Eat Well. Travel Often: events

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May 17, 2025

Topping-Off Ceremony of Building C at Centro Spatial Davao

Last Friday, I was honored to attend the Topping-Off Ceremony of Building C at Centro Spatial Davao, developed by Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI). Held on May 16, the event was a celebration of progress and promise—a reminder that Davao continues to grow into a thriving urban hub, with communities that reflect thoughtful planning and smart living.

As the third building in this mid-rise development, Building C's topping-off marks the completion of its structural framework. This milestone puts the community more than halfway toward full realization. It was exciting to stand among the people behind the project—engineers, executives, and partners—who are all working together to bring this vision to life.

What I really appreciate about Centro Spatial is how it strikes a balance between modern design, functionality, and affordability. Whether you’re a young professional looking for a stylish studio or a growing family needing a spacious two-bedroom home, the units here are built to last—featuring reinforced concrete, open layouts, and quality finishes.

It was also a pleasure to see the presence of key leaders such as:

Ms. Sharon M. Luntao, FLI Vice President and Mindanao General Manager
Ms. Rae Cecille Palma, Project Development Manager for Davao
Engr. Cherie B. Fernandez, President and CEO of SharePro Inc.

Their support shows how committed Filinvest Land is to developing vibrant, accessible communities not just in Davao, but across the country.

Centro Spatial doesn’t just build homes—it builds lifestyles. With 70% open space, the development offers a peaceful, breathable environment in the middle of the city. It comes with a clubhouse, swimming pool, gym, play area, basketball court, billiard room, and function hall—everything you need to enjoy life and create meaningful moments with family and friends.

And the best part? It's located right in the heart of Davao City, close to commercial areas, schools, parks, churches, and hospitals. Perfect for those who want the convenience of the city but still value comfort and serenity.

As someone who’s passionate about real estate, community growth, and local development, I’m glad I got to witness this event firsthand. If you're considering a home or investment in Davao, this is something you should definitely check out.

Learn more about Centro Spatial Davao:

Visit: https://futurabyfilinvest.com/project/centro-spatial-davao

Contact: (0917) 545-7788 / (0919) 076-4836

Apr 26, 2025

YouTube Shopping launches in the Philippines, expanding partnership with Shopee in Southeast Asia

Jexx Hinggo 12:12 AM events , youtube 0 Comments

YouTube has officially partnered with Shopee to introduce YouTube Shopping in the Philippines, expanding its affiliate program to six countries across Southeast Asia. This initiative is set to revolutionize the video commerce landscape, enhancing the shopping experience for viewers, content creators, and advertisers alike.

A Seamless Shopping Experience

With YouTube Shopping, viewers can now easily discover and purchase products while enjoying content from their favorite creators. The affiliate program simplifies video e-commerce by allowing direct product tagging within videos, eliminating the need for tedious clicks or website switching. It’s as easy as checking out!

Opportunities for Shopee Sellers and Content Creators

This launch presents exciting prospects for both Shopee sellers and local content creators. Shopee sellers can broaden their reach by collaborating with a diverse network of creators, tapping into a highly engaged audience and driving unprecedented sales. This partnership fosters a seamless connection that enhances product discovery, amplifies brand visibility, and boosts conversion rates.

For eligible creators, this collaboration unlocks new revenue streams, enabling them to monetize their influence by promoting products to their established audiences. As consumers in the Philippines increasingly seek engaging and content-rich shopping experiences, this partnership aligns perfectly with their expectations.

The Rise of Video Commerce in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is rapidly emerging as a leading e-commerce market, with video commerce now accounting for 20% of the region's gross merchandise value in 2024—a remarkable fourfold increase since 2022. The creator economy in the Philippines is thriving, boasting over 450 channels with more than a million subscribers and over 6,000 channels with over 100,000 subscribers.

This growth is driven by a shift towards video-first shopping experiences, where consumers turn to trusted creators for information and entertainment. A global study shows that online users are 98% more likely to trust recommendations from YouTube creators compared to other platforms, significantly boosting purchase intent—YouTube drives 3.8 times greater purchase intent than its competitors.

Engaging Gen Z Consumers

According to a Kantar study, eight out of ten Southeast Asian Gen Z respondents prefer entertaining shopping experiences, underscoring the importance of content in their purchasing journeys. Despite exploring various channels for product discovery, 63% of Filipino Gen Z respondents still prefer completing their purchases on e-commerce platforms. This synergy between YouTube and Shopee creates an integrated shopping experience that resonates with this demographic.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Sapna Chadha, Vice President for Google Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier, expressed enthusiasm about the launch: “Southeast Asia is shaping the future of shopping with its deeply engaged video-first audience, a thriving digital economy, and a vibrant creator community. We’re excited to bring YouTube Shopping to the Philippines, making it one of six countries globally to have this feature.”

Vincent Lee, Head of Shopee Philippines, added, “Our partnership with YouTube Shopping marks a significant milestone for our brands and sellers. It allows them to connect with creators and leverage their influence to drive sales effectively. This collaboration also offers Filipino content creators new avenues to monetize their creativity while promoting products that resonate with their audiences.”

Monetization Opportunities for Creators

The YouTube Shopping affiliate program allows creators to tag products in both existing and new videos, as well as during live streams. A comprehensive list of tagged products is available in the video description and ‘Product’ section, directing viewers to Shopee’s sales page for a smooth purchasing process.

This program complements existing monetization options, empowering Filipino creators to deepen their audience engagement and build lasting connections. Options include Ads Revenue, YouTube Premium Revenue, Channel Memberships, Super Thanks, Super Chat, and Super Stickers.

Success Stories

In just seven months since its launch in Southeast Asia, the YouTube Shopping affiliate program has shown impressive results. For instance, beauty creator Mai Trinh Hồ reported nearly a fivefold increase in revenue after joining the program. Similarly, tech creator Jagat Review from Indonesia noted that the affiliate program contributed to 50% of his channel's total earnings between July and October of last year.

Filipino creators like Camille Co are already embracing this new opportunity. “I’m thrilled about YouTube Shopping! It makes it easier for me to share products I love and earn on the side,” she shared.

Tech enthusiast Mond Salem of Hardware Voyage echoed this excitement: “I can’t wait for YouTube Shopping to help us creators earn more through product sales!”

New Horizons for Brands and Advertisers

For advertisers, YouTube Shopping presents fresh opportunities to connect with consumers and drive better business outcomes. By linking partnership ads to relevant creator content, brands can streamline the customer journey from discovery to purchase. For example, L’Oréal Thailand combined its campaign with the YouTube Shopping affiliate program, achieving tenfold increases in high-intent views and significantly improving cost-per-visit efficiency.

Since the program’s launch, YouTube and Shopee have seen active engagement across various categories, including Beauty, Mobile & Gadgets, and Home & Living. This demonstrates the diverse product range and the potential for creators to influence consumer purchasing decisions. As YouTube Shopping gains traction in Southeast Asia, it solidifies its role as a transformative force in the video commerce and creator economies.

To learn more about enabling YouTube Shopping on your channel, click here.

Apr 16, 2025

EastWest Dream Run 2025: Stories from Davao Runners

Jexx Hinggo 9:51 PM eastwest , events 0 Comments

The EastWest Dream Run 2025 was held last Sunday, April 6, at Azuela Cove, R. Castillo Street, Davao City. As part of EastWest’s 30th Anniversary celebration, the event brought together runners, dreamers, and fitness communities from all over the country—uniting them in a morning of movement and motivation.

With race categories ranging from a fun 1K dog run to the intense 30K endurance challenge, the Dream Run offered something for everyone. Legendary race organizer Coach Rio de la Cruz helped bring this event to life, promising runners a world-class experience.

Several of my online friends in Davao joined the event and shared their experiences after the run. Here are some of their personal reflections:

Michael Anthony Martho

"I joined the EastWest Dream Run to push myself. I wasn’t feeling well and didn’t have proper training, but I always reminded myself to finish the race safe and strong.”

Rhea Mae Ortiz

“I joined the EastWest Run to challenge myself and see how far my endurance can take me.”

Jona Rollan

“Started my running era last year… going 40s na bya ta puhon. At least makatabang sa mga unhealthy eating habits. Samot nag mag crave-crave naaaaah… bawion sa dagan oi!”

Bryan Sarte

“As always, I went here with the only intention of enjoying and celebrating my ability to run with the growing running community. EastWest Run tested my limits—30km is not easy—but I thank God, who made it possible, for His strength and guidance. Proving to myself that discipline beats excuses.”

Their stories are a great reminder of the passion and dedication that fuels events like this one. Congratulations to everyone who ran at EastWest Dream Run Davao!

(Photos forwarded by the runners. Credit to the owner.)

Jan 25, 2025

Home Credit Philippines Launches Takbo #ParaSaLife: A Fun Run for Wellness and Community

Jexx Hinggo 1:03 AM events , home credit 0 Comments

Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the leading consumer finance company in the country, is making waves in promoting wellness and community engagement with its inaugural fun run, Takbo #ParaSaLife. Scheduled for February 16 at Parqal in Aseana City, this event invites Filipinos to kick off the year with health and activity.

Home Credit Philippines Takbo #ParaSaLife

A Collaborative Effort

In partnership with WeKenRun, a local running group founded by renowned marathon coach Ken Mendiola, Takbo #ParaSaLife is designed for runners of all abilities. Participants can choose from various race categories: 1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun.

Commitment to Holistic Well-Being

HCPH is dedicated to empowering Filipinos to lead fulfilling lives. This initiative goes beyond financial services; it aims to promote holistic well-being, which includes physical, mental, and emotional health. By fostering community engagement, HCPH encourages individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of HCPH, stated, “Home Credit is committed to empowering Filipinos to live the life they deserve, and this extends beyond financial well-being. With this run, we are encouraging Filipinos to improve their overall well-being, enabling them to do more #ParaSaLife.”

Open to All

Takbo #ParaSaLife welcomes everyone—from HCPH employees and their families to friends, customers, fitness enthusiasts, and those just beginning their wellness journeys. Registration fees are as follows:

1K: PhP500
3K: PhP900
5K: PhP1,000
10K: PhP1,200

Each registration includes exciting perks such as an event shirt, a finisher’s medal, a loot bag, and a bib holder, depending on the chosen distance.

More Than Just a Run

“This initiative is about more than just running. It is about building a community that supports one another in achieving better health and wellness. We hope this event will inspire individuals to build lasting, healthy habits that empower them to achieve more life goals,” Paul added.

Participants can look forward to freebies, and podium finishers in the 10K, 5K, and 3K categories will be eligible for cash prizes. The prize distribution is as follows:

10K:

1st Place: PhP10,000
2nd Place: PhP8,000
3rd Place: PhP6,000

1st Place: PhP6,000
2nd Place: PhP3,000
3rd Place: PhP2,000

1st Place: PhP3,000
2nd Place: PhP1,500
3rd Place: PhP1,000

A Timely Initiative

Events like Takbo #ParaSaLife are increasingly important, especially given recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicating a global rise in physical inactivity—a significant risk factor for chronic diseases. The Philippines ranks among the countries with the highest rates, with 39.7% of the population affected by insufficient physical activity.

Join the Movement!

Take a step toward a healthier, more rewarding life by signing up for Takbo #ParaSaLife today! Visit this link to register and learn more about this exciting event.

To know more about the latest updates from HCPH, check out its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Jan 14, 2025

Cebu Pacific Promotes Philippine Textile Arts

Jexx Hinggo 5:39 AM cebu pacific , events 0 Comments

On January 8, 2025, I attended an exciting event at the Balmori Tent in Rockwell Makati, where Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading airline, launched a new initiative to promote tourism and celebrate Filipino culture. They introduced QR Flight Codes, which are inspired by traditional weaving patterns from local communities.

The QR Flight Codes encourage everyone to explore the country’s heritage while enjoying their travels. Candice Iyog, CEB’s Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, shared, "Cebu Pacific takes pride in honoring the rich tapestry of our nation’s cultural heritage. Using our business as a platform for inclusive and sustainable growth, we celebrate the artistry of our local weaving communities, ensuring their timeless traditions are preserved and their stories are appreciated by every Filipino,”

Unique Weaving Styles

The QR Flight Codes feature five traditional weaving styles from different regions. Travelers can scan these QR codes on billboards and in magazines to learn more about these weaves and discover attractions in their areas.

Binakol (Ilocos Norte): Intricate, nature-inspired designs.
Ramit (Occidental Mindoro): Beautifully colored stripes.
Hablon (Iloilo): Bright colors and iconic plaid patterns.
Patadyong (Antique): Bold, colorful checkered designs.
Yakan (Zamboanga): Striking geometric patterns.

Working with Local Communities

Cebu Pacific partnered with local weaving communities to ensure the stories and significance of these fabrics are shared. Collaborating groups include:

Paoay Weavers of Ilocos Norte supported by Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) (Ilocos Norte)
Hanunuo Mangyan of Occidental Mindoro supported by the Awati Ti Kape Community Development Program (Occidental Mindoro)
Baraclayan Weavers Association (Iloilo)
Patnongon Multipurpose Cooperative and Bagtason Loom Weavers Association (Antique)
Yakan by Oriental Weaves of Zamboanga supported by MMSU (Zamboanga)

Iyog emphasized, "Every weave is a community’s cultural fingerprint with a story to tell, just as every destination has a unique offering and experience. We encourage every Juan to scan the QR Flight Codes to explore more of the Philippines and learn about our rich culture and heritage."

Special Seat Sale

To encourage travel, Cebu Pacific is offering an exclusive seat sale until January 15, 2025. You can book flights to domestic destinations for as low as PHP 199 one-way (excluding fees). The travel period for this sale is from January 4 to June 30, 2025.

Cebu Pacific operates in 35 domestic and 27 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, making it easy to explore the Philippines.

Book Your Flights

Don’t miss this chance to discover the cultural treasures of the Philippines. Book your flights now at http://bit.ly/CebuPacificSale and enjoy a journey that connects you with the past and the future.