Sunday, November 1, 2026

The Philippines prepares for the festive season. Imports play an important role in poultry meat supplies


 In the Philippines, the “ber months” mark the run-up to the festive season, when family gatherings, shared meals and celebrations take centre stage. Behind the products available in shops, restaurants and catering businesses is an extensive supply network in which imports also play an important role. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Philippines imported 173,200 tonnes of chicken meat in the final quarter of 2025, the highest quarterly volume recorded that year.

Year-end: A key period for poultry supplies

The Philippines imported a total of 545,700 tonnes of chicken meat in 2025. PSA figures show that almost a third of this volume arrived during the final three months of the year. Imports in the fourth quarter were also 39.1% higher than in the same period in 2024. 

The European Union remained one of the sources of poultry meat supplied to the Philippine market. According to European Commission data, the EU exported approximately 67,300 tonnes of poultry meat to the Philippines in 2025, an increase of more than 63% compared with the previous year.

When products are sourced from different markets, availability is not the only consideration. The standards under which they are produced also matter. For importers and distributors, information on product origin, documentation and veterinary requirements is an essential part of international food trade. For consumers, knowing where a product comes from can be a starting point for understanding the standards behind its production.

Transparency throughout the supply chain

Poultry meat production in the European Union is governed by common regulations covering successive stages of the production chain, from poultry rearing conditions to slaughter, processing and distribution. These regulations cover areas such as food safety and hygiene, animal health and welfare, and the use of veterinary medicines. Compliance with these requirements is verified through official controls.

Traceability is a key part of this system. Food business operators in the EU must maintain information that allows them to identify who supplied their products and to whom they subsequently supplied them. 

The use of antimicrobials, including antibiotics, is another regulated aspect of livestock production in Europe. Under EU rules, antimicrobials cannot be used to promote growth or increase productivity, while their preventive use is restricted to exceptional circumstances. 

The responsible use of antimicrobials is also an important issue in the Philippines. The Philippine National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2024–2028 adopts a One Health approach, recognising the links between human, animal and environmental health. 

Does origin matter when choosing food?

The EU co-funded campaign “European Poultry – From Our Farms to Your Tables”, implemented in the Philippines, highlights the importance of product origin and the standards applied at different stages of production. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the European poultry sector and the standards covering poultry production, food safety, animal welfare and traceability.

During the “ber months”, these issues take on added significance as families prepare for festive gatherings and meals together. Knowing where food comes from may also play a part in choosing what to serve at the festive table.

Saturday, October 31, 2026

From Finding Answers to Getting Things Done: How AI Assistants Are Changing Everyday Life


What if finding a freelance gig, catching a price drop, or remembering an overdue invoice took just one message? People are changing the way they search, moving beyond keywords and endless browser tabs to AI that understands what they need. Now, AI personal assistants are taking things further by helping users manage tasks, monitor opportunities, and stay organized long after the first question. Onnit, an AI assistant available through Telegram and WhatsApp, brings these capabilities into everyday conversations, offering a glimpse into a future where technology does more than provide answers. It helps people take action.

People are changing the way they search for information. Instead of typing a few keywords into Google and opening dozens of websites, they are increasingly asking AI to research options, compare prices, and help them make decisions. Now, a new generation of AI assistants is taking that experience further by helping people manage tasks that continue long after the initial question.

Imagine finding freelance opportunities without constantly refreshing Facebook groups, getting notified when a product drops to your target price, or remembering to follow up on an unpaid invoice without keeping another spreadsheet.

These are examples of how AI personal assistants are evolving from tools that answer questions into tools that help people get things done.

Google has reported that early users of its AI Mode ask questions two to three times longer than traditional searches, suggesting that people are becoming more comfortable describing their needs in detail rather than searching with isolated keywords.

The next step is making those conversations useful beyond a single answer.

From Searching for Information to Getting Things Done

Traditional online search puts much of the work on the user. Finding a job opportunity might mean checking multiple Facebook groups. Shopping for a gadget could involve comparing listings across several retailers. Managing freelance work might require separate apps for reminders, invoices, and client communications.

AI can help consolidate these activities into a conversation.

Instead of searching for individual pieces of information, users can explain what they need, set their preferences, and ask an assistant to help with the next steps. Some assistants can also perform recurring checks and send notifications when specific conditions are met.

This shift is particularly relevant for people juggling several responsibilities, from freelancers and online sellers to busy professionals and budget-conscious shoppers.

One example is Onnit, an AI personal assistant that works through Telegram and WhatsApp. Users can send text or voice messages to request research, compare products and services, set reminders, monitor prices, and draft emails without needing a separate productivity app.

What Can an AI Personal Assistant Actually Do?

1. Compare Products and Services Without Opening Multiple Tabs

Research often involves more than finding a single answer. People need to weigh options against their budgets, preferences, and circumstances.

Someone looking for a family SUV under $30,000, for example, might need to compare fuel economy, cargo space, reliability, and maintenance costs. An AI assistant can organize these considerations into a comparison and identify options worth investigating.

Onnit can also account for local context. When asked to compare internet providers in Metro Manila within a $60 monthly budget, it compared PLDT Fiber, Converge FiberX, and Globe GFiber based on factors such as pricing, advertised speeds, installation fees, and reported reliability. It also highlighted that some condominiums restrict residents to particular providers.

The benefit is not simply getting a shorter list of results. It is getting information organized around a specific decision.

2. Track Prices Instead of Checking Them Every Day

For online shoppers, the challenge is not always finding a product. It is knowing when to buy it.

A shopper might want a pair of headphones but be unwilling to pay the current price. Traditionally, they would need to revisit retailer websites to see whether a discount had appeared.

With Onnit, a user can request a comparison across retailers, establish a target price, and schedule recurring checks. For example, someone monitoring Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones can ask for daily checks at 9 a.m. and a notification when the price falls below $280.

Onnit reports current prices, saves a baseline, and sets a daily check at 9 a.m.

This turns a one-time search into an ongoing task.

The same concept can help shoppers monitor other purchases, provided the relevant listings can be checked reliably. Buyers should still confirm the final price, shipping fees, stock, and warranty conditions with the retailer.

3. Keep Track of Work, Reminders, and Client Follow-Ups

For freelancers, virtual assistants, and small-business owners, everyday administrative tasks can quickly accumulate.

An unpaid invoice needs attention. A client needs a follow-up. A deadline is approaching. Each task may be simple, but forgetting one can affect income or damage a working relationship.

A messaging-based AI assistant lets users express these needs in ordinary language.

For example, a freelancer can ask, "Remind me Friday at 10 a.m. to follow up on the unpaid invoice."

They can also ask Onnit to draft a polite payment reminder, then request a firmer version that remains professional.

This is especially useful for people who do not have dedicated administrative support. Rather than maintaining another complicated workflow, they can use a familiar conversation to organize routine tasks.

4. Remember Preferences Across Conversations

A useful assistant should not need the same instructions every time.

Consider someone shopping for work clothes who prefers neutral colors, minimalist designs, and affordable pieces from specific brands. Instead of repeating those requirements with every request, they can share their preferences and use them to guide future recommendations.

Onnit can remember preferences across conversations, helping users receive recommendations that better reflect their needs.

However, personalization comes with privacy considerations. Users should understand what information a service stores, how it is used, and what options are available to manage it. Sensitive personal information should be shared cautiously.

5. Get Help Through Voice Messages

AI assistance does not always have to start with typing.

People may want to request travel recommendations while commuting, create reminders while preparing dinner, or compare products while away from their computers.

Onnit accepts voice messages, allowing users to describe a task and receive a response within the same chat.

The underlying idea is simple: useful technology should fit into people's routines rather than require them to build entirely new ones.

Who Benefits From AI Personal Assistants?

The value of an AI assistant depends on what a person needs help accomplishing.

Freelancers and side hustlers can use AI to research opportunities, organize follow-ups, and manage reminders around client work.

Online shoppers can compare products and monitor prices instead of repeatedly checking retailer listings.

Busy professionals and entrepreneurs can delegate research, draft routine emails, and keep track of deadlines.

Parents and caregivers can compare household products, plan trips, and organize everyday responsibilities.

Content creators can research topics, evaluate tools, and organize ideas.

For people who already spend much of their day on Telegram or WhatsApp, messaging-based assistance offers an additional advantage: it places these tasks inside an interface they already know.

That does not mean one assistant can handle every need. Complex document analysis, coding, and specialized professional work may be better suited to dedicated AI tools. The right choice depends on the task and the capabilities available.

How Is Onnit Different From Other AI Assistants?

General-purpose AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini support a broad range of activities, including writing, research, brainstorming, and analysis.

Onnit focuses on delivering personal assistance through Telegram and WhatsApp, making conversational help available within familiar messaging apps.

Users can request research, set reminders, monitor prices, and draft emails without opening another dedicated application.

The distinction is primarily about how people access AI and incorporate it into their routines. Rather than replacing every other AI platform, a messaging-based assistant offers an alternative for people who want practical help through conversation.

How Much Does Onnit Cost?

Onnit is free to start, with paid plans advertised from $2.99 per month. Users should check the official website for current pricing, usage limits, and plan details.

How to Get Started

Getting started is straightforward:

Open Telegram or WhatsApp.

Visit the official Onnit website to access the assistant.

Send a text or voice message describing what you need.

Include relevant details such as your budget, location, preferences, or deadline.

Review the response and verify important information before acting on it.

You can try Onnit free on Telegram or WhatsApp.

The Future of AI Is About More Than Answers

AI assistants are changing how people approach everyday tasks. Instead of searching across multiple websites, switching between applications, and remembering every follow-up themselves, users can increasingly describe what they need in a conversation and let AI help organize the work.

The technology is not without limitations. Information can be inaccurate, prices can change, and important decisions still require human judgment. Privacy and reliability also matter when an assistant retains preferences or handles recurring tasks.

Nevertheless, the direction is clear: AI is moving beyond answering questions toward helping people act on them.

For anyone juggling work, shopping, deadlines, and daily responsibilities, the most useful assistant may not be the one with the most features. It may be the one that makes everyday tasks easier to manage, right where the conversation already happens.

Moonstar88, Baby Dolls rock Casino Plus’ MassKara parties; Barangay Handumanan takes home Hataw MassKara Choice

The masks were smiling, the crowd was singing, and Bacolodnons did not sleep. As major sponsor and official presenter of MassKara Festival 2026, Casino Plus turned the city’s Lacson Tourism Strip into a two-night party with its Hataw MassKara! activation, drawing thousands of revelers to non-stop music and celebrations on October 17 and 18 as the City of Smiles closed out its biggest festival of the year.

Headlining the stage of Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), were Filipino rock band Moonstar88 and P-pop girl group Showtime Baby Dolls, who kept Bacolodnons dancing from sundown well into the night.

Moonstar88 opened the weekend on October 17 with a set built for singing along. Fans belted out crowd favorites “Migraine” and “Torete” alongside lead vocalist Maysh Baay, and the band also performed songs from their newest album, “Habambuhay.” By the final chorus, the street itself seemed to be singing.

The crowd also went Ooh-La-Lah! as Showtime’s Baby Dolls took over the stage on Sunday night, with hundreds smiling and dancing with their viral hits "Oohh Lala Baby" and "Ikembot Mo.” 

The pandemonium also erupted when Baby Dolls danced “Boom Kara Karaka” and “Tira Tira Dulce” on the Casino Plus stage, amusing the audience with their moves, flexing their talent in perfect unison.

Miss Casino Plus Bacolod  

As part of her duties as the first-ever Miss Casino Plus, Bacolod’s Daniella Louisse Merelos also made the rounds to the gaming platform’s booths in the city, taking part in the free ice cream and photo opportunities with fans. 

Merelos also handed out prizes to Bacolodnons who participated in the booth’s games, completing their Casino Plus experience. 

More than being Miss Casino Plus Bacolod, Merelos said she wanted to “leave a legacy of happiness, inclusivity, and inspiration” to others. 

“For me, MassKara is more than just a festival; it's an opportunity to bring people together, share stories, and create meaningful connections,” the beauty queen said. Through her platform, the 25-year-old also wants to inspire people to support one another. 

“I want people to remember not just the title I carry, but how I made them feel welcomed, valued, and inspired. Because at the heart of MassKara is a smile that brings people together, regardless of their background or culture,” she added.

“I want to encourage people to listen without judgment, support one another, and never lose the compassion that makes us uniquely Negrense. Because no matter how fast the world changes, I believe our greatest tradition is not just our culture, but the kindness we pass on to one another.” 

Barangay Handumanan takes home Hataw MassKara Choice

No MassKara weekend is complete without the street dance showdown. At SM City Bacolod, eight barangay groups went head-to-head for the championship. Barangay Taculing sealed the title after 16 years, winning the coveted ₱1 million grand prize.

Barangay Handumanan placed second and took home the Hataw MassKara Choice award and a ₱80,000 prize from Casino Plus. The special award recognizes outstanding local talent and honors the creativity of the city’s barangay performers.

The following also clinched awards from Casino Plus for the “Merry-making Mini Dance Showdown” segment, winning special cash prizes from the gaming platform:

- Barangay Alangilan - P15,000

- Barangay 6 - P10,000

- Barangay Taculing - P5,000

All eight barangays also danced to Casino Plus’ MassKara theme song, creating a moment of community pride and unity.

The Bacolod Gugma Foundation said the showdown “is a very important moment for the festival.” 

“It means we are once again bringing together different generations and levels of performers and giving them a bigger platform to showcase their talent,” said Rodney Mitz Ascalon, the festival director.

 “Behind every contingent is an entire community — dancers, choreographers, costume makers, parents, teachers, volunteers, and supporters,”
Ascalon added. “This is what Making MassKara Matter means to us. We are not simply presenting a competition. We are investing in the people and communities that keep the tradition alive.”

Casino Plus CEO Evan Spytma expressed his gratitude to the local media, the local government unit, performers, and the Bacolod Gugma Foundation for their continued trust and support to Casino Plus as this year’s official presenter of the MassKara Festival. 

“MassKara is Bacolod’s gift of joy to the world, and we’re honored to celebrate it alongside the people who make it shine. Seeing thousands sing, dance, and smile together on Lacson Street is exactly what this festival, and our partnership with the City of Smiles, is all about," said Spytma.

Casino Plus’ Hataw MassKara! was part of the platform’s support for MassKara Festival 2026, celebrating Bacolod’s music, culture, and community spirit.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

Casino Plus is a PAGCOR-licensed online casino platform in the Philippines, providing secure, regulated, and responsible online gaming experiences for Filipino players. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.

75 ECOMAX modules, 250 MW: Italian AB’s Power&Cooling application for U.S. Data Centers - and why ANKA wants to bring that model to the Philippines

 


 Before switching on its first server, a data center must address a fundamental challenge: securing reliable electricity and continuous cooling. Buildings and equipment may be ready while grid connection timelines still determine when operations can begin. Generating power directly on-site is becoming a practical response to this challenge.

This is where AB, an Italian industrial group founded in 1981, comes into the picture. Its engineering and manufacturing operations are centered in Orzinuovi, in the province of Brescia, Italy.

In November 2025, the group announced an agreement through AB Energy USA with Conduit Power to supply 75 ECOMAX modules, totaling 250 megawatts, for new data centers in Texas and Wyoming.

In September 2026, AB Energy USA announced another milestone: approximately 2 gigawatts of secured power projects across five data centers in Texas and Oklahoma, reflecting its growing activity in the sector.

Now, ANKA TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS CORP. , a Philippine-based company and AB’s exclusive distributor in the country, is introducing these solutions to the Philippine market, with the aim of developing opportunities alongside operators, investors, and local partners.

Where the Energy Comes From

ECOMAX converts the energy contained in a gaseous fuel into electricity and heat. The fuel powers an internal combustion engine, which drives an alternator to generate electricity. Heat produced during operation can then be recovered and put to use.

Natural gas is one of the main fuel options. Depending on the engine version and plant configuration, solutions within the range can also operate on biogas and biomethane.

Biogas is produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials, including agricultural residues, food waste, and sewage sludge. Before being used in an engine, it must be treated to meet specific fuel-quality requirements. Biomethane, also known as Renewable Natural Gas or RNG, is produced by upgrading biogas to a quality suitable for use as a substitute for natural gas.

AB also offers configurations for hydrogen blends and options designed for future operation on 100% hydrogen.

For a data center, fuel selection therefore begins with local availability, supply continuity, and the site’s technical and commercial conditions. Independence from the electricity grid still requires a dependable fuel supply.

Turning Heat into Cooling

Electricity generation is only part of the process. In Cogeneration, also known as Combined Heat and Power (CHP), heat from the engine’s exhaust and cooling circuits is recovered to provide useful thermal energy.

By integrating absorption chillers, this recovered heat can drive the production of chilled water for the data center’s cooling systems. This is the principle of Trigeneration, or Combined Cooling, Heat and Power.

Heat produced by the engines becomes a resource for cooling the servers, helping reduce the electricity required for refrigeration.

Gas-fired generation can also be integrated with solar power and batteries within a coordinated energy system. Solar contributes electricity, while storage supports energy management.

Infrastructure That Grows with the Data Center

Modularity allows power capacity to be developed in phases as the site expands. AB offers configurations comprising multiple modules, organized into standardized power blocks ranging from 10 to 500 MWe and beyond, with designs that can be replicated across multiple sites.

Modules are assembled and tested at the factory before delivery. Depending on the configuration, the plant can integrate UPS systems, flywheels, and batteries, operate in island mode, and include black-start options - the ability to start without power from the grid.

Italian Engineering, International Support

With more than 40 years of experience in CHP, AB has over 150 engineers, more than 1,500 employees, and an organizational presence in 22 countries. Its units are installed in more than 50 countries, with total installed capacity exceeding 2 GW. The group also reports a production value of more than €400 million.

AB’s Made-in-Italy credentials are reflected in its engineering, manufacturing, and factory testing, supported by an organization that accompanies customers throughout the plant’s operating life.

The process starts with a technical and economic feasibility study, followed by engineering, manufacturing, implementation support, and commissioning. After startup, AB Service provides maintenance, online diagnostics, original spare parts, and assistance through its international service network.

A Control Room operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year enables monitoring of operating parameters and remote support, backed by more than 350 technicians worldwide.

The Next Chapter in the Philippines

For ANKA, the American projects provide a reference for developing applications in the Philippines. The company offers a local point of contact, connecting the requirements of developers and operators with the Italian group’s expertise.

The aim is to plan power and cooling together from the outset, identifying the available fuel supply and the configuration best suited to each site and its expected growth.

From 75 modules destined for American projects, a new opportunity is taking shape: bringing Italian energy engineering to data centers in the Philippines.

About ANKA TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS CORP.
ANKA TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS CORP. is a Philippine Corporation specialising in the Import and Distribution of Premium European-Engineered Solutions in the Philippines.
VAT TIN: 681-480-039-00000
Head Office: Quezon, Philippines
Warehouses: Quezon • Metro Manila (Philippines)

The Philippines prepares for the festive season. Imports play an important role in poultry meat supplies

 In the Philippines, the “ber months” mark the run-up to the festive season, when family gatherings, shared meals and celebrations take cent...