Welcoming 2020 with Fresh Start and Full of Positivity

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Another chapter in our lives unfolds in the beginning of each year. 2020 is extra special since it is also the start of a new decade.W

We all await exciting opportunities for a fresh start and new beginnings in our personal lives and of course in our blogging community. No matter what your goals are in 2020 or how many new year’s resolutions you plan on making this year, we should always find time to celebrate and reminisce all of your experiences from 2019, whether good or bad; and welcome the new year ahead with hope and positivity.

For eight consecutive years, the Filipino Bloggers Network (FBN) hold its annual get together and this year it will be a fun pan pizza party in Quezon City.

It will surely be an afternoon of great fun, awesome giveaways, delicious food and a great opportunity to make new friends and catch up with old friends they have not seen for a while. Representatives of different sponsors, PR groups and brands are also expected to grace the event and personally thank bloggers and social media influencers who have supported them in the past years, or should we say at least in the last decade.

FBN currently has a membership of more than 2,000 and continues to expand as it provides a venue for Filipino bloggers, vloggers, and online writers and influencers to interact with other members and partner brands from different parts of the Philippines. Moderating the discussions and posting opportunities from different sponsors for the group are co-admins Divine RC, Richard Mamuyac and Lariza Garcia, the annual event has become even bigger on its 8th run.

This year’s celebration would not have been possible without the support of the following generous sponsors and partners:

Century Park Hotel Manila

Situated in the heart of Manila’s business, cultural, shopping and entertainment district is one of the most renowned and finest hotels in the metropolis. A mere seven (7) kilometres away from the Ninoy International Airport, Century Park Hotel - the premier hotel in Manila, is also an ideal airport hotel for busy executives. Follow Century Park Hotel Manila on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/centuryparkhotelmanila.officialpage/.

FuentesManila

FuentesManila is one of the few full-service PR agencies in the Philippines. While publicity remains its core service, FuentesManila provides the following services to its clients: Publicity; Special Events;  Online Publicity; Advertising; Media Monitoring; Creatives & Graphic Design; and Digital PR.  Follow Fuentes Manila on Facebook for news and updates >  https://web.facebook.com/fuentesmanilapublicrelations/.

www.wnot.com.ph (What’s New Out There)

www.wnot.com.ph (What’s New Out There) is an online guide of all new items and products that is introduced in the market or even a product that is to be launched in the industry. WNOT was established in August 2011 to give our consumers an idea of every new product to be purchased. WNOT provides a user-friendly search engine that allows keyword searching, company promotion, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This site also acts as a directory for article submission which offers more exposure across the net. Follow www.wnot.com.ph (What’s New Out There) on Facebook for news and updates >  https://web.facebook.com/WhatsNewOutThere/.

Cebuana Lhuillier

The P.J. Lhuillier, Inc. (PJLI) is the proud parent company of the Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop, one of the leading and largest non-bank financial services provider in the Philippines with 2,500 branches nationwide. PJLI attributes its dominance in the industry to integrity and heartfelt service, robust network of local and international industry partners, and steadfast commitment to nurture market-leading businesses for its growing clientele. Visit Cebuana Lhuillier website for news and updates > https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/.

DZBB’s Dobol B Bantay Balita  

Dobol B Bantay Balita sa Kamara is a radio-television program aired simultaneously in Super Radyo DZBB 594 khz and GMA News TV Channel 27 every Sunday, 10am to 11am. Hosted by DZBB’s House of Representatives reporter, Divine Reyes, the program discusses current events, news and issues in the country. Follow Dobol B Bantay Balita on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/DobolBBantayBalita/.

CID Comunication

CID is a pioneering, full-service corporate communication agency in the Philippines. CID's dedicated professionals craft and engineer communication programs and campaigns to bring out and project the essence of organizations, individuals or products. Follow CID Communication on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/CIDCommunication/.

Havas Media Ortega

Havas Media Ortega is the first full-service media agency providing end-to-end solutions in the Philippines. It does not only offer the most complete and cohesive set of media services in the Philippines, it also aspires to provide clients work that is best in class in all the media channels on offer. Follow Havas Media Ortega on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/HavasMediaOrtega/.

Perceptions, Inc.

Perceptions is a public relations company that provides PR counseling and various corporate and marketing communications services to business and industrial organizations, government institutions as well as trade and professional associations. Follow Perceptions, Inc. on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/Perceptions.Inc/.

FleishmanHillard

FleishmanHillard specializes in public relations, reputation management, public affairs, brand marketing, digital strategy, social engagement and content strategy. Visit their website, https://fleishmanhillard.com/about/ for news and updates.

Salgado Public Relations

Salgado PR specializes in PR, Event Execution, Creative Design, Digital Marketing and Influencer Management. Follow Salgado Public Relations on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/SalgadoPR/.

LeapOut Digital

LeapOut Digital is a leading digital marketing agency based in Manila offering digital marketing services for brands, SMEs, and agencies. They started as a search engine optimization (SEO) company in 2008 in Manila, helping raise the awareness of SMEs in the Philippines and other countries through their expertise of digital technologies. Visit their website, https://leapoutdigital.com/ for news and updates.

Ripple8

Ripple8 is the full-service PR arm of DDB Group Philippines. With a clientele comprising top brands in diverse fields, they provide expert traditional and digital PR services, combining creativity and effective communication to create ripples of positive change. Follow Ripple8 on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/ripple8/.

Strategic Works, Inc.

Strategic Works, Inc. live for the possibility of making an idea come to life as they align their passion with the client’s needs. They spot the hot buttons that unlock consumers’ hearts and brand success. Stratworks do Public Relations; Creative Services; Activations; Events Management; Digital Marketing; Advocacy and Social Marketing. Follow Strategic Works, Inc. on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/StratWorks/.

Lorem Ipsum Communications

Lorem Ipsum Communications is a marketing communications agency offering the following services: Digital & Traditional Public Relations; Event Management; Social Media Management; Creative Design and Human Resources Consultation. Follow Loremipsum on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/LoremIpsumCommPH/

Greenbulb Communications

Greenbulb Communications is an integrated communications solution firm specializing in Digital PR and Communications strategies that work. Follow Greenbulb on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/GreenbulbComms/.

Full Circle Communications, Inc.

Full Circle Communications, Inc. is a full-service public relations firm established in 2000. They work with clients to create proactive, ongoing public relations campaigns that generate positive press coverage. Follow Full Circle Communications on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/fccpr.ph/.

M2Comms

M2Social is a team of young, creative, and passionate social media advocates. They believe that social media is not just about pushing out content – it’s about reaching out and telling your brand story to a well-targeted audience using content that's timely, relevant, and strategic. Visit M2Comms’ website, https://www.m2comms.com/ for news and updates.

Buensalido Public Relations

Buensalido and Associates Public Relations is a leading and independent full-service public relations agency based in Manila, Philippines. Established in 1983 by renowned PR practitioner Joy Buensalido, the agency has since grown into a close-knit group of young, creative, and motivated individuals, who are always teeming with fresh and original concepts. Follow Buensalido Public Relations on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/BuensalidoPublicRelations/

Dominguez Marketing Communications Inc.

Dominguez Marketing Communications Inc. is a top-notch Philippines-based integrated marketing communications and public relations company trusted by global companies and SMEs serving major industries such as Information Technology (IT), telecommunications, banks, health and wellness, pharmaceuticals, travel, logistics, consumer and household products. Visit Dominguez Marketing Communications’ website, https://www.dominguezmarketing.net/ for news and updates.

Browne Communications

An agency of global tech, pharma & lifestyle brands where bright minds, inventive thinkers, ingenious beings and imaginative humans thrive. Follow Browne Communications on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/BrowneComm/.

 i55 Talent House

Named after a bible verse, the brains of i55 Talent House responded to what’s needed to be done to create and inspire people with messages. Their talents work with clients to nurture ideas, practice creativity, curate, so we can all live in a world of inspiring messages. Follow i55 Talent House on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/i55TalentHouseCorp/.

EON Group

Delivering insightful communication solutions that enable trust-based relationships. Follow EON Group on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/theEONgroup/.

Aldenver Events

A team of dedicated and passionate individuals who are mastering their craft in creating and organizing different kinds of events. Follow Aldenver Events on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/aldenvereventsmktg/

Trendspotting

Trendspotting is a Brand & Advertising Consultancy company which targets great result. Follow Trendspotting on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/TrendspottingConsultancy/.

Fujidenzo Appliances

Fujidenzo Home and Commercial Appliances combine style and performance to meet the high demands of fast-paced living. Taking into account the high cost of living and non-stop surge of prices of commodities, Fujidenzo Appliances are designed to give quality performance at the most consumer-friendly prices. With Fujidenzo, you get the latest features and technologies all within the budget of the average Filipino household. Follow Fujidenzo on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/FujidenzoAppliances/.

doTERRA Essential Oils Philippines

dōTERRA® produces and distributes exceptionally high quality CPTG® essential oils through more than three million independent distributors, also known as Wellness Advocates, around the world. In addition to a premium line of essential oils used by individuals and health-care professionals alike, dōTERRA® also offers products that are naturally safe, purely effective, and infused with CPTG® essential oils, including personal care and spa products, nutritional supplements, and healthy living products. Follow doTERRA Essential Oils Philippines on Facebook for news and updates > http://www.mydoterra.com/jrpagalilauan.

Novelina

An industry leader in the production of powder and cream hair color. At the same time, it also carries its professional line of hair care products which includes cream hair color, shampoo, conditioner, and rebonding formulas. Novelina is also the OEM manufacturer of hair-color for two of the world’s largest and most prestigious hair-dye brands being marketed in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, China, North and South America, as well as the Middle East. Follow Novelina on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/novelinacosmetics/

Sinalco Philippines

Sinalco is a German brand of non-alcoholic drinks that has been refreshing the European market since the early 1900’s.  It stands by the German quality standard which only means that the highest grade of ingredients and manufacturing is applied to the production and flavor of the beverages. Follow Sinalco Philippines on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/sinalcoph/.

Barlico Philippines

Barlico may have been popularly known as a coffee substitute, but this healthy drink is more than just that. It is made of barley grass from barley plant, which is among the earliest grown sweetgrass in the world that traces its history even before 5000 BC, popular among ancient Greeks and Romans. It’s been dubbed as “nature’s best fast food” attributing to its multidimensional health benefits. Follow Barlico Philippines on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/barlicophilippines/.

Bubble Man

Bubble Man is a highly effici12ent, economical, environment friendly, & Philippine-made Dishwashing Liquid that promises to make cleaning easier and more fun for the entire family. Follow Bubble Man on Facebook for news and updates > https://web.facebook.com/BubblemanPH

BLOG SPONSORS

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Good News Manila - https://goodnewsmanila.com/

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LarizaGarcia.com – http://www.larizagarcia.com

DivineReyes.info – http://www.divinereyes.info 

IAmLeirs.com - http://iamleirs.com/

Sarmiento offers solution to EDSA traffic

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House Transportation Committee Chair and Samar 1st District Representative Edgar Mary Sarmiento unveiled the blueprint of his proposed centralized and synchronized bus dispatch system which would turn the EDSA's rowdy and chaotic city buses into a fast, efficient and predictable mass transport system.

Sarmiento, a civil engineer,  disclosed the full details of his proposal  after announcing that his panel is closely working with the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to craft a roadmap which would solve EDSA's traffic problem.

In his proposal, Sarmiento said that the innermost lane of EDSA will serve as an "express bus lane" which can be accessed through stations used by the MRT. Like a carousel, the "express bus lane" will just circle around EDSA, duplicating the route of the MRT.

"People who use the MRT can now have the option to ride the bus which will be also operated like carousel. The buses will only load and unload passengers in a synchronized manner at the MRT stations so they are basically an extension of the MRT. Walang magiging traffic dyan because the entire inner lane from Taft Avenue to North Avenue and vice-versa will be enclosed and exclusive to the express bus lane ," Sarmiento said.

Sarmiento said that the three lanes in the middle of  EDSA will be dedicated for all types of private vehicles subject to the existing vehicle reduction programs like the number coding scheme. Private cars will be only allowed to use the outer lane when turning into an intersection.

The outer lane of EDSA or the yellow lane will be used as a dedicated city bus lane which will also adopt a centralized and synchronized dispatch system. Dedicated bus stops will be established one kilometer apart. Loading and unloading of passengers will be strictly implemented on these bus stops.

Sarmiento said that while the express bus lane will cater to passengers who also use the MRT, the city bus lane operation will extend up to the Parañaque Integrated Bus Terminal (PITX)  in the south and the Valenzuela Integrated Bus Terminal (VIBT) in the north and vice-versa.

" City buses will now be using the outermost lane in EDSA or the yellow lane. They will be traversing EDSA in a carousel-type system until they reach the proposed north terminal which is the Valenzuela Integrated Bus Terminal. From there, the city buses will now traverse to the south still using the outermost lane until it reaches the proposed south terminal which is the Paranaque Integrated Bus Terminal," Sarmiento said.

"We propose this to eradicate the kanya-kanya system of the buses wherein they compete with each other creating chaos through overtaking, overspeeding, and overstaying. Puno man o hindi, lalarga po ang mga city buses dahil may schedule na po ang biyahe nila at hindi na sila makikipag-agawan ng pasahero dahil hindi na commission-based ang kita kundi sahod na ang matatanggap ng mga drivers at konduktors," Sarmiento added.

Sarmiento said that also part of the proposal is to modernize the fare system using tap or beep card.

"Once everything has been set in theory and generated through computer by the MMDA, it will be presented to the public through a dry run, which will be implemented on a day with the least number of vehicles in the road. We are going to have a computer-generated simulation of this proposal to be led by the MMDA," Sarmiento said to dispel fears that this could end up just like the other failed "experiments" of the MMDA.

Sarmiento clarified however that his proposal can still be subject to improvements and adjustments by the DoTr and the MMDA which is will the frontline implementing agencies.

"Lastly, this proposal is a work in progress. Details will be discussed by the Executives. Ang inyong lingkod, bilang Chairman ng House Committee on Transportation ay willing na magbigay ng suporta sa DOTr kung may mga kailangang polisiya upang maipatupad natin kaagad ang mga planong ito," Sarmiento said.

Sarmiento said that if and when the plan is set into motion, the private vehicles that continue to clog EDSA middle lanes would be reduced eventually "because people would now start riding the bus rather than drive their car in what is described as one of the world's biggest parking lot."

"With this system, if the trains and buses will be fully operational, and the commuting public is now effectively and efficiently being moved, that’s the time that we can reduce the volume of private vehicles in EDSA and the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila," Sarmiento said.

"Once the volume of vehicles were reduced, that’s the time that we can introduce major infrastructures in EDSA and other major thoroughfares," he added.

For endorsing Joyride to DOTr, KOKO MAY FACE GRAFT RAPS

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For endorsing new motorcycle taxi provider Joyride to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Senator Koko Pimentel runs the risk of facing graft raps.

Civil Society Group tacle issues on the Pilot Implementation of Motorcycle Taxis. During the press briefing held in Manila Hotel, Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles showed a letter written Senator Pimentel to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade last September 2, endorsing Joyride as a participant in the initial motorcycle taxi test run that was ongoing at the time.

Angeles, who also cleared Senator Bong Go of any involvement in Joyride, said that she was merely concerned about the allegations levelled against Go which moved her to post Go's disclaimer to clear his name. This was when she received a copy of Pimentel's letter of endorsement.

Angeles also showed a Google Maps photo of a huge in Marikina before it was converted to Joyride's onboarding facility. The photo, which was taken by Google Maps in January of 2019, shows a huge sign with Pimentel's photo and signature. Angeles then showed a recent photo of the same facility which is now being used by Joyride.

"So all these beg the questions: What is the real connection of Senator Koko Pimentel to Joyride? Are Neil Sherwin Yu, the president of Joyride, and Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, the wife of Senator Pimentel, related since they share the same surname? " Angeles asked. 

"Another very important question is this--if Senator Pimentel was just a family friend of the owners, would he risk being accused of graft just to do a friend a favor?" Angeles added while noting that Joyride’s effort to use Senator Pimentel as a go-between to the Department of Transportation, particularly to the secretary himself, exposes the senator to a violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. 

In turn, Atty. Ariel Inton of the Lawyers for Commuter Safety and Protection, stressed that legislators have no business interceding for a private party that has an application with a government entity.

"Whether overtly stated or not, the letter of Senator Pimentel has the effect of an intercession for the benefit of Joyride," Inton noted. "And based on recent developments, Joyride clearly benefited from DOTr’s latest decisions," he added.

Both Inton and Atty. Raymond Fortun noted called out some irregularities that both the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) were guilty of. "First of all, they came up with a new Department Order or DO dated December 19, 2019, constituting a new Technical Working Group or TWG composed only of representatives from government agencies. The original civil society stakeholders were effectively eased out," Fortun revealed.

According to Fortun, the new DO constituted the new TWG and appointed Mr. Gardiola as the chairman. "But, the funny thing about it is that it was not only printed using an LTFRB letterhead (and not a DOTr letterhead), it was signed by Mr. Gardiola himself as the new chairman of the TWG and LTO Asec. Galvante," Fortun shared.

"This means that Mr. Gardiola appointed himself as the TWG chairman in his capacity as the TWG chairman," Fortun added.

Fortun also revealed that although the new DO that included the constitution of the TWG was signed on December 19, the new TWG has already been meeting since November 20th, without involving the original members.

"The DOTr and the LTFRB were all willing to do all these irregularities just so they can accommodate two new players and cut down the competitiveness of the pioneer player," Inton noted. "This begs the question, why is the DOTr seemingly favoring the two new players while putting undue pressure on Angkas? What are the reasons?" he added.

"And why is Joyride insisting that there needs to be another player in the test run so that data will come from two different sources even though their business model is almost an exact replica of the Angkas business model?' Fortun asked.

"A lot of things are unclear as of the moment, and we rely on our friends in media to dig further to find out the truth in the interest of transparency. What is clear, however, is that there was an effort by Senator Pimentel to intercede for Joyride, particularly in light of current decisions by the DOTr that seem to favor them while putting pressure on Joyride’s main competitor," Inton stressed.

“An enchantingly soulful and angelic voice that is uniquely Shaniah’s”

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Shaniah LLane Rollo has a pristine, soulful voice that can change the landscape of the music industry as we know it. She first captivated the hearts of millions at the young age of 13 when she sang a riveting rendition of True Colors at “Ireland’s Got Talent.” The judges and viewers worldwide held their breath, enthralled by her heavenly, angelic voice. At the onset of her surprising debut, she received nothing less than a standing ovation and performed a noteworthy pitch perfect performance. Without a doubt, Shaniah’s phenomenal voice will grace the world in the years to come.   

Her youthful innocence, striking humility, and charming intelligence makes her graceful presence more riveting, and her songs more inviting and heart-warming. As she sets her own unique mark in the world, she recognizes her parents and older siblings as the first people who opened her world to the love of music, amplified by her other major influencers - Shaniah Twain, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Jimin of BTS KPop, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Moira Dela Torre, Sam Concepcion, and Yeng Constantino.

A Prodigy Singer, Born to Captivate Many Hearts

Born in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, Philippines to both highly musical parents and family, it was apparent that she was born to live up to her name’s deeper meaning, “God’s gracious gift”, as she began to exhibit her fascination for music at a very young age. Just like any child prodigy, her musicality became evident even before she was a year old- she started to sing different genres, and eventually, played with various musical instruments and wrote her own songs. 

RJA Productions LLC’s CEO and Founder is one of those people who felt drawn to this prodigy singer, highly impressed by her most angelic and versatile voice. As Rosabella Jao-Arribas said, “Shaniah’s voice is meant to create a ripple effect in the music industry worldwide... her phenomenal talent is meant to be heard by everyone in the world. I’m simply here to help make that happen.” Rosabella acknowledges her composer friend, Nathaniel Cabanero, who is also based in Ireland, as the person instrumental to this rare discovery.

Her Journey to Musical Greatness Just Began

Shaniah’s pure courage and brilliance shone brighter as the world witnessed her conquering the stage in a new country that she barely knew back in 2018. It is also quite impressive to see her depth as a person and how being authentic is incredibly important to her… an honorable trait that makes Shaniah even more special and unique to other singers her age. 

Highlighting this special trait, it was no surprise that she sang her own rendition of True Colors (by Cindi Lauper) and Wings (by Birdy) for 2018 Ireland’s Got Talent; and proudly composed and sang an original Irish Gaelic song for 2018 Ireland's Junior Eurovision Song Contest, a very bold gesture of appreciation and love for her new adopted country. 

Truly, Shaniah’s blossoming debut has been quite a journey in the past two years as she became part of these amazing opportunities: 

● 2018 Ireland’s Got Talent Semi-Finalist

● 2018 She was invited and interviewed to join ABS-CBN Pinoy Big Brother Teens but declined due to relocation issues.

● 2018 Ireland's Junior Eurovision Song Contest First Runner up

● August 2019 ABS CBN iwant ASAP guest 

Fans worldwide look forward to Shaniah’s first album, showcasing her depth as a singer and her for language and culture. She will be featuring her own rendition of the very popular French song called "La Vie En Rose” (Edith Piaf’s signature song)... an incredible feat that only a true talented singer can successfully sing in its original language.

Living Her Own Song

Surrounded by warmth and unconditional love by her entire family, Shaniah has been so fortunate to write her own life’s story and future where music, family, faith, and education are in its core. 

She is currently flourishing as a consistent class achiever at St. Mary’s Secondary School in Glasnevin, Dublin, with a goal of pursuing her love for business and accounting in the future. She also sings videoke at home at every opportunity to hone her talent naturally. She feels grateful having been a part of Brightlights- a group of Filipino singers who are also champions in various singing competitions in Ireland. She also loves playing ukelele, guitar, and piano whenever possible. 

Raised in a close-knit family, she always looks forward to her Mom’s home-cooked Filipino dishes adobo and dinuguan, and finds joy in playing the guitar with her Dad. She also endearingly misses her grandparents, and her older siblings Mia and Gian and their families who all live in the Philippines. It is her hope that, someday, she can be reunited with her siblings and their families in Ireland.

Technology challenges traditional advertising, says Talkwalker

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Manila, Philippines — With trust in traditional advertising continuing on a downward trend, brands and organizations need even more today to invest in technology, according to leading social listening and analytics firm Talkwalker.

In its recently released Social Media Trends 2020, a collection of more than 50 global industry experts’ social media predictions co-authored by HubSpot, Talkwalker, notes how across the globe, traditional advertising faces a tough challenge as generation Z and millennials dominate the market scene, giving rise to the age of digital consumerism characterized by technology-driven consumer behavior and skepticism about advertisements and endorsements. Talkwalker notes that 84 percent of millennials express their distrust in traditional advertising. The same report shows conversational data around advertising has dropped significantly in net sentiment in the past 13 months.

“Generation Z and millennials are now seen as high-value targets by brands because of their significant spending power. To get their buy in, marketers in the Philippines, for instance, have been resorting to conveying personalized message and brand purpose. Experts across the globe note, moreover, the need to equally place high value on how and where brands convey these messages,” said Ben Soubies, head of Sales for Asia Pacific at Talkwalker.

More than the message, Soubies underscored the vital role that new and disruptive technologies play in engaging the current generations of consumers. Being first-born digital natives, Gen Zs and millennials place a premium on consumer experience. Gen Zs, in particular, were born with everything at their fingertips. With digital connectivity and the emergence of social commerce very accessible, these digital natives expect seamless consumer journey across touchpoints. The global experts tapped by Talkwalker all agree that brands should leverage technology to put their message across and reach out to their target markets.

Using data from more than 50 global experts, PR professionals, social media gurus and influencers, the Social Media Trends 2020 outlines what brands need to know to upscale their marketing potential in 2020. “This e-Book contains predictions by global experts, including industry thought leaders from the Philippines.

It also covers other relevant areas such as influencer marketing going small to big, harnessing the power of data privacy and how Tiktok would be vital to marketing strategies, among others,” said Soubies.

The Social Media Trends 2020 e-book can be downloaded for free at www.talkwalker.com

Here’s What You Need to Know Before Thinking of Moving Out

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If you’re in your early 20s, out of school and excited to live on your own, pause for a while to read through this and check if you are ready for the big move.

Be warned that living on your own is not all fun, fancy and freedom. It requires a lot of hard work, discipline and maturity. 

1. Hardwork – Living on your own means doing everything by yourself. So if you’re the type who just slept, ate, and studied at home, with minimal to no contribution to household chores, then you’re in for a big surprise. You’ll have to go to the supermarket, do the laundry, clean the house, cook your food, etc. Do not fret! There are a lot of available services to help you get through these, week in and week out. Supermarket shopping is now available online. There are a lot of laundry shops which deliver clothes folded and even pressed. You can hire hourly house cleaners for any cleaning requirement. And food delivery is available everywhere. But of course, these would cost you more than doing the chores yourself.

2. Discipline – Living on your own means your own pace, your own rules. You get to enjoy a lot of freedom but this can also be easily abused. Like eating too much junk food, staying up late, drinking too much alcohol, shopping like crazy. You have to learn to strike a balance especially in managing your finances. Remember, you now have monthly bills to pay – rent or amortization, electricity, water, internet, association dues, credit card, etc. For these, you can go to eonbankph.com or EON Bank PH app to pay. It’s a 24/7, one-stop shop for more than a thousand billers. You won’t have to go to different sites or physical branches to settle your bills. Just sign-up for an EON account and fund it to gain access to all their services. You can select all your bills payment transactions, enter the required details for each and then check out in one go. It’s so convenient! No need to scramble for bills or coins. You can pay the exact amount up to the last centavo! Best of all, you’re sure not to lose your proof of payment since the receipt is emailed to you.

3. Maturity – Living on your own means living alone, independent of other people. You’ll learn to eat and sleep alone, care for yourself when you’re sick, face problems and challenges by yourself, deal with your own fears like ghosts, thieves, black outs, and even the feeling of missing home. Be assured that through all of these, you will grow into a responsible and mature individual ready to face anything that may come your way. 

Still considering moving out? Well go for it! It may be a difficult journey but for sure it’s something you will be proud of.