'Connections Wellbeing Philippines' Inspires Growth of Wellness Tourism in the Philippines

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● Over $10million USD negotiated inbound spend within 12 months following event

● Reasons for visiting include the country’s unspoiled natural beauty and Filipino hospitality

● Spa and health facilities, as well as nutrition, relaxation, and sustainability lead the way in wellness trends.

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and Connections Luxury, have successfully launched a bid to establish the Philippines as a luxury wellness destination in addition to its long-standing reputation for beach, dive and leisure travel.

From April 16-19, Connections Luxury, the international private community for trusted decision-makers in luxury travel, welcomed 40 leading agencies from markets including the UK, US, Brazil, South Africa, Australia and Portugal to the inaugural Connections Wellbeing Philippines event. Industry leaders attended with the objective of forging long-lasting business relationships with selected luxury hotels, boutique properties and experience providers from the destination.

Before travelling, 60% of the agencies had identified the Philippines as a new destination for their high-net-worth clients. Following the event, declared reasons to promote the Philippines to luxury clients included its unspoiled natural beauty, the Filipino hospitality, its authenticity compared to other southeast Asian destinations and its wellbeing opportunities. Connections Wellbeing Philippines has since boosted the confidence of agencies to sell the destination, with predicted inbound spend within the next 12 months from attending agencies rising to over $10million USD; a 1,611% increase compared to projected sales prior to the event.

“We are proud to have hosted the inaugural Connections Wellbeing event. The Philippines has so much to offer as our facilities bridge Western and Eastern treatments in their holistic wellness programs,” shared Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board.

Delegates also had the opportunity to discuss wellness tourism trends and the immense growth potential in the Philippines. A poll completed by attendees revealed that clients interested in wellness travel prioritise spa and health facilities, followed by nutrition, relaxation, and sustainability. Discussions that followed brought to light the increasing demand for customised and personalised wellness experiences. Guests seek tailored programmes that address their specific health needs, preferences, and goals.

Nograles added, “Beyond increasing tourism arrivals, we also look at the economic impact of the quality of tourists we bring to the Philippines. The luxury industry promises to yield strong economic results across accommodations, retail, and our food and beverage sectors.”

Participants emphasised the significance of collaboration amongst government organisations, luxury travel agencies, wellness resorts, and medical professionals to better educate clients on the comprehensive wellness experiences the Philippines can offer.

About Connections Luxury:

Connections is the international private community for trusted decision-makers in luxury travel. The brand brings together the industry’s most respected travel agents and suppliers throughout the year, in destinations across the world. Connections is the next generation of doing business.

Connections has pioneered the Connections Way - a proven series of proprietary methodologies and approaches designed to create long-lasting business relationships between its members. Since its inception in 2014, Connections has hosted over 50 global events, giving decision makers the opportunity to meet through memorable experiences and educational debates.

Connections Luxury is based in London and forms part of Jacobs Media Group, the global voice for the travel and hospitality industries. In 2020, Jacobs Media Group won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise International trade. Jacobs Media Group was recognised in the 2020 awards for outstanding short-term growth in overseas sales, having expanded its global business in the previous three years by over 50%.

66.6% of total malware is delivered through PDF files attached to malicious emails: Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 Research

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Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, recently released the Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report Vol.2. The report highlights the current trends in malware while providing a detailed analysis of the most common types of malware and their distribution methods.

According to the research, 66.6% of total malware is delivered through portable document format (PDF) files attached to malicious emails. PDF files are commonly used in a business environment, and victims are less likely to be wary of an expected file type, versus unexpected file types like EXEs. They could also simply be unaware that this type of file could be used for nefarious purposes.

Most people are aware of warnings against clicking strange links in emails, so PDF phishing schemes could fly under their radar better than a text-based email with just a plain link. Naming conventions expected in a business context like invoice_AUG_4601582.pdf or Updated Salary Evaluation could lure unsuspecting targets into opening these attachments. The attachments themselves might contain a URL link to click, or a button that sends victims to a website with a malicious purpose.

In countries like the Philippines where phishing is one of the most prevalent scams, this trend emphasizes that Filipinos have to be familiar with social engineering tactics as these play a crucial role in making an attack successful.

"Today's threat actors are like shape-shifting masters, continuously adapting their tactics to slip through the cracks of our interconnected network. With a cunning blend of evasion tools and camouflage methods, the bad actors have weaponized the threats,” says Steven Scheurmann, Regional Vice President, ASEAN at Palo Alto Networks. "They have become adept at exploiting vulnerabilities, and by the time security researchers and software vendors close the door on one vulnerability, cybercriminals have already found the next door to creak open. Organisations must, therefore, simultaneously guard against malware designed to exploit older vulnerabilities while proactively staying ahead of sophisticated new attacks."

Other key findings from the report include:

● Exploitation of vulnerabilities has increased by 55%, compared to 2021.

● Linux malware is on the rise, targeting cloud workload devices; an estimated 90% of public cloud instances run on Linux. The most common types of threats against Linux systems are: botnets (47%), coinminers (21%) and backdoors (11%).

● ChatGPT scams: Unit 42 saw a 910% increase in monthly registrations for domains, both benign and malicious, related to ChatGPT.

● Cryptominer traffic doubled in 2022.

● Newly Registered Domains: Threat actors were found more likely to target people visiting adult websites (20.2%) and financial services (13.9%) sites with newly registered domains (NRDs).

● Malware aimed at industries using OT technology is increasing: The average number of malware attacks experienced per organization in the manufacturing, utilities and energy industry increased by 238% (between 2021 and 2022).

"As millions of people use ChatGPT, it's unsurprising that we see ChatGPT-related scams, which have exploded over the past year, as cybercriminals take advantage of the hype around AI. But, the trusty email PDF is still the most common way cybercriminals deliver malware," says Sean Duca, VP and Regional Chief Security Officer at Palo Alto Networks. 

"Cybercriminals, no doubt, are looking at how they can leverage it for their nefarious activities, but for now, simple social engineering will do just fine at tricking potential victims. Organisations must therefore take a holistic view of their security environment to provide comprehensive oversight of their network and ensure security best practices are followed at every level of the organisation."

The Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report Vol.2. presents a comprehensive analysis of global telemetry data collected from Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW), Cortex Data Lake, Advanced URL Filtering, and Advanced Wildfire.

Pocky and PICKUP COFFEE team up for Father’s Day #PickMeUpChallenge

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Bond with dad this Father’s Day with the Pocky X PICKUP COFFEE #PickMeUpChallenge. One of the most memorable ways dads bond with their children is by carrying them. It helps build a loving connection between them and creates an environment of warmth and security for the child.

Pick up your child — or dad — this Father’s Day for a free Pocky!

It’s a simple bonding activity, yet it plays an important part in the child’s development. That’s why this Father’s Day, Pocky — in partnership with PICKUP COFFEE— will celebrate this loving act of dads carrying their child with the #PickMeUpChallenge.

Starting from June 11 to 24, 2023, you and your dad can go to select PICKUP COFFEE branches and get a free Pocky when you buy a Babyccino and take a photo of your dad carrying you or vice versa.

To get a free Pocky with your Babyccino, head over to these PICKUP COFFEE branches:

● Lucky Chinatown Mall

● Festival Supermall, Filinvest

● Ayala Mall Vertis North

● Eastwood Citywalk 1

● Robinsons Magnolia

● Uptown BGC

● Market! Market!

● Glorietta 4 Park

● Cloverleaf Ayala Mall

● Alabang Town Center SYKES

You can also join the online promotion on Jim Bacarro’s Instagram page (@jimbacarro). All you need to do is to upload your photo on Instagram or Facebook and be one of the 10 winners to walk away with our exclusive Pocky x PICKUP COFFEE Father’s Day Gift, which includes 2 free regular beverages and Php 500 worth of gift certificates from PICKUP COFFEE, and a special Pocky Heart Kit.

To join the online promotion, just upload a photo of your dad carrying you or vice versa with the hashtags #PickMeUpChallenge #ShareHappiness #GLICOxPICKUPCOFFEE and tag @pickupcoffeeph @glico_ph and @PockyPH on Facebook or Instagram. You must also follow @pickupcoffeeph @glico_ph and @PockyPH to join our promotion. Father-child duos of all ages are welcome to join!

What are you waiting for? Time to tell your dad to come with you to PICKUP COFFEE and bond like old times by letting him carry you! Join the #PickMeUpChallenge and share happiness this Father’s Day with Pocky and PICKUP COFFEE.

Visit:

Official Facebook　https://www.facebook.com/PockyPhilippines

Official Instagram　https://www.instagram.com/glico_ph/

Glico Brand Store (Shopalyst) https://shop-ph-glico.com/brandstore/glico

Glico Asia Pacific website https://www.glico.com/sg/

Official PICKUP COFFEE Social Channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pickupcoffeeph/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickupcoffeeph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pickupcoffee

Happy Pet, Happy Life: How to Pamper Your Pet

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When pets enter our lives, they become part of our family and home. As they give us immeasurable joy and fulfillment, we ought to give them the same care, value, and commitment as we would with other members of the family.

It all starts with showing them how much you love them, as they can thrive in love and a sense of belongingness the way humans can. Pets become our life partners so we need to do our part to keep them happy and healthy. Here are some ways you can create an environment and lifestyle which are beneficial to both you and your pet.

Your home is their home.

Just like children, pets tend to wander curiously around the house and grasp at anything within reach. Scan your house and keep sharp or breakable objects, electrical cords, medicines, and cleaners out of your furbabies’ reach. Keep your trash cans covered, as well as other containers a little paw can reach into. Make your home comfortable for your pet as well, with just the right temperature, a space for them to sleep in, and a spot where they can be trained to do their potty business.

Visit the veterinarian and groomer regularly.

Schedule check-ups with your veterinarian to always be on top of your pet’s health and development. Make sure they’re vaccinated from common pet illnesses and parasite-proof them by using antiparasitic supplements and soaps. And on top of the regular baths, take your pet to the groomer for a general clean-up from fur trimming to brushing, and nail clipping to teeth cleaning. Your pet wants to look good too!

Get the correct food type for your pet.

Most people think that pets can just eat leftovers or bland combinations of meat and rice. However, pets not only have their own preferences, but also recommended diets based on factors such as breed, size, age, health condition, and more. The vet should be able to recommend the kind of food for your furbaby, but you can also ask pet store staff about the best food and treats for your pet.

Take them out for exercise and nature.

Just like with humans, regular exercise helps improve pet health by working their muscles and organ systems to help them perform their best, which prolongs the life of your pet. Expose them to fresh environments with regular walks outside, or take them with you when you go for your daily walk or jog. Exercising is good but exercising with a pet is a completely different experience!

Be prepared for emergencies.

While we want our pets to stay healthy, there might be some cases wherein they would need extra medical care. As a life partner in financial needs, universal bank EastWest understands and values your aspirations for your pet and has services which cater to them as well. Its Save & Pawtect pet insurance offers PHP 50,000.00 medical reimbursement and PHP 500.00 daily hospitalization with one-year coverage, eligible for pets aged five months to 10 years old.

For those who are considering getting a pet, these ways can help guide you in giving it the love and care it deserves, which will give you the happiness and reward you deserve.

Is vitamin D worth the hype?

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Whether due to long work hours or to escape the hot and humid weather, Filipinos tend to seek shelter indoors as much as they can. The downside to this, however, is a vitamin D deficiency risk. A study revealed that out of 369 randomly selected Metro Manila office workers, 58% were Vitamin D-deficient1. Vitamin D helps keep us healthy in many ways, but how much do you really know about what vitamin D can do for your body, and is it really worth all the hype?

Let’s take a look at the different health benefits of vitamin D:

Keeps bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus which are key minerals for bone and oral health. It may also help increase muscle strength, which in turn helps prevent falls and fractures in older people.

Lessens risks of infections. 

Vitamin D also supports the immune system and helps in the prevention of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, which can cause chronic inflammation and damage in several tissues and organs. In a report, Clinical Nutrition Support Specialist Dr. Mercedita Macalintal2 shared that vitamin D is important for bone health, as well as keeping infection and inflammation at bay.

Minimizes risk of developing cancer and chronic diseases.

 A study by Harvard Health3 revealed that people with the lowest serum levels of vitamin D were more likely to suffer from strokes and heart diseases compared to those with the highest levels of the vitamin. A separate study by Harvard Health also reported that vitamin D can reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections, and reduce inflammation which helps minimize the risk of developing chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 1 diabetes, tuberculosis, and certain types of cancer.4

Supports weight loss.

Have you heard that extra calcium and vitamin D may have an appetite-suppressing effect that may support weight loss? According to a study from the British Journal of Nutrition, people who took daily calcium and vitamin D supplements lost more weight and fat mass than people who only followed a diet plan.5

To ensure you have enough vitamin D in your body, eat a balanced diet, take vitamin D supplements, and have ample exposure to the sun between 10am to 3pm for about 15 to 30 minutes. Consult your doctor for your annual check-up and they may include a simple blood test to detect a vitamin D deficiency, X-ray examination to check the strength of the bones, and other necessary tests.

A simple vitamin D deficiency can be the root of many health conditions. While contracting a serious illness is already concerning, the corresponding medical bills are yet another potential problem. Take the extra step to protect your health and your finances with AXA Philippines’ best-in-class health plan, AXA Global Health Access. This plan covers reimbursement for vitamins like vitamin D alongside top-notch medical services.

This plan offers up to P175 million for inpatient as well as outpatient treatment, with the option for US coverage. AXA Global Health Access also offers worldwide emergency assistance, annual health check-ups or medical screening with follow-up consultations, expert advice from medical practitioners anytime, anywhere, and mental health counseling from licensed psychiatrists.

Protect your health and finances by reducing the health risks brought on by a lack of vitamin D by securing a health protection plan from AXA Philippines. For more information, visit axa.com.ph.