Public health experts Dr. John Q. Wong (EpiMetrics) and Dr. Anthony Calibo (Jhpiego HAPPI Project) share evidence and strategies on positioning HPV vaccination as a cornerstone of cervical cancer prevention and Universal Health Care during the Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians 7th Annual National Convention (PHCON 2025) with the theme “Hibla at Habi: Weaving a Responsive Health System.”

Public Health Physicians call for Strengthening HPV Vaccination for Cervical Cancer Prevention

Public health physicians continue to champion the cause of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination as a critical step in preventing cervical cancer and realizing the goals of Universal Health Care (UHC) in the Philippines.

At the recent Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians 7^th Annual National Convention (PHCON 2025) with the theme “Hibla at Habi: Weaving a Responsive Health System,” experts underscored that cervical cancer, a preventable cancer, remains one of the country’s most urgent health challenges, claiming about 12 Filipinas’ lives each day.

They stressed that HPV vaccination, combined with screening and awareness programs, offers a proven and cost-effective way to curb this toll and move closer to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health burden.

HPV Vaccination as a Strategic Investment

Dr. John Q. Wong, renowned epidemiologist, and co-founder and president of EpiMetrics, highlighted the economic and equity benefits of making HPV vaccination a national priority. He said that “for every dollar [peso] you invest in the vaccination program, you get back up to 4x in benefits. Meanwhile, the cost of treatment, depending on the stage, can range between Php 200,000 to Php 1 million.”

Dr. Wong added that prevention saves families from catastrophic health expenses and strengthens the broader health system. “It’s more expensive to buy an iPhone than to invest in protecting our girls through HPV vaccination,” Dr. Wong noted, underscoring that the government will just have to spend less than Php 2,000 per person to provide decades of protection against cervical cancer through the national HPV vaccination program.

He clarified that this figure refers to the program cost shouldered by the government, not the out-of-pocket price of the vaccine. “If we consider the long-term protection against cancer, the HPV vaccine is not a costly investment but rather one of the most cost-effective public health measures available,” he emphasized.

The Role of Physicians and Communities

Drawing from the findings of the HAPPI Project, Dr. Anthony Calibo, Technical Advisor of Jhpiego’s HPV Vaccination Learning Project (HPV Vaccination Acceleration Program Partners Initiative), noted that HPV vaccine coverage rates (VCR) remain low across many areas, largely because the current Department of Health (DOH) allocation of vaccines is insufficient to meet the demand. “This is why physicians must step up and help bridge the gap,” he stressed. “Doctors should influence mayors, governors, and councilors to prioritize HPV vaccination.”

He also pointed to best practices from HAPPI, which showed that integrating HPV vaccination into school-based immunization drives and adolescent health check-ups boosts uptake. “Teachers play a critical role. When consent forms are sent home, parents often go back to teachers with questions. Equipping them to communicate the benefits of the vaccine is essential to building trust.”

Adding to Dr. Calibo’s sharing, Dr. Wong urged reframing the message: “It’s better to present HPV immunization as a cancer prevention vaccine. Who doesn’t want to prevent cancer? This is one of only two vaccines in the world that can actually do that.”

Local Leadership: Banna, Ilocos Norte Sets the Standard

The municipality of Banna, Ilocos Norte, led by mayor-physician Hon. Dr. Chrislyn Abadilla, has become a model for local government action. The current Department of Health (DOH) HPV Vaccination Program using the quadrivalent HPV Vaccine caters only to a small percentage of Grade 4 female students. But by early 2024, the town achieved 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls aged 9-14, making it the first in the country to meet the World Health Organization’s elimination target.

In August 2025, Banna’s program expanded to include young women up to age 26 and female healthcare workers, all funded by the local government. This is to ensure that females who missed or were not covered by the DOH HPV vaccination program in previous years would have a chance to get the HPV Vaccination for free from their LGU. The quadrivalent HPV vaccine also protects against genital warts, making it a valuable part of adolescent sexual and reproductive health programs.

“What was once thought impossible for a small municipality is now being celebrated as a model of courage, compassion, and commitment to public health,” Dr. Abadilla shared in a video message.

Toward Universal Health Care

Dr. Wong and Dr. Calibo agreed that scaling up HPV vaccination requires both political will and community partnership. They urged national and local governments to secure budgets, integrate vaccination into existing programs, and train educators and health workers to dispel myths.

“With the right investment and physician leadership, HPV vaccination can protect our daughters, empower our communities, and bring us closer to eliminating cervical cancer.”

To get the latest update, follow me on my social media accounts.

• Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Public Health Physicians call for Strengthening HPV Vaccination for Cervical Cancer Prevention

Public health experts Dr. John Q. Wong (EpiMetrics) and Dr. Anthony Calibo (Jhpiego HAPPI Project) share evidence and strategies on positioning HPV vaccination as a cornerstone of cervical cancer prevention and Universal Health Care during the Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians 7th Annual National Convention (PHCON 2025) with the theme “Hibla at Habi: Weaving a Responsive Health System.”

Public Health Physicians call for Strengthening HPV Vaccination for Cervical Cancer Prevention

Public health physicians continue to champion the cause of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination as a critical step in preventing cervical cancer and realizing the goals of Universal Health Care (UHC) in the Philippines.

At the recent Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians 7^th Annual National Convention (PHCON 2025) with the theme “Hibla at Habi: Weaving a Responsive Health System,” experts underscored that cervical cancer, a preventable cancer, remains one of the country’s most urgent health challenges, claiming about 12 Filipinas’ lives each day.

They stressed that HPV vaccination, combined with screening and awareness programs, offers a proven and cost-effective way to curb this toll and move closer to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health burden.

HPV Vaccination as a Strategic Investment

Dr. John Q. Wong, renowned epidemiologist, and co-founder and president of EpiMetrics, highlighted the economic and equity benefits of making HPV vaccination a national priority. He said that “for every dollar [peso] you invest in the vaccination program, you get back up to 4x in benefits. Meanwhile, the cost of treatment, depending on the stage, can range between Php 200,000 to Php 1 million.”

Dr. Wong added that prevention saves families from catastrophic health expenses and strengthens the broader health system. “It’s more expensive to buy an iPhone than to invest in protecting our girls through HPV vaccination,” Dr. Wong noted, underscoring that the government will just have to spend less than Php 2,000 per person to provide decades of protection against cervical cancer through the national HPV vaccination program.

He clarified that this figure refers to the program cost shouldered by the government, not the out-of-pocket price of the vaccine. “If we consider the long-term protection against cancer, the HPV vaccine is not a costly investment but rather one of the most cost-effective public health measures available,” he emphasized.

The Role of Physicians and Communities

Drawing from the findings of the HAPPI Project, Dr. Anthony Calibo, Technical Advisor of Jhpiego’s HPV Vaccination Learning Project (HPV Vaccination Acceleration Program Partners Initiative), noted that HPV vaccine coverage rates (VCR) remain low across many areas, largely because the current Department of Health (DOH) allocation of vaccines is insufficient to meet the demand. “This is why physicians must step up and help bridge the gap,” he stressed. “Doctors should influence mayors, governors, and councilors to prioritize HPV vaccination.”

He also pointed to best practices from HAPPI, which showed that integrating HPV vaccination into school-based immunization drives and adolescent health check-ups boosts uptake. “Teachers play a critical role. When consent forms are sent home, parents often go back to teachers with questions. Equipping them to communicate the benefits of the vaccine is essential to building trust.”

Adding to Dr. Calibo’s sharing, Dr. Wong urged reframing the message: “It’s better to present HPV immunization as a cancer prevention vaccine. Who doesn’t want to prevent cancer? This is one of only two vaccines in the world that can actually do that.”

Local Leadership: Banna, Ilocos Norte Sets the Standard

The municipality of Banna, Ilocos Norte, led by mayor-physician Hon. Dr. Chrislyn Abadilla, has become a model for local government action. The current Department of Health (DOH) HPV Vaccination Program using the quadrivalent HPV Vaccine caters only to a small percentage of Grade 4 female students. But by early 2024, the town achieved 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls aged 9-14, making it the first in the country to meet the World Health Organization’s elimination target.

In August 2025, Banna’s program expanded to include young women up to age 26 and female healthcare workers, all funded by the local government. This is to ensure that females who missed or were not covered by the DOH HPV vaccination program in previous years would have a chance to get the HPV Vaccination for free from their LGU. The quadrivalent HPV vaccine also protects against genital warts, making it a valuable part of adolescent sexual and reproductive health programs.

“What was once thought impossible for a small municipality is now being celebrated as a model of courage, compassion, and commitment to public health,” Dr. Abadilla shared in a video message.

Toward Universal Health Care

Dr. Wong and Dr. Calibo agreed that scaling up HPV vaccination requires both political will and community partnership. They urged national and local governments to secure budgets, integrate vaccination into existing programs, and train educators and health workers to dispel myths.

“With the right investment and physician leadership, HPV vaccination can protect our daughters, empower our communities, and bring us closer to eliminating cervical cancer.”

To get the latest update, follow me on my social media accounts.

Read more »

The 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair runs from October 23 to 29, 2025, at the Megatrade Halls 1–3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

A Living Tapestry: Inside the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair

The air inside the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall hums with the sound of weaving looms, soft laughter, and lively conversation. The scent of freshly polished wood mingles with the faint aroma of local coffee from one of the nearby booths. In every direction, color and texture fill the space — from hand-dyed fabrics and finely carved wooden furniture to delicate beadwork and handwoven baskets that carry the mark of both tradition and modern design.

This is the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF), a celebration of Filipino creativity that brings together more than 300 exhibitors from across the country. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO) in partnership with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the NACF has once again transformed the Megatrade Halls into a living museum of Philippine artistry.

The Country’s Creative Heartbeat

From opening day, visitors—families, students, collectors, and buyers—have come to experience how Filipino artisans are redefining tradition. In one corner, weavers from Kalinga demonstrate backstrap weaving as vivid geometric patterns come to life on the loom. Nearby, the T’boli of South Cotabato display their distinctive t’nalak cloth dyed with natural pigments. The Maranaw artisans present their brassware and torogan-inspired designs, while exhibitors from Antique proudly showcase patadyong weaves that carry the legacy of their province’s women’s cooperatives.

Every booth tells a story. Each artisan represents a community, a heritage, and a continuing dialogue between the past and the future.

 

Honoring the Masters

At the heart of the fair are the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees — the National Living Treasures whose mastery preserves the Philippines’ intangible cultural heritage. Their presence lends the event both prestige and purpose. Visitors gravitate towards them, amazed at the generational knowledge being preserved and passed down for future generations.

During the daily program, Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs) offer demonstrations of traditional crafts passed down through generations. Young apprentices share how their elders are teaching them to weave, carve, or mold clay by hand.

These cultural bearers remind everyone that heritage is not frozen in the past but continues to grow, adapt, and thrive.

 

Tradition Meets Modern Design

This year’s fair also shines a spotlight on innovation. Curated by the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), several exhibits explore how traditional materials can take on new life through design collaboration. Modern furniture made from rattan, bamboo, and wood stand beside minimalist lighting fixtures crafted by artisans from Pampanga. Jewelry and fashion accessories reinvent indigenous motifs for the contemporary market.

Visitors can see how form and function coexist in the works on display. Even familiar crafts are reimagined through the creative use of color, pattern, and material.

 

Workshops and Live Demonstrations

Beyond the exhibits, the NACF’s daily schedule includes workshops, live performances, and business talks. Resource persons from partner agencies share insights on branding, product innovation, and intellectual property. Potters, weavers, and woodcarvers hold live demonstrations that captivate visitors and inspire future artisans.

For participants, the NACF is both an opportunity to connect with buyers and a venue for learning new ideas that can sustain their craft.

 

Partnerships that Empower Communities

The success of the NACF lies in the strong collaboration between government agencies and creative communities. The DTI-BMDPO continues to play a key role in helping artisans reach new markets through trade promotion and product development support. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) ensures that traditional knowledge is preserved, while the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) bridges heritage and innovation through design thinking.

The Office of Senator Loren Legarda remains a steadfast partner in this endeavor. Since its inception, Legarda has envisioned the NACF as both a cultural and economic platform — one that recognizes the artistry of Filipino communities while providing them with opportunities for growth.

Senator Legarda has long supported the empowerment of local artisans, particularly women’s cooperatives and weaving centers that sustain families through traditional crafts. Many of these groups are once again part of this year’s fair, sharing not only their products but also their stories of resilience and creativity.

“Every artisan who joins the fair brings with them the story of a community. Through their hands, we see how creativity can transform lives and how culture remains our strongest foundation for progress,” Legarda said.

 

A Celebration for All Filipinos

As the 7-day fair continues, the energy inside the Megatrade Halls buzz with energy and enthusiasm. Every day brings new faces, conversations, and discoveries. Students observe weaving techniques. Entrepreneurs explore partnerships. Tourists bring home handmade pieces that carry the spirit of the islands.

The NACF has grown beyond being a marketplace. It has become a meeting place for ideas, cultures, and generations. It invites visitors to see the beauty of Filipino craftsmanship not just as art to be admired, but as a living tradition to be supported and shared.

 

Visit the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair

The 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair runs from October 23 to 29, 2025, at the Megatrade Halls 1–3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Admission is free.

Experience the artistry of Filipino weavers, carvers, potters, and designers from all over the country. Discover handcrafted products that carry the stories of our communities and celebrate the creativity that continues to shape the nation’s identity.

For updates, follow DTI.BMDPO on Facebook and Instagram or email bmdpo@dti.gov.ph.

The NACF stands as a living testament to what happens when tradition, innovation, and community come together — a true tapestry of Filipino pride and craftsmanship.

 

• Thursday, October 23, 2025

A Living Tapestry: Inside the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair

The 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair runs from October 23 to 29, 2025, at the Megatrade Halls 1–3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

A Living Tapestry: Inside the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair

The air inside the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall hums with the sound of weaving looms, soft laughter, and lively conversation. The scent of freshly polished wood mingles with the faint aroma of local coffee from one of the nearby booths. In every direction, color and texture fill the space — from hand-dyed fabrics and finely carved wooden furniture to delicate beadwork and handwoven baskets that carry the mark of both tradition and modern design.

This is the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF), a celebration of Filipino creativity that brings together more than 300 exhibitors from across the country. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO) in partnership with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the NACF has once again transformed the Megatrade Halls into a living museum of Philippine artistry.

The Country’s Creative Heartbeat

From opening day, visitors—families, students, collectors, and buyers—have come to experience how Filipino artisans are redefining tradition. In one corner, weavers from Kalinga demonstrate backstrap weaving as vivid geometric patterns come to life on the loom. Nearby, the T’boli of South Cotabato display their distinctive t’nalak cloth dyed with natural pigments. The Maranaw artisans present their brassware and torogan-inspired designs, while exhibitors from Antique proudly showcase patadyong weaves that carry the legacy of their province’s women’s cooperatives.

Every booth tells a story. Each artisan represents a community, a heritage, and a continuing dialogue between the past and the future.

 

Honoring the Masters

At the heart of the fair are the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees — the National Living Treasures whose mastery preserves the Philippines’ intangible cultural heritage. Their presence lends the event both prestige and purpose. Visitors gravitate towards them, amazed at the generational knowledge being preserved and passed down for future generations.

During the daily program, Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs) offer demonstrations of traditional crafts passed down through generations. Young apprentices share how their elders are teaching them to weave, carve, or mold clay by hand.

These cultural bearers remind everyone that heritage is not frozen in the past but continues to grow, adapt, and thrive.

 

Tradition Meets Modern Design

This year’s fair also shines a spotlight on innovation. Curated by the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), several exhibits explore how traditional materials can take on new life through design collaboration. Modern furniture made from rattan, bamboo, and wood stand beside minimalist lighting fixtures crafted by artisans from Pampanga. Jewelry and fashion accessories reinvent indigenous motifs for the contemporary market.

Visitors can see how form and function coexist in the works on display. Even familiar crafts are reimagined through the creative use of color, pattern, and material.

 

Workshops and Live Demonstrations

Beyond the exhibits, the NACF’s daily schedule includes workshops, live performances, and business talks. Resource persons from partner agencies share insights on branding, product innovation, and intellectual property. Potters, weavers, and woodcarvers hold live demonstrations that captivate visitors and inspire future artisans.

For participants, the NACF is both an opportunity to connect with buyers and a venue for learning new ideas that can sustain their craft.

 

Partnerships that Empower Communities

The success of the NACF lies in the strong collaboration between government agencies and creative communities. The DTI-BMDPO continues to play a key role in helping artisans reach new markets through trade promotion and product development support. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) ensures that traditional knowledge is preserved, while the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) bridges heritage and innovation through design thinking.

The Office of Senator Loren Legarda remains a steadfast partner in this endeavor. Since its inception, Legarda has envisioned the NACF as both a cultural and economic platform — one that recognizes the artistry of Filipino communities while providing them with opportunities for growth.

Senator Legarda has long supported the empowerment of local artisans, particularly women’s cooperatives and weaving centers that sustain families through traditional crafts. Many of these groups are once again part of this year’s fair, sharing not only their products but also their stories of resilience and creativity.

“Every artisan who joins the fair brings with them the story of a community. Through their hands, we see how creativity can transform lives and how culture remains our strongest foundation for progress,” Legarda said.

 

A Celebration for All Filipinos

As the 7-day fair continues, the energy inside the Megatrade Halls buzz with energy and enthusiasm. Every day brings new faces, conversations, and discoveries. Students observe weaving techniques. Entrepreneurs explore partnerships. Tourists bring home handmade pieces that carry the spirit of the islands.

The NACF has grown beyond being a marketplace. It has become a meeting place for ideas, cultures, and generations. It invites visitors to see the beauty of Filipino craftsmanship not just as art to be admired, but as a living tradition to be supported and shared.

 

Visit the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair

The 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair runs from October 23 to 29, 2025, at the Megatrade Halls 1–3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Admission is free.

Experience the artistry of Filipino weavers, carvers, potters, and designers from all over the country. Discover handcrafted products that carry the stories of our communities and celebrate the creativity that continues to shape the nation’s identity.

For updates, follow DTI.BMDPO on Facebook and Instagram or email bmdpo@dti.gov.ph.

The NACF stands as a living testament to what happens when tradition, innovation, and community come together — a true tapestry of Filipino pride and craftsmanship.

 

Read more »

Dark Social Monitoring is the Marketing Superpower You’re Missing

Facebook insights, Instagram engagements, and website clicks are standard analytics tools for business owners. While they’re useful in determining your progress, they do not reveal the behind-the-scenes conversations about your brand.

To access this backstage, you have to delve into the “dark social”, where all the conversations about your business happen in private, such as sharing links on Messenger and brand discussions in email threads. Since these channels don’t show up in your analytics, you might be underestimating how much buzz your brand is really getting.

Discover how you can utilize its marketing superpower below!

Why Dark Social Matters for New Businesses

There are three simple reasons why you should consider dark social in your PR plan:

 

1. It’s where trust is built: People trust recommendations from friends and family more than ads. Your product link shared in a group chat could convert more people than an ad on people’s news feeds.
2. It shows true engagement: A lot of people don’t comment or share publicly, but they’ll quietly send your post to someone who needs it. That’s better engagement even if it’s not visible publicly.
3. It can explain sudden sales spikes: When orders suddenly come in without any ad push, your brand might be trending in the dark social space.

How to Spot Dark Social Activity

You can’t track every private share, but there are clear signs that dark social may be at play. Unexplained traffic spikes labeled as “direct” without a clear source, sudden rise in inquiries, and word-of-mouth testaments may suggest your content is being passed around in unseen but powerful ways.

Be watchful of these patterns and take advantage of them by encouraging more people to share your products or services to others.

Simple Ways to Tap Into Dark Social

Small businesses, in particular, can benefit a lot from dark social. Here are 4 ways you can leverage it to your advantage:

Make Sharing Easy

Adding a simple “Share on Messenger” button on your website and blog posts encourages your audience to share your content and product. It just removes the small hassle of copying and pasting links from one app to another, but it sure helps in making sharing seamless.

Use Trackable Links

Free tools like Bit.ly let you create short, unique links to track how often they’re being clicked. They also allow you to customize your link appearance, thus avoiding long, scam-looking links that may turn people off.

Ask Customers About Their Discovery

A quick survey or casual question during checkout can give you insight into whether dark social played a role. Plus, it lets you know of new and ideal avenues to promote your content.

Create Interesting Content

When customers find your content and product helpful and useful to them, they’re more likely to share it with others. Make sure to include FAQs, tips, customer success stories, and even special promos on your website to give your audience shareable and valuable content.

Why PR Agencies Value Dark Social

Professional marketers and PR agencies understand the hidden power of dark social and how it can elevate a brand’s reputation. Beyond setting up systems to track mentions and engagements across channels, they know how to spark organic sharing through compelling storytelling. They can also uncover where your “hidden buzz” is coming from and strategically amplify it with the right marketing push.

This work can be overwhelming for businesses, especially ones that are still on the rise. With the help of a dedicated PR agency in the Philippines, this seemingly big task can turn into a staple PR move that turns quiet engagements into lasting impact.

Some of the most powerful PR happens in the dark.

Powerful PR Can Happen in the Dark

Dark social seems sinister because of the name, but it’s actually a huge PR opportunity that you wouldn’t want to miss out on. More than public engagements, trending in dark social is proof that people are talking about your brand in their most trusted spaces.

By recognizing it, encouraging sharing, and working with the right PR partners, you can make sure that these “hidden” conversations translate into visible growth for your business.

Do not fear the dark — instead, explore it and leverage it for your success!

• Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Dark Social Monitoring is the Marketing Superpower You’re Missing

Dark Social Monitoring is the Marketing Superpower You’re Missing

Facebook insights, Instagram engagements, and website clicks are standard analytics tools for business owners. While they’re useful in determining your progress, they do not reveal the behind-the-scenes conversations about your brand.

To access this backstage, you have to delve into the “dark social”, where all the conversations about your business happen in private, such as sharing links on Messenger and brand discussions in email threads. Since these channels don’t show up in your analytics, you might be underestimating how much buzz your brand is really getting.

Discover how you can utilize its marketing superpower below!

Why Dark Social Matters for New Businesses

There are three simple reasons why you should consider dark social in your PR plan:

 

1. It’s where trust is built: People trust recommendations from friends and family more than ads. Your product link shared in a group chat could convert more people than an ad on people’s news feeds.
2. It shows true engagement: A lot of people don’t comment or share publicly, but they’ll quietly send your post to someone who needs it. That’s better engagement even if it’s not visible publicly.
3. It can explain sudden sales spikes: When orders suddenly come in without any ad push, your brand might be trending in the dark social space.

How to Spot Dark Social Activity

You can’t track every private share, but there are clear signs that dark social may be at play. Unexplained traffic spikes labeled as “direct” without a clear source, sudden rise in inquiries, and word-of-mouth testaments may suggest your content is being passed around in unseen but powerful ways.

Be watchful of these patterns and take advantage of them by encouraging more people to share your products or services to others.

Simple Ways to Tap Into Dark Social

Small businesses, in particular, can benefit a lot from dark social. Here are 4 ways you can leverage it to your advantage:

Make Sharing Easy

Adding a simple “Share on Messenger” button on your website and blog posts encourages your audience to share your content and product. It just removes the small hassle of copying and pasting links from one app to another, but it sure helps in making sharing seamless.

Use Trackable Links

Free tools like Bit.ly let you create short, unique links to track how often they’re being clicked. They also allow you to customize your link appearance, thus avoiding long, scam-looking links that may turn people off.

Ask Customers About Their Discovery

A quick survey or casual question during checkout can give you insight into whether dark social played a role. Plus, it lets you know of new and ideal avenues to promote your content.

Create Interesting Content

When customers find your content and product helpful and useful to them, they’re more likely to share it with others. Make sure to include FAQs, tips, customer success stories, and even special promos on your website to give your audience shareable and valuable content.

Why PR Agencies Value Dark Social

Professional marketers and PR agencies understand the hidden power of dark social and how it can elevate a brand’s reputation. Beyond setting up systems to track mentions and engagements across channels, they know how to spark organic sharing through compelling storytelling. They can also uncover where your “hidden buzz” is coming from and strategically amplify it with the right marketing push.

This work can be overwhelming for businesses, especially ones that are still on the rise. With the help of a dedicated PR agency in the Philippines, this seemingly big task can turn into a staple PR move that turns quiet engagements into lasting impact.

Some of the most powerful PR happens in the dark.

Powerful PR Can Happen in the Dark

Dark social seems sinister because of the name, but it’s actually a huge PR opportunity that you wouldn’t want to miss out on. More than public engagements, trending in dark social is proof that people are talking about your brand in their most trusted spaces.

By recognizing it, encouraging sharing, and working with the right PR partners, you can make sure that these “hidden” conversations translate into visible growth for your business.

Do not fear the dark — instead, explore it and leverage it for your success!

Read more »

The Hidden Risks to Heart Health Go Beyond Diet and Lifestyle

The Hidden Risks to Heart Health Go Beyond Diet and Lifestyle

LAC Philippines Promotes Everyday Cardiovascular Protection for Filipinos

 

Caring for the heart goes beyond an annual reminder. While Filipinos recently marked World Heart Day, keeping it healthy is a daily priority. After all, related diseases to it continue to be among the country’s top health concerns and consistent leading cause of death in the Philippines.

Beyond well-known factors like diet, exercise, and smoking, new research points to less visible risks. A study by NYU Langone Health this year linked chemicals commonly found in plastics, called phthalates, to more than 350,000 cardiovascular-related deaths globally. With the Philippines being one of the world’s biggest consumers of single-use plastics, using millions each day, this adds another layer of urgency to protecting cardiovascular wellness.

Everyday Steps to Lower Heart Risks

Maintaining healthy habits is still the most effective way to reduce risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Routine screenings also play a critical role in catching conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol before they progress.

Furthermore, stress management through quality sleep, meditation, and mindfulness, along with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, form the foundation for overall wellness. Omega-3 fatty acids in particular help reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides, and support circulation, while antioxidants protect against oxidative stress.

For added protection, Filipinos can combine these healthy habits with targeted nutrition like LAC TRIMAX™ Omega Fish Oil + CoQ-10, a premium 2-in-1 supplement designed to help promote heart health and overall vitality.

Each softgel delivers 1355mg of purified fish oil concentrate, providing 949mg of omega-3 fatty acids (Eicosapentaenoic Acid & Docosahexaenoic Acid) that help maintain healthy cholesterol, blood pressure, and circulation, ensuring nutrients and oxygen are efficiently delivered throughout the body. It also contains 100mg of Coenzyme Q-10, a vital nutrient for heart muscle strength and energy production. Since natural CoQ-10 levels decline with age, supplementation helps restore vitality, reduce breathlessness, and keep the heart performing at its peak.

Additionally, LAC TRIMAX™ Omega Fish Oil + CoQ-10 aids brain function, joint flexibility, skin comfort, and mood balance which helps Filipinos stay energized, resilient, and full of vitality at every stage of life. Purified to remove contaminants and enteric-coated to minimize fishy aftertaste, it is also safe for long-term use with just one softgel daily.

Awareness of both lifestyle and environmental risks, combined with proactive daily habits, is still a key to protecting overall well-being as cardiovascular disease continues to be a major health concern in the country.

Its other brands include Xndo Food For Health. LAC Global is dedicated to ensuring consumers stay well, and live life to the fullest. 

Website: LAC.com.ph

Instagram: @LACworldwidePH

Facebook: @LACworldwidePH

TikTok: @LACworldwidePH

• Wednesday, October 22, 2025
• Health and Wellness

The Hidden Risks to Heart Health Go Beyond Diet and Lifestyle

The Hidden Risks to Heart Health Go Beyond Diet and Lifestyle

The Hidden Risks to Heart Health Go Beyond Diet and Lifestyle

LAC Philippines Promotes Everyday Cardiovascular Protection for Filipinos

 

Caring for the heart goes beyond an annual reminder. While Filipinos recently marked World Heart Day, keeping it healthy is a daily priority. After all, related diseases to it continue to be among the country’s top health concerns and consistent leading cause of death in the Philippines.

Beyond well-known factors like diet, exercise, and smoking, new research points to less visible risks. A study by NYU Langone Health this year linked chemicals commonly found in plastics, called phthalates, to more than 350,000 cardiovascular-related deaths globally. With the Philippines being one of the world’s biggest consumers of single-use plastics, using millions each day, this adds another layer of urgency to protecting cardiovascular wellness.

Everyday Steps to Lower Heart Risks

Maintaining healthy habits is still the most effective way to reduce risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Routine screenings also play a critical role in catching conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol before they progress.

Furthermore, stress management through quality sleep, meditation, and mindfulness, along with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, form the foundation for overall wellness. Omega-3 fatty acids in particular help reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides, and support circulation, while antioxidants protect against oxidative stress.

For added protection, Filipinos can combine these healthy habits with targeted nutrition like LAC TRIMAX™ Omega Fish Oil + CoQ-10, a premium 2-in-1 supplement designed to help promote heart health and overall vitality.

Each softgel delivers 1355mg of purified fish oil concentrate, providing 949mg of omega-3 fatty acids (Eicosapentaenoic Acid & Docosahexaenoic Acid) that help maintain healthy cholesterol, blood pressure, and circulation, ensuring nutrients and oxygen are efficiently delivered throughout the body. It also contains 100mg of Coenzyme Q-10, a vital nutrient for heart muscle strength and energy production. Since natural CoQ-10 levels decline with age, supplementation helps restore vitality, reduce breathlessness, and keep the heart performing at its peak.

Additionally, LAC TRIMAX™ Omega Fish Oil + CoQ-10 aids brain function, joint flexibility, skin comfort, and mood balance which helps Filipinos stay energized, resilient, and full of vitality at every stage of life. Purified to remove contaminants and enteric-coated to minimize fishy aftertaste, it is also safe for long-term use with just one softgel daily.

Awareness of both lifestyle and environmental risks, combined with proactive daily habits, is still a key to protecting overall well-being as cardiovascular disease continues to be a major health concern in the country.

Its other brands include Xndo Food For Health. LAC Global is dedicated to ensuring consumers stay well, and live life to the fullest. 

Website: LAC.com.ph

Instagram: @LACworldwidePH

Facebook: @LACworldwidePH

TikTok: @LACworldwidePH

Read more »

La Ode visited Rimba Gupung and learned more about the local food wisdom Large

Strengthening Food Security Through Local Wisdom

Across many parts of Asia, flavor is not just a matter of taste; it is a legacy, an identity, and a reflection of the human connection to nature. In Southeast Asia, the rich spices and traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations thrive due to the abundance of local food sources, including forests, fields, rice paddies, and rivers. However, climate change and the exploitation of natural resources are now threatening the continued availability of these local food sources.

In the Philippines, 2025 food security efforts increasingly focus on empowering communities and reviving indigenous farming. The Department of Agriculture (DA) has set ambitious goals, including raising rice output  to 20.46 million metric tons and cutting post-harvest losses. Still, grassroots initiatives best reflect the nation’s wisdom. In Mindanao and the Cordillera, farmers cultivate traditional rice varieties like Tinawon and Unoy through ancestral practices that value biodiversity, seed saving, and communal labor. These methods have shown resilience to climate shocks and market shifts.

Local governments also play a vital role, tailoring strategies to community needs, building farm-to-market roads, supporting seed banks, and facilitating food-sharing networks. As the Philippines stands at a crossroads, food remains more than sustenance; it is a cultural and ecological legacy to protect and pass on.

Nature as the Anchor of Dayak Desa Tribal Cultural Heritage

In the midst of this global vulnerability, Indonesia has the opportunity to preserve local practices that have  long adapted to natural change. In West Kalimantan, renowned for its rainforest and biodiversity, generational knowledge of farming, forest harvesting, and natural food processing has guided communities toward a regenerative food ecosystem. The Sintang Regency government supported the community effort through the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan (RENSTRA) allocating 2.16 million hectares for sustainable agriculture, an area 3.7 times the size of Bali.

Yet this wisdom risks being lost without wider recognition. To address this, Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari (LTKL), together with youth centers in Sintang and Sanggau, launched the ExploNation program that invites content creators to showcase the link between local culture and conservation. Among them is La Ode, a top 10 contestant from MasterChef Indonesia Season 8, that explored Sintang’s cuisine shaped by Dayak, Malay, and Chinese influences. The exploration includes La Ode’s trip to Rimba Gupung and Kapuas River, discussing with local food activists in Sintang. ,.

"The trekking trip to Rimba Gupung was a thrilling experience, discovering the Akar Bajakah (Bajakah Root), which can be drunk directly and is believed to have health benefits. We also harvested red fern shoots to be cooked for dinner with residents at Rumah Betang Ensaid Panjang. This made me realize how important it is to maintain the sustainability of the forest ecosystem, so that the inherited knowledge about roots, leaves, and fruits can continue to be utilized and the regeneration of culture remains unbroken," said La Ode.

He also stayed at Rumah Betang Ensaid Panjang, a communal home of 33 Dayak Desa families, where he learned how the community processes and stores ingredients from the Rimba Gupung. La Ode said, "The unforgettable experience was processing ikan pekasam (fermented fish) and mashed sweet potato leaves with the women of Ensaid Panjang Village. I learned that the effort to protect and restore nature is not only important for the environment but also contributes significantly to nurturing the culture passed down through generations. From that process, I realized that local food, sourced from the surrounding nature and processed with traditional wisdom, holds a much deeper value. It's not just food, but also a part of our cultural identity."

Building Capacity to Drive the Local Economy

As part of the ExploNation agenda, La Ode led a "Food Content Taking and Storytelling" workshop for 14 young people from Sintang, Sanggau, and Kapuas Hulu Regencies. This training helped them  hone storytelling skills and develop communication materials rooted in local culture, with the goal of empowering them as community narrators supporting West Kalimantan’s restorative economy.

Kurniawan, Head of the Sintang Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA), stated, "We highly appreciate the enthusiasm of the young people in this activity as a tangible effort to promote the natural and cultural richness of Sintang. This initiative is a crucial step in raising awareness of the local cultural heritage and its relevance in protecting and restoring the environment for the well-being of the entire community."

The role of Sintang's local food has proven to contribute significantly to the creative economy and tourism sectors, which are the main pillars of the regional economy. This was evident in the 2025 Sintang Creative Economy and Culinary Exhibition, which involved 199 business actors and recorded total transactions of more than Rp2 billion in one week.

La Ode added, "Restoring the environment means restoring our own cultural roots. I believe the future of Sintang's food lies in our courage to see nature not as an object of exploitation, but as a source of life that must be cared for."

In the spirit of the ExploNation program, La Ode worked with residents to document Sintang and West Kalimantan food recipes. This step not only preserves Sintang's culinary heritage but also strengthens food security by anchoring it in culture amid modernization By encouraging the community to re-appreciate and develop local food ingredients, this initiative also creates innovative economic opportunities that involve farmers and businesses. This entire ecosystem contributes to the creation of a more self-sufficient, diverse, and sustainable food system.

The ExploNation program is expected to trigger a broader movement for environmental restoration, emphasizing the importance of a restorative economy as a development model that restores nature while also preserving culture. Through this approach, local food becomes not only an essential part of regional identity but also a sustainable economic pillar that ensures natural resources remain productive and protected, while strengthening the local community's identity and well-being.

For more information, please visit https://kabupatenlestari.org/

• Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Strengthening Food Security Through Local Wisdom

La Ode visited Rimba Gupung and learned more about the local food wisdom Large

Strengthening Food Security Through Local Wisdom

Across many parts of Asia, flavor is not just a matter of taste; it is a legacy, an identity, and a reflection of the human connection to nature. In Southeast Asia, the rich spices and traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations thrive due to the abundance of local food sources, including forests, fields, rice paddies, and rivers. However, climate change and the exploitation of natural resources are now threatening the continued availability of these local food sources.

In the Philippines, 2025 food security efforts increasingly focus on empowering communities and reviving indigenous farming. The Department of Agriculture (DA) has set ambitious goals, including raising rice output  to 20.46 million metric tons and cutting post-harvest losses. Still, grassroots initiatives best reflect the nation’s wisdom. In Mindanao and the Cordillera, farmers cultivate traditional rice varieties like Tinawon and Unoy through ancestral practices that value biodiversity, seed saving, and communal labor. These methods have shown resilience to climate shocks and market shifts.

Local governments also play a vital role, tailoring strategies to community needs, building farm-to-market roads, supporting seed banks, and facilitating food-sharing networks. As the Philippines stands at a crossroads, food remains more than sustenance; it is a cultural and ecological legacy to protect and pass on.

Nature as the Anchor of Dayak Desa Tribal Cultural Heritage

In the midst of this global vulnerability, Indonesia has the opportunity to preserve local practices that have  long adapted to natural change. In West Kalimantan, renowned for its rainforest and biodiversity, generational knowledge of farming, forest harvesting, and natural food processing has guided communities toward a regenerative food ecosystem. The Sintang Regency government supported the community effort through the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan (RENSTRA) allocating 2.16 million hectares for sustainable agriculture, an area 3.7 times the size of Bali.

Yet this wisdom risks being lost without wider recognition. To address this, Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari (LTKL), together with youth centers in Sintang and Sanggau, launched the ExploNation program that invites content creators to showcase the link between local culture and conservation. Among them is La Ode, a top 10 contestant from MasterChef Indonesia Season 8, that explored Sintang’s cuisine shaped by Dayak, Malay, and Chinese influences. The exploration includes La Ode’s trip to Rimba Gupung and Kapuas River, discussing with local food activists in Sintang. ,.

"The trekking trip to Rimba Gupung was a thrilling experience, discovering the Akar Bajakah (Bajakah Root), which can be drunk directly and is believed to have health benefits. We also harvested red fern shoots to be cooked for dinner with residents at Rumah Betang Ensaid Panjang. This made me realize how important it is to maintain the sustainability of the forest ecosystem, so that the inherited knowledge about roots, leaves, and fruits can continue to be utilized and the regeneration of culture remains unbroken," said La Ode.

He also stayed at Rumah Betang Ensaid Panjang, a communal home of 33 Dayak Desa families, where he learned how the community processes and stores ingredients from the Rimba Gupung. La Ode said, "The unforgettable experience was processing ikan pekasam (fermented fish) and mashed sweet potato leaves with the women of Ensaid Panjang Village. I learned that the effort to protect and restore nature is not only important for the environment but also contributes significantly to nurturing the culture passed down through generations. From that process, I realized that local food, sourced from the surrounding nature and processed with traditional wisdom, holds a much deeper value. It's not just food, but also a part of our cultural identity."

Building Capacity to Drive the Local Economy

As part of the ExploNation agenda, La Ode led a "Food Content Taking and Storytelling" workshop for 14 young people from Sintang, Sanggau, and Kapuas Hulu Regencies. This training helped them  hone storytelling skills and develop communication materials rooted in local culture, with the goal of empowering them as community narrators supporting West Kalimantan’s restorative economy.

Kurniawan, Head of the Sintang Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA), stated, "We highly appreciate the enthusiasm of the young people in this activity as a tangible effort to promote the natural and cultural richness of Sintang. This initiative is a crucial step in raising awareness of the local cultural heritage and its relevance in protecting and restoring the environment for the well-being of the entire community."

The role of Sintang's local food has proven to contribute significantly to the creative economy and tourism sectors, which are the main pillars of the regional economy. This was evident in the 2025 Sintang Creative Economy and Culinary Exhibition, which involved 199 business actors and recorded total transactions of more than Rp2 billion in one week.

La Ode added, "Restoring the environment means restoring our own cultural roots. I believe the future of Sintang's food lies in our courage to see nature not as an object of exploitation, but as a source of life that must be cared for."

In the spirit of the ExploNation program, La Ode worked with residents to document Sintang and West Kalimantan food recipes. This step not only preserves Sintang's culinary heritage but also strengthens food security by anchoring it in culture amid modernization By encouraging the community to re-appreciate and develop local food ingredients, this initiative also creates innovative economic opportunities that involve farmers and businesses. This entire ecosystem contributes to the creation of a more self-sufficient, diverse, and sustainable food system.

The ExploNation program is expected to trigger a broader movement for environmental restoration, emphasizing the importance of a restorative economy as a development model that restores nature while also preserving culture. Through this approach, local food becomes not only an essential part of regional identity but also a sustainable economic pillar that ensures natural resources remain productive and protected, while strengthening the local community's identity and well-being.

For more information, please visit https://kabupatenlestari.org/

Read more »

Three Years of Impact: PRecious Communications Powers Growth, Innovation and Recognition in the Philippines

Left to Right:  Lars Voedisch, Founder and Group CEO, Paolo Alba, Regional VP and Country Lead (Philippines), and Hannah Kiwahko, Associate County Lead (Philippines)

PRecious Communications, an award-winning multi-market integrated communications agency, is celebrating its third year of growth in the Philippines. With the National AI Roadmap in effect, the agency continues to scale its operations and strengthen its foothold in the market, growing 2.5x year-on-year on the back of established partnerships with leading tech enterprises and fast-growing startups in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Amid the country’s fast-tracked adoption of AI, the agency has been strengthening its digital capabilities to support the demands of the growing economy.

As domestic spending remains strong and inflation stays low, the University of Asia and the Pacific forecasts the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 5.8% in the third quarter of 2025. Among the fastest in Southeast Asia, the Department of Finance previously reported a 5.5% GDP growth rate in the second quarter of 2025.

“The Philippines is not just one of our fastest-growing markets in Southeast Asia. It is redefining what is possible for our industry,” declared Lars Voedisch, Founder and Group CEO of PRecious Communications. “From a surging economy to a tech scene embracing AI at warp speed, the nation is pulling private and public forces together to build a future-ready workforce. The momentum here is electrifying, and we are all in, driving new growth frontiers not just in the Philippines, but across the region.”

Building on the agency’s established partnerships with the world’s leader in digital payments Visa, leading regional insurtech Igloo, and the Philippines’ largest telco provider Globe, PRecious Communications also represents Filipino-founded startups that have been making an impact in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Among these fast-growing startups include credit-led neobank Zed and OpenAI’s first boutique consultancy partner in APAC, Thinking Machines.

“Since our establishment in 2022, it has been our mission to champion the Philippines’ digital economy. Leveraging the strength of our network, we have been supporting the growth of Filipino companies in Southeast Asia and the expansion of regional brands in the Philippines,” added Paolo Alba, Regional Vice President and Country Lead of PRecious Communications in the Philippines. “As we invest in new technologies and strengthen our digital capabilities, we look forward to driving more integrated solutions for our partners in the Philippines and across the region.”

Spearheading the agency’s digital integration is Hannah Kiwahko who was recently appointed associate country lead in the Philippines. A 10+ year digital and performance marketing veteran, Kiwahko has been recognized for leading award-winning campaigns with a proven track-record of impacting consumer engagement and client revenue for leading brands in the FMCG, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. In her new role, Kiwahko will work closely with Alba to leverage the credibility of PR and measurability of digital marketing to integrate insight and data-driven solutions that help brands connect with audiences and drive tangible business results. 

To reaffirm its momentum, PRecious Communications was named medium-sized consultancy of the year in Southeast Asia, while Alba was named executive of the year in the Philippines at the recently concluded 2025 International Business Awards (IBAs). In the Philippines, Alba and the agency have also been shortlisted for the agency leader of the year and most innovative PR agency of the year categories at the upcoming Marketech APAC NEXT Awards. PRecious Communications was among the top 4 PR agencies in the Philippines at Campaign Asia’s Agency of the Year Awards (AOY) and among the top 3 in-market consultancies in APAC at PRCA’s The Gold Standard Awards in 2024.

For more information, you may reach out to preciousPH@preciouscomms.com.

 

• Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Three Years of Impact: PRecious Communications Powers Growth, Innovation and Recognition in the Philippines

Three Years of Impact: PRecious Communications Powers Growth, Innovation and Recognition in the Philippines

Left to Right:  Lars Voedisch, Founder and Group CEO, Paolo Alba, Regional VP and Country Lead (Philippines), and Hannah Kiwahko, Associate County Lead (Philippines)

PRecious Communications, an award-winning multi-market integrated communications agency, is celebrating its third year of growth in the Philippines. With the National AI Roadmap in effect, the agency continues to scale its operations and strengthen its foothold in the market, growing 2.5x year-on-year on the back of established partnerships with leading tech enterprises and fast-growing startups in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Amid the country’s fast-tracked adoption of AI, the agency has been strengthening its digital capabilities to support the demands of the growing economy.

As domestic spending remains strong and inflation stays low, the University of Asia and the Pacific forecasts the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 5.8% in the third quarter of 2025. Among the fastest in Southeast Asia, the Department of Finance previously reported a 5.5% GDP growth rate in the second quarter of 2025.

“The Philippines is not just one of our fastest-growing markets in Southeast Asia. It is redefining what is possible for our industry,” declared Lars Voedisch, Founder and Group CEO of PRecious Communications. “From a surging economy to a tech scene embracing AI at warp speed, the nation is pulling private and public forces together to build a future-ready workforce. The momentum here is electrifying, and we are all in, driving new growth frontiers not just in the Philippines, but across the region.”

Building on the agency’s established partnerships with the world’s leader in digital payments Visa, leading regional insurtech Igloo, and the Philippines’ largest telco provider Globe, PRecious Communications also represents Filipino-founded startups that have been making an impact in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Among these fast-growing startups include credit-led neobank Zed and OpenAI’s first boutique consultancy partner in APAC, Thinking Machines.

“Since our establishment in 2022, it has been our mission to champion the Philippines’ digital economy. Leveraging the strength of our network, we have been supporting the growth of Filipino companies in Southeast Asia and the expansion of regional brands in the Philippines,” added Paolo Alba, Regional Vice President and Country Lead of PRecious Communications in the Philippines. “As we invest in new technologies and strengthen our digital capabilities, we look forward to driving more integrated solutions for our partners in the Philippines and across the region.”

Spearheading the agency’s digital integration is Hannah Kiwahko who was recently appointed associate country lead in the Philippines. A 10+ year digital and performance marketing veteran, Kiwahko has been recognized for leading award-winning campaigns with a proven track-record of impacting consumer engagement and client revenue for leading brands in the FMCG, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. In her new role, Kiwahko will work closely with Alba to leverage the credibility of PR and measurability of digital marketing to integrate insight and data-driven solutions that help brands connect with audiences and drive tangible business results. 

To reaffirm its momentum, PRecious Communications was named medium-sized consultancy of the year in Southeast Asia, while Alba was named executive of the year in the Philippines at the recently concluded 2025 International Business Awards (IBAs). In the Philippines, Alba and the agency have also been shortlisted for the agency leader of the year and most innovative PR agency of the year categories at the upcoming Marketech APAC NEXT Awards. PRecious Communications was among the top 4 PR agencies in the Philippines at Campaign Asia’s Agency of the Year Awards (AOY) and among the top 3 in-market consultancies in APAC at PRCA’s The Gold Standard Awards in 2024.

For more information, you may reach out to preciousPH@preciouscomms.com.

 

Read more »

From left to right – Visa Philippines Head of Product Ezer Escolar, Visa Head of Product, Regional Southeast Asia Poojyata Katar, Vietcombank Deputy Director of Retail Product Department Nguyen, Hong Thanh, Starbucks Vietnam Head of Business Development and Marketing Nguyen Bao Tram, Google Payments Strategic Partnerships Lead for Asia Pacific TG Ramakrishnan, and Visa Head of Product for Vietnam and Laos Kelvin Utomo

Visa sets the stage for xPay adoption with enablement workshop for Philippine banks

Through the workshop, Visa Philippines is accelerating adoption of mobile payment providers like Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay for Philippine banks, drawing from best practices from key partners in the region such as Google and Vietcombank 

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, is empowering different financial sector stakeholders to adopt the xPays - or mobile payment providers such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay – in the country. In an enablement workshop, Visa collaborated with regional partners – including Google Southeast Asia, Vietcombank, and Starbucks Vietnam – to gather key insights and best practices on how local banks can effectively integrate, launch, and scale xPays in the Filipino market.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (“BSP”) recently stated that mobile payment providers like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay are classified as technology service providers, and not operators of payment systems (OPS), which require prior registration to operate. This means the xPays cannot hold funds for Filipino consumers and will need to be linked to users’ credit, debit, or e-money accounts to work.

Once a Visa card is added to a digital wallet like Google Pay, it can be used to tap and pay in stores, online, or in apps, without needing the physical card. Every transaction is protected by Visa’s security technology, offering peace of mind with every purchase.

In Southeast Asia, tokens are used through xPays in markets such as Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand to create a seamless and secure payments experience for consumers and businesses. Tokenization is at the core of this technology, where every time a Visa card is added to an xPay, the actual card number is replaced with a unique digital token. This token is stored securely on the device and is used, alongside a dynamic cryptogram, to authorize each payment. This means the cardholder’s real account information is never shared with merchants or stored on the device, which significantly reduces the risk of fraud.

Visa’s enablement workshop featured sessions from Google Payments Strategics Partnership Lead for Asia Pacific TG Ramakrishnan, Vietcombank Deputy Director of Retail Product Department Nguyen Hong Thanh, and Starbucks Vietnam Head of Business Development and Marketing Nguyen Bao Tram, highlighting how xPays enable growth for both card issuers and cardholders. 

Nguyen Hong Thanh, Deputy Director of Retail Product Department from Vietcombank

"Vietcombank has been a trusted partner of Visa in delivering seamless payment experiences to Vietnamese consumers. We’re proud to share our key learnings with peers across the region," said Nguyen Hong Thanh, Deputy Director of Retail Product Department from Vietcombank, the largest commercial bank in Vietnam. Both Google Pay and Samsung Pay have been available in Vietnam since 2022, while Apple Pay went live in 2023.

Digital wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay amplify the power of Visa by delivering secure, seamless, and innovative payment experiences for consumers, businesses, and our banking partners. Each tap is protected by Visa’s network token technology, ensuring trust and security while advancing the Philippines’ digital payments landscape. As a trusted global partner, Visa is proud to support the country’s financial inclusion goals by connecting local innovations to our global network –helping Filipinos pay and be paid with confidence, and driving inclusive growth across communities,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines.

The adoption of xPays in the Philippines is seen to expand digital and financial inclusion for both Filipinos and foreign travelers, who have come to expect seamless digital payments. Across Asia Pacific, 97% of travelers^[4] say that they will bring credit, debit, or prepaid cards on their trips, while only 17% intend to bring foreign currency. In the Philippines, 44% of travelers report encountering various payment problems, including non-acceptance by merchants.

According to the latest BSP data, digital retail payments now account for 57.4% of total transaction volume in the country^[5], exceeding the 2024 target under the Philippine Development Plan and on track to meet the 70-percent target by 2028.

• Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Visa sets the stage for xPay adoption with enablement workshop for Philippine banks

From left to right – Visa Philippines Head of Product Ezer Escolar, Visa Head of Product, Regional Southeast Asia Poojyata Katar, Vietcombank Deputy Director of Retail Product Department Nguyen, Hong Thanh, Starbucks Vietnam Head of Business Development and Marketing Nguyen Bao Tram, Google Payments Strategic Partnerships Lead for Asia Pacific TG Ramakrishnan, and Visa Head of Product for Vietnam and Laos Kelvin Utomo

Visa sets the stage for xPay adoption with enablement workshop for Philippine banks

Through the workshop, Visa Philippines is accelerating adoption of mobile payment providers like Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay for Philippine banks, drawing from best practices from key partners in the region such as Google and Vietcombank 

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, is empowering different financial sector stakeholders to adopt the xPays - or mobile payment providers such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay – in the country. In an enablement workshop, Visa collaborated with regional partners – including Google Southeast Asia, Vietcombank, and Starbucks Vietnam – to gather key insights and best practices on how local banks can effectively integrate, launch, and scale xPays in the Filipino market.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (“BSP”) recently stated that mobile payment providers like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay are classified as technology service providers, and not operators of payment systems (OPS), which require prior registration to operate. This means the xPays cannot hold funds for Filipino consumers and will need to be linked to users’ credit, debit, or e-money accounts to work.

Once a Visa card is added to a digital wallet like Google Pay, it can be used to tap and pay in stores, online, or in apps, without needing the physical card. Every transaction is protected by Visa’s security technology, offering peace of mind with every purchase.

In Southeast Asia, tokens are used through xPays in markets such as Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand to create a seamless and secure payments experience for consumers and businesses. Tokenization is at the core of this technology, where every time a Visa card is added to an xPay, the actual card number is replaced with a unique digital token. This token is stored securely on the device and is used, alongside a dynamic cryptogram, to authorize each payment. This means the cardholder’s real account information is never shared with merchants or stored on the device, which significantly reduces the risk of fraud.

Visa’s enablement workshop featured sessions from Google Payments Strategics Partnership Lead for Asia Pacific TG Ramakrishnan, Vietcombank Deputy Director of Retail Product Department Nguyen Hong Thanh, and Starbucks Vietnam Head of Business Development and Marketing Nguyen Bao Tram, highlighting how xPays enable growth for both card issuers and cardholders. 

Nguyen Hong Thanh, Deputy Director of Retail Product Department from Vietcombank

"Vietcombank has been a trusted partner of Visa in delivering seamless payment experiences to Vietnamese consumers. We’re proud to share our key learnings with peers across the region," said Nguyen Hong Thanh, Deputy Director of Retail Product Department from Vietcombank, the largest commercial bank in Vietnam. Both Google Pay and Samsung Pay have been available in Vietnam since 2022, while Apple Pay went live in 2023.

Digital wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay amplify the power of Visa by delivering secure, seamless, and innovative payment experiences for consumers, businesses, and our banking partners. Each tap is protected by Visa’s network token technology, ensuring trust and security while advancing the Philippines’ digital payments landscape. As a trusted global partner, Visa is proud to support the country’s financial inclusion goals by connecting local innovations to our global network –helping Filipinos pay and be paid with confidence, and driving inclusive growth across communities,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines.

The adoption of xPays in the Philippines is seen to expand digital and financial inclusion for both Filipinos and foreign travelers, who have come to expect seamless digital payments. Across Asia Pacific, 97% of travelers^[4] say that they will bring credit, debit, or prepaid cards on their trips, while only 17% intend to bring foreign currency. In the Philippines, 44% of travelers report encountering various payment problems, including non-acceptance by merchants.

According to the latest BSP data, digital retail payments now account for 57.4% of total transaction volume in the country^[5], exceeding the 2024 target under the Philippine Development Plan and on track to meet the 70-percent target by 2028.

Read more »

Jeff Moses

Catch the Topee Fever with Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf

These two are set to steal hearts as they channel the barkada’s cool martial arts whiz. 

The barkada gets an extra dose of cool with Topee, the martial arts ace and certified athletic heartthrob. Originally portrayed by J.C. Bonnin in the 1984 classic, Topee makes his stage debut in the 2026 production of Bagets The Musical, where Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf will take on the role. These young stars will spark high school kilig as they bring their own brand of charm and mystery to the beloved character.

Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee shot on location at Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts

Embodying Topee’s Hiligaynon roots with Jeff Moses

Jeff Moses is set to showcase Topee’s Hiligaynon roots in the upcoming Bagets The Musical, a detail that deeply resonates with his own background.

Born and raised in Negros Occidental, Moses knows the weight of distance and the bittersweet pull of home.

“Puli ‘ta Bacolod. Madalas ‘yun ‘yung sinasabi niya sa nanay niya (Let’s go home to Bacolod. That’s what he often tells his mother),” he shares. “Ako ramdam ko ‘yung bigat no’n kasi tuwing holidays na lang din ako nakakauwi sa’min. (I can really feel the weight of that because I only get to go home during the holidays).”

After signing with GMA Sparkle Artist Center, Moses moved to Metro Manila, where he began building a career in film and television.

He has since starred in Under a Piaya Moon, earning Best Actor at the 1st Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, and appeared in the television series Abot Kamay na Pangarap and Magpakailanman. He was recognized as Outstanding Youth of the Philippines in the 2023 Philippine Outstanding Men & Women Awards.

“Si Topee kasi mabait, mature, at tinatratong pamilya ‘yung mga tropa niya, (Topee is kind, mature, and treats his friends like family),” he continues. “Pero deep inside, may tinatagong vulnerability (But deep inside, he hides a vulnerability).”

Life does not make it easy for the beloved character. He is pushed to grow up fast, stand on his own, and figure things out.

“Kahit ganun, siguro ang gusto kong ma-realize ng mga manonood ng Bagets The Musical ay hindi mawawala ’yung pagiging young at heart natin (Even so, what I hope audiences take away from Bagets The Musical is that our being young at heart never goes away,) ” Moses concludes. “Pwede pa rin tayong sumaya o malungkot na parang bata (We can still feel joy or sadness like a child.”

The 24-year-old artist is looking forward to his first theater stint. He admits feeling nervous about performing on a stage with no take twos or edits, just raw, live acting.

Sam Shoaf

Finding Topee in Sam Shoaf

Sam Shoaf has a fun side unknown to most people. He loves the ’80s—the music, the fashion, the bright, lively colors.

“Everything was just full of life back then,” he says.

It’s the same spark he saw in Topee when he first watched the coming-of-age classic.

“If he were alive today, I think he’d be the kind of guy obsessed with working out on TikTok, always on his phone but never missing the fun,” adds Shoaf.

This is the quality he shares with the character. The young artist is passionate about learning different forms of martial arts. His role in Ang Mutya ng Section E even gained popularity for its fighter edge.

“I see a lot of similarities between me and Topee,” he shares. “We love staying active, but at the same time, I think we both prefer keeping much of what’s going on in our lives to ourselves.”

Most teenagers, or even adults, have felt emotions that are hard to explain. These feelings are at the heart of Bagets The Musical.

“The story is about us,” he explains. “Just a different timeline, different variables, but the same plot.”

Having appeared on The Voice Kids Philippines and Your Face Sounds Familiar, Shoaf says he’s excited to bring that heart to the stage through acting, singing, and dancing.

Such vibrant production captures that messy, thrilling ride of growing up. It shows that the magic of adolescence never truly disappears; it simply evolves over time.

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with more cast members to be revealed soon. Joining Moses and Shoaf in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton, and Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel. 

The musical is produced by Newport World Resorts in cooperation with VIVA Communications Inc. and The Philippine STAR, guided by the vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim. Bagets the Musical is also supported in partnership with Sun Life Philippines. 

Learn more about the artists and the production through VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

• Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Catch the Topee Fever with Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf

Jeff Moses

Catch the Topee Fever with Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf

These two are set to steal hearts as they channel the barkada’s cool martial arts whiz. 

The barkada gets an extra dose of cool with Topee, the martial arts ace and certified athletic heartthrob. Originally portrayed by J.C. Bonnin in the 1984 classic, Topee makes his stage debut in the 2026 production of Bagets The Musical, where Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf will take on the role. These young stars will spark high school kilig as they bring their own brand of charm and mystery to the beloved character.

Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee shot on location at Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts

Embodying Topee’s Hiligaynon roots with Jeff Moses

Jeff Moses is set to showcase Topee’s Hiligaynon roots in the upcoming Bagets The Musical, a detail that deeply resonates with his own background.

Born and raised in Negros Occidental, Moses knows the weight of distance and the bittersweet pull of home.

“Puli ‘ta Bacolod. Madalas ‘yun ‘yung sinasabi niya sa nanay niya (Let’s go home to Bacolod. That’s what he often tells his mother),” he shares. “Ako ramdam ko ‘yung bigat no’n kasi tuwing holidays na lang din ako nakakauwi sa’min. (I can really feel the weight of that because I only get to go home during the holidays).”

After signing with GMA Sparkle Artist Center, Moses moved to Metro Manila, where he began building a career in film and television.

He has since starred in Under a Piaya Moon, earning Best Actor at the 1st Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, and appeared in the television series Abot Kamay na Pangarap and Magpakailanman. He was recognized as Outstanding Youth of the Philippines in the 2023 Philippine Outstanding Men & Women Awards.

“Si Topee kasi mabait, mature, at tinatratong pamilya ‘yung mga tropa niya, (Topee is kind, mature, and treats his friends like family),” he continues. “Pero deep inside, may tinatagong vulnerability (But deep inside, he hides a vulnerability).”

Life does not make it easy for the beloved character. He is pushed to grow up fast, stand on his own, and figure things out.

“Kahit ganun, siguro ang gusto kong ma-realize ng mga manonood ng Bagets The Musical ay hindi mawawala ’yung pagiging young at heart natin (Even so, what I hope audiences take away from Bagets The Musical is that our being young at heart never goes away,) ” Moses concludes. “Pwede pa rin tayong sumaya o malungkot na parang bata (We can still feel joy or sadness like a child.”

The 24-year-old artist is looking forward to his first theater stint. He admits feeling nervous about performing on a stage with no take twos or edits, just raw, live acting.

Sam Shoaf

Finding Topee in Sam Shoaf

Sam Shoaf has a fun side unknown to most people. He loves the ’80s—the music, the fashion, the bright, lively colors.

“Everything was just full of life back then,” he says.

It’s the same spark he saw in Topee when he first watched the coming-of-age classic.

“If he were alive today, I think he’d be the kind of guy obsessed with working out on TikTok, always on his phone but never missing the fun,” adds Shoaf.

This is the quality he shares with the character. The young artist is passionate about learning different forms of martial arts. His role in Ang Mutya ng Section E even gained popularity for its fighter edge.

“I see a lot of similarities between me and Topee,” he shares. “We love staying active, but at the same time, I think we both prefer keeping much of what’s going on in our lives to ourselves.”

Most teenagers, or even adults, have felt emotions that are hard to explain. These feelings are at the heart of Bagets The Musical.

“The story is about us,” he explains. “Just a different timeline, different variables, but the same plot.”

Having appeared on The Voice Kids Philippines and Your Face Sounds Familiar, Shoaf says he’s excited to bring that heart to the stage through acting, singing, and dancing.

Such vibrant production captures that messy, thrilling ride of growing up. It shows that the magic of adolescence never truly disappears; it simply evolves over time.

Bagets The Musical is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with more cast members to be revealed soon. Joining Moses and Shoaf in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton, and Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel. 

The musical is produced by Newport World Resorts in cooperation with VIVA Communications Inc. and The Philippine STAR, guided by the vision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus, with Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim. Bagets the Musical is also supported in partnership with Sun Life Philippines. 

Learn more about the artists and the production through VIVA Communications Inc. (@vivaartistsagency), The Philippine STAR (@philippinestar), and Newport World Resorts (@newportworldresorts) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Sign up for the waitlist now via https://newportworldresorts.com/bagets-musical-waitlist to be the first in line for tickets.

Read more »