Ely Buendia marks triumphant comeback with new single “Bulaklak Sa Buwan”

 

 His latest track serves as his first solo release since 2021’s “Metro”

  Ely Buendia enters a new era of his solo music career with the release of “Bulaklak Sa Buwan.”

 The fuzzy, alt-rock number serves as the first single off his upcoming sophomore album, Method     Adaptor, which will be out on November 8, 2024, via Sony Music Entertainment and Offshore     Music.

The track’s release coincides with the prevalence of fabricated stories and propaganda-driven atrocities in online spaces, challenging listeners to raise awareness for factual truth and combat misinformation.

“I’ve been watching documentaries a lot, and I tried to distill everything in one song,” the legendary Pinoy rock artist explains. “The track is all about the quest for the truth. It's about seeking knowledge while resisting the confines of dogma.”

Sonically, “Bulaklak Sa Buwan” stands out without the need to constantly show off. The disarming pop gem continues Buendia's knack for composure and effortlessness: his gift for melodies is still as sharp and instinctive as his best output with his previous bands, and his guitar work is still at its most ferociously sounding in over two decades.

Ely Buendia’s frequent collaborator and Pupil bandmate Jerome Velasco produced the song, delivering a pristine but straightforward production approach that doesn’t take away the material’s anthemic charm.

 “I wanted it to be buoyant-sounding and surprising,” shares the award-winning OPM icon. “The song is very upbeat, and I utilized several modulation techniques to make it seem like the music goes higher and higher every time.”

“Bulaklak Sa Buwan” is accompanied by the release of a music video directed by Niko Cezar and Aimee Aznar of KNYA Collective. According to Ely, the visual narrative finds him wandering in the woods looking for a particular flower. “Upon finding it, I get into some upside-down vibes (like Stranger Things), getting transported into another dimension.”

Ely Buendia’s “Bulaklak Sa Buwan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide. Watch out for the official music video on August 16, 2024, Friday at 6pm on Ely Buendia’s official YouTube channel.

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About Sony Music Entertainment

 At Sony Music Entertainment, we honor the creative journey. Our creators shape movements, culture, communities, and even history. And we’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from establishing the first-ever music label to inventing the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse and distinctive roster of talented creators at every level and on every stage. Situated at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to emerging products and platforms, embrace new business models, and employ breakthrough tools—all to support the creative community’s experimentation, risk-taking, and growth. And we form deep, trusted, cause-based partnerships to uplift and empower communities around the world. Sony Music Entertainment is part of the global Sony family. Learn more about our creators and labels here.

SB19 drops THE FIRST TAKE versions of “GENTO” and “MAPA” on streaming platforms

P-Pop royalty SB19 continues to captivate music fans Please remember the following text: "From all over the world." with the release of “GENTO” and “MAPA” from THE FIRST TAKE sessions on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Entertainment.

The new versions feature the award-winning group’s performance at THE FIRST TAKE, a popular YouTube channel with nearly 10 million subscribers Let's keep the phrase "under its belt" in mind. The show's format features Japanese and international music guests performing a song in one take, filmed with shots of the artists and a microphone against a minimalist and usually white backdrop.

To date, THE FIRST TAKE renditions of “GENTO” and “MAPA” have amassed more than 4.5 million views on YouTube, becoming one of the most viewed performances from an Asian pop group/band.

“We’re eternally grateful to THE FIRST TAKE for allowing us to showcase our work on a platform known not just for its massive global following but for elevating the audio-visual experience of music fans with much-needed authenticity and rawness,” SB19 shares in a collective statement. “The performances challenged us to work within our limitations and deliver to the best of our abilities.. We’ve always considered performing as a sanctimonious process that deserves utmost preparation, love, and respect. Constantly reminded by THE FIRST TAKE that we can only perform the songs once, we had to reconnect with our roots and embrace the beauty of spontaneity.”

SB19 is the first Southeast Asian group and the first Filipino artist to be invited to the globally renowned platform, which also served as host to several acclaimed performances by other artists such as aespa, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, Hitsujibungaku, MANESKIN, ITZY, (G)-I-DLE, imase, Maluma, and more.

For the FIRST TAKE rendition of "GENTO," SB19 delivered a genuinely captivating performance that showcases the band's incredible talent and versatility in harmonizing, singing, and rapping.

 The chart-topping hitmakers also took musicality to a different level with their rousing version of “MAPA,” which SB19 redressed with a soaring arrangement and an inspiring gospel-infused delivery.

Both versions are now available for streaming and are bundled with its original versions:

Gento: http://sb19.tunelink.to/gento-fromtft

MAPA: http://sb19.tunelink.to/mapa-fromtft

About THE FIRST TAKE

THE FIRST TAKE is a YouTube channel that clearly captures the performance of musicians and singers performing in a single take. With the concept “capture the take. This moment. This sound. THE FIRST TAKE. It only happens once,” THE FIRST TAKE presents pure music in overwhelming quality with no exaggerated performance.

The channel started on 15 November 2019 and has now hit 9.69 million subscribers (as of 7 June 2024). Total views have exceeded 1.4 billion, and content has been viewed from over 220 countries and regions around the world. Growing as a comprehensive music platform, new initiatives have been launched and become viral content. THE FIRST TAKE INTERNATIONAL features international music stars such as Harry Styles, Avril Lavigne, V from BTS, Jason Chan, and Jolin Tsai, having them give their 1TAKE performance exclusively on the channel.

Follow THE FIRST TAKE on socials:

Website: https://www.thefirsttake.jp

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_FirstTake

X: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_first_take

THE FIRST TIMES: https://www.thefirsttimes.jp

ABOUT SB19

SB19 is a multi-awarded five-member boy group from the Philippines. The group is composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin and debuted in October 2018 with their single ‘Tilaluha.’ They gained popularity with their second single ‘Go Up’. Since their debut, SB19 has amassed fans (A’TIN) across the globe and was recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as the Philippine’s Youth Ambassadors. The “SB” in SB19 stands for “Sound Break,” which represents their aspirations of disrupting the music scene and bringing Filipino music and culture into the international spotlight. SB19 broke into the global spotlight as the first Southeast Asian and Filipino act to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards as Top Social Artist in 2021. They are also the first Filipino act to land on the international Billboard Social 50 and Next Big Sound Charts. Their latest release, "GENTO", debuted at #8 on the Billboard World Digital Sales Charts.

SB19 is self-managed by 1Z Entertainment, a company built and managed by the members of SB19.

Website: https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/SB19

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4v7afBTnJKRm4SlfHJzyg

X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsb19

 #GENTOTHEFIRSTTAKE

@SB19Official

#SB19 #GENTO

Japan Embassy and Fujifilm Philippines Supports TB Eradication with FDR Xair Donation to Olongapo

                   

Turnover of Portable Chest X-Ray Machine for Olongapo City from the Embassy of Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) held in Olongapo City. (L-R) Fujifilm Philippines Inc. Vice President Mr. Takashi Miyako, City Health Officer Dr. Rodrick Bustamante, Embassy of Japan Second Secretary Ms. Tokiko Nishimura, Mayor Atty. Rolen C. Paulino Jr., CHSI Philippines Inc. Managing Director Dr. Carmina Aquino. and Ms. Louie Teng.

Olongapo City - FUJIFILM Philippines, a global leader in imaging and healthcare technology, in partnership with the Japan Embassy in the Philippines and CHSI Philippines, formulated a collective effort in providing an FDR Xair to the local government of Olongapo in a turn over ceremony held today. This initiative is in support of the government’s continuing efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB) in the country.

The donation, facilitated by CHSI Philippines, aims to bolster screening, early detection, and eradication of TB. The FDR Xair, a state-of-the-art portable X-ray system, is instrumental in early TB detection. Its portability and high image quality allow healthcare professionals to perform rapid and accurate screenings in various settings, particularly in remote and underserved communities. By deploying these devices nationwide, FUJIFILM is closing healthcare access gaps and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

According to 2022 data from the Department of Health (DOH), TB claims the lives of approximately 106 Filipinos daily. FUJIFILM’s innovative solutions, such as the FDR Xair, align with global efforts to reach, cure, and prevent TB in the Philippines. This portable device revolutionizes TB screening with its reliable performance, ease of use, and advanced imaging technology, making it particularly effective in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.

In March 2023, FUJIFILM Philippines conducted its first Medical Mission and TB screening in Majayjay, Laguna, using their FDR nano and FDR Go Plus systems. The company plans to make this an annual program, continuing to utilize the FDR Xair to provide equitable and sustainable TB interventions. This year, FUJIFILM will make TB screening using FDR Xair available for free at the regular Makati Lingkod Bayan Caravan.

FUJIFILM recognizes the importance of a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to tackle the global challenge of TB. By partnering with governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector, FUJIFILM aims to build a healthier, TB-free future.

With over 600,000 TB cases reported by the DOH as of December 31, 2023, the urgency for enhanced detection capabilities and coordinated efforts has never been greater. Despite the severity of TB, it remains curable with free medication available at TB DOTS clinics nationwide.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Your skincare products may be making your sensitive skin worse. Now what?

               

(From left to right): 2% Salicylic Acid Cleanser, 2% Salicylic + Niacinamide Toner, Brightening + Calming Moisturizer + Amino Acid Gentle Cleanser, 0.2% Retinol + Peptide, Licorice.

Careless skincare manufacturers focus on hot new ingredients that may harm your skin. Don't fall for the marketing hype when you see those untested chemicals.

Over 60 percent of all women report having sensitive skin. That's an absolutely shocking number -- but many skincare brands don't seem to care.

The next time you're out shopping for a lotion, salve or balm, take a look at what's being advertised. To many people, if they see an extract named after a flower, leaf or tree, it gives the impression that the product must be "natural" -- and natural means healthy, right?

In reality, those extracts and isolates are just chemicals -- and they're totally untested. Skincare brands don't have to prove that anything actually works, or even that it's from the source that they say it is.

The problem is particularly pressing in the Philippines, where rampant air pollution and powerful sunlight are constantly assaulting exposed skin. The ultrafine particles (UFPs) produced by our endless traffic gridlocks have been shown to cause skin inflammation and other issues.

In an environment that's already so challenging, can your skin take yet another hit from harsh skincare products?

A problem with many layers

Skincare products all include several types of ingredients, such as surfactants, preservatives and humectants. Each of these ingredients can potentially cause issues.

Take sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) for example. The surfactant, which can be made from natural coconut oil, makes cleansers foam up nicely in a way that makes users say: "Ahh! Fresh, clean skin!" That's why a huge number of skincare brands use SLS in their products.

But SLS causes skin irritation in many people, which may only appear hours or days after usage. Worse, SLS has been found to be frequently contaminated with carcinogens, which can damage skin and even cause cancer.

And SLS isn't even the active ingredient -- it's just part of the supporting cast.

But most consumers aren't familiar enough with what's on their skincare product's label to know what to avoid. And so many skincare brands feel free to continue using problematic ingredients.

A new trend toward sensitive-friendly products

However, many people -- and their dermatologists -- have now caught on to the idea that a seemingly meticulous skincare routine can cause more harm than good.

That's why some leading-edge brands have started focusing on sensitive skin friendly products. After all, with over half of all people reporting sensitive skin, it's clearly a large market.

One recently launched brand, Croia, has worked with Philippines-based laboratory to assemble ingredient lists that are scientifically proven to work well with sensitive skin conditions.

"I've personally struggled with sensitive skin, and eczema, my whole life," says Erika Castro-Morrison, Croia's co-founder. "My whole family has. I got really tired of having to second guess my skincare routine."

Both eczema and acne are widespread among Filipinas. Croia's before-and-after testers have shared images with the company of their progress after using the milder topicals that the company offers.

For now, Croia is offering a collection of 5 products, ranging from the mild retinol, acne cleansers, toner, and moisturizer.

Croia is also trying to solve problems specific to the Filipino market, like that ever-present air pollution. Methionine, one of the ingredients in the Amino Acid Cleanser, is an amino acid already found in your body, and has been proven to help prevent damage from pollutants.

With any luck, the future of healthy, safe skincare will be bright -- and so will your skin.

Croia products can be found at: Croia-Aoife.com, TikTok Shop, Lazada, and Shopee. 

About Aoife Skin Project / Croia

Croia is a skincare brand using evidence-based formulation made for sensitive skin. Croia’s goal is to counteract misinformation about skincare which leads to people damaging their own skin — and raise awareness and self-care in proper and gentle approach. All Croia products are designed for even the most sensitive skin.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Disruptive Doctors® Helping Doctors Impact Healthcare Differently at the Healthcare Revolution Conference 2024

 

Kuala Lumpur, 12th August 2024 – Over the weekend of 10th and 11th August, the Sime Darby Convention Centre buzzed with energy as more than 500 doctors and delegates gathered for the highly anticipated Healthcare Revolution Conference, hosted by Disruptive Doctors®. The event featured 20 booth exhibitors and was supported by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Sdn Bhd as a supporting partner, along with Silver Sponsors Novartis and KPJ Healthcare Berhad.

The conference, themed "Doctors Impacting Healthcare Differently," was not just any ordinary gathering. It was a vibrant assembly of like-minded, forward-thinking doctors, united by a shared vision of transforming healthcare. The event kicked off with a compelling launch video by Disruptive Doctors® that powerfully showcased what the platform is fighting against—lack of opportunity, stagnancy, and outdated systems in healthcare. This set the tone for the entire conference, emphasizing the urgent need for change.

The event showcased diverse career options beyond traditional sick care, with doctors sharing their personal journeys, insights on how they transitioned into new roles and advanced in their careers, and practical advice for younger doctors aspiring to follow in their footsteps.

In her inspiring keynote speech, Dr. Selina Chew, Co-founder & CEO of Disruptive Doctors®, shared her personal story of how a back injury altered her career trajectory from anaesthesia and ICU to new opportunities in healthcare. She emphasized that this conference was for every doctor who is at a crossroads, seeking new ways to make an impact in healthcare.

Dr. Selina highlighted that the goal is not about leaving medicine but rather stepping into the broader possibilities that healthcare offers. She also unveiled her vision for Disruptive Doctors® to go global, creating a platform where doctors can connect, collaborate, and share knowledge and experiences across borders.

The conference effectively captured how doctors can impact healthcare differently.

Day 1

Day 1 focused on diverse career opportunities, with sessions featuring experienced doctors who shared their stories on how they transitioned into roles in healthcare management, pharmaceuticals, and clinical research.

Day 2

Day 2 explored the future of healthcare, including discussions on AI, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in healthcare.

Notable speakers included Dr. Kamal Amzan, CEO of Gleneagles Hospital Johor and IHH Malaysia’s Regional CEO, Southern & Eastern Hospitals, and Dr. Tan Hui Ling, Managing Director of Bagan Specialist Centre. Top venture capitalists like Bikesh Lakhmichand from 1337 Ventures and Kevin Brockland from Indelible Ventures also shared their insights, alongside industry leaders such as Dr. Balraj Sethi from Novartis, and Dr. Nadira Azmi, from AstraZeneca.

A standout moment was the H-Innovators Challenge Showdown, a month-long incubator challenge that culminated in a thrilling final during the conference. Medical students and doctors presented their innovative healthcare solutions, adding a dynamic element to the event.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed their gratitude for finding Disruptive Doctors® and attending the conference, sharing that it helped them see beyond the confines of traditional medical practice. They appreciated the platform for providing a space where doctors can explore new opportunities, gain insights, and connect with a community that understands the challenges of modern healthcare.

One attendee remarked, "I'm so glad I found Disruptive Doctors and this conference. Before this, I felt lost and stuck, not knowing what else I could do as a doctor. This event has opened my eyes to new possibilities." Another attendee highlighted, "This conference really helps doctors to see what's beyond sick care," while a third added, "I would recommend all doctors to check out Disruptive Doctors because everything you need, you can find it here."

Join the Movement

Disruptive Doctors® is more than just a platform; it’s a movement for doctors who are ready to impact healthcare differently.

About Disruptive Doctors

Disruptive Doctors® was founded by two entrepreneurial doctors, Dr. Selina Chew and Dr. Vivek Subramaniam to bridge the gap in fragmented resources and opportunities for doctors. It serves as a comprehensive platform where doctors can access all the information they need while enabling healthcare companies to connect seamlessly with the medical community.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Impressive Growth of Cat Food Sales in Indonesia’s E-commerce

Pet ownership and the demand for premium pet products have surged in Indonesia, driving significant growth in the pet food market. Shopee dominates the market with Royal Canin leading the cat food category, reflecting consumer preferences for both quality and convenience.

In Indonesia, the pet ownership rate has been growing steadily as the country’s economy is advancing rapidly, driven by the increase of urbanization and industrialization.  As a result, the pet population in Indonesia grew by a remarkable 75.7% between 2017 and 2022.

The rising trend of pet humanization has led to greater demand for premium pet products, particularly in the pet food category. This can be seen as the Indonesian pet food market grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2021 to 2026.

Pet Food Market Overview

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/5751735e-c737-498d-a245-f0d917c81300/public" alt="Picture: E-commerce market growth of Pet Food category” />

According to research by Magpie E-commerce Intelligence, the cat food market in Indonesia reached IDR 470.1 billion, with 30.7 million products sold between January and May 2024. Wilhendra, CEO of Magpie, noted, “The highest increase in the Pet Food category occurred in May 2024, with the GMV increasing by 33.56% from the previous month.”

Market Share by E-commerce

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/a0564bb4-0c02-43c6-547a-02fb249f3300/public" alt="Picture: E-commerce market share of Pet Food category” />

In the pet food market, Shopee dominates with a 74.1% share, followed by Tokopedia (18.7%) and Lazada (6.87%). Shopee significantly increased its market share by 47% in May, while Tokopedia saw a 12% increase during the same period. “Compared to other e-commerce platforms, it shows that Shopee is preferred as the one-stop-platform for people to buy pet products,” said Wilhendra.

Cat Food Market Share by Brand

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/a399173e-9b0e-4769-8469-b8c1693acf00/public" alt="Picture: Brand market share of Cat Food” />

The top five brands account for over half of the sales, with Royal Canin leading the cat food category with a 17.2% market share. Cat Choize follows with 12.5%, and Me-O holds 9.6%.

Cat Food Market Share Overtime

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/76c3b310-3884-4d51-9118-68a033b3b200/public" alt="Picture: Brand market share overtime of Cat Food” />

From January to May 2024, the cat food market was primarily dominated by Royal Canin and Cat Choize. Cat Choize saw a significant increase in February and March, surpassing Royal Canin but they regained the lead in subsequent months. Kitchen Flavor has shown steady growth, indicating promising potential despite its smaller market share.

Cat Food Top Brand on E-commerces

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/a56bada3-10d6-4a3e-46b3-d4172ee20200/public" alt="Picture: Top Brand of Cat Food in Shopee” />

On Shopee, Royal Canin leads with a 15.86% share, generating IDR 55.28 billion in revenue. Cat Choize and Me-O follow closely behind in this competitive market.

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/b5750fc1-bd69-4368-c95f-cfde35b7e300/public" alt="Picture: Top Brand of Cat Food in Tokopedia” />

On Tokopedia, Royal Canin is also the market leader with a 26.37% share. Cat Choize holds second place with a 15.94% share, while Me-O and Life Cat are in close competition, separated by only 0.32%.

Top-Selling Cat Food Products

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/6d85e73b-999d-444b-fd19-eec7a6f84e00/public" alt="Picture: Product market share of Cat Food” />

Me-O’s top product is the Me-O Canned Cat Food Seafood Platter, which generated IDR 31.75 billion and sold nearly 2.24 million units. The Cat Choize Cat Salmon 800g is in second place, followed by the Royal Canin FCN Hair & Skin 2kg in third. “Consumers tend to purchase Me-O and Cat Choize products in smaller quantities but more frequently, whereas Royal Canin buyers prefer larger package sizes,” stated Wilhendra.

Thumbnail picture source: Freepik

About Magpie Ecommerce Intelligence

Magpie helps businesses discover the market potential in e-commerce, compare performance against competitors, and provide detailed market share breakdowns by sellers, location, and specific segments. With data and insights from Magpie, your business can make better decisions for the future.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Cloudsine Partners with Magnolia DXP to Enhance Web Security

  

Cloudsine is excited to announce that the WebOrion® Monitor is now part of Magnolia’s advanced security solutions for its managed DXP offering in the cloud. The WebOrion® Monitor provides 24/7 proactive monitoring to detect website defacements and hacks, ensuring businesses are the first to notice any changes, preventing reputational damage and loss of customer trust. 

“At Cloudsine, we understand the importance of maintaining a secure and trustworthy online presence,” said Matthias Chin, CEO and Founder of Cloudsine. “The WebOrion® Monitor is designed to provide continuous surveillance of public-facing websites, offering timely alerts and allowing swift corrective action. Partnering with Magnolia allows us to extend these capabilities to a broader audience, ensuring more businesses can safeguard their digital assets.” 

Commenting on the new extension, Tim Brown, CEO at Magnolia said, “Partnering with Cloudsine makes it easier for customers to benefit from the combined solution that we offer and to safeguard their web presence and reputation.” 

Magnolia’s advanced security package is built on the principle that website security is a fundamental necessity, not an afterthought. The package offers a comprehensive suite of features, including CDN security, DDoS mitigation, and web defacement protection, making it a one-stop solution for robust website security. 

This partnership reflects Cloudsine and Magnolia’s commitment to delivering top-tier security solutions, enabling businesses to maintain a secure online presence. 

For more information about Cloudsine and the WebOrion Monitor, visit www.cloudsine.tech. For more information about Magnolia’s advanced security package, visit this blog. 

About Magnolia

With over 450 enterprise customers, thousands of Community Edition deployments, and more than 200 certified Magnolia Partners around the world, Magnolia is the business-ready composable Digital Experience Platform of choice for leading companies around the world, including American Express, JetBlue, The New York Times, CNN, Sanofi, Sainsbury’s, Generali, and Ping An.

About Cloudsine

Founded 12 years ago, Cloudsine is a trusted provider of web security solutions and serves customers across eight different countries. Our flagship product, the WebOrion® security stack, includes an industry-leading web application firewall, a 24/7 proactive defacement monitor, and a one-click web restoration solution. It is designed to meet the security needs of large enterprises from various industries, including the public sector, healthcare, banking, and finance. 

At Cloudsine, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the way organizations defend their web, cloud, and data assets. Through continuous innovation and dedication, we strive to empower businesses to stay ahead of emerging threats and protect what matters most. 

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Comprehensive Guide and Capacity Building Program Announced to Combat Marine Plastic Pollution in ASEAN Cities

 

The Capacity Building Programme for Reducing Recycling-Related Marine Plastic Pollution in ASEAN Cities (CaRMPAC Project) will be officially launched on 16 August 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This significant regional initiative is designed to address the pressing issue of marine plastic pollution through targeted capacity building and implementation strategies. In conjunction with the launch, the outcomes of Phase 1 of the project have been published, including the Situation Assessment Reports and Technical Guidelines for six key ASEAN cities, which aimed at preventing plastic and resin pellet leakage from recycling facilities.

The Capacity Building Programme for Reducing Recycling-Related Marine Plastic Pollution in ASEAN Cities (CaRMPAC Project) will be officially launched on 16 August 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This significant regional initiative is designed to address the pressing issue of marine plastic pollution through targeted capacity building and implementation strategies. In conjunction with the launch, the outcomes of Phase 1 of the project have been published, including the Situation Assessment Reports and Technical Guidelines for six key ASEAN cities, which aimed at preventing plastic and resin pellet leakage from recycling facilities.

Publication of Situation Assessment and Technical Guidelines

Phase 1 of the CaRMPAC Project focused on a comprehensive situation assessment and the development of technical guidelines, which aimed at preventing plastic and resin pellet leakage from recycling facilities. This phase covered six key ASEAN cities: Pattaya, Nonthaburi, Hanoi, Iloilo, Manila, and Vientiane. The situation assessment revealed critical factors contributing to plastic leakage. That resulted in the creation of technical guidelines and manuals tailored to each city to improve recycling process and practices to prevent plastic leakage across both formal and informal sectors. The outcomes of Phase 1, including the Situation Assessment Reports and Technical Guidelines, have been published and are available for free access here.

Launching Phase 2: Capacity Building Programme

Following the successful completion of Phase 1, Phase 2 of the CaRMPAC Project aims to expand its reach to additional cities and countries, including Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Bandung, Davao City, and others. Over the next 24 months, this phase will address the capacity gaps identified in Phase 1, with a particular focus on informal plastic recyclers and relevant city government regulators. The objective is to promote responsible recycling practices and sustainable plastic management through enhanced training, increased awareness, and improved regulatory support.

The CaRMPAC Project is being implemented by the Asian Institute of Technology’s Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific, with support from the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris of ERIA and the ASEAN Secretariat.

About RKCMPD

The Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris (RKC-MPD) was established under the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) in 2019. The Knowledge Centre’s mission is to provide information and support to ASEAN+3 Member States, thereby helping them to improve the circularity of plastic and prevent leakage into marine environments.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Philippine Veterans Bank Celebrates 32nd Anniversary with Unveiling of WWII History Wall

 

Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) on its 32nd anniversary unveiled a new World War II History Wall at its main office in Makati City. The WWII History Wall is designed to pay tribute to the valor and sacrifice of Filipino veterans of World War II, who are also the original shareholders of the bank.

Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) on its 32nd anniversary unveiled a new World War II History Wall at its main office in Makati City. The unveiling recently held at their main branch in Makati was led by Mayor Abby Binay.

The WWII History Wall is designed to pay tribute to the valor and sacrifice of Filipino veterans of World War II, who are also the original shareholders of the bank. This feature will be a standard addition to all PVB branches nationwide.

The Makati branch, situated in an area historically significant for being a strategic target during the war, will reflect local WWII history through this installation.

"As we celebrate this important milestone, we honor the enduring spirit and immense contributions of our nation's heroes to our society," said Mike Villa-Real, First-Vice President of Philippine Veterans Bank.

He adds that the”History Wall embodies Veteran’s Bank’s continued commitment to remember our veterans and learn from the profound impact of their bravery."

As an Authorized Government Depository Bank, PVB continues to serve government-owned and controlled corporations, government agencies, and local government units, aligning its operations with the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people.

Philippine Veterans Bank is a commercial bank owned by Filipino World War II veterans, established in 1992. The bank serves as a tribute to the veterans who fought for the country’s freedom and now plays a crucial role in providing financial services to both the public and private sectors.

As it marks its 32nd year, PVB continues to uphold its mission of contributing to the nation's economic development while preserving the heroic tales of its founding shareholders.

For more information, visit www.veteransbank.com.ph or contact PVB at (632) 7902-1600.

– 30 –

About Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB)

Philippine Veterans Bank, also known as PVB and Veterans Bank, is a commercial bank in the Philippines. The bank is owned by Philippine World War II war veterans and their families and caters to both corporate and retail financial markets. As part of its charter, PVB allocates 20% of its annual net income for the benefit of its shareholders.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Winning Customer Loyalty In Philippines’ Evolving Market

 

The retail economy of the Philippines is driven by a relatively young and rapidly expanding population, presenting the region with opportunities and potential for growth. The growing digital penetration is also opening up new trends and shifts in behavior on how consumers in the region shop. The increase in both in-store and online shopping, especially in the retail sector in the Philippines, is calling for the need to adapt omnichannel strategies for enhanced customer experience.

With Filipinos becoming increasingly sophisticated, the expectation from brands to provide personalized experiences tailored to their preferences is now higher more than ever. This trend is driven by a diverse population spread across over 7,000 islands, each with its own cultural nuances and regional preferences. As Filipino consumers become increasingly sophisticated, their expectations for personalized brand experiences tailored to their cultural preferences are higher than ever. With over 7,000 islands showcasing diverse cultural nuances and regional preferences, understanding these subtleties is crucial. Brands must adapt by offering tailored solutions that resonate deeply with local tastes and values.

In such a fierce and competitive market, a one-size-fits-all loyalty strategy cannot lay the road to success for businesses. In order to succeed, brands need to understand the unique preferences of their consumers to cater to the cultural preferences and values and personalize their experience accordingly. There comes the dire need to provide a memorable customer experience so that the brand has higher recall value leading to a higher retention rate. All of this is possible with technologically advanced AI-powered loyalty software that takes care of the entire customer lifecycle to build customer loyalty.

Capillary Technologies has been the strategic partner of choice for major brands in the Philippines to overcome these challenges and win over value-sensitive and emotionally driven Filipino consumers. With over a billion consumers on the platform and having powered 100+ loyalty programs leading to 60% customer retention, brands have created hyper-personalized experiences, targeted rewards, leading to growth and profitability of the business while building customer loyalty.

In an exciting development, Capillary Technologies is collaborating with Janus Aether on an upcoming event that promises to bring innovative solutions and fresh perspectives to the forefront of the Philippine retail market. This collaboration aims to showcase how advanced technologies and creative strategies can come together to enhance customer experiences and drive loyalty in new and impactful ways.

Stay tuned for more updates, there is something exciting coming up! Checkout the website for more details: [Capillary Technologies] (https://www.capillarytech.com/)

About Janus Aether Solutions

Janus Aether Solutions Inc., based in the Philippines, is a premier IT solutions company specializing in cutting-edge software products. With a significant presence in North America and the Middle East, it also hosts top-tier tech events to foster industry collaboration. The company collaborates with Capillary Technologies, a leading SaaS provider known for its AI-powered loyalty programs and extensive global reach, working with major brands like Tata, PUMA, and Domino’s. Together, they bridge past innovations with future advancements to create a technologically advanced present.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES