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| Blocks of geopolymer mortar made from Taal volcanic ash (TVA) freshly removed from their molds after being left to cure for 24 hours. It was found that the natural presence of iron-rich minerals in TVA give it strong radiation attenuation properties. (Image Source: Ateneo De Manila University/Myris V. Supnad) |
Researchers from the Ateneo de Manila University and from National University Mall of Asia Campus have found a surprising new use for the copious amounts of volcanic ash scattered across the Philippines: it can be used to shield against harmful radiation. Radiation shielding is essential for hospitals, industrial sites, and nuclear facilities. These places use ionizing radiation for beneficial purposes such as in helping doctors treat sick organs and broken bones; looking for structural weaknesses in buildings; or helping sterilize food for longer shelf life. Though useful, exposure to ionizing radiation can be harmful for prolonged periods — hence the need for shielding. However, currently available materials like concrete and lead can be expensive and environmentally hazardous. Construction materials made from volcanic ash offer a potential sustainable and lightweight alternative.
In 2020, Taal Volcano erupted and covered large areas of Luzon with ash, posing serious disposal challenges. Instead of treating this pyroclastic material as waste, researchers Floyd Rey P. Plando, Myris V. Supnad, and Joel T. Maquiling investigated the potential use of Taal volcanic ash (TVA) in construction applications. They tested the physical and chemical properties of TVA-based geopolymer mortar and discovered that the natural presence of iron-rich minerals gave it strong radiation attenuation properties. “Iron has greater interaction power because it contains more electrons. In addition, it is a dense metal due to its heavy and tightly-packed structure. High-electron and denser material, such as TVA, has stronger efficiency in blocking hazardous X-rays and gamma rays,” said Plando. Maquiling further explained, “Moreover, the optimal blend of volcanic ash and aggregates result in effective photon (radiation) attenuation because of the resulting disorder (entropy) in granular matter microstructures.”
Since volcanic materials are abundant in the tectonically active Philippine archipelago, this discovery offers a practical way to manage disaster waste while also enhancing safety in critical areas. Further studies are needed to refine the material’s durability and optimize its shielding performance but this breakthrough demonstrates that even byproducts of cataclysmic natural events can lead to meaningful and life-saving innovation.
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7-Eleven Promotes Sustainability And Savings By Encouraging Customers To Bring Their Own Cups
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| 7-Eleven's reusable tumblers (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/7-Eleven Philippines) |
Filipinos take their daily cups of coffee seriously, and 7-Eleven has always been a trusted destination for coffee lovers nationwide. Through its beloved coffee lineup, City Cafe, City Prima, and !+? Cafe Reserve, 7-Eleven has made deliciously brewed coffee accessible and affordable for all. Now, everyone’s trusted neighbor is giving its patrons one more reason to enjoy their favorite 7-Eleven coffee run with the launch of the Good Coffee, Good Habits campaign. This new initiative urges customers to bring their own cups to blend their delicious coffee habits with sustainable practices.
The Good Coffee, Good Habits campaign reflects 7-Eleven’s commitment to a greener earth by encouraging small, everyday actions that contribute to a lasting impact. With this initiative, 7-Eleven customers have the option to make their coffee habit environmentally friendly, reduce single-use waste, and enjoy a discount of up to Php5 on their coffee purchases so every cup is a great way to save money and the environment. Availing of the discount is easy and hassle-free. 7-Eleven coffee lovers simply need to bring their reusable tumblers on their next coffee run, fill with their preferred drink, and pay at the cashier, where their discount will automatically be applied. To make the initiative inclusive, 7-Eleven welcomes tumblers of any size, as long as they can be tilted to fit the machine’s opening. Interested customers may also opt to buy reusable tumblers available in-store. The discount applies to all City Cafe, City Prima, and !+? Cafe Reserve hot and cold drinks.
Reward every bold, creamy, and freshly-brewed coffee habit with savings and sustainable contributions to the environment. Bring a reusable tumbler to any 7-Eleven store nationwide to save up to Php5, enjoy a greener coffee experience, and make every sip a step towards a better world. For more information and updates, visit and follow 7-Eleven Philippines on Facebook, @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on Twitter and TikTok.
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A Free Education Fair For Aspiring Global Students
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/AECC Global) |
Students feeling stuck in their #StudyAbroad journey can now find the answers they need at an event designed to help them move forward. The AECC Global Education Fair offers a unique opportunity to meet representatives from universities and colleges around the world, gain clarity on the application process, and access all the resources they need — all in one day and free of charge. The fair will be held at Dusit Thani Manila on February 15, at Radisson Blu Cebu on February 16, and at Acacia Hotel Davao on February 19.
This event brings together global universities, making it easier for aspiring international students to connect with institutions worldwide. Whether their dream is a career in hospitality in Canada, a future in Cybersecurity in Australia, or studying in destinations like USA, New Zealand, Spain, Germany, France, UK, Ireland, or Switzerland, the fair is designed to guide students through the next steps in their journey. AECC Global Marketing Manager Jun Mojica stated, “Our goal is to simplify the process for aspiring international students and empower them with the information and support they need to make their dreams a reality.” At the event, participants will benefit from free consultations with education experts and free assistance throughout the application process. With no processing fees, studying abroad becomes a more accessible reality for many students.
AECC Global, a leading international education consultancy, has already helped thousands of students take the first step toward their global future. Further details about the AECC Global Education Fair can be found on AECC Global’s social media channels.
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CEB Recognized As Philippine Textile Champion For Weaves Campaign
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| The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) presents the Philippine Textile Champion award to Cebu Pacific (CEB) in recognition of the airline’s Weaves Campaign. L-R: DOST-PTRI Director IV Julius L. Leaño Jr., CEB Marketing Manager - Philippines Patricia Bucag-Tan, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/Cebu Pacific) |
Cebu Pacific (CEB) has been recognized as a Textile Champion by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) for promoting local weaving traditions through travel and tourism. The airline received the distinction during the National Textile Convention (TELACon) for its Discover PH QR Flight Codes campaign which transformed traditional weaving patterns into functional QR codes. The initiative showcased Binakol from Ilocos Norte, Ramit from Occidental Mindoro, Hablon from Iloilo, Patadyong from Antique, and Yakan from Zamboanga, providing travelers with digital access to the stories behind these indigenous textiles.
“As an airline that bridges people and places, we see it as part of our mission not only to transport travelers to their destinations but also to immerse them in the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. Supporting local artisans allows us to preserve their craft while encouraging deeper cultural appreciation,” said CEB’s Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Candice Iyog. During the event, CEB and DOST-PTRI also announced a partnership to further promote local weaving and develop initiatives that support textile communities. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized the importance of such collaboration in fostering sustainability, saying, “Over the past two days at the National Textile Convention, or TELACon, we discussed our shared responsibility in moving towards sustainable systems and a circular economy. With dedication, we can lead this transformation — reducing resource intensity and strengthening a value chain that benefits all, bridging economic and social divides.”
With a network of 37 domestic and 26 international destinations, CEB continues to integrate Filipino culture into its brand, reinforcing its role in both tourism growth and cultural preservation.
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Lebron James, Los Angeles Lakers Lead NBA’s Most Popular Jersey, Team Merchandise Lists In PH
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/NBA Philippines) |
The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced that LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers secured the top spots on the NBA’s Most Popular Jersey and Team Merchandise lists in the Philippines, respectively, for the first time in tandem since the 2020-21 season. Results are based on sales from the NBA Stores in SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia and NBAStore.com.ph, the official online NBA Store in the Philippines, which are collectively operated by TITAN, for the first half of the 2024-25 regular season. Additional highlights include the following:
• Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball (No. 6) and Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (No. 8) each make their debut on the Most Popular Jersey list.
• The Phoenix Suns (No. 4) makes their debut on the Most Popular Team Merchandise list.
• Five players on the list have been named starters and reserves for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, which will be held on February 17, 2025 at Chase Center in San Francisco.
NBA fans in the Philippines can tune in to watch the Castrol Rising Stars (Saturday, February 15, at 10:00 am), State Farm All-Star Saturday Night (Sunday, February 16, at 9:00 am), and the 74th NBA All-Star Game (Monday, February 17, at 9:00 am) across national free-to-air channels One Sports and RPTV, premium TV channel NBA TV Philippines and Cignal’s over-the-top streaming service Pilipinas Live.
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Sportradar’s Alpha Odds Receives Two Honors At European iGaming Awards
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Sportradar) |
Sportradar is pleased to announce that it was recognized with two prestigious honors at the European iGaming Awards during ICE Barcelona. The company’s innovative Alpha Odds solution was honored in two competitive categories, continuing to solidify Sportradar as a leader in the online gaming industry. The European iGaming Awards, a benchmark for excellence in the sector, celebrate groundbreaking achievements and advancements that redefine the gaming experience. Alpha Odds received recognition in the following categories:
• 2024 Innovation of the Year: Celebrating the pinnacle of innovation and creative thinking in iGaming.
• Best Sports Betting Innovation: Honoring extraordinary advancements in the sports betting arena.
A service offered through Sportradar’s Managed Trading Services (MTS), Alpha Odds leverages AI-driven odds personalization technology to deliver bespoke betting prices for sportsbook operators. Alpha Odds recalculates financial exposure in real-time, enabling operators to manage liability with unparalleled precision, reduce risk and enhance profitability. Since its launch, Alpha Odds has generated an average 13% improvement in margin performance for sportsbooks using the solution. Through Alpha Odds, Sportradar’s MTS continues to optimize trading strategies and elevate sportsbook profitability, while reinforcing Sportradar’s position as a trusted technology partner for operators worldwide.
