Sensitive skin care routine in just 2 steps?!

One of the main skin issues that Filipinos worry about is having sensitive skin. Living with it can be incredibly challenging to manage with the occasional skin irritation, flare ups, itching, dryness, burning, and redness. It can affect one’s quality of life as the effects of having sensitive skin can manifest physically, emotionally, and psychologically—which is why it is best to invest in a routine that is efficient, simple, and yet powerful enough to manage one’s sensitive skin.

Navigating through one’s sensitive skin journey can be a very daunting task. Most often, sensitive skin sufferers go through several trials and errors with the products they use, just to keep their sensitive skin at bay. And when it comes to these products it is important to consider its ingredients and whether it provides healing properties to the skin—like oats, for example.

Oat is one of nature’s most restorative ingredients. Not only does it bring moisture to the skin’s surface layers, but it also helps in soothing skin irritation thanks to its natural properties; providing skin solutions to keep your skin healthy and feel instant relief from irritants. Research shows that incorporating oats in skincare products greatly improves the health and appearance of one’s skin—and can even go as far as treating skin conditions such as dry, itchy, sensitive skin.

Dr. Clarisse Mendoza, a board-certified dermatologist, explained, “Having sensitive skin means that your skin is prone to allergies or irritation from various harmful things in the environment. The best way to prevent this from happening is by applying good kinds of moisturizers or lotions that will protect your skin all throughout the day. Oat-based moisturizers have the benefit of improving the skin barrier function and have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve the itchiness of dry and itchy skin. This way, we can be rest assured that your skin is kept healthy and well hydrated.”

pastedGraphic.png

Today, skin sufferers do not need to worry! Introducing Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash and Lotion, Aveeno’s two-step solution that is powered with oats to effectively manage sensitive skin. Both formulated with Triple Oat Complex, Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash and Moisturizing Lotion will help you soothe dry, itchy, sensitive skin.

pastedGraphic_1.png
Enzo Villacorta, content creator, eczema sufferer, and long-time Aveeno user

https://www.tiktok.com/@enzo.villacorta/video/7257868282810617094

Sensitive skin sufferers can attest to the power and effectiveness of the two-step solution with content creator, eczema sufferer, and long-time Aveeno user, Enzo Villacorta, who shared, “Living with eczema has been my skin’s biggest challenge over the past few years. It came to a point when my skin was so sensitive and itchy, that it was even hard to go to sleep. After trying different brands of body care, Aveeno’s Skin Relief Body Wash and Body Lotion made the biggest impact. Using both on a daily basis makes me feel so at ease, because of how gentle and effective it is on my body. Genuinely, Aveeno’s two-step Skin Relief Regimen is an investment towards healthier skin.”

The two-step solution is known to be gentle on sensitive skin as it includes one of nature’s most restorative ingredients, oats. Included in the two-step regimen, the Triple Oat Complex is composed of Oat Oil that boosts ceramide production for stronger skin barrier, Oat Extract that contain avenanthramides with potent antioxidant, and Oat Flour that moisturizes skin.

Combining both the Skin Relief Body Wash and the Moisturizing Lotion to your sensitive skin routine poses many benefits, such as relief and comfort to one’s skin; and apart from your skin feeling extra moisturized and smooth upon using, the skin barrier is strengthened, protected, more nourished, and more soothed with the help of Aveeno’s Triple Oat Complex formula—therefore providing an easy, more efficient way to manage sensitive skin.

To start, use Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash, a fragrance-free body wash that replenishes moisture for softer, smoother, healthier-looking skin even after you rinse. Right after, lock in the moisture with Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion. This product has a rich, creamy texture. The clinical benefits of Aveeno Oat in dry skin have been demonstrated through extensive research across diverse skin conditions and populations. This fragrance-free lotion is clinically proven to soothe itchy, dry, sensitive skin in as fast as 60 seconds. 

Aveeno senior brand manager, Ira Santos, shared, “Using both Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash and Moisturizing Lotion is a powerful combination and solution to help manage sensitive skin. With Aveeno’s two-step solution, it not only cleanses, but also protects the skin. Complement your moisturizing routine with Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash that gently cleanses and moisturizes to help soothe itchy, dry sensitive skin, and finish off with Aveeno Skin Relief Lotion after every wash to nourish and restore essential moisture, so your skin feels softer and healthier. This two-step solution is a game changer when it comes to your sensitive skin routine!”

With Aveeno’s Two-Step Solution, experiencing ultimate skin relief will be easier to achieve. Get the Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash and the Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion in Watsons and in their official company stores via Shopee and Lazada, or you can shop here: https://bit.ly/AveenoTwoStepRegimen. 

For more information about Aveeno and their products, visit their website at https://www.aveeno.com.ph/ and follow them on Instagram and TikTok at @aveenoph!

Show your Intimates Some Love this Rainy Season

 Filipinas experience extreme humidity whether indoors at home or outdoors especially during the rainy season. Humidity results in changes that bother most ladies– frizzier hair, acne-prone skin, and generally an ickier, stickier feeling throughout the day. What most women don’t share– humidity also contributes to the unpleasant feeling within their intimate areas. 

Here are some tips from Carefree ambassador Rei Germar that can help beat the kulob and icky feels throughout the day this rainy season:

  1. Always have rainy-day essentials ready 

 This includes having foldable umbrellas, raincoats, and even small towels to keep yourself dry from the rain. 

2. Use Carefree pantyliners to keep your intimate areas clean and fresh all day

 Make sure to use some Carefree pantyliners throughout the day! Keep a couple of pieces in your essentials pouch so you can keep changing throughout the day in between activities.

There are different variants for different needs like Carefree Breathable for the clean, airy panty feeling all day, Carefree Super Dry to protect your panty from heavy daily discharge, and Carefree Healthy Fresh for superior odor-control. My personal favorite here is Carefree Breathable.

3. Touch up your look with makeup and some perfume

 A quick touch up on your look is such a mood booster! Knowing that I look my best throughout the day also helps combat the icky feeling I get, especially when the weather is gloomy.

Dr. May Gonzaga, gynecologist, also shares a few tips that can help Filipinas keep their intimate area clean and fresh during this time of the year. Dr. Gonzaga notes “Humid season are the times we should pay more attention to our personal hygiene and intimate areas because it makes women more prone to infections. As anything that increases the retention of heat, sweat, and wetness can lead to intimate discomforts and more importantly it can make the abnormal bacteria flourish and thrive which can lead to vulvar, vaginal, and urinary tract infections, peculiar foul smelling, and abnormal unwanted discharges from the intimate area.  To keep us ladies clean and fresh this humid season we should have good healthy habits, proper intimate hygiene and to use natural, thin, light, unscented, comfortable, cotton, hypoallergenic undergarments and pantyliners to keep us dry the whole day, and to minimize the building up of bacteria and infections.”

To avoid and minimize the building-up of the bad bacteria in the intimate area and thereby prevent possible infections & the discomfort that goes with it, Dr. Gonzaga also recommends that ladies should have a healthy lifestyle in general in terms of diet, exercises with emphasis to:

4. Practicing a habit of good feminine “hygiene”

 Wash and wipe always from front to back! Use water and mild soaps only, and washing the intimate area once to two times a day is adequate. Once you over-wash, you will wash away the good, healthy bacteria. And when this happens the ‘bad’ bacteria may colonize and give symptoms of unpleasant odors, discharge, and infections.

 5. Wear breathable clothes 

Using cotton, comfortable underwear instead of those synthetic fiber panties which can lead to irritation, itchiness, inflammation, and even infections. Avoid wearing tight clothes like tight undergarments, tight skinny jeans or tight pants, tight leggings which does not allow air to pass in your intimate area. Because our intimate area also needs to breathe. By allowing fresh air to pass through the area, it minimizes perspiration and gives one more comfort and is less prone to irritation and infections.

 6. By using a natural, thin, light, unscented, comfortable, cotton, hypoallergenic pantyliners to keep the vulvar area clean and dry the whole day.

 Changing every 3 to 5 hours a day depending on the day of cycle is recommended. This is to prevent vaginal irritations, itching, inflammation, infections and unpleasant odors and discharges from occurring.

 Alex Burgos, brand manager, shares “As the leading pantyliner brand, Carefree believes that Filipinas should not be bothered and not be accustomed to the icky sensation within the vaginal area. We advocate for women to not only just be clean, but be Carefree clean.”

To know more about the #CarefreePantyLove Movement visit and follow our social media accounts at  https://www.facebook.com/CarefreePH/ and @carefee.ph on Instagram and TikTok. Carefree pantyliners are available in all leading supermarket and drugstore nationwide, as well as on our official company store in Shopee and Lazada

Big Bad Wolf Howls Its Way to Iloilo for the First Time!

Brace yourselves, book lovers! After two successful event runs in Manila and Cebu, Big Bad Wolf will be bringing the World’s Biggest Book Sale to Iloilo! 

This will mark the first time Big Bad Wolf hosts its Book Sale in the City of Love. Spanning nine (9) days, from October 13 to 22, it promises to deliver the grandest book sale experience to the residents of Iloilo and nearby cities.

With over two million books up for grabs, residents of Iloilo and nearby cities can enjoy exclusive deals, promos, giveaways, and discounts of up to 95% off on selected books. Big Bad Wolf’s roster of literary reads will include bestsellers, must-read classics, contemporary fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, cookbooks, design books, architecture books, thrillers, young adult titles, and children’s books, making it the perfect reading destination for all ages!

WHAT The Greatest Event – Big Bad Wolf Book Sale

WHEN October 13 to 22, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Daily

WHERE Lower Ground Floor, SM Iloilo 

With the goal of igniting Filipinos’ love for reading, Big Bad Wolf Sale received full support from the Office of the City Mayor to further its initiative of promoting reading culture among Ilonggos and across Western Visayas. 

“As a book lover and reader, I welcome the world’s biggest book sale by Big Bad Wolf Books in Iloilo City. I had the love of reading books when I was in elementary. I enjoyed reading Greek mythology, the Hardy Boys, and the likes. Reading helped me when I was in college and College of Law. I wish the Ilonggos would visit the sale so they can find books they will love and enjoy,” said Mayor Jerry P. Treñas on Big Bad Wolf’s biggest book sale in Iloilo City.

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

Big Bad Wolf Celebrates the Joy of Reading with Cebuanos

Bringing over 2 million brand new books each year, Big Bad Wolf Book Sale has made literature more accessible to Filipinos by offering huge discounts of up to 95% off.  Best of all, entrance to the Book Sale is absolutely FREE! The sale will feature new and exclusive releases only available in Cebu from September 15 until October 1, 2023 from 10 AM to 10 PM, at SM Seaside City Cebu, Lower Ground level, Cube Wing.

Big Bad Wolf Books sources only the best quality, brand-new books from publishing houses in the United Kingdom and the United States. At the heart of the event is Big Bad Wolf’s CSR initiative, the Red Readerhood program which aims to empower underprivileged youth by donating books to deserving communities and schools. 

This time around, they chose Gawad Kalinga and The Sister School of Mary – Boystown in Minglanilla, Cebu as the beneficiaries of this CSR program. Big Bad Wolf Books will pledge 1,000 books which will go towards the GK Traveling Maleta Library, a program by Gawad Kalinga that, similar to Big Bad Wolf Books’ mission, aims to provide literary works and promote reading to less fortunate communities by lending a suitcase full of books for 1 month before transferring it to another community who needs it. 

“At Big Bad Wolf, we’ve always believed that books have the power to transform lives, open doors to opportunity, and spark imagination. It’s not just about selling books; it’s about making a lasting impact in the communities we touch. Our partnership with Gawad Kalinga aligns perfectly with our vision of using literature as a force for good. Gawad Kalinga’s commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities resonates deeply with us. Through our partnerships, we have the privilege of contributing to the communities that support us. This time, we also want to extend this noble mission by providing books to The Sister School of Mary – Boystown. This gesture is not just about giving them access to books; it’s about providing the tools for knowledge, personal growth, and hope,” said Andrew Yap, co-founder of Big Bad Wolf Books. 

In a world where access to education is key, Big Bad Wolf Books recognizes the pivotal role books play in shaping young minds. Guests can support the Red Readerhood program by purchasing books for donation at the Red Readerhood counter during the three-week long Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Cebu 2023.

‘UNBELIEVABLE’ Retail Experience

For its run in Cebu, the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale will feature ‘UNBELIEVABLE’ discounts as low as P20, allowing visitors to stock up on an extensive range of genres without breaking the bank. 

“The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Cebu 2023 carries titles and genres exclusively for Cebuanos who wish to visit the book sale. Brand new books that are of best quality from publishing houses in the United Kingdom and the United States await book enthusiasts. We can’t wait for Cebu to see the biggest and the baddest Big Bad Wolf Book Sale yet,” said Carol Chuaying, Big Bad Wolf Books’ Philippine partner.

To enjoy the bigger, badder, and better book sale, visitors must scan and register the provided QR code to gain full access to the book sale and its exclusive deals and offers.

“This is the first time where we are holding the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale inside an SM mall—and the SM Seaside City Mall at that. We are grateful for SM Malls that they have provided the perfect setting for this literary extravaganza. Truly, it captures the essence of Cebu and the fun that is Big Bad Wolf Book Sale,“ Carol Chuaying said.

Official Bank Partnership with Metrobank

To further enhance the readers’ experience, Big Bad Wolf Books is also proud to announce the return of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) as its official bank partner. Visitors can expect special offers and discounts when using their Metrobank credit and debit cards during the event, making it even more rewarding to explore the vast collection of books: 

  • Early VIP Access – Metrobank credit and debit cardholders get first dibs on books as we open the doors for you on September 14 from 12 NN, a day before everyone gets to rush into the book sale! 
  • 0% installment – For a minimum purchase of P3,000, Metrobank credit cardholders can avail of 0% installment for 3 months.
  • Metrobank Exclusive Payment Lanes – Metrobank card holders can enjoy dedicated payment lanes during the Sale 

If you don’t have a Metrobank credit card yet, apply for one at the special booth located at the event or visit https://apply.metrobank.com.ph/creditcard before the Sale to enjoy the exclusive Metrobank benefits. Qualified applicants can get either NO Annual fee for life or up to 100k rewards points for select cards and amounts of accumulated spend. 

With bigger, badder, and better prices, exclusive titles, and an enchanting atmosphere, Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Cebu 2023 promises to be the ultimate destination for book enthusiasts and families alike.

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf Books’ return to Cebu, visit:

Website: https://bigbadwolfbooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbwbooksphilippines/

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

Get MAJOR discounts on your favorite Neutrogena essentials this 9/9! 

Ber-month officially begins this September, and what better way to kickstart the month than to invest in skincare products that give you effortlessly fresh, healthy glass skin?

Having healthy glass skin is now achievable in just two steps, with Neutrogena’s Hydrating Duo: the Hydro Boost Serum and the Hydro Boost Water Gel! So, at the upcoming big 9.9 sale, grab the chance to get this hydrating duo together with other great deals for your healthy glass skin essentials, available in all our official company stores on Shopee and Lazada. 

Prepare yourself for fantastic promo bundles, freebies, and discounts of up to 50% off—the perfect time for you to stock up on your skincare needs for that healthy glass skin look! 

pastedGraphic.png

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Refill Pod

This bundle retails for Php 809 and will drop to Php 589 this 9.9 sale.

pastedGraphic_1.png

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel 50g + FREE Deep Clean Acne Foaming Cleanser 40g

This bundle retails for Php 1,378 but will now be priced at  Php 1,204 this 9.9 sale.

pastedGraphic_2.png

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel 50g + FREE Deep Clean Brightening Foaming Cleanser 40g

This bundle retails for Php 1,378 and will drop to  Php 1,204 this 9.9 sale.

pastedGraphic_3.png

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel 50g x 2

This bundle retails for Php 2,428 but will now be priced at  Php 1,749 this 9.9 sale.

pastedGraphic_4.png

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml + Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen SPF50 50ml

This bundle retails for Php 2,198 and will drop to  Php 1,583 this 9.9 sale.

pastedGraphic_5.png

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser 145ml + Water Gel 50g

This bundle retails for Php 1,797 but will now be priced at Php 1,294 this 9.9 sale.

pastedGraphic_6.png

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel 50g + Night Cream 50g

This bundle retails for Php 2,335 and will drop to Php 1,682 this 9.9 sale.

pastedGraphic_7.png

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel 50g + Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF50 88ml

This bundle retails for Php 1,887 but will be priced at Php 1,359 this 9.9 sale.

pastedGraphic_8.png

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser 145ml + Water Gel 50g + Serum 30ml

This bundle retails for Php 3,226 but will drop to Php 2,323 this 9.9 sale. 

pastedGraphic_9.png

Buy 1 Take 1 Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum 30ml

This bundle . 

pastedGraphic_10.png

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen SPF50 50ml + FREE Deep Clean Acne Foaming Cleanser 40g

This bundle retails for Php 933 but will drop to Php 759 this 9.9 sale.

pastedGraphic_11.png

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Cleansing Gel 175ml + FREE Deep Clean Acne Foaming Cleanser 40g

This bundle retails for Php 694 but will be priced at Php 520 this 9.9 sale.

Exciting times for our skincare enthusiasts, indeed! Whether you need a new sunscreen with SPF 50 or a serum with hyaluronic acid, Neutrogena has these in store for you. Don’t waste any moment and start adding these promo bundles to your shopping carts now! 

Promos will be available on September 9, 2023 on Shopee, and September 9 to September 13, 2023 on Lazada. 

For more information, visit their website at https://www.neutrogena.com.ph/ and follow them on Instagram at @neutrogenaph.

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Opening Game goers get FREE Jollibee Cheesy Yumburgers

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is all set to kick off at the Philippine Arena on, August 25, 2023, and Jollibee has an exciting promo in store for those who attend the Opening Game!

pastedGraphic.png

Throughout the 17-day tournament, national basketball teams from all over the world—including the country’s very own team—will be competing against one another for the coveted FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 title. As a proudly Pinoy brand and an avid basketball supporter, Jollibee will be giving away FREE Cheesy Yumburger coupons to all of those who will attend the highly anticipated Opening Game kick-off.

“The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Opening Game will surely start everyone off on a high note, and we want to continue uplifting the Filipino spirit and bring joy through one of our well-loved products—the Cheesy, Beefy, Langhap-Sarap Cheesy Yumburger,” said Pam Reyes, AVP for Jollibee Handhelds. “This momentous basketball event will foster a sense of unity and pride especially towards our Philippine team, and as we  share in this sentiment, we look forward to offering something a little extra to our fellow basketball enthusiasts.”

From August 25 to 31, 2023, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Opening Game attendees will be able to claim their Cheesy Yumburgers through these simple steps:

  • As you enter the Philippine Arena today and present your ticket, you will also be handed a FREE Jollibee Cheesy Yumburger coupon.
  • You can then drop by the Jollibee-on-Wheels booth at the Philippine Arena grounds on the same day (August 25), or at any Jollibee store within Mega Manila and Bulacan until August 31, 2023, and present the your Jollibee coupon and Opening Game ticket (whether physical or e-ticket). And from there, enjoy your FREE Cheesy Yumburger!

For more information and updates on Jollibee’s products, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Modess Philippines’ Menstrual Health CampaignWins Big at the 5th Global Influencer Marketing Awards

Modess Philippines achieved a brand first at the 5th Global Influencer Marketing Awards, bringing home a Bronze in the Most Effective Collaboration or Partnership category for the Modess 2022 #BeNextPeriodReady campaign held in cooperation with the Miss Universe Philippines Organization.

The annual Global Influencer Marketing Awards recognizes effective, creative, and inclusive collaborations that authentically connect brands with consumers and push boundaries to deliver excellence in the digital industry.

Driving word-of-mouth through the right mix of influencers and partnerships with the right organizations is key to successful campaigns and collaborations that are vital in ensuring meaningful change. Understanding this, Modess Philippines collaborated with the Miss Universe Philippines Organization to advocate for better menstrual health among young women who, owing to the lockdown caused by the COVID pandemic, were left feeling uncertain and unsure about their monthly periods.  

Working with Pulse Communications, Modess Philippines mounted a multi-faceted influencer-led campaign across social media platforms, sparking engagement through influencer and community partnerships. Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu’s advocacy around menstrual equity perfectly complemented Modess Philippines’ #BeNextPeriodReady campaign messages, and supporting content was created by Miss Universe Philippines candidates and content creators on their social media assets. 

Modess Philippines’ collaboration with ABS-CBN Foundation connected the Miss Universe Philippines Organization with young Filipinas, whereby Period Ready Kits were distributed to communities across the Philippines.

The campaign quickly gained momentum through hashtag challenges, reaching millions of young Filipinas and inspiring them to join and raise awareness about caring for their menstrual health. Apart from this, Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu’s speech at the campaign’s launch event, where she encouraged the youth to embrace their bodies and health positively, went global when the Miss Universe Organization shared it on its social media pages.

“We are honored to receive this award for #BeNextPeriodReady, a campaign we feel resonated with many young Filipinas by breaking the stigma around periods, and advancing education around the importance of caring for their menstrual health. We at Kenvue Philippines believe in the extraordinary power of everyday care, empowering women, particularly teenage girls, with the support, education, and resources they needed during uncertain times. Our work is far from over, and our menstrual health advocacy continues to be a point of focus,” said Jason Khu, senior brand manager for Modess Philippines.

Jollibee launches its delightfully newstalgic Peach Crumble Sundae

Available for a limited time only in Luzon stores!

If you’re a fan of Jollibee’s sundaes and Peach Mango Pie, then you’ll definitely love their newest dessert offering—the Peach Crumble Sundae! Available for a limited time only in Luzon stores, it’s a creamy, peach caramel delight that you won’t want to miss.

This new sundae combines classic Jollibee favorites—sweet peach fruit chunks from the well-loved Peach Mango Pie and the brand’s signature creamy vanilla soft serve—and elevates  these with butter cookie crumbles and rich caramel sauce to create a newstalgic delight! “Newstalgia” is a coined term to describe one’s desire for something comfortingly familiar yet exciting, and has become one of 2023’s top trends for desserts.

“As we created the Peach Crumble Sundae, we made sure that it offers both the comfort we seek from familiar favorites as well as the thrill of trying new flavors and textures,” said Luis Berba, Marketing Director for Jollibee Complementaries. “This is why we’re very excited for everyone to try this newstalgic delight!”

The Peach Crumble Sundae will be available for PHP 59.00 in all Jollibee stores around Luzon for a limited time only. Make sure to drop by your nearest Jollibee branch and treat yourself to this delightfully newstalgic dessert via dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, or delivery!

For more information and updates on Jollibee’s products, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

TypeKita, the newbie-friendly platform for Pinoy writers and readers 

If there’s anything Filipinos love, it’s a good story—funny, drama-riddled, or romantic, we’re quick to sniff out a saga and follow it to its conclusion. Whether fact or fiction, there’s nothing quite like having oneself immersed in the twists and turns of finding out who said what, did what where, and who were they with? 

Plots and characters have come to life on any number of platforms throughout the years, but one relatively recent emergence is quickly finding its legs: TypeKita is a newly launched app that aims to empower young Filipino storytellers by rewarding their creativity with accessible and self-determined monetization, while gifting readers with an interactive and visually stimulating reading experience. While the rest of the world criticizes Millennial and especially Gen Z readers for choosing shorter, digital formats, TypeKita promises to inspire and encourage the diversity already present in reading material available today.

At TypeKita’s official launch on August 16, Head of Growth Ysabel Yuzon, Vice President of Strategic Management Dana de la Vega, and Creator Manager Erich Valdevioso took questions from attending members of the press and detailed the ins and outs of the app, as well as its growing potential to “open doors even for those who may not have considered writing before,” according to Yuzon. Live readings of current TypeKita favorites Babalik Sa’yo (Rej Martinez), The Day I Said Goodbye (Miyuki Jeishi), and Hush Lucas (Arki Aaron) were then performed by rising stars Nour Hooshmand, Ian Pangilinan, and Benedix Ramos, bringing to life all the ups and downs of romance in fiction. Finally, singing champion and Silver Badger Featured Live Kumu Streamer Kathleen Anne wrapped up the program with some contemporary classic love songs, as well as her own single, Nagkulang.

The app is a localized version offrom the Thai original Joylada, and is further powered by homegrown social entertainment platform Kumu—a partnership that speaks to the growing online fiction community. “We have always been on the lookout for talent of all kinds, and TypeKita is the space we’re dedicating to the written word,” says Rexy Dorado, Kumu President and Co-founder. “We believe creative people always find their way to each other, but this is where we can also help people find the creativity within themselves, bolstered by a safe community. Both Kumu and TypeKita share a similar moderator system to keep things appropriate and any hate out of the picture.”

But that safety doesn’t mean stifled storytelling; if anything, the shorter bursts of creativity that TypeKita champions through the chat-fiction format effectively refashion the digital novel experience, making both

 

SM prepares PWDs, elderly for emergency preparedness

Disaster Management Specialist Doki Natividad teaches Joey Manzano, a member of the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) technique without using mouth-to-mouth breathing. 

 Experts maintain taking the proper actions of duck, cover, and hold during an earthquake can save lives. For Mr. Ramon Apilado, a member of the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan it may not be as easy as it sounds.  

It is one of the reasons SM Cares, a part of the SM Group, held its annual Emergency Preparedness Forum (EPF) at the SM Mall of Asia to ensure individuals like Mr. Apilado and other persons with disabilities (PWDs) together with senior citizens are informed of what to do in emergencies. 

  Engr. Bien Mateo, Senior Vice President for Mall Operations and Program Director of SM Cares Disability Affairs, emphasized inclusion in the annual forum to equip vulnerable sectors of the PWD and elderly community with the ability to save themselves and the people they love.  

In preparing for emergencies and calamities, SM Cares believes that no one should be left behind,” he said. “That is why we continue organizing this yearly Emergency Preparedness Forum. Our goal is to empower PWDs and senior citizens with the essential survival skills.” 

Inclusive survival tips for the community  

During the forum, attendees were encouraged to participate in several practice emergency scenarios led by Mr. Gerard ‘Doki’ Natividad, an instructor on disaster management and rescue-survival expert.  

Consultations with the community were held to enhance inclusivity practices in an earthquake, including the duck, cover, and hold protocol. For wheelchair-bound individuals, it is better to lock, cover, and hold. This means locking the wheelchair brakes, covering the head with a bag or hand, then holding it for stability until the shaking stops.  

The visually-impaired community is advised to hold their guide canes and stick to the walls since all of them lead to windows and doors.  

For Mr. Natividad, disaster risk reduction practices must be inclusive.  

“It should not be just a third party thinking for them,” he said. “Let’s ask what works or consult what is the most effective way for them.” 

Mr. Apilado, of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, (TWH) a non-profit organization that uplifts the lives of PWDs, sees the importance of a consultative approach in emergency preparedness.  

“Mas maganda talaga na may consultations,” he said. “Di naman iisa ang disability. Whether you’re blind, deaf, or you’re on a wheelchair, dapat lahat kasali para alam ang gagawin.”  

(It’s much better that there are consultations. There are many kinds of disabilities. Everyone must be included in emergency preparedness whether you’re blind, deaf or you’re on a wheelchair.) 

Committed to serving the community  

 There are at least 1.44 million PWDs in the country according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). SM continues to promote a disability-inclusive environment through its programs, especially across its malls. With initiatives like annual sensitivity training, Angels Walk for autism awareness, and other special celebrations, SM has become one of the most PWD-friendly establishments in the Philippines. 

To Ella Onnagan, President of the Valenzuela Persons with Disabilities Federation, inclusion encourages their members to be more active in events such as this.  

“Bukod sa invitation na binibigay po nila sa amin, meron po silang proper at designated places for our community,” she said. “Ang SM, nagbibigay sila ng kasiyahan sa mga PWDs at seniors. Yung inclusion, nararamdaman namin na welcome kami sa SM.”  

(Besides their invitation, SM gives proper and designated places for our community. SM provides happiness to us PWDs and seniors. We feel included—that we are always welcome in SM.)  

SM Cares, a division of SM Foundation, Inc., launched the first of eight forums in July in celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month. This marks the seventh iteration of the forum. In terms of scope, it offers the biggest coverage launching in eight different locations to encourage more PWDs and seniors to take part in the initiative. 

Subsequent locations include SM City Tuguegarao, SM City San Pablo, SM Center Lemery, SM City Consolacion, SM Center Ormoc, SM Lanang Premier, and SM City Bacolod.