Boldly goes to where no CON has gone before! TOYCON Ph + Pop Life FanXperience : A winning combination

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TOYCON PHILIPPINES + POP LIFE FANXPERIENCE: A WINNING COMBINATION!

Get ready for the biggest TOYCON in the Asia! 

It used to be when TOYCON was just all about toys and collecting geeky stuff, and being under one roof with pop-culture fanboys, cosplayers, gamers and comic book nerds. But this year, TOYCON heads off for uncharted waters and borrowing from a certain famous space TV show, “Boldly goes to where no CON has gone before.”

The Philippine TOYCON, now on its 16th year, began an exciting partnership with Pop Life Entertainment, a leading international creative house and brand development company, last year to create the ultimate Fan experience for the Filipino pop-culture fans.

The Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention (TOYCON), Asia’s biggest and longest-running convention for collectibles, toys, anime, comics, cosplay, and gaming

ToyCon Pop Life FanXperience 2016 was the biggest celebration of all things associated with pop-culture such as toys, games, movies, cosplay, anime and collectibles.

FanXperience made ToyCon the staging-ground of the "ultimate fan experience” for the local fan base who got to get up close and personal for the first time with international celebrities like Kristian Nairn from Game of Thrones and Dean Cain from the Adventures of Superman. This year the TOYCON POP LIFE FANXPERIENCE 2017 takes it up a notch higher and promises bigger entertainment and a whole new playground for the digital generation.

WHAT’S IN IT THIS YEAR?

TOYCON POP LIFE FANXPERIENCE launches to the stratosphere with not just one, two or three but SEVEN big international celebrities for the Filipino fans to enjoy an up close and personal encounter! 

These include: 

Carla Perez – Rita Repulsa in the Power Rangers 90s TV Series 

Charlie Bewley – The Vampire Dmitri, from the Twilight movie franchise 

Lindsay Mckeon – Tessa the Reaper from the hit TV series, Supernatural 

Karen Fukuhara – Katana of the Suicide Squad 

Stefan Capicic – Colossus in the Deadpool Movie 

Cas Anvar – the voice of Altair in Assassins Creed:Revelations 

Kevin McNally – Joshamee Gibbs in all 5 Pirate of the Caribbean movies

The FanXperience will certainly give lucky fans a chance to interact one-on-one with these

big celebrities through the live panels and Meet & Greet sessions.

The TOYCON also boasts of some of the biggest exhibits in the world of popular culture and

this year’s highlights include:

 Japan’s top toy brand, Kotobukiya, displays its latest line of Marvel, Star Wars andDC figurines along with the launch of the Frame Arms Girl Anime and merchandise. 

 Warner Brothers features its movie exhibit of its upcoming line of hit movies, IT,Ninjago, Justice League and the original movie prop doll of the horror cult classic,Annabelle. 

 Mars Ravelo’s Superheroes are featured in their classic art and comic form courtesyof the Mars Ravelo Estate and ABS CBN Licensing. 

 The TOYCON Toy Club Gallery – The biggest toy collectors’ exhibit ever assembledunder one roof featuring top toy brands, Kotobukiya, Enesco, Bandai, Hero Cross,Hasbro, Mattel, Hot Toys and Lego. This exhibit makes ToyCon one of the mostphotographed events in the country. 

 Artists Alley and custom artwork - fans meet their favorite local and internationalguest artists for custom sketches, signing and art critiquing 

 The biggest dealer floor of around 240 merchants of various pop-culturemerchandise, comics, accessories, cosplay merchandise, toys and collectibles 

Other event highlights include: 

 The grand finals of the World Cosplay Summit Philippine Championship and our veryown TOYCON Cosplay Competition 

 The awarding of the very first Pinoy Pop Culture Awards 

 Musical performances by British electronic duo, Addictive TV and top local bands 

 ToyClicks toy photography competition and the Toy Customization contest

WHAT NEW FOR THIS YEAR’S CONVENTION?

Pop Life Entertainment brings your ideas to life in the Creator Stage! All digital content creators and online celebrity aspirants can make their mark on the digital stage by creating their own content right at the Pop Life Creator Stage at the 2nd level of the SMX Convention Center. Share your genius and get a chance to be part of a global leader in multi-channel networks, Pro Am Studio!

Enjoy a brand new set of toys in a whole new playground as the TOYCON POP LIFE FANXPERIENCE happens on June 30 to July 2, 2017, SMX Convention Center Manila Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

The event is organized by the Asian Comics, Toys & Hobbies Collective Inc. and Pop Life Entertainment and co-presented by GLOBE. With sponsors MaxiCollector, Arigatoys, the Gaming Library, Warner Brothers Pictures, Bankee, Toy Empire, Ano Toys, Great Toys Online, Hygienix, Bully Boys Collectibles, Big Boys Toystore, Hubbyte, Kramer Toy Warden, Devant, Mogu- Mogu, and Bruder Toys.

With media partners, ABS-CBN, History Channel, Psicom, Manilascape, PBNet and Retro 105.9 DCG FM.

For more event details visit www.toyconph.com and www.facebook.com/ToyConPh

Tickets are available online at SMTickets.com

TOYCON returns to celebrate pop culture this 2017

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Globe proudly presents Asia’s biggest convention for collectibles and other hobbies

Fans of pop culture will soon unite for The Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention (TOYCON), Asia’s biggest and longest-running convention for collectibles, toys, anime, comics, cosplay, and gaming. This year’s run will be held from June 30 to July 2, 2017 at the SMX Convention Center, and Globe will be a proud sponsor for the event.

Customers and guests can drop by the Globe Postpaid booth where they will get to learn more about the all-new GoWATCH399, a service that dedicates 10GB worth of data for streaming on popular platforms Netflix, YouTube, Tribe, HOOQ, NBA, Cartoon Network, and Disney Channel Apps. Guests may also play the various booth activities to win premium items.

At TOYCON, attendees can participate in celebrity live panels, join games, check out exhibits, and watch musical performances from local and international acts. Fans of cosplay can join or watch CosFanX, an international cosplay competition, while comic book aficionados can visit Artist Alley, where local and international artists will be present for custom sketches, signing and art critiquing, or the Collectors Fine Art Exhibit for the best in collectibles.

Attendees can also meet celebrity guests, like Kevin McNally from Pirates of the Caribbean, Charlie Bewley from Twilight and The Vampire Diaries, Lindsay McKeon from Supernatural, Stefan Capicic from Deadpool, Cas Avnar from Assassin’s Creed, and Karen Fukuhara from Suicide Squad.

The highlight of the event is the toys and collectibles gallery, where avid collectors and pop culture fans can admire the mini-museum of the country’s top toys and collectibles. Those who wish to start or expand their collection can visit the 250 exhibitors and vendors selling pop culture merchandise and memorabilia.

“Globe has always been at the forefront of pop culture, and we have given our customers the chance to experience the best in movies, TV shows, music, and games,” says, Issa Cabreira, Globe SVP for Consumer Mobile Business. “Our participation at this year’s TOYCON aims to show how they can get access to the latest in pop culture happenings ahead of everyone else” Cabreira added.

TOYCON began in 2002 and quickly became one of the biggest and most-anticipated events in the country and the region. Last year, it moved to the SMX Convention Center to accommodate a larger crowd. An estimated 35,000 people visited the convention.

TOYCON is partnered with PopLife Entertainment and the Salt Lake City Comic Con, the third largest comic convention in the United States of America.

SM’s 2nd Art for Everyone paints better prospects for students

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Students who have a passion for visual arts now have a new and exciting avenue to showcase their art pieces as SM Supermalls’ 2^nd Art for Everyone fair opens on August 23, 2017 simultaneously in nine SM malls nationwide – SM Megamall, SM Aura Premier, SM Mall of Asia, SM City Dasmariñas, SM City Baguio, SM City Clark, SM City Cebu, SM City Bacolod, and SM Lanang Premier.

“We noticed that there have been growing enthusiasm from the youth whenever we hold art-related events in our malls. We want to nourish that youthful passion, and what better way than to give them a space for their craft in our malls where they get a wider audience in our customers,” said SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Jonjon Agustin.

With a renewed vision to promote professionally curated visual artwork by students from different universities, colleges, and institutions of fine arts in the Philippines, the 5-day art fair is geared up to hold more activities for the students and their respective schools as their art pieces indulge mall-goers.

From August 23 to 27, visual artworks by students from various colleges, universities, and institutions of fine arts will be exhibited and on sale. Art professionals and educators will also hold instructive workshops during the exhibit aiming to develop creative ideation as well as help unleash the full potential of students in visual arts.

"Art for Everyone aspires to provide young artists meaningful opportunities to help them grow professionally and creatively. Allowing them to reach their audience in a very competitive art world, this event also gives them a glimpse of the artscape: where they are in relation to their peers and how they may be able to further develop their art. In other words, the platform becomes a gauge, a compass, a source of confidence and inspiration," said Dr. Patrick Flores of the University of the Philippines Vargas Museum and lead of Art for Everyone curating team.

For interested students and schools, inquiries may be coursed through Ms. Eddie Lobigas via email 

mailto:eddielobigas@artistespace.com eddielobigas@artistespace.com), or phone (+63917 6562245 / +632 5329802). 

To know more about Art for Everyone, visit http://www.artforeveryoneatSM.com.ph www.artforeveryoneatSM.com.ph.

Move into your dream home “instantly” through Amaia Land’s “InstaMove”

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Say goodbye to the burden of waiting and possess your dream home at Amaia Scapes Capas in Tarlac 60 days after reservation through Amaia Land’s “InstaMove” option.

The concept of “instant gratification” enters the realm of homeownership, with Amaia Land’s introduction of “InstaMove,” its newest homeownership program. 

Beginning in June, aspiring homeowners can move to their dream house 60 days (working) after they make their reservations, proving that hardworking Filipino families can actually acquire good-quality affordable homes without the interminable waiting that generally happens in “rent to own” schemes of other developers.

Amaia Land has offered more than 300 units for its “InstaMove” program, including units at Amaia Skies Cubao.

First-time homebuyers usually find it difficult to bear the cost of mortgage payments while continuing to pay rent for a dwelling until such time when they can take possession of their new units. But with Amaia’s recent launch of this exclusive offering, this burden is eliminated. 

Move into your dream home at Amaia Skies Avenida instantly through “InstaMove,” Amaia Land’s newest homeownership program.

Your dream unit at Amaia Skies Cuba is within reach through Amaia Lands’s newest “InstaMove” program, which allows homeowners to move in to their dream house 60 days after reservation.

Invest in quality and affordable homes at Amaia Steps Novaliches and move in instantly 60 days after reservation with Amaia Land’s “InstaMove” program. 

There’s no more delaying that dream home of yours at Amaia Skies Sta. Mesa through Amaia Land’s “InstaMove” program.

In a time when everything is instant, there is no reason not to take hold of your dream home instantly through Amaia Land’s “InstaMove” program, which is being offered in more than 300 units including Amaia Scapes Capas in Tarlac.

With five easy steps and very simple requirements, you can now achieve your dream home at Amaia Steos Pasig through Amaia Land’s “InstaMove” program.

No need to worry about mortgage payments while paying rent as Amaia Land introduces its “instant” homeownership program “InstaMove,” which is being offered in Amaia Steps Novaliches.

To date, Amaia has made an initial offering of more than 300 units—across eight different projects in the country—for its “InstaMove” option: Amaia Skies Avenida, Amaia Skies Sta. Mesa, and Amaia Skies Cubao for high-rise condos; Amaia Steps Pasig, Amaia Steps Mandaue, and Amaia Steps Novaliches for midrise buildings; and Amaia Scapes Cabanatuan and Amaia Scapes Capas for both house-and-lot developments.

Get in touch with Amaia’s agents and representatives to find out how you can move into your dream home at Amaia Skies Sta. Mesa just 60 days after reservation.

Quality and affordable homes at Amaia Scapes Capas come easier and faster for hardworking Filipino families through Amaia Land’s “InstaMove” option.

Own your dream home at Amaia Steps Pasig for a pocket friendly price within 60 days after reservation through Amaia Land’s “InstaMove” program.

For more details, interested homebuyers can get in touch with Amaia through its agents and representatives.

Amaia Land brings the dream of owning a home closer to ordinary Filipinos by offering pocket-friendly payment options: cash, deferred cash, and bank financing. 

As with all Amaia properties, the Makati Development Corporation and Ayala Property Management Corporation are responsible for the quality and maintenance of Amaia homes.

For other inquiries, please visit www.amaialand.com, like www.facebook.com/AmaiaLand on Facebook, or call 02-531-2234.

Women Luminaries Grace New Issue of Lamudi Magazine

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Lamudi Philippines celebrates power women in real estate through Lamudi Magazine’s second run

Lamudi Philippines in collaboration with award-winning brand architect, crisis management strategist, and real estate columnist Amor Maclang feature the women movers and shakers of the real estate industry on the next issue of Lamudi Magazine. Dubbed the local real estate industry’s power women, the 10 ladies have come together to grace the cover of the next installment of the global real estate website’s print publication.

They include Charmaine Uy, Senior Vice President of Daichi Properties; urban planner Karima Patricia Palafox, Director of Palafox Architecture Group Inc.; Sheila Lobien, Regional Director for Markets of JLL Philippines; Atty. Maria Cristina Samson, Co-President of The Net Group; Elizabeth Ventura, President of Anchor Land Holdings; Joane Umali, Assistant Vice President for Commercial Properties Group Leasing of SM Prime Holdings Inc.; architect Cathy Saldana, Managing Director of ArcoGroup; interior designer Ivy Almario, President and Founder of Atelier Almario; and Bhavna Suresh Chathambeth, Managing Director of Lamudi Philippines. They joined Ms. Maclang in one-on-one interviews detailing their adventures as achievers in the local real estate scene.

“This issue is truly exciting as we highlight women real estate go-getters. Having all of these great women in one issue is really an achievement for our publication, especially that we are just two editions old and yet we are delivering the most impressive and engaging real estate bits to our readers,” Ms. Suresh proudly shared.

Aside from featuring the power women of the real estate industry, the coming run of Lamudi Magazine will also highlight celebrity and now a budding build-and-sell entrepreneur Rufa Mae Quinto-Magallanes and her interesting properties for sale in Quezon City. Also, a feature about the continuous boom of the Philippine tourism sector through profit-turning vacation homes is one of the must-reads, in addition to a lengthy piece on New Manila, Quezon City—one of the most searched neighborhoods in Metro Manila according to Lamudi data.

The second quarter edition is likewise packed with valuable industry information like improving one’s home, laws detailing real estate ownership close to bodies of water, and insights from real estate professionals like top broker Andy Mañalac.

Following its aim to be the most comprehensive real estate read in the country, the next installment of the magazine will continue to report the most recent property updates. The exciting roster of events of the Lamudi Group will also be highlighted.

The self-titled real estate–focused magazine is available in all major bookstores and magazine stands in Metro Manila. Free copies will be distributed as well to partner establishments, such as coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques.

ABOUT LAMUDI

Lamudi is a leading global property portal focusing exclusively on emerging markets. It offers sellers, buyers, landlords and renters a secure and easy-to-use platform to find or list properties online. Lamudi was established in 2013 in Berlin, Germany, and it is currently available in Asia (the Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka), Latin America (Mexico, Colombia, and Peru), and the Middle East (Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). Within fewer than three years, Lamudi has established its presence as a key online real estate marketplace in the countries where it is operating. For more information, visit Lamudi Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

ABOUT MYPROPERTY

Established in September 2010, MyProperty.ph is one of the leading Philippine real estate online brands that bring property buyers and sellers together. The website’s main offerings are listings of pre-selling properties and properties for sale and for rent, and also provides relevant and updated industry news and information for its clients and consumers. And with the release of its mobile version, finding or selling a home is made even easier. For more information, visit MyProperty on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram.

Orange Blush Salon’s Grand re-Launch at Franchise Asia Expo

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Orange Blush Salon (OBS), the fast-growing salon chain, gears up as it relaunches its brand at the upcoming Franchise Asia Expo set on July 21-23 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. 

The grand re-launch takes place at Booth 207 of this year’s franchise expo, touted as the biggest in the country. Hundreds of franchising businesses participate in this much-anticipated event, as OBS re-launches with revamped franchise packages that should make it easier to own an outlet of your own thru installment plans in partnership with BDO. 

“We are excited to announce that during the expo, we shall be holding a three-day sale with P50,000 off on our franchise fee,” said the brand’s maker Joby Linsangan-Moreno. 

“Our main objective is to find suitable and qualified franchisees who could be our partners in expanding Orange Blush.” 

OBS is eyeing to approve at least 10 franchisees at the Expo.

At present, there are eight franchised OBS branches, with one in Lipa, Batangas opening soon. The flagship branch and main office is located at Spark Place Mall in P.Tuazon corner 10th Avenue in Cubao, Quezon City. 

Best known as a rebonding center, OBS, which originated in Cabanatuan, is set to open 10 new branches within Metro Manila and in Metro South (Batangas and Antipolo). 

For interested franchisees, there will be pre-approved branches located inside community malls, in partnership with Waltermart, Citymall, Vista Malls, SM Savemore, SM City, and Robinsons Townville malls. 

Joby shared her valuable thoughts on franchising, stating, ‘Franchising is actually borrowing and sharing the owner’s operations standards with a fee. It is operating within the regulations of the franchisor with proven business system and standards.“

 “Franchising is for those who are willing to follow and adapt to the culture of the franchisor and for those who would want to invest and grow the business with the franchisor by sharing the same vision and beliefs,” she added.

OBS is fast-becoming a household brand, thanks to significant exposures it enjoys on shows like ABS-CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda, Magandang Buhay, and ASAP. It is at present the main hair and make-up sponsor for Banana Sundae.

The process of rebond, a permanent hair straightening procedure is the OBS brand’s strength, backed by a warranty service wherein customers availing the rebonding treatments are given warranty cards. In this set-up, clients are asked to return after a week for their hairs to be checked. If touchups are needed, OBS staff will do them free of charge. 

A mild-mannered, hard worker who takes pride on her provincial roots, Joby further explained her vision for OBS: 

“Our goal is to become the top-of-mind hair salon in the country. We want people to think of Orange Blush Salon when they want to have their hair cut or rebonded. We want them to feel that at OBS, you are being cared for and that our customers are our highest priority. Our mission is to make our customers feel loved, happy, hopeful, and beautiful.”

Joby, a UST graduate who jumpstarted her salon business on a P30,000 shoestring budget, is now being handled by Asian Artist Agency.

“I have been attending workshops under the supervision of King of Talk Boy Abunda. I am truly honored for this golden opportunity to speak what’s on my mind and what’s in my heart, and to share my life and my stories to others.”

Those visiting the OBS booth at the Franchise Asia Expo SMX can expect some great vibes in the name of beauty and hope.

Visit www.orangeblushsalon.com for more info and updates.

Fresh Options : Celebrations made easy

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Celebrations, Parties, Reunions ....Whenever summer rolls in, families and friends always seem to find a reason to get together and rekindle old ties. Whether it’s a simple, impromptu family reunion, a visit to lolo and lola in the province, the town fiesta, a barkada summer outing, the neighborhood basketball league competition or celebrating your daughter’s Reyna Elena rank in the Santa Cruzan, Filipinos just love to gather around and celebrate both big and small milestones. 

Social gatherings or salo-salos are so common that they’re practically a way of life. That doesn’t mean that preparing for salo-salos are a breeze. Planning, organizing and setting up a party can be overwhelming especially if you’re pressed for time. 

Here are some tips on how you can make celebrations easy:

Let everyone in on the fun. 

Organizing a get-together can be quite overwhelming especially if the schedule is a bit tight. Ask your family and friends to help out in the preparations. Get their ideas on the theme, the type of party setting and their preferred entertainment for the big day. Let your loved ones know that you value their help and are counting on them to pitch in to make sure the celebration is a success. 

The more hands the merrier.

Celebrations that would draw a big crowd like family reunions, fiestas or the celebratory require a lot of hands on deck. Ask your loved ones to help out before, during and after the get-together. Group your friends and relatives into teams that will handle specific roles such as food, venue and entertainment. 

Eats matter. 

Of course, the highlight of every salo-salo is the food. Start your menu planning by keeping your family and guests’ food preferences and allergies in mind. To make your event preparations less challenging, choose delicious yet easy-to-prepare meals like Fresh Options’ Crispy Pata, Pork Humba, Beef Kare-Kare or Chicken Galantina De Manille. For outdoor or more casual celebrations, you can also try Fresh Options’ Garlic Chicken, Ilocos Bagnet, Pork Sisig, and Bopis. 

With the special activities that families have this summer, get-togethers can be fun as long as it is planned out step by step. It is made extra special with Fresh Options’ assorted value-added meat. Preparing for the celebration is now made easy! All you have to do is microwave or pan fry the Fresh Options’ value-added meat you want to enjoy. 

Fresh Options value-added product lines are yummy and easy to prepare. They're available at outlets and supermarkets nationwide.

Fresh Options Meat Shop is proudly Filipino owned and operated and is based in Pampanga, taking pride in providing customers with fresh and safe meats. Expert veterinarians and technical personnel develop farm feeds, take care of the animals’ health and nutrition, and is certified “AA” by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS). Fresh Options Meat Shops can be found in Central Luzon and Metro Manila.

Coca-Cola plants a greener future in Hinatuan

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Along the rocky terrain of Mindanao’s eastern coast, in the town of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, is a lush 10-hectare community farm that has been cited as one of the model farms by various government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA). Despite the unpredictable weather, which includes month-long monsoon rains and even longer dry spells, the farm has yielded fruits and vegetables beyond what the land and its surrounding areas has ever seen.

Arsocena Cabiling, farmer and mother, holds up harvested corn in their fields in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

This verdant bounty and pockets of rain forests belies the fact that most of Hinatuan lies on limestone bedrock. The constant salty winds blowing from the Pacific Ocean, alongside the lack of access to fresh water has contributed to the less than ideal environment for agricultural cultivation and has restricted most farming activities to coconut and corn production. The lack of water source also discounts the possibility of livestock-raising.

“In 2012, we decided to farm better with the assistance from various stakeholders. We made sure that every help we received would be maximized,” said Arsolino Cabilin, chairman of the Tagasaka Coconut Farmers Association (TACOFA).

In that same year, TACOFA became a recipient of the Coca-Cola Agos Program in partnership with Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI). Through this project, the community was able to effectively shift to a more sustainable farming system – organic farming.

The Coca-Cola Agos Program installed a modified version of a simple technology called ram pump that allows lowland water to be brought to elevated areas without the need for electricity.

Making barren landscapes lush with the Coca-Cola Agos Program

“The unpredictable weather made it difficult for us to veer away from planting only coconuts and corn. There were times when it would suddenly have three weeks of no rain, sometimes it would stretch for two and a half months. Vegetables could not hold it out that long without rain,” said Dina Bayarcal, a TACOFA member and former treasurer. “We would fetch water from the river and manually bring it to the farm and water the plants. That’s the only thing we would do the whole day during a dry spell,” Bayarcal added.

Dina Bayarcal shows off her soybeans in her portion of the 10-hectare TACOFA demo farm. With water easily accessible with the ram pump, Bayarcal and her group are rotating crops, from soybeans to cantaloupe to corn.

With the availability of water through the ram pumps, TACOFA was able to diversify its crops that now include cantaloupes, watermelons, soybeans, corn, coconuts, and other vegetables that are grown throughout the year. The association is even putting up a coco fiber rope and coir (coconut fiber) production facility.

Large tracts of land are now watered in more efficient ways with the help of the ram pumps that draw water from the river.

Today, TACOFA membership has grown to over 100 farmer members tilling and developing the 10-hectare land, tapping its water source from the Coca-Cola Agos Program. The organization even plans on leasing some of the neighboring farms in order for them to expand their production.

“With a secure source of water, through the Coca-Cola Agos ram pumps, we were able to think of ways on how to better improve the way we farm. Access to water opened us to an endless possibility of options on what we can plant and raise,” said Cabilin. “We are also looking at ways on how we can further add value to our products.”

This year, the association has completed its coco coir production facility that would enable them to produce ropes, fiber mats, and coir logs – natural and biodegradable ways of preventing soil erosion, and contour farming. Tagasaka’s coconut nurseries have even boosted its contribution to the Department of Agriculture’s continuing effort to rehabilitate the ageing coconut industry, with seedling mortality rates now reduced from 55 to 20 percent.

Colorful murals are painted on the exterior walls of the water reservoir of Coca-Cola Agos Program.

Coca-Cola Agos Program: A gift to the next generation

TACOFA serves as the association for managing the Coca-Cola Agos Program after the ram pumps were turned over to the community. As the recipient organization and on behalf of the whole community, they are responsible for the maintenance and assurance that the ram pumps will continue to serve its purpose. Prior to the turn-over, TACOFA underwent workshops and orientations conducted by AIDFI on how to maintain and manage the ram pump as well as their natural environment. Two members of the organization also underwent hands-on mechanical training and have been certified by AIDFI to maintain the ram pumps for the community.

The organization serves as the unifying body for all household and farm recipients of the Coca-Cola Agos Program. They work hand-in-hand in taking care of the gift of water brought about by the installation of ram pumps for their community. They envision the project to serve the water needs of now and preserved for the next generations of TACOFA members.

“The Coca-Cola Agos ram pump is a gift to us, and it will be our gift to the next generation. Today, we will show the people the many ways one can farm; we will show those who have given much to us that we are grateful for their gift,” said Cabilin. “And we will show the next generation that with hard work, perseverance, and unceasing faith, things can and will be better.”