Eat Well. Travel Often

Dating in the digital age has become easier with so many apps and services to choose from. By the end of 2023, it was reported that 441 million people were using dating apps actively, generating around $8.7 billion in revenues globally through matchmaking services.

The appeal of dating apps is that you’re not limited by geography. You can meet people online in your city or in another country; you get to see how they look like from their profiles; find out their interests; and if you begin chatting, you can judge if you’re compatible enough to go on a first date.

Many Filipinos have fallen victim to romance scams, among other fakery proliferating online. Now there’s a Facebook page that crowdsources information and experiences so that you can be more aware about scams. Called Online Alerto, it’s a Facebook community page dedicated to the dissemination of invaluable insights, resources, and strategies related to digital literacy, cybersecurity, and responsible online behavior.

Acting as a collaborative platform, it facilitates members in validating their online purchases and transactions while fostering an environment where personal experiences are exchanged to help enhance online safety and awareness among all members. Online Alerto is absolutely free—all you need to do is join the community page to raise your own awareness about cybercrime.

While identity theft and hacking are the leading cybercrimes globally, love scams are rapidly on the rise. In Southeast Asia, these crimes have two victims: those deceived by the scam and those that are trafficked into doing the scams.

Online Alerto has pooled resources on the internet for warnings and tips on avoiding love scams.

Avoid these red flags

The person expresses strong emotions and love for you very quickly, often within days or weeks of initial contact.
They quickly ask you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly on WhatsApp or SMS, where they can manipulate you more easily.
If an individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information, they could later blackmail you or extort money from you.
When you make plans to meet in person, they always come up with an excuse why they can’t.
They ask for money for various reasons such as travel expenses, medical emergencies, or business opportunities. This is often the biggest and most obvious red flag.
They tell you stories to elicit sympathy, such as being widowed, having a sick child, or facing some urgent crisis.
They ask you many personal questions, but they avoid sharing their personal details or give information that cannot be verified such as a home address or workplace.

What scammers say to hook you in

"I or someone close to me is sick, hurt, or in jail."
"I can teach you how to invest."
"I'm in the military far away."
"I need help with an important delivery."
"We've never met, but let's talk about marriage."
"I've come into some money or gold."
"I'm on an oil rig or ship."
"You can trust me with your private pictures."

Ways to protect yourself

Reverse search the person’s photo by using online searches like Google Images.
Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
Maintain a healthy level of skepticism, especially if things seem too good to be true.
Suggest a video call early in your communication.
Check their social media profiles for consistency with what they've told you. Look for a reasonable number of friends, photos, and posts over time. A lack of social media presence or a newly created profile can be a red flag.
If you decide to meet in person, choose a public place and inform a friend or family member about your plans. Ensure the person you meet matches their online presence.
Some dating apps offer identity verification features, like blue checkmarks, to indicate users who have verified their identity through the app.

Join Online Alerto on Facebook to better protect yourself from romance and other scams and learn from other people’s experiences.

In the late 1970s, a vision emerged from a young gravel and sand company, laying the groundwork for what would become a leading force in the national building sector. As the enterprise expanded into construction and property development, it became clear that its ultimate mission was to empower every Filipino to call a home their own.

Recognizing the potential to harness economies of scale and a network of construction experts and suppliers, the strategy evolved from building individual homes to developing entire housing communities. This innovative approach facilitated the creation of cost-effective, high-quality homes, making the dream of homeownership more accessible to many Filipinos.

Today, Camella represents more than just the realization of lifelong ambitions; it symbolizes the creation of family legacies. These homes are not just structures but receptacles of cherished memories, adventures, and conversations, passed down through generations. Camella has become synonymous with homes across the country, intricately woven into the national consciousness.

Camella's unwavering commitment to turning Filipino dreams of homeownership into reality has driven its expansion across the archipelago, establishing communities that cater to the aspirations of Filipinos, whether driven by tradition, employment opportunities, or the allure of a particular location. Every Camella community is crafted with purposely built spaces that foster a sense of belonging, where neighbors can gather, connect, and create lasting memories.

As Camella approaches its 50th year, the company celebrates half a century of building homes and communities that make every Filipino family's dream real. This longevity is anchored in five core brand aspirations: Dream Communities, Convenience and Accessibility, Safety and Security, Wise Investment, and Value for Money. These ideals have shaped every aspect of Camella's operations, ensuring its continued success in providing Filipinos with the upgraded lifestyle they have been seeking.

The journey from a gravel and sand company to a household name has been remarkable, but what truly stands out is Camella's ability to grow and evolve while staying true to its core mission of providing a home for every Filipino family. By seamlessly combining its founding principles with the evolving desires of the Filipino families it serves, Camella has continued to deeply resonate with its community, solidifying its legacy as a trusted builder of homes and communities.

Learn more about Camella at https://www.camella.com.ph/.

As the latest addition to the realme C series, the realme C65 promises to deliver a quality champion experience that seamlessly blends premium features with a captivating design catered towards young users. With its comprehensive set of capabilities and certifications, the realme C65 aims to become the gateway for millennials and Gen Z to elevate their smartphone experience.

Here are the best features of the new realme C65!

1. TÜV Rheinland Certified:

- 48-Month Fluency Rating: The realme C65 has been put through rigorous testing by TÜV Rheinland to ensure it can maintain peak performance even after 48 months of regular use. This includes continuous app opening, app switching, and gaming sessions, as well as exposure to harsh environmental conditions like extreme temperatures and humidity.

- Low Blue Light Certification: The realme C65 has also been certified by TÜV Rheinland for its ability to reduce the amount of harmful blue light emitted by the display. This helps protect users' eyes and promotes better eye health during prolonged usage.

2. Real Essentials:

- Air Gestures: Users can control certain functions of the realme C65 without physically touching the device, such as answering calls or controlling music playback.

- Dynamic Button: A programmable button that can be customized to perform various tasks with a single press or long press.

- Mini Capsule 2.0: A compact yet powerful speaker that delivers immersive audio experiences.

- Rainwater Smart Touch: The display can be used even when the screen is wet, allowing for seamless usage in various weather conditions.

- Smart Code Scan: Quickly scan QR codes and barcodes without the need for a separate app.

- Customized Lowest Brightness: Allows users to adjust the display brightness to a level that's comfortable for their eyes, especially in low-light environments.

- AI Boost: Optimizes system performance and resource allocation to ensure a smooth and responsive user experience.

- Riding Mode: Enables a distraction-free driving experience by blocking notifications and optimizing the interface for safer use while on the road.

3. Guaranteed Safe and Fast Charging:

- 45W SUPERVOOC Charge: The realme C65 can charge from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes and up to 100% in 77 minutes, thanks to the 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging technology.

- 38 Safety Protections: The charging system is equipped with 38 safety protections, including safeguards for the charger, data cable, charging interface, circuit, and battery, ensuring a secure and reliable charging experience.

- Intelligent Charging Algorithms: The realme C65 utilizes advanced charging algorithms, such as VCVT Intelligent Tuning and VFC Trickle Charging, to optimize charging performance and prolong battery health.

- Extreme Cold Mode: This feature intelligently detects ambient temperatures below 0°C and automatically warms the device to at least 10°C, ensuring optimal charging conditions even in cold environments.

4. Premium Design and Display:

- 6.7" 90Hz HD+ Display with Rainwater Smart Touch: The realme C65 features a sizable 6.7-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering a smooth and seamless visual experience. The display's Rainwater Smart Touch technology allows users to operate the screen even when it's wet, making it versatile for use in various weather conditions.

- 7.64mm Ultra Slim Design with Shining Starlight finish: Measuring just 7.64mm in thickness, the realme C65 boasts a sleek and lightweight form factor. The Shining Starlight design gives the device a premium and eye-catching appearance, appealing to the youth's sense of style.

5. Powerful Performance:

- MediaTek Helio G85 processor: Powering the realme C65 is the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, a reliable and efficient processor that can handle a wide range of daily tasks and light gaming sessions with ease. The Helio G85 is known for its balanced performance, combining powerful CPU and GPU cores to provide a smooth and responsive user experience.

- Up to 16GB Total RAM with Dynamic RAM Expansion: The realme C65 can be configured with up to 16GB of total RAM, which includes built-in RAM and Dynamic RAM Expansion capabilities. This ensures seamless multitasking, quick app launches, and smooth overall system performance, catering to the needs of young users who frequently switch between various apps and activities.

6. Impressive Camera and Battery:

- 50MP AI Camera: The realme C65 is equipped with a 50-megapixel AI-powered primary camera, allowing users to capture high-quality photos with impressive detail and clarity. The advanced camera features, such as AI scene optimization and portrait mode, enable users to take stunning images that can be shared on social media or used for various creative purposes.

- 5000mAh Massive Battery: Complementing the powerful hardware is a large 5000mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life and extended usage time for the realme C65. This ensures that users can rely on their device throughout the day, whether they're engaged in productivity tasks, entertainment, or staying connected with friends and family.

The realme C65 is a compelling offering that caters to the needs of young users who demand a quality smartphone experience. With its impressive set of features, certifications, and performance capabilities, the realme C65 is poised to become the go-to choice for millennials and Gen Z seeking a reliable and feature-rich device to support their evolving lifestyles.

The realme C65, priced at only P9,999 SRP, is available in a single 8GB+256GB storage variant with the stunning colors Starlight Purple and Starlight Black. Available online and in any realme store near you.

Attention, Davaoeños! Looking for something delicious to eat in your area? Whether you're sticking to your favorites or eager to try something new, Davao City has plenty of delicious options. From classic Tuna dishes to hidden gems, there's a lot to explore. So, let's dive into some tasty treats that every Davaoeño should try.

LA Halo Halo: OG Davaoeños know where the best halo-halo is - at LA Halo-Halo, where the creamiest Halo-Halo Overload comes from. Or for more refreshingly cool shaved ice treats, try their Mais con Yelo, Mango Graham Craze, Oreo Cookies & Cream, and Avocado Craze.

We Got Cha: If you're looking for something refreshing you can enjoy anytime, anywhere, look no further, because We Got Cha has your favorite milk tea drinks right at your fingertips. Their signature offerings include Brown Sugar Boba Milk Tea, fruity Soda Pops, and iced coffee-based beverages to perk up your senses on these hot and humid days.

Barbeque Boss: You don't need to set up your own ihawan to enjoy grilled delights. You can simply savor perfectly grilled meats and more from Barbeque Boss. Enjoy a mix of your favorite pork barbecue, chicken barbecue, liempo, and even the sinfully delicious chicharon bulaklak - beer and steaming rice optional.

Hangry Tuna: Nothing beats a serving of freshly caught, freshly grilled tuna from spots like Hangry Tuna. It's a guilt-free option for those who love a good barbecue but are watching their cholesterol, without compromising on the smoky, savory flavors.

Aling Paz Food Haus: Man does not live on barbecue and tuna alone, so you can also visit Aling Paz Food Haus for your feel-good Pinoy favorites for a well-rounded spread.

Chikoy's Lugawan: From dawn to dusk, Davao's restaurants have you covered when it comes to delivering deliciousness with every meal. Start the day right with a steaming bowl of lugaw, goto, or noodles from Chikoy's Lugawan.

New Davao Famous: Dinner is best enjoyed with family or friends, so treat them to their comfort food favorites that are great for sharing. Head to New Davao Famous for Chinese favorites like Lumpiang Shanghai, Canton Guisado, Bam-I, Beef with Broccoli, and more.

Haveli King: Craving Indian food? foodpanda and Haveli King have you covered with Butter Chicken, Samosa, Chicken Biryani, and a range of curries.

Shaxian Snacks: Craving the perfect merienda? Look no further than the yummy offerings from Shaxian Snacks, with their delicious variety of siopao buns, noodles, and more.

Tiger Bubble Tea: Indulge in their signature Brown Sugar concoctions and exclusive delights like Strawberry Meijie, Oreo Wintermelon, and Lemon Yogurt Juice for a cup of refreshing goodness for every preference.

Enjoy a variety of flavors right at your fingertips - order from foodpanda to quickly and easily satisfy your cravings for local dishes and snacks. Plus, don't miss out on amazing offers on foodpanda for exclusive discounts you won't find anywhere else.

Discover some new gems to tickle your taste buds on weekends with a Davao-only deal—use the code LAMI to get P300 off your weekend orders. Get great deals for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner orders with code KAON for up to 50% off from 11 AM to 10 PM on weekdays. If it's your first time using foodpanda, you're in for a real treat—simply use the code DAVAONEW and get 50% off plus free delivery for your first order. Terms and Conditions apply.

Explore more of Davao's unique offerings with foodpanda deals. Order now using the app or at www.foodpanda.ph and mangaon ta!