know what interventions we need to do for stakeholders. They just need to go to the facility and pay for the packaging through these shared facilities. We also are checking how much job they generate. We partner with PROPAK and Informa Markets Philippines to bring more MSME's to help them when they are scaling. We are your partners for growth."

Lucky Lopez from Design Center of the Philippines says "We often present our packaging solutions including agriculturally sourced like Piñaper (made with Pineapple leaves) and increase the use of it in packaging. We need industrial grade manufacturing because it will lessen the price. It's one of the things we want to do to make it sustainable and replace plastic since we have so much of that. We also do trend forecasting seminars in packaging to develop not just your product but your packaging. We have MSME's and businesses approach us, and enable companies for market penetration to other countries."

Dr. Angel from the DOST says "We recognize the fast evolution of packaging so we are upgrading our facility and establish testing and R&D for materials and research ways to make it sustainable. In our division, we simulate it and do green packaging efforts to be at par with other partners and scientists in the packaging technology. For every project we do, we include local manufactures and know the source of the materials and check alternatives. We also collaborate with international organizations to make sure we follow industry standards."

The press conference was attended by Ms. Grace Baluyan of ROG DTI, Commissioner Joseph Jocson of Asian Packaging Federation, Dr. Angel Basbasan Jr. of the ITDI DOST, Mr. Lucky Lopez of the Design Center of the Philippines, and Ms. Apple Limbo - Salisa of Informa Markets - Philippines.

Companies such as Wolf, Middleby, Multivac, Heat and Control plus participants from Japan, Germany, China, Singapore, Taiwan and Italy will be bringing their top tier packaging and processing tech so lots of people could learn about it and what we could benefit from the IPACK IMA Italy and Informa Markets partnership. They will also showcase the recent winners of Packaging Innovation and Design Awards and the Asia Star Packaging Awards at the venue courtesy of the Australasian Institute of Packaging and the Asian Packing Federation. 

They are heavily supported by government sectors such as the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Science and Technology and organizations such as the Philippine Association of Food Technologists, Philippine Printing Technical Foundation, the Production and Operations Management Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association among others.

There will be over 50 conference sessions with over 60 speakers in the lineup for this event. You may pre register via https://bit.ly/PKP25prereg now to get information about this big event.