FEATURES

Sa panahon ngayon, isang click o tap mo lang sa iyong gadget, maaari ka nang kumonekta sa iyong mga mahal sa buhay.

Dahil nasa digital age na tayo, unti-unting nababawasan ang ating pisikal na interaksyon sa ating kapwa. At sa kasamaang palad, maging ang pagmamano ay unti-unti na ring nababaon sa limot.

Bahagi ng kultura at kaugalian nating mga Pilipino ang pagmamano. Mula ang salitang mano sa Spanish word na kamay. Sa madaling salita, ang literal na pagsasalin ng “mano po” ay “kamay mo po.”

Sa pamamagitan ng paghingi ng kamay at pagdampi nito sa noo, naipapakita natin ang respeto, paggalang, at pagmamahal natin sa mga mas nakatatanda.

Walang ibang kultura sa Asya, Europa, o maging sa Amerika ang gumagawa ng ganitong klaseng gesture bilang pagbibigay ng paggalang sa mga nakatatanda—ngunit hindi na ito laganap sa panahon ngayon.

Isa sa mga nakikitang dahilan nito ang paglaganap ng teknolohiya at globalisasyon kung saan naiimpluwensyahan ang kaugalian ng kabataan.

Hindi lamang isang simpleng tradisyon ang pagmamano. Isa itong paraan upang lumaking mabuti ang isang tao dahil matututo ang kabataang maging magalang at mapagkumbaba.

Nagbabago man ang panahon, mahalaga pa ring ituro ang pagmamano, hindi lang tuwing may okasyon kundi sa pang-araw araw na buhay, upang mapanatili ang tradisyon at kultura nating mga Pilipino.

Mothers play endless roles within the family—provider, accountant, teacher, engineer, and even doctor when any family member is under the weather. They are the glue that holds it all together, juggling multiple responsibilities with a nurturing spirit.

Mothers are also on-call 24/7, attending to everyone’s needs while putting their own on the backburner far too often. Yet in their selfless dedication to taking care of everyone else, they cannot afford to let their own health and well-being take a backseat on their endless to-do lists. With busy schedules and many roles to fill, they must also be intentional about their health.

This is what a mother’s life is like, according to Loida Macaling and Regina Abalain—beneficiaries of the recent SM Foundation medical mission in SM City Marilao.

Para sa ika-giginhawa ng buhay

Loida is a mother of three. Previously working as a factory worker, she walked 30 minutes each way to her job to save on costs and supplement her husband’s income. When the pandemic struck, she lost her job but swiftly sought new employment as a house helper.

However, her years of hard work have taken a physical toll. For months, she has endured a sharp, persistent pain in her heel, aggravated by the demands of walking and standing for extended periods. Mornings were especially difficult for her as she struggled to take her first steps. The ache also intensifies after a long workday.

SM Foundation staff hands over free medicines to Loida.

Despite her discomfort, Loida’s dreams for her family drive to put one foot after another every day.

“Hindi ko iniinda ang sakit dahil pag hindi ako pumasok, wala kaming pambiling bigas, wala kaming kakainin. Kailangan ko rin tulungan ang asawa ko dahil mayroon kaming mga anak,” she shared.

She continues: “Gusto ko makatapos sila ng pag aaral para umangat at guminhawa ang buhay nila, hindi kagaya ng nangyari sa akin.”

Wanting to be healthy for her loved ones, she immediately went to SM Foundation’s medical mission to seek care.

“Noong nalaman ko na may medical mission, sabi ko, ‘pagkakataon ko na ito dahil sa mahal ng pagpapa check-up.’ Kasama na ang gamot at vitamins, hindi ko talaga kaya,” adding that her monthly income is just enough for her family’s basic needs.

During the medical mission, a weight was lifted off Loida’s shoulder. She was attended to by volunteer doctors who provided her with essential medical care, along with much-needed medications and vitamins.

Loida smiles after receiving free medicines from the SM Foundation.

Kalusugan ay kayamanan

Akin to Loida’s situation, Bulacan-based mother Regina faced similar challenges. Her second pregnancy was delicate, forcing her to quit her job as a factory worker.

Today, despite her difficult pregnancy, she prioritized his eldest son’s health and brought him to SM Foundation’s medical mission due to concerns over his persistent cough.

“Mahirap dahil buntis ako pero hindi ko maiwasan na mag alala at mapuyat para alagaan ang anak ko. Kaya dinala ko siya sa center. Nagkataon noon na walang doctor kaya’t pinayuhan kami na pumunta dito,” she shared.

As a resourceful mother, Regina said the medical mission came just in time. With expenses for her current pregnancy, such as laboratory tests, ultrasound scans, and upcoming birthing costs, she was relieved that her eldest son could receive a free dental and medical check-up, appropriate medications, and vitamins without additional financial burden. This assistance allowed them to allocate their limited budget to other important expenses.

Regina’s seven-year-old son gives her a kiss, thanking her for taking care of him.

“Para sa aming tama lang ang budget, napakalaking tulong ng mga programang ganito. Bukod sa madali naming mapuntahan, napakaraming serbisyo at benepisyo sa isang convenient na lugar,” she said.

“Ngayon ko lalong napagtanto na ‘kalusugan ay kayamanan.’ Kapag kasi malusog ka, magaan ang pamumuhay. Wala kang iisipin at kaya mong lumaban araw-araw,” she smiled.

For decades, SM Foundation has recognized the power of healthcare in empowering and uplifting communities, enabling them to live healthier and more fruitful lives. Since its inception, the foundation has served over 1,244,720 individuals through 1,625 medical missions across the country.

Gulat ang naging reaksyon ng mga manonood sa isang show ng bandang Siakol nang biglang binagsak ng bagong bokalista nito ang hawak na mikropono habang nagtatanghal.

Sinabihan pa nito ang operator ng sound system na respetuhin ang banda.

Ayon sa bokalistang si Warren Antig Aurin, gusto niya lamang magkaroon ng magandang show, pero low quality ang kanilang sound system. Ibinahagi niyang nakailang ulit na siyang nagsabi na ayusin ito. Umabot na lang ang banda sa kanilang ikaanim na kanta, ngunit magulo pa rin ito.

Dahil dito, hindi na niya napigilan ang kanyang emosyon at naibato ang mikropono.

Aminado naman si Warren sa kanyang pagkakamali at humingi ng tawad.

Aniya, posibleng nagsabay-sabay ang kanyang naramdamang pagod at puyat mula sa kanilang sunod-sunod na biyahe, maging sa sobrang init ng panahon.

Paglilinaw niya, wala siyang nasirang gamit dahil pagmamay-ari niya ang ibinatong mikropono.

Nagpasalamat naman si Warren sa mga nakaunawa sa kanya.

Tulong-tulong ang mga residente sa India sa pagliligtas sa isang sanggol mula sa pagkakahulog sa bubong.

Sa viral video, makikita ang sanggol na pitong buwan pa lamang na tila nakasabit sa bubong ng ikalawang palapag ng isang apartment building.

Tatlong lalaki ang umakyat mula sa unang palapag upang abutin ang bata; samantalang inihanda naman ng mga nasa baba ang isang bedsheet upang saluhin ang bata kung sakaling mahulog ito.

Batay sa imbestigasyon, nagpapa-breastfeed ang ina sa balkonahe ng kanilang apartment sa ikaapat na palapag nang aksidenteng mahulog ang sanggol at nasalo ng bubong sa ikalawang palapag.

Dahil sa koordinasyon at pagkakaisa, matagumpay namang nailigtas ang sanggol.

Ayon sa mga pulis, tunay ang nangyaring pagliligtas sa bata at wala silang natanggap na anumang pormal na reklamo.

Kinumpirma rin nilang maayos na ang lagay ng bata, salamat sa pagmamalasakit ng mga residente rito.

Sa viral video, mapapanood ang isang ina na sumugod sa loob ng basketball court nang makitang nakahandusay ang kanyang anak.

Dali-dali siya lumapit sa anak at kinumusta ito kung may iniindang sakit.

Biglang bumangon ang anak na player upang ipaalam na maayos lang ang kanyang lagay.

Bumalik ang ina sa kanyang kinauupan nang may ngiti sa kanyang mga labi matapos matiyak na ligtas ang kanyang anak.

Agad na umani ng sari-saring reaksyon online ang maikling video.

Ayon sa karamihan, patunay ang video na ito na wala talagang katumbas ang pagmamahal ng isang ina.

Tinawag naman ng iba na “unconditional love” ang ipinakita ng ina sa kanyang anak.

Ngunit napuna ang tila hindi pagpansin ng anak sa kanyang ina. Ayon sa ilang netizen, dapat niyakap nito ang kanyang ina. Katwiran naman ng iba, nagbibinata na ang anak kaya maaaring nahihiya na ito.

Gayunman, hindi maikakaila na kakaiba ang pagmamahal ng isang ina at hinding-hindi ito mahihigitan kailanman.

In today’s highly competitive landscape of sales and business ventures, the mere possession of a great product or service is no longer enough. To truly stand out amidst fierce competition, businesses need more than just quality offerings—they need a distinct advantage to set them apart. This entails the adoption of a reliable method to leave an indelible impression on clients, something that makes your brand entirely unique and unforgettable.

 In the ever-evolving landscape of marketing strategies, corporate giveaways stand out as a secret weapon for companies aiming to create direct connections with their target audience while enhancing brand visibility. These tokens of appreciation go beyond traditional advertising methods by directly providing recipients with a physical reminder of the brand’s presence and values. Whether it’s a branded pen, a stylish tote bag, or a custom-designed tech accessory, corporate giveaways serve as constant reminders of the company’s offerings in the daily lives of consumers.

 What’s more, corporate giveaways offer a unique opportunity for companies to showcase their creativity and personality. By selecting items that resonate with their target demographic and align with their brand identity, businesses can leave a lasting impression that extends far beyond the initial interaction. In today’s competitive marketplace, where consumers are bombarded with digital advertisements and fleeting promotions, the tangible nature of corporate giveaways provides a refreshing and memorable way to stand out from the crowd.

The preferred venue for professionals in advertising, marketing, and procurement to explore innovative gifting solutions is the Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show. Scheduled to take place at the SMX Convention Center Manila from June 26 to 28, 2024 this 37 year old trade exhibition will feature an unparallel array of promotional products and corporate gifts from an extensive roster of suppliers.

“Attendees can expect to gain invaluable insights into emerging trends, industry best practices, and cost-effective strategies for maximizing their promotional efforts. By engaging directly with a multitude of suppliers under one roof, visitors can streamline their procurement process, negotiate favorable terms, and discover exclusive deals that align with their budgetary constraints,” said Raquel Romero, President of World Expos & Concepts, the organizer of the yearly Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show.

Whether seeking to elevate brand awareness, drive customer engagement, or reward employee performance, the Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show offers a wealth of resources to propel businesses forward. Visit this premier event to explore the endless possibilities of corporate gifting and unlock new avenues for success in today’s dynamic marketplace.

Admission to the Corporate Giveaways Buyer’s Show is free of charge. Visitors can register online at https://corporategiveawaysbuyershow.com/

Livestock Philippines and Aquaculture Philippines 2024: Leading the Way in Driving

Business Opportunities and Industry Growth

Manila, Philippines – Informa Markets in the Philippines is set to host again the Livestock Philippines and Aquaculture Philippines this year, highlighting innovation and technology to improve the agricultural economy particularly the livestock and aquaculture industries. Now on its annual year cycle, the events are ready to showcase technology and cutting-edge product display from market-leading exhibitors, and a knowledge-sharing platform through a series of conferences and industry forums that will enable participants and visitors to link up with technology providers and emerging markets.

The theme “Harnessing Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Farm Development” for this year’s Livestock Philippines and Aquaculture Philippines editions could serve as a stimulus for advancing both sectors within the agriculture industry. By emphasizing technology and innovation, these events have the potential to elevate these sectors as key drivers of rural development and employment opportunities, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices alongside technological advancements.

“Unlocking the vast potential of the Philippine livestock and aquaculture subsectors can be achieved by enabling the stakeholders and actors to gain access to the latest in technologies and markets, among many others. And this is one of the primary objectives of the annual Livestock Philippines and Aquaculture Philippines trade show – to make it a knowledge-sharing platform,” said Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, the Country General Manager of Informa Markets in the Philippines.

The Department of Agriculture, in its capacity as the key government partner of Livestock Philippines and Aquaculture Philippines, reaffirms its commitment to the shows in presenting technological advancements to local farmers and fisherfolk to improve their agricultural production and make it more profitable. Aligned with the Department of Agriculture’s mandate of “Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya,” these events play a vital role as a strategic avenue for fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors and providing them with technological resources for the advancement and modernization of agriculture in the Philippines.

The three-day event offers a significant opportunity for stakeholders, industry professionals, farmers, business owners, and buyers within the Philippine livestock and aquaculture sectors to deepen their knowledge of technological advancements and market trends. Some of the important areas such as safeguarding farms through secure biosecurity, animal health, sustainable swine and poultry production, aquaculture trends and outlook will be discussed in in-depth details. Apart from the exhibition, participants can engage in various programs that are free of charge such as the following:

• Technical Seminars– Exhibitors provide in-depth technical discussions tailored for the livestock and aquaculture market.
  • Livestock Conference– Agencies within the Department of Agriculture, including the Bureau of Animal Industry, National Dairy Authority, Philippine Carabao Center, Agricultural Training Institute, and National Meat Inspection, cover relevant topics in the agricultural sector.
• Aquaculture Conference (May 23, 2024) – A dedicated conference focusing on the aquaculture sector brings together industry professionals to share knowledge, discuss critical aquaculture topics, exchange expertise, and explore innovative industry solutions.
• Biosecurity Asia Forum (May 23, 2024) – An exclusive forum dedicated to discussing biosecurity practices, government policies, and other biosecurity strategies and approaches to different sectors featuring speakers from Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines
  • Sustainability Forum (May 24, 2024) – This forum aims to raise awareness of sustainability, particularly focusing on sustainable approaches in the livestock, poultry, ruminant, and aquaculture sectors. The events’ sustainability partners, Prestige Paper Products and Central Luzon State Universityare featured to host their respective panel discussion that drives the campaign towards sustainability.
  • ASEAN Associations Roundtable- An expert dialogue on swine and layer sectors between invited associations from various countries like Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Ms. Chitanuwat said that the staging of the abovementioned conferences and forums demonstrates the strong commitment of Informa Markets and the Department of Agriculture to make Livestock Philippines and Aquaculture Philippines 2024 very relevant to the two sectors, which face numerous challenges but have vast potential including ensuring food security for the entire nation, generating jobs, and creating more viable investment avenues.

Livestock Philippines is set to host again the Livestock Philippines Recognition. This recognition aims to acknowledge companies, associations, cooperatives, and organizations that have significantly contributed to the advancement of the livestock and aquaculture industries in their own simple ways. These entities are recognized for their conscientious efforts in fostering growth and creating livelihood opportunities within the community.

Moreover, within the exhibition hall, there are educational attractions that are open to visitors at no cost. These include the Eggcellent Corner, presented by the Batangas Egg Producers Cooperative, showcasing the Philippine Egg Roadmap, and highlighting the various advantages of eggs. Additionally, the Sustainability Square aims to promote awareness of sustainability practices and their positive impact on the livestock and aquaculture industries.

Aside from its hosted livestock conference, the Department of Agriculture will feature a pavilion that shows 10 agencies such as the National Livestock Program, Bureau of Animal Industry, National Meat Inspection, National Dairy Authority, Philippine Carabao Center, International Training Center on Pig Husbandry, Agricultural Training Institute, Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards, Philippine

Council for Agriculture and Fisheries, and the Land Bank of the Philippines to offer support and guidance to attendees on various industry matters. 

“The Department of Agriculture for supporting Livestock Philippines and Aquaculture Philippines 2024, for it clearly shows their commitment to enhancing to make the two subsectors competitive and sustainable,” Ms. Chitanuwat said.

The Livestock Philippines and Aquaculture Philippines 2024 will be held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from May 22 to 24, 2024. The events offer free admission, granting visitors convenient access to the exhibition and a variety of seminars over three days. Trade buyers, veterinarians, animal health practitioners, and local farmers with a keen interest in the event are welcome to attend. The pre-registration process has been further streamlined to provide visitors with a seamless registration experience and can be accessed at this link https://ers-th.informa-info.com/lsp24.

About Informa Markets

Livestock Philippines and Aquaculture Philippines are organised by Informa Markets, a division of Informa plc. Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services, and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology, and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

CCAP still optimistic about AI despite concerns raised by several government leaders.

Manila, Philippines—The country’s contact center and business process sector is expected to post an estimated record annual revenue of around $32.16 billion in 2024. This conservative projection is based on a yearly average sectoral revenue growth of about 9 percent, as indicated in an analysis by global industry research firm Everest Group.

In 2023, the contact center and business process sector posted an annual revenue of $29.50 billion, up by 9 percent compared to the annual revenue of             $27 billion in 2022. The sector’s yearly revenue accounted for 83 percent of the overall revenue posted by the country’s entire information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry of $35.5 billion and $32.50 billion in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Forecast IT-BPM industry revenue for 2024 is around $39 billion.

“The contact center and business process sector, along with the IT-BPM industry, has remained optimistic and positive in terms of revenue growth through the years,” said Mickey Ocampo, President of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), a sectoral organization with over 140 member-companies nationwide.

“The figures prove how resilient the sector has become, successfully overcoming the significant challenges that came its way, including stringent data privacy laws worldwide, the Covid-19 pandemic, global economic recessions, and now, the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI),” he continued.

Ocampo is confident that the contact center sector could post an annual revenue of $49 billion by 2028. This is aligned with the IT-BPM roadmap 2028 that sets an industry yearly revenue target of $59 billion.

Handling AI issues

AI has been generating debates and concerns, especially among several national leaders, who believe the technology could possibly lead to job losses across important industries such as IT-BPM. However, CCAP maintains its stance about the issue, consistently asserting how AI could help the sector grow further by increasing productivity of agents generation of AI-related job requirements.

“Our contact centers have been actively upskilling our people to equip them in handling their tasks more effectively. What does not kill us only makes us better and we have proven many times how constantly upgrading skills can help call center firms and our industry as a whole, not just overcome the challenges of the times but also perform better in what we do,” Ocampo explained.

In terms of full-time employment, the contact center sector also continues to provide jobs to more Filipinos nationwide. Still based on Everest Group data, call center firms employed 1.51 million individuals in 2023—a 9.4 percent rise from 2022 figures. That number also accounts for about 89 percent of the total full-time employees (1.7 million) hired by the IT-BPM industry that year.

“Generative AI, which was among the issues discussed in last year’s Contact Islands conference, did not affect the industry figures negatively. We have even generated more jobs,” Ocampo highlighted, adding that the contact center sector’s 9.4 percent growth in employment for 2023 even outpaced the 8.6 percent employment growth posted by the IT-BPM industry.

Nationwide expansion

The contact center and business process sector also continues to provide jobs to more individuals outside Metro Manila. In research conducted by CCAP with its member-companies as respondents in May 2023, 28 percent of call center firms indicated plans to establish sites in Cavite, while 23 percent said they will put up centers in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Other areas across the country that are being eyed by CCAP members include Rizal (21 percent), Batangas City (21 percent), Puerto Princesa in Palawan (21 percent), Laguna (18 percent), Iloilo (18 percent), Tarlac (15 percent), Cebu (15 percent), Davao (15 percent), General Santos City (15 percent), and Bacolod City (10 percent).

Get to know more insights about the contact center sector at the upcoming Contact Islands 2024. The annual conference will be held this year from July 24 to 26 at the Fili Hotel Nustar Cebu in Cebu City. For inquiries, reach out to CCAP’s Secretariat Office at +63 2 8843 0603 or visit Contact Islands website at https://ccap.ph/event/contact-islands/.

As SM Supermarket and Savemore Market’s Treat Yourself enters its 4th year, it continues to redefine shopping experiences as more than just an event; it’s a movement advocating self-care and indulgence, fostering a culture of fun and wellness. For until the end of May, shoppers are invited to embark on a journey of joy, relaxation, and delight at their branches nationwide.

A Celebration of Self-Care

The Treat Yourself campaign offers an array of deals and offers across food, beauty, and health segments. Moreover, SM Advantage Card (SMAC) members can expect member-only deals, enticing bundles, freebies, and substantial discounts.

Supported by leading grocery brands such as Coca Cola, Kitkat, Milo, Bear brand, Chuckie, Colgate, Head and Shoulders, Dove Hair, Dove Body, and many more, Treat Yourself promises an enriching shopping experience with event-exclusive offers.

Pillar ambassadors are at the forefront of spreading the self-care movement during the Treat Yourself campaign. In the food category, we have professional chef Gerick Manalo and food enthusiast Bayaw Mike. For beauty, actress-vlogger Bea Borres and model Racy Oliva take the lead. In health, wellness advocates Dan and Danica will share tips for a balanced lifestyle. Together, they’re here to inspire and guide everyone to prioritize self-care.

Delightful Experiences Await

From skincare to wellness products and delectable treats, shoppers can immerse themselves in exclusive promotions both in-store and online at smmarkets.ph. The excitement extends beyond discounts with captivating activities and experiences at SM Supermarket and Savemore Market.

From May 3 to June 7, patrons can enjoy up to P40 off in all stores, along with exclusive offers at select branches. With enticing incentives such as up to 50 extra points, 5+1 promo bundles, and complimentary items in every pack, Treat Yourself ensures a delightful shopping experience.

Moreoever, exclusive to the Treat Yourself expo branches at SM Supermarket San Lazaro on May 3-5 and at SM Supermarket Dasmariñas on May 24-26, the first 50 shoppers will receive a free Treat Bag. Each bag is filled with self-care goodies worth over P1,000, and it’s all yours with a minimum purchase of P2,000 inclusive of any Treat Yourself items.

For those seeking even greater rewards, every purchase of P500 worth of Treat Yourself items during the aforementioned dates and locations, shoppers stand a chance to win an exhilarating P10,000 grocery shopping spree.

The excitement extends online as well, where shoppers can shop at smmarkets.ph from May 1-15 to and get FREE Coles Malted Milk Biscuits with a minimum spend of P3,000 inclusive of any participating Treat Yourself items. serve as a poignant

As we indulge in the Treat Yourself experience, let this celebration remind you at every day is a chance to prioritize your well-being, embrace self-care, and to love yourself.

Mabilis na kumalat sa social media ang isang kontrobersyal na video kung saan mapapanood ang isang lalaking nagkakalat sa isang kainan.

Tila sinasadya niya ito dahil nakangiti at tumatawa pa siya habang itinatapon ang sauce at tubig sa mesa.

Ang ilan sa kanyang mga kasamahan, mistulang nanghihikayat pa sa hindi wastong pag-aasal.

Gaya ng inaasahan, dinagsa ang video ng mga pambabatikos mula sa mga netizen.

Marami ang nagpahayag ng kanilang pagkadismaya sa pag-uugaling ipinakita ng lalaki sa viral video.

Ang iba, tinawag na “dugyot” at “hindi sibilisado” ang lalaki.

Hindi rin nakatakas sa pambabatikos ang mga kaibigan niya na tinawag ng mga netizen na “sulsol.”

Dahil sa video, pinuna ng karamihan ang ugali ng kabataan ngayon.

Samantala, binigyang-diin naman ng ibang netizen ang pagtuturo ng CLAYGO o “Clean as You Go” principle sa customers.

Hindi pa matukoy kung bakit ginawa ng lalaki sa video ang hindi kanais-nais nitong kilos; ngunit kung para lang ito sa pagpapasikat katulad ng hinala ng karamihan, dapat na itong itigil dahil nakakaperwisyo lamang ito sa mga empleyado rito na nagsisikap na magtrabaho at mabuhay nang patas.