The opportunities from digital innovations were accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic as limitations on mobility prompted citizens to accelerate migration to digital spaces. In the Philippines, these changes are evident in the growth of digital payment systems, online meeting platforms, electronic health services, online retail, direct delivery services, and many others. However, with increasing connectivity comes increasing cyber threats. That’s why efficient solutions and infrastructure are essential in combating cyber threats and ensuring business survival. Individually, Filipinos are susceptible to data breaches and privacy violations online. On a societal level, cyberattacks by state or non-state actors on critical infrastructure can undermine national security and impact economic activity. While cyber threats originate online, their consequences can manifest beyond the digital space into our physical lives. These kinds of attacks also have direct economic costs. In fact, f...

The San Roque Elementary School in Marikina City is the first beneficiary of McDonald’s Philippines ReClassified Project: A store renovated, a classroom rejuvenated. Nearly 200 McDonald's chairs, repurposed and fitted with arm desk are being used by top students of San Roque from Grade 6-Marubdob on the first day of their classes on September 8, 2023. The chairs were part of the school furniture which the Marikina City government has procured this year to ensure that all public elementary and secondary schools in the city will have enough school furniture, Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro said on Friday. An alumnus of the school himself, Mayor Marcy said "education is everyone’s responsibility. Collaborations such as this ReClassified project contribute to our shared goals for Filipino learners. Kaya’t salamat McDonald’s for choosing Marikina and my alma mater, as your first beneficiary,” he said. ReClassified project is an initiative that sees the transforma...

QC's BestLink College of the Philippines is now fully solarized! Sept. 5, 2023, saw the official turn over of the 202 Kwp Gridtied Photovoltaic (PV) System to BestLink College MV Campus by Mega Solar PH making Bestlink the first school in QC installed with solar panels and support batteries. This is made possible by the partnership between BestLink and Mega Solar PH, the pioneering force in the solar energy sector. BestLink owner Mrs. Mary Vicente and Mega Solar PH CEO Benjamin L. Kahulugan III share the vision of a cleaner and brighter future. "Solar energy is not just a source of power; it's a beacon of sustainability and environmental responsibility. This installation represents our commitment to a cleaner, greener future, " said Mr. Kahulugan. He emphasized the profound significance of solar energy in today's world. He stated, "Solar energy is a clean, renewable, and abundant source of power. By harnessing the energy of the sun, we reduce our ...

September 24 is observed as Familial Hypercholesterolemia Day by the US Family Heart Foundation, an event that the Philippine Heart Association and the Philippine Lipid & Atherosclerosis Society have embraced as an Advocacy to heighten awareness about management of FH to thwart is complications. PHA Director Dr. Lourdes Ella Santos, said: “We at the PHA and our colleagues from different disciplines are raising awareness on FH," during the August 30, 2023 online forum Usapang Puso sa Puso (UPP). One in every 300 Filipinos in the Philippines is suffering from FH, a genetic disorder that can lead to heart disease. In layman's terms, heart doctors said: Namamana ang cholesterol! Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder that can lead to heart disease. The physical manifestations of FH, especially among young individuals, include excess build-up of cholesterol in some areas of the body such as the knees, elbows or around the eyes, which is called xantho...

10 Million Downloads of Pokémon Sleep Worldwide, Gifts and More! The Pokémon Company is pleased to announce that Pokémon Sleep, released for iOS and Android in late July 2023, has been downloaded over ten million times worldwide. To commemorate this milestone, 10 million downloadable commemorative gifts will be given away starting August 25, Friday, at 5 a.m. until September 22, Friday, at 5 a.m. (UTC). Please take note of its following contents: Sleep Point ×1,000, Good Camp Ticket ×1, Poké Biscuit × 5, and Ingredient Ticket S ×3. On August 31, Thursday, look forward to a full moon. Our sleep has a deep connection with the phases of the moon, and it’s been discovered that our time spent sleeping gets shorter when the moon is close to full. Mark this special occasion because the in-game event, Good Sleep Day, is coming, too! This event will be held once a month for a total of three days: on the day before, during, and after the full moo...

In a world where the boundaries between wellness and aesthetics continue to blur, OGAWA emerges as a trailblazer that effortlessly bridges the gap. From its origins as a tool for rejuvenation, it has evolved into a masterpiece that elevates your home's style, transforming it into a sanctuary of well-being and refined living. The OGAWA massage chair stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of wellness and design, reminding us that the pursuit of a balanced, beautiful life begins right at home. OGAWA takes its rightful place in the spotlight as a timeless creation that enriches both body and soul, and adds an exquisite touch of elegance to the tapestry of your home. OGAWA's transformation from a basic wellness tool to a symbol of substance and flair begins with its primary goal: holistic well-being. OGAWA offers a haven of tranquility, a respite from the commotion, and an opportunity to renew both body and mind in a fast-paced world that continually asks more of us. ...

Tourists roaming the City of Ilagan wouldn't surely miss the giant chair with a long arm rest on display at Bonifacio Park located at the Provincial Capitol Complex. It was unveiled for public viewing on April 2003 (during Isabela’s 147th founding anniversary on May 11). The Butaka, as it is called is therefore, 20 years old during our visit in August 2023 in time for the Mammangi Festival 2023 and Ilagan's 11th Cityhood celebrations. Isabela' pride and Ilagan’s winning bid for Guinness Book of World Records for the biggest armchair was constructed alternately by 12 to 50 skilled craftsmen of Brgy. Alinguigan II, considered the “furniture capital” of the Cagayan Valley. The people of Brgy. Alinguigan II are touted to be the best butaka makers where about 95% of residents are furniture makers. The giant Butaka was constructed to promote Isabela’s furniture industry and it costed about PhP175,000. Reportedly, the big furniture entrepreneurs in the village contrib...