Learn – Jellybeans in the City

Boost your kids’ digital, creative skills with Basecamp’s Design Trail

Kids today are considered as digital natives, making them more perceptive to developments in technology. But as it becomes even more advanced and fast-paced, it must be a challenge to catch up, especially if you are a busy parent. This is where Basecamp, Power Mac Center (PMC)’s official training provider, can step in.

Armed with a mission to equip kids, teens, and young adults with the digital skills critical in today’s modern world, Basecamp’s “Design Trail” and “Vision Hub” workshop series offer fun and age-appropriate digital courses on animation, game design, web design, video editing, and app development. Design Trail for Kids also has non-digital courses on drawing, painting, and science experiments. Enrollees in the Visayas and Mindanao region will also be provided with modules written in Cebuano. Courses will start onApril 11, 2023 and will be ongoing all year long.

“Parents always want the best for their kids, and Basecamp is here to help them provide the best digital learning experience. Just like a real base camp, we serve as a storehouse of food for the imagination and equipment needed by kids to survive the digital wilderness and, figuratively speaking, to scale the mountains ahead. Our courses are conducted by expert mentors who can readily address kids’ natural inquisitiveness and ensure their holistic development,” said Maleng Raysag, Basecamp Head.

Basecamp prepares youngsters to be the Philippines’ future animation artists, programmers, and filmmakers. It harnesses the power of Apple technology and equips workshop participants with the knowledge, skills, and aptitude to succeed in their chosen path or simply enjoy exploring their talents and interests. In particular, they can improve the following skills:

Storytelling with iPad

Kids who love telling tales will learn to express their ideas through comics brought to life by technology after completing the Design Trail courses “The Art of Comics” and “2D Animation using iPad.” Designed for those aged 7-10 years old, these courses will strengthen their visual communication skills through creating new characters from basic lines, shapes, and colors.

Older teens and young adults aged 16-21 years old, meanwhile, can enroll in Vision Hub’s “3D Creation and Animation for Beginners,” which takes it to the next level through animation techniques and software tools actually used in the industry.

Programming and STEM skills

Today, everything is run by technology, which means that we will need more programmers in the foreseeable future. If your child is constantly immersed in game platforms such as Roblox and Minecraft, might as well get them a more structured training course that can teach them how to build their own Roblox game and publish it on Roblox Studio. They can also familiarize themselves with Minecraft for Education, which is a great tool for learning that builds science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills, unleashes creativity, and engages students in collaboration and problem-solving.

Kids can learn the discipline involved in creating their own games through various software and programming languages, while teens and young adults can hone their skills in web design, video editing, and app development. These digital courses are conducted either online or face- to-face and available year-round so your kids can fit them in their free time.

Non-digital skills

Design Trail for Kids also offers courses designed to develop analog skills such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and manga-creation. In addition, young scientists are invited to discover scientific concepts through hands-on activities and inquiry-based learning.

These non-digital courses are conducted exclusively in person, in order to increase children’s appreciation for the value of hands-on work and imagination. The Basecamp training center is located at 3/L Glorietta 5, Ayala Center, Makati City.

Design Trail classes are conducted in the course of 4 days, for 1.5hours each session. Digital courses are priced at P2,500 per student per course for online sessions, and P3,000 for face-to-face classes. Non-digital courses can be availed at P3,000 each. Vision Hub’s online courses are priced at P5,500 per head, per course, conducted over 5 days per course, for 15 hours in total.

For the full list of classes, schedules, and other details, visit Design Trail at https://bit.ly/3ZqS7FIand Vision Hub at https://bit.ly/40pLiWf.

Limited deals await

As a special treat to early registrants, the first five customers of Design Trail and Vision Hub can enjoy P500 off their training fee, which will be reflected in their invoice.

Ready to spark your kids’ curiosity and nurture their imagination? Book a course now at <https://bit.ly/3yN3ywe> or inquire via <basecamp@powermaccenter.com> or +63 908 885 6277. Follow Power Mac Center on Facebook,Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube to be updated on promotions and special deals on Basecamp training fees.

Header image by jcomp on Freepik

Manila Hotel showcases artfully crafted Easter Eggs for Hatch 5th Edition

The Manila Hotel, in collaboration with Manila Bulletin, is bringing back HATCH for the upcoming Easter season—a one-of-a-kind exhibition of exquisite Easter eggs. Displayed as a focal point of the Grand Lobby of the hotel, guests will be treated to a delightful display of novel collaboration of Filipino artists.

HATCH: The 5th Edition showcases 18 individually designed acrylic eggs showing a variety of creative styles and distinct personalities of Filipino contemporary artists who hail from diverse disciplines. The exhibit aims to promote the local art scene and highlight the creative brilliance of local artists. Each Easter egg has an own narrative to tell, much as the artists adapted their separate distinctive mixed media approaches.

Featured artists include: Addie Cukingnan, Agi Pagkatipuna, Al Perez, Aner Sebastian, Carlito Ortega, Carlo Magno, Cindel Tiausas, Carlos Cee Cadid, Demet dela Cruz, Migi Sebastian, Egai Fernandez, Emmanuel Nim, Jinggoy Salcedo, Margie Organo, Maria Magdamit, Migs Villanueva, Monnar Baldemor, Reen Barrera, Remy Boquiren, Roger “Rishab” Tibon.

In 2020, Manila Bulletin won the gold award for HATCH during the 55^th Anvil Awards. The exhibit moved from city to city where visitors were introduced to an exceptional showcase of Filipino artistry.

HATCH will be on display at the Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel until April 23, 2023.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Book your stay at The Manila Hotel via Klook.

Boost your digital edge with Power Mac Center’s Basecamp

Basecamp, Power Mac Center’s official training provider, is officially opening enrollment to its March training sessions. With Apple Certified Professionals teaching Apple certification courses, it’s perfect for individuals and groups seeking to reskill or upskill their tech knowhow and boost their competitiveness in the Apple ecosystem.

Courses include Apple Device Support (Mar 7-9), Apple Deployment and Management (Mar 13-14), App Development with Swift (Mar 22-24), Pages, Numbers, and Keynote (Mar 27-31), and Final Cut Pro X (Mar 29-31). Delivered through specialized training methodologies and guided exercises, these are specifically designed to help learners deploy, support, and troubleshoot devices, as well as familiarize themselves with existing powerful applications or even create their own. Customized sessions can also be arranged for groups of at least 10 participants.

Other courses include macOS Fundamentals, macOS Technical Troubleshooting, Mac and Windows Integration Basics, Professional Development for IT and School Administrators, Professional Development for Educators, iOS/iPadOS Fundamentals and Troubleshooting, and 1-on-1 tutorial. There are also VIP courses on On-site Support for Mac or iPhone/iPad, and Zoom Video Conference Support, as well as certification exams, namely, Apple Deployment and Management Exam and Apple Device Support Exam for those looking to beef up their credentials.

“If you want to invest in yourself, Basecamp is the starting point of your digital expedition. It helps people boost their productivity and work competitiveness so they can take advantage of the economic opportunities that the future will bring. Our course offerings are designed to empower individuals to maximize the utilization of Apple technology—whether it’s for growing in their current career, preparing for a new role, or simply for their creative pursuits,” said Maleng Raysag, Basecamp Head.

Fresh name, improved quality of service

Basecamp carries courses tailored for learners across different age groups, i.e., kids, teens, and adults or professionals. Established in 2009 under the former name PMC Business Systems, Inc. (PBSI), it rebranded as Basecamp this year to strengthen its commitment to support Filipinos’ digital skills training needs and prepare them for an even more tech-driven future. Its on-site and online quality training and services equip customers with technical skills that help address the ever-changing demands of the modern workplace, as well as creative skills that enable them to pursue meaningful endeavors and unleash their full artistic potential.

Basecamp has 15 years of experience in servicing the training needs of close to 10,000 enrollees, with more than 50 students with Apple certification. It continuously aims to produce more Filipino Apple certified professionals and uplift the industry to support the growing number of customers in the country.

Invest in yourself! Book a training now at <https://bit.ly/PMCBasecampCourses> or inquire via <basecamp@powermaccenter.com> or +63 908 885 6277. You can also visit the training location at the 3^rd Level of Glorietta 5, Ayala Center, Makati City. Follow Power Mac Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube to be updated on promotions and special deals on Basecamp training fees.

Power Mac Center is a recognized Apple Premium Reseller, Apple Authorized Education Reseller, Apple Authorized Training Provider, and Apple Authorized Service Provider in the Philippines. Power Mac Center has become a reliable retail shop and service provider of Apple products to the Filipino consumer.The company has grown to over 90 retail branches, service centers, and training centers nationwide.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Header image by artursafronovvvv on Freepik

Sharpen your money smarts with these online money games

Let’s face it: chances are, many of us aren’t money-smart.

Some of us can go through our entire lives without knowing how to make budgets work, save our earning, handle debt or even make our money grow into wealth.

Sadly, most of the education we received growing up involved practically anything except money matters. Whether this is due to the lack of appreciation of our educational institutions on financial literacy or the tendency of the academe to look down on matters of coin, this situation leaves us at a loss when it comes to financial problems.

What is money smarts?

Money smarts, otherwise known as financial literacy, refers to the knowledge and skills required to manage one’s personal finances effectively. It involves understanding how to earn, save, invest, and spend money in a way that maximizes one’s financial well-being and minimizes financial stress.

If you feel yourself lacking in any of these skills, you may need to brush up on your money smarts.

Budgeting. Can you create a budget and stick to it? Do you understand the flow of your income and expenses and therefore know how to allocate your money accordingly?
Saving. Can you put aside some money for short-term and long-term goals? Should a medical emergency that brings astronomical hospital bills, a major purchase such as a downpayment for a house, or sudden unemployment arise, will you have saved funds for it?
Investing. Can you make your money grow aside from just working several jobs, thereby getting passive income? Would you know how to invest your money and manage your risks to support your goals?
Debt Management. Would you be able to manage your debt responsibly, such as paying off high-interest debt first and avoiding unnecessary debt?
Financial Planning. Can you plan your finances for a long-term basis taking into consideration your goals, income, and expenses? Can you plot out the steps you have to take and adjustments you need to make with how you earn, spend and save your money to be able to achieve your goals?

Why is it important to have money smarts?

Money smarts is important because it allows us to take control of our finances, bringing about these benefits:

Financial Stability: It helps us ensure that we are living within our means and saving for our future.
Reduced Stress. It provides us with the know-how to manage our finances effectively, eliminating guesswork and uncertainty.
Better Financial Decisions. It allows us to make informed decisions about our money, particularly in terms of investing, saving and spending.
Increased Wealth. It helps us increase our wealth over time through making smart financial decisions and investing in our future.

How to develop money smarts

If you find yourself lacking in money smarts, it makes sense to start developing it. The prospect may seem daunting at first, but with some dedication, you can take some steps to improve your financial knowledge and skills:

Get in the know. Educate yourself about personal finance by reading books, attending seminars, or taking online courses about the basics of budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management.
Start budgeting. Creating and sticking to a budget is an essential component of money smarts. Track your expenses for a month – including all expenses such as rent, utilities, food, and entertainment – and factor those into your budget.
Set financial goals. Have a definite goal in mind to help you make smart financial decisions and stay motivated to do so while saving for a down payment on a house or paying off debt.
Start saving today. If you haven’t already, set aside a portion of your income each month for an emergency fund or long-term savings.
Manage your debt. Being entirely debt-free is not the main goal as debt can help fund investments or assets to improve your life while allowing you practice good payment behavior.
Invest wisely. Investing can help grow your wealth over time, but it’s important to get into it with eyes wide open. Research different investment options, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and choose investments that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Benefit from the wisdom of others. Seek advice from a financial advisor or mentor who can provide guidance and support as you work towards your financial goals. You can also make use of online resources such as MortgageCalculator.org to deepen your knowledge about personal finance.

A fun way to sharpen your money smarts

Aside from providing a range of educational resources on mortgages and home buying, MortgageCalculator.org also offers free and easy -to-use mortgage calculators to help users calculate various aspects of their mortgage payments and, ultimately, their financial health.

It also houses a variety of engaging and educational money games that can help users improve their money smarts and practice their financial decision-making using real-world scenarios. Over time, as users develop their financial acumen, they also develop their confidence to make sound financial decisions in real life.

Want to try your hand at honing your own money smarts through online games at MortgageCalculator.org? Check these out:

Cashback: Give the correct change for each transaction by selecting the bills and coins needed to correctly sum to the customer’s change amount. This is perfect for teaching kids about the value of money (because they, too, need to develop money smarts!)
Stocks: Ever wondered what it was like to be one of those day traders at Wall Street? This game simulates the up- and down-trends of the stock market while the player tries to buy low while selling high.
Red Outpost: Colonize Mars by sending astronauts to harvest food and mine valuable goods. The game approximates the dynamics of building a new economy from the ground up.
Coffee Shop: Build your coffee shop business by managing your inventory, cashflow, pricing and formula taking the fluctuations on the demand for coffee based on the weather. This teaches players to balance both internal and external factors in growing a business.
Sort the Trash. Move the recycling bins across the screen to catch recyclables such as cans, cartons and bottles. This is a good approximation of the need to weed through all sorts of trash to get the items of value.

These are just a sampling of the games available at at MortgageCalculator.org. Browse through the various categories to find the games that can help you grow your knowledge and skills on financial matters while providing you with lots of fun!

By providing an engaging and interactive way to learn about business strategy and personal finance, these games make learning about money more accessible and fun, which you can then apply to your real-life money strategy.

No matter which stage in life you are right now, developing money smarts is the best way to take control of your finances to get you to achieve financial stability. Honing your financial literacy will help you make smart financial decisions to set you up in a good financial position for life. So take the time to learn about money and take full advantage of the resources available to sharpen your money smarts.

8 things to do at Paradizoo Theme Farm

Looking for a getaway from the metro’s worsening traffic and rising temperatures? Searching for a place to experience simple pleasures, learning and healthy living?

Look no further than Paradizoo Theme Farm, a 12-hectare theme park located in Mendez, Cavite which offers a combination of paradise and zoo which is uniquely relaxing and entertaining.

Now that quarantine restrictions have been mostly lifted, you can treat yourself and the family to fun, learning and relaxation here.

Here are eight things you can do at Paradizoo Theme Farm:

1. Brush up on your farming know-how.

To help address the growing problem of food security in the country, Paradizoo recently re-unfolded its Power of Three Festival which aims to promote inclusive growth in the fields of floral, vegetable and livestock agriculture. Inviting over 20,000 students, farmers and other members of the public and private sectors to free seminars on flower, vegetable and livestock care, lively discussion on farming, planting, breeding programs, as well as exhibits of various farm produce, it will provide attendees with the inspiration to start a business in agriculture.

You can look forward to these informative and insightful activities facilitated by well-known educators and speakers in the Agriculture sector:

February (Flower Festival Month): Art of Bonsai with Mr. Atish Dipankar Sarter (Feb 11), Flower Arrangement with Ms. Lani Lopez (Feb 18) and Idle Lands into Productive Agri-Ecotourism Farms with Mr. Ace Formaran (Feb 25)
March (Vegetable Festival Month): Successful Entrepreneur – Dragon Fruit with Ms. Eden Gutierrez Suplente (Mar 4), Let’s ONIONIZE the Philippines – Discover the Power of Onion Farming (Mar 11) and Zooper Banana Tissue Culture Technology with Mr. Rodel Anunciado (Mar 25)
April (Livestock / Digital Farming Festival Month): Rabbit Farming with Association of Rabbit Meat Producers (ARaMP) President Mr. Art Veneracion (Apr 8), Introduction to Honeybee Farming with Mr. Albee Marcia and Usapang Kawayan with World Bamboo Ambassador Dulce Punzalan and Digital Farming (Apr 22)

2. Get up close and personal with farm animals.

One of Paradizoo’s main attractions is Farm Frenzy, its animal farm where guests can interact with various domesticated animals from different areas in the country and all over the world such as Dorper sheep, Boer, Kalahari and Saanen dairy goats, Rusa and turkeys from Australia.

You can also participate in feeding and petting some of these critters while learning about their behavior and habits. You can even cuddle and purchase some of the lovable critters there such as rabbits, hamsters and love-birds to keep as pets.

3. Indulge your inner plant parent.

If you feel like you’re a budding plantito or plantita, then Paradizoo’s Plant Me Home area is the perfect place for you. It is the section of the park dedicated to promoting sustainable farming and educating visitors about various plants and herbs, as well as their benefits.

Here, guests can learn about buy plants and seeds as well as learn about new gardening technologies such as hydroponics (growing plants without soil). You can even participate in in tree-planting activities and contribute to the park’s efforts to promote sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation.

At Paradizoo’s Vegetable Garden, on the other hand, you can see a wondrous variety of fresh edible vegetables grown using the best practices in agriculture. You can also learn about sustainable agriculture through gardening workshops and even pick and buy vegetables from the garden to take home with you.

4. Get the buzz on beekeeping.

Paradizoo is home to a Honey Bee Farm where you can learn about the importance of bees and how they contribute to the ecosystem.

Go on a guided tour of the farm where you can observe the bees up close and learn about their behavior and role in the ecosystem. The tour also includes an explanation of the beekeeping process, how honey is produced, and the benefits of honey for human health. You can also taste and buy different types of honey produced on the farm.

5. Wonder at the grace and beauty of butterflies.

At Paradizoo’s Butterfly Garden is is a picturesque and peaceful place to visit, filled with colorful flowers, plants, and, of course, butterflies. Here, you can observe these beautiful critters in action as they fly, feed and flit from flower to flower.

You can also learn about the life cycle of butterflies – from egg to caterpillar to pupa to butterfly – as well as feed the them with nectar or fruits or witness a release of newly emerged butterflies into the garden.

6. Feast on tasty farm-grown food.

The park also houses Paradizoo Cafe, a restaurant which serves a variety of dishes made with locally grown produce and fresh ingredients. The menu features a range of Filipino and international cuisines.

The cafe has both indoor and al fresco seating options, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy a meal while enjoying the park’s beautiful surroundings. The outdoor seating area is surrounded by greenery, providing visitors with a dining experience in the midst of nature.

The cafe specializes in farm-to-table dishes made with fresh produce grown within the park, ensuring that the ingredients are at their peak freshness and nutritional value. It also espouses sustainable dining practices through the use of eco-friendly packaging and dining utensils.

DSCF3571 — Zoompia, Paradizoo’s version of the Vegetable Lumpia

DSCF3569 — Sinaing na Tulingan, a Batangueno braised fish dish

7. Achieve a state of Zen.

Enter a peaceful and relaxing state of mind by visiting Paradizoo’s Meditation Garden. Here you can find de-stress, recharge, and connect with nature by taking a leisurely walk, practicing yoga, reading a book and reflect and journal while surrounded by a beautifully landscaped scenery.

8. Take a break with a relaxing farm experience stay.

A day may not be enough time to experience all that Paradizoo Theme Farm has to offer. Take advantage of the park’s peaceful and relaxing environment, fresh air and beautiful scenery by booking a stay at its comfy and nature-inspired accommodations so you will have additional time to enjoy the park’s features.

Log Cabin (Php6,999, good for six persons). With free entrance to ZOORI and Paradizoo plus free breakfast for four people.
A-Frame (Php5,990, good for six persons). With free entrance to ZOORI and Paradizoo plus free breakfast for four people.
Tiny House 1 (Php3,990, good for four persons). With free entrance to ZOORI and Paradizoo plus free breakfast for two people.
Tiny House 2 and 3 (Php1,999, good for two people). With free entrance to ZOORI and Paradizoo plus free breakfast for two people.

Extra persons are charged Php700, inclusive of free entrance to ZOORI and Paradizoo, plus free breakfast.

Now that the city life is becoming busier and more stressful, it makes a lot of sense to escape into the beauty of nature in places such as Paradizoo every once in a while.

Paradizoo Theme Farm is operated by the Zoomanity Group, a leading provider of theme parks and attractions in the Philippines, with a focus on sustainable tourism and responsible animal care.

It is located at Km. 63, Panungyan, Mendez, Cavite, open daily from 8am to 5pm.

Book your eco-farm journey by emailing zoomanityonline@gmail.com or by calling +63 046 4131244 | +63 966 1938965. Know more about Paradizoo and other Zoomanity’s attractions at zoomanity.com.ph.

Here’s a tip: you can get discounted ticketsto Paradizoo Theme Farm by signing up for a free YOGO customer account and booking via the YOGO PH app (download now on Google Play or the App Store).

You can also book your tickets via Klook.

Entrance rate for adults is Php199/head while for children within 3 feet- to 4 feet in height is Php149/head. Entrance for children below 3 feet is free while senior citizens and PWDs are afforded 20% discount upon presentation of ID.

Additional fees for activities include:

Animal Feeding: Php150/set
Horse Back Ride: Php100/2 rounds
Bees & Butterfly Garden: Php30/head
Fish Spa: Php149/30 mins
Tree Planting: Php100/tree

Check out my previous posts about Zoomanity Group’s attractions:

Green space musings at Paradizoo Theme Farm in Mendez, Cavite

Disclosure: Together with media personnel and fellow content creators, I was invited by the Zoomanity Group to tour and experience the attractions at the Paradizoo Theme Farm. The tour was sponsored by the company and was not paid for by the attendees including myself.

How to choose the best school for your child

Where your child goes to school is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Given how their education can impact their future, you might be tempted to take control and decide for them. However, you might be doing more damage than helping them in the long run.

Your job as parents is to support them throughout the process so they can choose their path and find an educational institution that will not only make them happy, but also bring out the best in them as they prepare for real life. Here are helpful ways you can help determine the best school for your child without going overboard:

Create a list of school options with your child. If your child doesn’t have a particular dream school, you should help them gauge their choices by brainstorming with them. It’s vital that you take time to listen and understand what your child needs and wants.

For instance, if your child is an independent learner who learns best at his own pace, he might do better in a Montessori school. If your child responds better in a structured teaching style, then a traditional school might be best for him. Keep an open mind and decide on what will give your child what he needs.

Visit school campuses with your child. Some academic institutions have impressive websites with carefully curated photos, but in reality, the school leaves much to be desired. Instead of relying on brochures and the internet, take time to visit school campuses with your kid.

Schools are open to tours. You just need to schedule your visit in advance unless you’re an alumnus of that institution and have access to the grounds. You and your child can get a feel of the campus atmosphere to determine if it’s the right fit.

Provide guidance and support. While your child should have a say on where they will study, you should give them guidance based on pros and cons, and what you know about the school options. Choosing a school is a big decision and might cause anxiety for your child, so it’s best to be there for them.

The best way to provide emotional support is by actively listening to them. You should make your child feel comfortable about discussing their options and fears. Listen to understand where they’re coming from so you can help them make the right choice.

Prepare financially as soon as possible. Tuition fees are very expensive, especially with rising inflation so you need to prepare and be ready to provide for your child’s education. This way, you will be able to provide the best education for them.

Once you have made your choice for your child’s primary education, it is time to think ahead and prepare for the next big educational expense: college. You can save up on your own, or you can get AIA Philippines’ Future Scholar, an insurance product that gives guaranteed cash payouts that can help pay for your child’s tertiary education. Whatever happens, you’re confident your child will be able to get the college education that you envisioned.

Future Scholar doesn’t just help you afford costly school expenses. Aside from guaranteed savings, Future Scholar has an investment component so you can look out for your child financially even after they graduate from college. Moreover, you can choose to build your child’s education funds in five years or until the child reaches the age of 17. Should you decide not to use the funds for educational expenses, it can also be used for other big expenses in the future like buying a car or post graduate studies abroad.

In addition, Future Scholar gives you peace of mind. Whatever happens, your child will have money set aside for his future needs. Aside from that, your child or your chosen beneficiary can also be entitled to an additional lump-sum cash benefit should anything untoward happen to you.

“We know that the pandemic and the volatile economy has made everyone insecure about their savings. As a parent myself, I understand every parent’s desire to ensure that there are guaranteed benefits intended for their child’s future,” said Tennyson Paras, AIA Philippines’ Head of Products. “And this is what we had in mind when our Products Team designed AIA Future Scholar. We wanted to make sure that no matter what happens, a healthier, longer and better life awaits our children.”

If you want to know more about AIA Future Scholar and how it can help you guarantee savings for your child’s future needs, click here.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

#TwitterForAgency: How businesses can leverage the Twitter advantage

Twitter has been around for sixteen years and, in the tech industry, that is quite a remarkable case of longevity.

As a micro-blogging facility where, through short and mostly text-based posts called “tweets,” Twitter has become the venue for news to erupt and go viral and for movements to take root and spread.

While other social media platforms may dominate, in terms of user base or ability to create curated content, Twitter, with a global audience of 237.8 million users as of Q2 2022, has owned the space for “what is happening and what people are talking about right now.” Twitter is where people go to get the on-dits on sports, music, entertainment, technology, gaming, business and cultural changes, among others.

This presents various possibilities that brands can leverage to boost their digital presence and drive their businesses.

Recently, representatives from Twitter’s Asia-Pacific offices and its exclusive Philippine reseller Entravision MediaDonuts gathered its clientele and agency partners for its first in-person event after more than two years.

Held at the Enderrun Tent last September 29, the event titled “#TwitterforAgency” gave the attendees a sneak peek into what’s next for Twitter: from its product roadmap focusing on solutions that drive purchase, emerging trends and conversations that can shape the future for this platform as well as creative executions that can tap communities and conversations to grow their business.

Together with my marketing teammates from SKY, I attended this event to gain some insights on how to leverage Twitter for our company and the brands we carry.

Some of my key takeaways from this learning session include:

Twitter is the platform to launch something new and connect with what’s happening. Given its unique position to capture what is current and what drives conversations, Twitter’s audiences are likely among the first to try out new products.
People visit other social media platforms for who they know, people visit Twitter for what they care and are passionate about. On this platform, people are leaning into their passions: they buy, try and share their experiences in real-time.

Twitter audiences are seen to be broad – have diverse interests, affluent – have significant purchasing power, and growing – mostly young (72% between the ages of 16 and 34) with more joining the platform everyday.
To succeed on Twitter, you must harness the influence of communities. Communities form public and real-time conversations about topics that people are passionate about. Some of the fast-growing communities on Twitter include gaming, food, music, beauty and finance. Users in these communities tweet at least three times more than the average Twitter user, driving a lot of the conversations. Brands are also seen as part of these communities and of users’ enjoyment of the platform.

Wondering what people on Twitter are talking about and how you can ride on these conversations? Here are today’s Twitter trends that can become tomorrow’s big movements:

The Great Restoration which encompasses a heightened focus on one’s well-being as well as a growing appreciation for the environment. Rewilding or “getting back to nature” is seen as a way of coping with anxieties from external factors such as politics and the global healthcare crisis. People are looking for changes in their home and community environments sparking demand for livable cities where there are green spaces and where people can rebuild lost connections and feel at peace with nature. Conversations are also seen to be leading towards topics involving self-reflection, mutual support, green spaces, outdoor exercise, nature photography and forest bathing.
The Force of Fandoms which shows how pop culture topics drive conversations among passionate fans of music, TV and movie personalities, who are no longer content sitting on the sidelines but are actively finding their tribes online for support and friendship.
Finance Goes Social which is marked by the democratization of finance-related conversations, among both finance experts and non-professionals. More people are talking about money: how to make it and spend it.

Global leading PR firm Ogilvy & Mather stated “With over 500 million tweets a day, Twitter is the world’s largest focused group.”

By listening, learning from and joining Twitter conversations, brands can bring their attributes to light and get people to talk about them.

Many thanks to Entravision MediaDonuts and Twitter for this very enlightening learning session.

Know how intentional cable-cutting disrupts your life

Intentional cable cutting and theft have been a rampant issue nationwide affecting thousands of Filipino households, depriving them of internet service, cable TV connection, , and at times, power supply.

With households affected from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, this malicious crime has been a major concern of telco and power utilities providers and the LGUs, that jeopardize customers’ access to news, information and entertainment crucial for their day-to-day activities.

Among its effects is how it disrupts the steady and seamless internet connection very much needed by professionals with remote set-up or online business owners. With disruptions affecting their connection, productivity halts, and attending to urgent tasks and clientele are disturbed.

Apart from the adverse impact to work, disruptions caused by illegal cable cutting can take a toll on the academic performance of students in hybrid learning set-up as they rely heavily on stable and reliable internet connectivity for timely submission of school work, taking online quizzes and examinations, and attending day-to-day classes. When the disruptions continue due to these illegal acts, this may lead to students having poor performance in school.

Intentional cable cuts also disrupt TV reception, which is still vital in getting the latest news and information, and providing quality bonding moments for the whole family in watching entertaining shows and movies in the comfort of their homes.

Aside from TV and internet disruption, illegal cable cutting puts the safety of individuals and the environment at risk. There have been reports that perpetrators have been electrocuted trying to cut live wirings that also resulted in fire in the neighborhood. Sometimes perpetrators also burn the non-profitable stolen wires producing harmful gas that pollute the environment and affects the health of individuals when inhaled.

In an effort to address these malicious acts and hold violators accountable by legal action, SKY partnered with other telcos and cable operators, power utilities providers, and more local government units in the country to strengthen its Oplan Kontra Putol initiative.

Oplan Kontra Putol takes prompt action to restore affected lines, to continuously monitor the situation by working closely with local authorities, and to observe the strict implementation of RA 10515, also known as the Cable Theft Law.

Those found guilty of violating the Cable Theft Law may face imprisonment from two to five years or pay hefty fines imposed by the court.

With the help of corresponding telco partners, barangay units, and local officials, SKY has filed legal charges against various perpetrators involved.

Through Oplan Kontra Putol, SKY continues to heed the call for immediate action and urges the public to join the nationwide initiative by being more alert as well as reporting related incidents to SKY’s official hotlines and their respective local authorities.

Concerned citizens can report suspected illegal cable cutting activities through http://www.mysky.com.ph/kontraputol, via Security Hotline number 34499111 (for Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna and Bulacan only), or by messaging SKY’s 24/7 messaging platform KYLA on Viber, Facebook Messenger, and SKY’s official website.

For updates regarding SKY’s efforts to restore services in areas affected by cable cutting, subscribers can check mysky.com.ph/help-service-advisories. They may also follow SKY’s social media accounts on Facebook or Twitter.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its initiatives to improve services to its subscribers.

13 Business books to fire up your inner spark at work

The first half of the year is already done, and if you’re doubting your effectiveness at your job or your impact to your work, maybe you should set aside some time for reading and re-motivating yourself.

Check out these books that will provide you with fresh knowledge and insights to get you all fired up and raring to work!

Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 by John C. Maxwell

Much of any business’ success depend upon its leaders. By outlining the principles for empowered and empowering leadership, John C. Maxwell’s book has changed the way leaders see themselves.

This thoroughly revised and updated edition packs in new leadership insights and best practices that he has gathered since the first edition was published in 1993 to help guide and inspire a new generation of leaders on their challenging but ultimately rewarding journey.

What is money smarts?

Why is it important to have money smarts?

How to develop money smarts

A fun way to sharpen your money smarts

1. Brush up on your farming know-how.

2. Get up close and personal with farm animals.

3. Indulge your inner plant parent.

4. Get the buzz on beekeeping.

5. Wonder at the grace and beauty of butterflies.

6. Feast on tasty farm-grown food.

7. Achieve a state of Zen.

8. Take a break with a relaxing farm experience stay.

Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 by John C. Maxwell

What Are Your Blind Spots? by Jim Haudan and Rich Berens

Growing Influence by Ron Price and Stacey Ennis

Iterate by Ed Muzio

The Innovation Navigator by Tucker J. Marion and Sebastian Fixson

Your Invisible Toolbox by Rowena Crosbie and Deborah Rinner

B State by Mark Samuel

Leading Loyalty by Sandy Rogers, Leena Rinne and Shawn Moone

Wise Guy by Guy Kawasaki

Scramble by Marty Neumeier

Built to Suck by Joseph Jaffe

The Art of Preventing Stupid by Matthew Neill Davis

Sticks and Stones by Nick Powills

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Immersive Pinoy experience

A sneak peek into the Pinoy’s rich and eclectic culture

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For kids ages 1 to 3 years old

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin

I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth

If Animals Kissed Goodnight by Ann Whitford Paul

How to Catch a Mermaid by Adam Wallace

For kids ages 3 to 5 years old

A Frog Ate My Sandwich! by Christine Durkin

The Angry Dragon by Michael Gordon

Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev

Elvin and Brayden, Friends Forever by Sandra Morrison

Do Not Wish for a Birthday Unicorn! by Sarina Siebenaler

For kids ages 6 to 8 years old

The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids by Carole P. Roman

You are an Amazing Girl: A Collection of Inspiring Stories about Courage, Friendship, Inner Strength and Self-Confidence by Nadia Ross

Oh No! My Dinosaur Is Sick! by JE Comet

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

For kids ages 8 to 12 years old

The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick

Wish by Barbara O’Connor

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller

Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja by Marcus Emerson

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Books for Rocking It at Work

Bring Your Human to Work by Erica Keswin

Kick Some Glass: 10 Ways Women Succeed at Work on Their Own Terms by Jennifer Martineau and Portia Mount

Don’t Pay for Your MBA: The Faster, Cheaper, Better Way to Get the Business Education You Need by Laurie Pickard

Cowgirl Power: How to Kick Ass in Business and Life by Gail Gaddis

Glambition: Knocking Down Walls in Heels by Dee Rivera

Lunching with Lions: Strategies for the Networking-Averse by Katherine McGraw Patterson

Books for Rocking it at Home

The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassion and Connected Children by Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer

You Can Stay Home with Your Kids!: 100 Tips, Tricks, and Ways to Make It Work on a Budget by Erin Odom

Understanding your Child’s and Teen’s Behavior: Simple Steps and Resources to Guide You Through the Journey by Angie Rumaldo

Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose and Performance in Younger Generations by Mark C. Perna

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Kindle

Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

Kindle Oasis

Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day deals

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