 |
| (L-R) Tourism Development Planning Asec. Verna Esmeralda Buensoceso; Ronil Villacorta of the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP); Atty. Regal Oliva, President of Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc.; Legal and Special Concerns and Chief of Staff Usec. Atty. Mae Elaine T. Bathan; Congressman Christopher “Toff” de Venecia of the Fourth District of Pangasinan; Congressman of the 5th District of Cebu and Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco; Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco; DOT Usec. Atty. Shereen Gail C. Yu-Pamintuan; Asst. Professor Rielle Alcantara-Castro of the Asian Institute of Tourism, University of the Philippines Diliman; Cygnal Travel owner Girly Gravador; and Regine Carmelli Reyes of the Philippine Commission on Women (Image Source: Manila Standard/Department of Tourism) |
The Department of Tourism (DOT) held the first ever Tourism Pride Summit in line with the inclusive development thrust of the administration of Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. The Summit held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on September 28, 2023 gathered leading figures from the government, academe, tourism, and the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting how government investment toward this niche market that spends around $200B a year can contribute significantly to the growth and development of Philippine tourism.
Panel discussions are slated for promoting an inclusive and progressive tourism industry, expanding opportunities through benchmarking successful pride tourism initiatives of other countries, and the role of the creative industry in developing the LGBTQIA+ tourism market, which is projected to reach over $.5T by 2030. Tourism Secretary Hon. Christina Garcia Frasco led the series of panel discussions where she was joined by Congressman Christopher “Toff” de Venecia of the Fourth District of Pangasinan; Ronil Villacorta of the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP); Regine Carmelli Reyes of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW); Atty. Regal Oliva, President of Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc.; Girly Gravador, owner of Cygnal Travel; and Assistant Professor Rielle Alcantara-Castro of the Asian Institute of Tourism, University of the Philippines Diliman.
Also discussed were the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ professionals and advocating for workplace and gender and development inclusivity; the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals and how their travel stories can enrich the DOT’s mission to create an all-encompassing, secure, and forward-looking tourism industry; LGBTQIA+ trends as a niche market in tourism; educational programs that incorporate LGBTQIA+ awareness and sensitivity training; and policies that harness the power of tourism to promote understanding, respect, and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ travelers and tourism workers, making destinations more inviting for everyone. ”We at the Department of Tourism take pride in the enormous contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community across the tourism value chain in all of the regions of the Philippines. With the very first Tourism Pride Summit, we are responding to global trends that present massive opportunities for growth by pursuing niche markets that will create more jobs in tourism,” said Secretary Frasco.
* * * *
Overseas Filipino Workers Receive Farming And Tech Grants From ACC In Collaboration With PLDT Global And PLDT-Smart Foundation
 |
| (L-R) PLDT Global Corporation (PGC) Head of Strategic Partnerships Jojo Quiamas, Head of Operations Edith Gomez-Cudiamat, and President and CEO Albert Villa-Real, together with PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) President Esther O. Santos and PLDT First Vice President (FVP) and Treasurer Leo Posadas turnover grant to OFWs during ACC 2023 in Cebu. (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/PLDT-Smart Foundation) |
The recently concluded ACC 2023 convention has gone beyond thought leadership and business networking. With the support of international and local delegates and partners, together with PLDT Global Corporation and the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), ACC gave back to the community that has been hosting them for almost two decades by empowering overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in the Visayas. “Many of our people have gone to work in other countries in hopes of providing a better future for their families, much like our Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, who for many years also considered himself an OFW in Hong Kong. We at PSF would like to help our OFWs have a more sustainable future for their families by giving opportunities for upskilling and livelihood,” said PSF President Esther O. Santos at the turnover ceremony. “Since our country experienced Typhoon Odette in 2021, we have been helping several farmers in Bohol to rehabilitate their cacao trees. In the process, we discovered cacao and its large market potential, so we would like to bring this training to more farming families nationwide,” she added.
Working in Qatar for over a decade, Elyn Abrasado plans to devote her time to her cacao farm when she retires in the Philippines in the future. For now, her mother Yermalinda manages their small land to augment their family’s income. Elyn was one of the recipients from ACC, PLDT Global and PSF of cacao agricultural kit for 200 trees and certification training program that will upskill and enable them to use digital tools to improve their cacao farms. “Thank you so much for choosing our family to receive cacao farming training. Thank you also for the 200 seedlings you are giving to us for our little farm, which we hope will be a source of income for me and my family in the future,” Elyn said. Another recipient is Qatar-based OFW Raymond Aleria. Hailing from Bohol, Raymond and his family invested in a farm for their future. “My family and I wish to wholeheartedly thank the ACC, PLDT Global and PLDT-Smart Foundation who are spreading awareness about cacao farming training here in Qatar,” said the OFW of 12 years. Another recipient is Johannie Apor, an accountant based in Qatar. “I wholeheartedly thank ACC, PLDT Global, and PSF for this wonderful initiative and for choosing me so that I can have an additional source of income. Thank you so much and hopefully you get to help more people.”
For PLDT Global President and CEO Albert V. Villa-Real, this event was just one of the many initiatives that they have in line to help uplift the lives of OFWs by equipping them with digital skills and agricultural input. “This program is just one of the many ways to fulfill our commitment to our OFWs. Our goal is to empower our OFWs – from the moment they decide to leave the country and work abroad, until they return home and reintegrate in our community.” This program contributes to the PLDT Group’s thrust for digital inclusion and supports the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) particularly #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and #9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
* * * *
Smart Reinforces Sustainability Through 'Creativity Camp' At Silliman University
 |
| (Image Source: Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), together with Silliman University (SU), continues to promote sustainability among the youth through Smart Creativity Camp. Smart teamed up with SU’s Fine Arts Department to hold a three-day Creativity Camp at the Romeo Ariniego Art Gallery to inspire the youth to become champions for sustainability and environmental awareness while fostering their creativity. “This campaign is inspired by the youth’s efforts to contribute to a more environmentally friendly world, such as carrying their metal flasks to school rather than always consuming beverages in plastic bottles. We took the camp to various schools nationwide to encourage more youth to practice sustainability while celebrating their passion for the arts and promoting student wellness,” said Smart Go-To-Market and Subscriber Management Senior Manager Antonette Orpilla.
The camp was held in time for the university’s Genesis Week and Hibalag Festival 2023, adding more meaning to SU’s school year opening activities and Founders’ Day celebrations. “The project was able to facilitate a shared space for students from different colleges and departments where they may forge connections through art-making. The fellow-feeling and sense of community that this encourages are essential to the pursuit of sustainability,” said SU Fine Arts Department Chairperson W. Don Flores. SU students expressed their commitment to sustainability through the designs they created on their metal beverage containers. Manta Cristina Macabali, an instructor at the Fine Arts Department, also delivered a talk about art patterns and designs to guide students in enhancing their creations. The students with the best tumbler designs and their respective organizations received special prizes from Smart.
“The change that sustainability requires is only possible if we understand that the call toward it is not only directed to us as individual makers but more significantly as persons who are part of a larger whole. Through community, we share anxieties and hopes. By making art side-by-side, as Smart Creativity Camp has encouraged, we are able to cultivate this sense of a shared longing for a better, more sustainable world,” added Flores. The Smart Creativity Camp is part of the PLDT group’s broad range of activities that empower and build bridges of collaboration across sectors and communities towards a sustainable future.
* * * *
ON Music Festival Brings Cross-Cultural Indoor Festivities To Last All Day
.png) |
| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Music fans are in for an all-day ‘musical and cultural experience’ in “ON MUSIC FESTIVAL” happening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on November 3, 2023 from 12:00 pm onwards with main performers EXO’s SUHO, Ben&Ben, Moira Dela Torre, Seori, Darren, Adie, MeloMance, and wave to earth. “What we’ve prepared is a musical experience, a food experience, and a cultural experience between Korea and the Philippines,” said ABS-CBN Global COO Aldrin Cerrado. The highly anticipated festival, which will be staged by ABS-CBN Events, is a collaboration between ABS-CBN Global and South Korean immersive entertainment brand KAMP.
According to KAMP CEO Tim Kim, the festival’s name originated from the word ‘on’ which means 100 in Korea. He shared, “ON means all, entire, warmth, and also no. 100 in Korea, we created this festival and named it ON under the theme of celebration of music.” Tim also pointed out that both Koreans and Filipinos are huge music fans and the festival, which they hope to bring to other continents starting with Asia, is a great opportunity for them to bond through music. “We wanted to create an inaugural opportunity where we can cross borders and experience together our love for music. I’m glad to say that this is only the start and we look forward to developing ON Festival as well as different projects around the world,” he added.
Aside from the featured acts who are expected to individually render powerful performances for at least 40 minutes on stage, ON Music Festival will include pre-show performances from rising ABS-CBN Music artists Maki, Cesca, Nameless Kids, and SAB in line with ABS-CBN’s goal to showcase Filipino artistry on the world stage. Aldrin said, “That has always been the dream of ABS-CBN. Putting them on a stage like this will give them the opportunity to be discovered and for the audience to hear their music. It’s something that we want to give our artists.” Be part of the “ON Festival OFF: Manila” celebration this coming November 3rd! For more information, follow "ON Music Festival" on Instagram (@onfestival_official), Facebook (@onfestival.official), and X/Twitter (@onfestival_) or visit www.on-festival.com. Tickets are available at SM Tickets outlets and selected SM Cinema, SM Store (customer service), SM Bowling, SM Skating, Eastwood Mall, Lucky Chinatown Mall concierge, SM Mall of Asia Arena Coral ticket booth, and via online through smtickets.com.
* * * *
MPL PH Press Corps, MOONTON Collaborate For Journalism Workshop
 |
| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/MPL Philippines) |
In line with its goal to foster eSports journalism in the country, the Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League (MPL) Philippines Press Corps, in partnership with MOONTON Games and powered by Razer Gold, is holding its first-ever eSports Journalism Workshop at the Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City. Collegiate students from Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines-Diliman, University of Sto. Tomas, Adamson University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Lyceum of the Philippines University, National University-Laguna, and Cavite State University are taking part in the three-part program which kicked off last October 1, 2023 where Manila Bulletin’s Reynald Magallon tackled the basics of eSports writing while Spin.ph’s Mario Limos dived into the art of feature writing.
On October 8th, John Edison Ubaldo of Tiebreaker Times will share his expertise on uncovering the right angles and crafting engaging side stories that capture the essence of eSports while ONE eSports' Calvin Trilles will offer a unique perspective by delving into the intricate jargon of eSports writing and the importance of understanding the game on a deeper level. On October 15th, AC Coloma, representing ABS-CBN News Online, will explore the realm of Mobile Journalism while Michelle Lojo of Philstar.com will delve into the critical topic of Media Ethics. Participants will have the opportunity to actively participate in a series of engaging activities centered around the various topics previously mentioned.
Razer Gold, the leading virtual credit for gamers worldwide, will provide Opus X green edition headsets to the top students of the workshop. In addition, the highest-achieving student will be awarded a SecretLab chair. Smart will also hand out branded premium tote bags to all participants of the workshop. MOONTON Games will hold a graduation ceremony for the students during the M5 World Championship knockout stage where the winners will be announced.
* * * *
Mang Inasal Celebrates 20 Years With Biggest Anniversary Raffle Promo Yet
 |
| (Image Source: COOK Magazine/Mang Inasal) |
Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, has recently launched its biggest promo to date – the AnniverSAYA Raffle Promo where customers can get a chance to win one of the grand prizes like an iPhone 14, Samsung 50-inch Crystal UHD Smart TV, 10th generation iPad, and Php5,000 worth of Mang Inasal gift certificates. “Mang Inasal is truly blessed for reaching our 20th-anniversary milestone and we would not have made it without the support of our loyal customers who have allowed our brand and our products to be part of their celebrations in the store, at home, in the office, at school, and wherever they gather with their loved ones. This time, we will be treating everyone with a promo they will never forget as we will give away some of their most requested prizes," said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro.
To join the Mang Inasal AnniverSAYA Raffle Promo, customers will just need to purchase either a Chicken Inasal Paa or Pecho Value Meal with Extra Creamy Halo-Halo Small via dine-in or takeout at any Mang Inasal stores nationwide or delivery. One purchase of the meal gives the customer one raffle coupon. The promo will run until November 30, 2023. Among the prizes include 20 units of iPhone 14, 20 units of Samsung 50-inch Crystal UHD Smart TVs, 20 units of 10th generation iPad, and 20 sets of Mang Inasal gift certificates worth Php5,000 each. The Grand Raffle Draw will be on December 10, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Winners immediately be notified through registered email and mobile phone messages to claim the prize at their preferred Mang Inasal store. The name of the winners will also be displayed in in all Mang Inasal branches and on Mang Inasal’s social media pages.
