Alsons Dev welcomes The Abba’s Orchard to Avia Estate

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The country’s largest and most esteemed network of authentic Montessori schools, The Abba’s Orchard, breaks ground on June 14 for its 15th campus located in Avia Estate, a township project in Alabel, Sarangani by Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev).

From L-R: Abram Barrameda (Chief Growth Officer, The Abba’s Orchard), Cathy Aleli (Deputy Head of School-Avia Estate, The Abba’s Orchard), Aleli Rodriguez (Head of School-Davao, The Abba’s Orchard), Chris Barrameda (President and Founding Director, The Abba’s Orchard), Ann Barrameda (Founding Director, The Abba’s Orchard), Miguel A. Dominguez (Director, Alsons Dev), Alex Alcantara, Rosie A. Dominguez (Executive Vice President, Alsons Dev), Marco Alcantara, Paul Dominguez (Director, Alsons Dev) – breaks ground for SOCCSKSARGEN's first true Montessori school, The Abba's Orchard, in Avia Estate.

The expansion reflects the school’s mission of "Discover True Montessori Philippines," offering high-quality education in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region—a mission that aligns with Alsons Dev's vision to offer vibrant live-work-play-learn communities where families and businesses can thrive. Recognizing this shared purpose, Alsons Dev partnered with The Abba's Orchard, contributing a substantial two hectares of land within Avia Estate to make the school a reality.

Alsons Dev Director Miguel Dominguez talks about the company’s commitment and 

continued support for the growth of Mindanao.

"We at Alsons Dev are thrilled to partner with The Abba's Orchard in bringing this exceptional learning environment to Alabel," said Miguel Dominguez, Alsons Dev Director. "This collaboration aligns with our commitment to fostering growth and development within SOCCSKSARGEN."

Discover how Avia Estate can let you live your best life. For more information about Avia Estate, visit facebook.com/AviaEstate.

Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines wins Philippines Public Sector Initiative of the Year at GovMedia Conference and Awards 2024

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines was recognized at this year’s GovMedia Conference and Awards 2024 as the recipient of the Philippines Public Sector Initiative of the Year—Tourism award for the outstanding success of one of its flagship programs, the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2023.

TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco received the award during a ceremony at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on Thursday, 13 June 2024.

“This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable and innovative tourism practices. I want to thank my team at the Tourism Promotions Board, our private stakeholder partners, and foreign buyers for making PHITEX 2023, the first purely in-person event since the pandemic, a resounding success,” said TPB COO Nograles. “Under the leadership of Tourism Secretary Frasco, we will continue to leverage technology and prioritize sustainability to enhance our tourism promotion efforts and showcase the best of the Philippines and our people to the world.”

Since its inception in 1996, PHITEX has played a vital role in fostering business partnerships and showcasing the finest tourism offerings of the Philippines. The 2023 edition embraced the theme “Tourism Sustainability in the Era of Internet of Things (IoT),” highlighting the country’s digitalization and sustainability efforts to meet global demands.

PHITEX 2023 successfully hosted 88 buyers from 19 countries worldwide for travel exchange sessions with 164 seller delegates from 119 Philippine companies. The event facilitated 4,063 business meetings, generating a projected revenue of over PHP 341.5 million.

Apart from the business-to-business sessions, PHITEX also functioned as an innovative knowledge-sharing platform for local stakeholders and academia members in the field of tourism through its Philippine Educational Program (PEP) Talk, which offered insights into the latest advancements in IoT, data privacy, and circular economies.

Pre and post-familiarization tours introduced participating international buyers to diverse community-based tourist sites, highlighting grassroots initiatives, local textiles, culinary treasures, and other eco-tourism activities in the Philippines.

The GovMedia Conference & Awards is a prestigious event that spotlights outstanding government projects and initiatives in Asia that contribute to the well-being of the people in the region. Last year, TPB’s PHITEX received the National Tourism Initiative of the Year award at the 2023 GovMedia Awards.

A Culinary Journey: Announcing the 2024 National Food Fair

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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is thrilled to announce the highly-anticipated 2024 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair, happening from July 3 to 7, 2024!

The 5-day National Food Fair, billed as the Philippine Cuisine and Ingredients Show, will be held at Megatrade Halls 1-3, 5th Level, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. With its loyal foodie following, the fair presents an opportunity to embark on a delicious adventure and discover the rich tapestry of Filipino flavors.

A Decade of Celebrating Filipino Food

Now in its 10th year, the National Food Fair is organized by the DTI Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO) — formerly the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) — in collaboration with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices. It serves as a premier platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the food and beverage industry, a sector that forms nearly half of all MSMEs in the Philippines.

Witnessing a triumphant comeback after a pandemic-induced hiatus in 2020, last year's event generated over Php 28-million in sales for almost 300 participating MSMEs, showcasing the resilience of Filipino food businesses.

A Bounty of Flavors Awaits

Food enthusiasts can expect a diverse selection of products from all regions of the Philippines, highlighting the country's rich culinary heritage. Here's a glimpse of what you'll find:

• Fresh produce: From vibrant fruits to crisp vegetables, discover the best of Filipino agriculture.

• Processed and frozen delights: Stock your pantry with delicious and convenient food options.

• Regional specialties: Embark on a flavor trip across the Philippines with unique cooked and organic dishes.

• Snack time favorites: Explore an array of delectable snacks and native delicacies.

• Culinary building blocks: Find unique ingredients and condiments to elevate your home cooking.

• Beverages galore: Quench your thirst with Philippine coffee, refreshing fruit wines, and other beverages.

• Health and wellness products: Discover food options that promote a healthy lifestyle.

A Feast for the Senses with Daily Doses of Inspiration

Beyond the culinary creations that await food enthusiasts at the physical fair, there will be special settings to showcase priority industry clusters or sectors, such as:

• The Coconut Industry Pavilion and Coconut-Based MSME Cluster

• RAPID Growth Project Pavilion

• Fresh Produce Pavilion

• KAPEtirya or Philippine Coffee Pavilion

• Philippine Island Wine, Beer, and Juice Bar

• Kusinang Filipino (Filipino Kitchen)

The event will also feature booths by various government agencies and private sector partners who support the growth of MSMEs.

A daily program of activities has been lined up to provide inspiration and upskilling for food-preneurs and home cooks alike. Following the opening ceremonies on July 3rd, a program of exciting activities will be open to the public throughout the fair. These include:

• Cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, offering valuable culinary insights.

• Business talks and workshops designed to equip MSMEs with valuable skills and knowledge.

Participation is free, both on-site and via livestream on the National Food Fair's social media channels. More details will be announced shortly.

Join the DTI-BMDPO Events

Aspiring entrepreneurs can join future DTI-BMDPO fairs through their local DTI Office. They may also reach out to the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions & OTOP by sending an email to Director Marievic Bonoan at BDTP@dti.gov.ph. Stay updated by following them on Facebook (@BDTP), Twitter (@DTI_BDTP), Instagram (@dti.bdtp), YouTube (@DTI.BDTP), and TikTok (@dti.bdtp).

Get ready for a delightful food adventure at the 2024 National Food Fair!

The All-New HUAWEI MatePad 11.5”S is Coming to the Philippines

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Huawei has introduced two new additions to its innovative tablet lineup, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5"S, featuring upgraded PaperMatte Display technology that redefines the paper-like creative experience, and the HUAWEI MatePad SE 11”, the newest entry-level tablet with a premium design and impressive features. These tablets are designed to meet the diverse needs of young professionals and modern households. 

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The Latest Huawei Tablet is Equipped with Fully Upgraded PaperMatte Display and First-ever Developed Painting app, GoPaint

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Huawei’s engineers leveraged years worth of research on visual fatigue to replicate key characteristics of paper-like displays. Focusing on anti-glare, eye protection, and a paper-like texture for stylus use, they developed models to evaluate eye comfort, screen feel, and handwriting feel. These innovations redefined the tablet experience, merging paper-like display technology with digital screens for enhanced work and study. This year, these upgrades debuted on the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5”S.

HUAWEI MatePad 11.5”S: A Whole New Reading, Writing, Drawing, and Touching Experience with PaperMatte Display

The new HUAWEI MatePad 11.5”S, available in two stylish colors: Violet and Space Gray, is the first productivity Huawei tablet featuring PaperMatte Display technology, showcasing an optimal balance of visual and tactile experience. 

● Reading: Clearer display, easy on the eyes

Huawei’s PaperMatte Display features advanced nanoscale anti-glare etching and proprietary optimizations that reduce reflected light interference by 99%. Multiple layers of nanoscale magnetron optical coating soften emitted light, minimizing surface reflectivity to under 2%, allowing users to enjoy high resolution and vibrant colors. 

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5”S has earned eye protection certifications, highlighting its eye-friendly nature. These certifications include Low Visual Fatigue Premium Performance Certification from SGS for the device’s PaperMatte Display, as well as Reflection-Free, Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution), and Flicker-Free standards certifications from TÜV Rheinland.

● Writing and Drawing: Pen-on-Paper Feeling

The nano-level etching technique simulates paper texture for handwriting, offering 47% more satisfaction than typical LCD screens. Paired with the HUAWEI M-Pencil (3rd generation) powered by NearLink technology, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5”S recreates the pencil on paper experience while maintaining essential audio-visual functionalities. 

● Touching: Smoothen your touch

An ultra-hydrophobic, oil-resistant film prevents fingerprints and greasiness, ensuring a comfortable touch and reducing the need for frequent cleaning, whether browsing the web, reading an ebook, or creating art. 

Turning Sketches into Masterpieces with GoPaint App

Huawei enhances the painting experience with GoPaint, a new and easy-to-use painting app. Developed with the China Academy of Art, GoPaint provides true-to-life painting effects, refined through testing by over 1,000 professional painters. The app offers over 100 brushes and realistic textures along with features like Canvas Background Pattern and Ink Wash, powered by the FangTian Painting Engine for smooth performance, low latency, and high frame rates. Smart tools like curve correction and willow leaf assist users in creating art, while interactive tutorials and user guides help beginners navigate the app. 

With its lightweight, paper-like feel and powerful performance, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5”S is an ideal  all-around device for productivity and creativity anytime, anywhere.

HUAWEI MatePad SE 11”: Perfect for the Whole Family

Adding to Huawei’s impressive lineup of MatePad tablets is the HUAWEI MatePad SE 11”, a user-friendly, durable, and elegant tablet designed for immersive home entertainment. Weighing only 475g and measuring 6.9mm thick, it is easy to handle for all family members. Available in Nebula Grey, the tablet features an integrated metal body made of 5 series aluminum alloys. 

As the first cellular tablet with a double-slit design, the HUAWEI MatePad SE 11” uses Huawei’s patented Metaslot antenna technology. The WiFi version boasts a sleek, slit-free design with the Cavity Slot Magnetic (CSM) antenna 2.0, which is resistant to metal interference and ensures smooth signal transmission. Built to be 45.2% harder than its predecessor, the tablet has passed over 60 durability tests, making it both stylish and robust.

The HUAWEI MatePad SE 11” features an 11-inch FHD+ screen with a 1920 x 1200 resolution and 400 nits of brightness for an immersive, eye-friendly viewing experience with automatic brightness adjustment for various lighting conditions. It has four speakers delivering up to 80 decibels of rich sound, optimized by the Huawei Histen 9.0 audio system. The 7700 mAh battery supports up to 21 days of usage and 22.5W fast-charging, fully charging in just 140 minutes. This model supports the HUAWEI M-Pen Lite, for realistic note-taking, sketching, and more.

The comprehensive app ecosystem includes productivity tools such as Multi-Screen Collaboration, a Service Widgets, App Multiplier, and Multi-Window for effortless conferencing, studying, and shopping. 

Designed for every household member, the HUAWEI MatePad SE 11” includes the BabyBus education ecosystem with 260 educational features for children, parental controls via the “Kids Corner” feature, and eBook Mode and Font Magnification for easier reading for elderly users.

Huawei’s latest tablets, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5”S and HUAWEI MatePad SE 11”, set new standards in design, functionality, and user experience, catering to both professional and family use. 

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5”S and the HUAWEI MatePad SE 11” will soon launch in the Philippines. The HUAWEI MatePad SE 11”, available in Nebula Grey, will come with exclusive first sale freebies for purchases made from June 28 to July 31, 2024. The HUAWEI MatePad SE 11” 8GB + 128GB variant, priced at PHP 11,999, will include the HUAWEI M-Pencil Lite (worth PHP 2,999), a flip cover (worth PHP 999), and a coffee mug (worth PHP 999). 

The HUAWEI MatePad SE 11” 6GB + 128 GB variant, valued at PHP 8,999, will come with a flip cover (worth PHP 999) and a coffee mug (worth PHP 999) available online through the HUAWEI Online Store, Shopee, and Lazada starting July 21, 2024.

To learn more about the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5”S and its official launch, stay tuned to these pages on the HUAWEI Online Store, Shopee, and Lazada. 

and the HUAWEI MatePad SE 11” tablets visit Huawei’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

Is your online lover too good to be true? Know the red flags of a love scammer

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Dating in the digital age has become easier with so many apps and services to choose from. By the end of 2023, it was reported that 441 million people were using dating apps actively, generating around $8.7 billion in revenues globally through matchmaking services.

The appeal of dating apps is that you’re not limited by geography. You can meet people online in your city or in another country; you get to see how they look like from their profiles; find out their interests; and if you begin chatting, you can judge if you’re compatible enough to go on a first date.

 

Many Filipinos have fallen victim to romance scams, among other fakery proliferating online. Now there’s a Facebook page that crowdsources information and experiences so that you can be more aware about scams. Called Online Alerto, it’s a Facebook community page dedicated to the dissemination of invaluable insights, resources, and strategies related to digital literacy, cybersecurity, and responsible online behavior.

 

Acting as a collaborative platform, it facilitates members in validating their online purchases and transactions while fostering an environment where personal experiences are exchanged to help enhance online safety and awareness among all members. Online Alerto is absolutely free—all you need to do is join the community page to raise your own awareness about cybercrimes.

 

While identity theft and hacking are the leading cybercrimes globally, love scams are rapidly on the rise. In Southeast Asia, these crimes have two victims: those deceived by the scam and those that are trafficked into doing the scams.

 

Online Alerto has pooled resources on the internet for warnings and tips on avoiding love scams.   

 

                                                   

Avoid these red flags

• ·       The person expresses strong emotions and love for you very quickly, often within days or weeks of initial contact.
• ·     They quickly ask you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly on WhatsApp or SMS, where they can manipulate you more easily.
• ·       If an individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information, they could later blackmail you or extort money from you.
• ·       When you make plans to meet in person, they always come up with an excuse why they can’t.
• ·       They ask for money for various reasons such as travel expenses, medical emergencies, or business opportunities. This is often the biggest and most obvious red flag.
• ·       They tell you stories to elicit sympathy, such as being widowed, having a sick child, or facing some urgent crisis.
• ·       They ask you many personal questions, but they avoid sharing their personal details or give information that cannot be verified such as a home address or workplace.

 

What scammers say to hook you in

"I or someone close to me is sick, hurt, or in jail."

"I can teach you how to invest."

"I'm in the military far away."

"I need help with an important delivery."

"We've never met, but let's talk about marriage."

"I've come into some money or gold."

"I'm on an oil rig or ship."

"You can trust me with your private pictures."

 

Ways to protect yourself

• ·       Reverse search the person’s photo by using online searches like Google Images.
• ·      Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers use details shared on social media  and dating sites to better understand and target you.
• ·       Maintain a healthy level of skepticism, especially if things seem too good to be true.
• ·       Suggest a video call early in your communication.
• ·    Check their social media profiles for consistency with what they've told you. Look for a reasonable number of friends, photos, and posts over time. A lack of social media presence or a newly created profile can be a red flag.
• ·       If you decide to meet in person, choose a public place and inform a friend or family member about your plans. Ensure the person you meet matches their online presence.
• ·      Some dating apps offer identity verification features, like blue checkmarks, to indicate users who have verified their identity through the app.

Join Online Alerto on Facebook to better protect yourself from romance and other scams and learn from other people’s experiences.