Event Post: Metro Online Influencers Kapihan 2015 at Wheatberry Cafe

Last July 31, 2015, the first Metro Online Influencers Kapihan was held at Wheatberry cafe along Roces Avenue, Quezon City. I was invited by Mr. Paolo Florenda, an esteemed PR and Marketing Manager. The event was a gathering of prominent personalities in politics and the social media sphere who were there to discuss some of the most popular topics circulating around the online sphere. These people are Sen. Antonio Trillanes, Manila Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno, Atty. Karen Jimeno, Abs-Cbn News Anchor Ms. Lynda Jumilla, Social Media Specialist Ms. Janette Toral, and Social Weather Station Research Specialist Dr. Ana Tabunda. Each of them had their own take on their perception of the current social media landscape and its use to their respective occupations as important influencers of society.

To lead off the discussion, Sen. Antonio Trillanes III announced the importance of social media. He recounted an experience wherein he used the then burgeoning social media site called Friendster to field his political campaign as a candidate for Senator. As a result, his popularity as a viable candidate without his physical presence in actual rallies and events due to his temporary detention.

On the other hand, Mr. Isko Moreno recounted the advances of technology which were beneficial to his urban development project as the vice-mayor of Manila. His tech-savvy policies involved the use of Facebook, internet connected CCTV's, Twitter, and email. He used these platforms to monitor the health and safety of Manila's streets, as well as provide data to his constituents regarding class suspensions, garbage disposal, crime prevention, and accountability checks of public officials. He claims to have seen the success of electronic media to achieve these ends.

Ms. Janette Toral explored a different page of social media, notably e-commerce. She noted that  developments in this field will be improved by physical economic developments such as a poverty alleviation program spearheaded by the government, tax incentives and reduction, Internet speed and connectivity improvements, and establishment of electronic payment systems. Through these processes can the Filipino e-commerce field become a dominant market player in the future.

Ms. Lynda Humilla, on another note, explored the importance of accountability in maintaining an online persona. With the protection of anonymity online, anyone can express anything and even utter irresponsible and baseless dialogue. She urged the listeners to practice accountability and transparency in maintaining an online presence. She also recognized the need to exercise discipline in expressing views online. 

Dr. Ana Tabunda explored the statistics of increasing internet use in the country. She noted the rapid spike of users and data bandwidth transfers originating from the Philippines. With this exponential growth rate in usage, she only hopes for the best in the development of the social media sphere.

Lastly, Atty. Karen Jimeno summarized the previous speakers' points. She also tackled questions and doubts regarding the cybercrime law and the data privacy act. She claimed that these laws improve the penalties against persons who use the electronic sphere to commit crimes such as hacking and online libel. In her answers, she noted that the new law closes the lacunae of electronic publication that isn't within the ambit of the 1935 libel law in the Revised Penal Code. She also dispelled the fears posed by a blogger that the laws threaten the freedom of speech and do little to solve the problem of hate speech. Instead she focused on the laws' power to help regulate the online sphere and prevent abuse.

In conclusion, the event showed the members of the media that the internet has a variety of uses, particularly in enhancing one's presence and promoting advocates. But with this power must come an understanding and practice of discipline that will enable an online citizen to become a responsible and beneficial member of the virtual community in the internet.

The story in pictures:

(Left to Right) Lynda Humilla, Ms. Janette Toral, Sen. Antonio Trillanes III, Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno, and Dr. Ana Tabunda

Another shot

Atty. Karen Jimeno - Moderator for the day

Special Thanks to 

Mr. Paolo Florenda for the invite

Mr. Arnold Yew of easternmotors.info for the pictures

Metro Online Influencers Kapihan Facebook Page for the pictures

3RD Philippine SME Business Expo to Launch October 2, 2015

3^RD Philippine SME Business Expo to Launch October 2, 2015

MANILA - Following the success of its two series in 2013 and 2014, Mediacom Solutions Inc. is organising the third edition of the Philippine Small and Medium Enterprise Business Expo 2015 (PHILSME), set to take center stage this coming October 2-4, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
 
With the tagline “Boost Your Business”, PHILSME is the largest and only consumer and trade event dedicated to boost the ASEAN SME community in the Philippines. With the upcoming ASEAN integration happening this year, this 3-day expo provides a platform to meet and network with industry professionals from the SME sector in a dynamic and focused business environment. 

On its 3rd year, PHILSME will keep SMEs up to date with the latest innovations, current trends in the industry to nurture growth opportunities in the Philippines and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) for 2015 and beyond. 

With over 250 exhibiting companies and 20,000 expected visitors, the 3-day exhibition will be packed with a variety of products, services and technological solutions. It will also feature workshops, seminars and networking opportunities for business owners and professionals. 

"The event creates a venue for local and international buyers and suppliers to collaborate and network with each other and take the opportunity to be exposed to a full range of products and services from various industries, increase industry knowledge and engage in ground-breaking discussions and partnerships. PHILSME 2015 will also be featuring a Business Matchmaking Service that allows exhibitors a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with senior-level managers, company owners, stakeholders, decision makers, buyers, sellers, distributors and franchisees,” says Mediacom Solutions Inc. Chairman and CEO, David Abrenilla.
 
One of the highlights this year is the PHILSME Business Conference, an industry gathering that will provide attendees a unique opportunity to learn from influential experts of various business sectors, like technology, food, retail and manufacturing. The conference will present an array of the most current trends, topics and researches in business. 

The exhibiting industries in PHILSME 2015 will range from retail, food and beverage, technology and innovation, agriculture businesses, confectionary, to general merchandise, hospitality, hotels, salons, spas and gyms, malls, office furniture, machineries, direct selling and supplies, bar, cafe and coffee shops, among others.
 
To attend the show, pre-register for free at www.philsme.com. For inquiries contact Sunshine Sy at +63-2-509-4792, +63-927-395-1575 or email sunshine@philsme.com. For updates, join the community at www.facebook.com/PhilippineSME.

Up Dharma Down in Collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board bring you: "All the Good Things" song and music video

Up Dharma Down's photo montage of their Singapore trip

The bar at Level33

Armi Millare at Haji Lane

Armi at vocals

Carlos Tanada with the Ferrari test drive 

Carlos Tanada with the Guitar

Ean Mayor at Level33

A stunning backdrop with the Marina Bay Sands and Ean Mayor in Drums

The Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay

Modparade at Haji Lane

The Black Angus Tenderloin at Level33

Paul Yap at Pidgin Kitchen and Bar

Paul Yap dining at Level33

Paul Yap with the Bass

Shades of Green from 2am:dessert bar

UDD with another band (The Next Movement)

UDD at Gardens by the Bay

The band at Haji Lane

The band enjoying their lunch

a snapshot from the music video

During my college days, I have avidly listened to Up Dharma Down as they launched album after album. I personally enjoy the beat and rhythm of their songs, particularly "Oo" and "Tadhana". Naturally, I was elated when I found out that I was invited to one of their events in 12 Monkeys, Century City Mall, along Makati Ave on May 19, 2015. At around 7 pm, the band went on stage to perform a number of their greatest hits. The crowd couldn't help it but sing along with the band as the songs which were all too familiar to a generation filled the air. 

After the performance, the show went on with an exhibition of the band's newest song, "All the Good Things" along with a music video. It was during the event that I found out that the Sinagpore Tourism Board sponsored the event and the creation of a song especially for its tourism promotion activity in Philippines. Up Dharma Down was specifically chosen to become the official music partner of the Board.

In this new music video, the band captures their entire Singapore experience, particularly its cuisine, sites, and attractions, in the span of four minutes. The video shows some of their fun and thrilling side of the country they had not experienced before. It takes us through Up Dharma Down’s journey to various iconic and off-the-beaten-track locations in Singapore, sharing the experiences and personal moments that inspired them to create their new song.

The trip took the band on visits to quirky places like Haji Lane to explore concept stores that featured unique creations by local designers and artisans, and stops at various Mod-Sin cuisine establishments like Pidgin Kitchen & Bar and 2am:dessertbar that reimagined local hawker favorites into gastronomic innovations.

Attractions like Gardens by the Bay and the Henderson Waves captivated the band with its marvelous sights, and Carlos Tañada, the band’s guitarist, even got to experience being driven in a Ferrari through parts of the famous Marina Bay street circuit used for the Grand Prix night races. They capped off their visit to Singapore by immersing themselves in the city’s bustling nightlife, drinking signature brews at LeVeL33 and hanging out with local musicians, The Next Movement, at The Mad Men Attic Bar.

As for the song, the upbeat tune expresses the band's delightful experience of the country. According to the band, this tune "captures the soul and spirit of the Singapore" they have come to love. They were also proud to note their accomplishment. They also recognized travel as "one of the most inspiring experiences for any artist", and that "their trip to Singapore was a journey that opened their eyes to another side of it."

All this is in line with Singapore's celebration of its golden jubilee as a nation. Singapore Tourism Board’s Area Director for Philippines & Brunei, Mr Adrian Kong, added, “Through this collaboration with Up Dharma Down, we hope that Filipino travelers will view Singapore as a destination where they can partake in unique experiences across retail, dining, entertainment and attractions .”

The music video of "All the Good Things"

In celebration of Singapore’s 50th year, having these inspiring experiences to shop, eat and play is made even easier with the Golden Jubilee deals. The Golden Jubilee promotion is an exciting selection of exclusive deals on flights, hotels and more. Take advantage of special airfare deals, stay at any one of the participating hotels in the city for 2 nights to get the 3rd night free, shop till you drop during the Great Singapore Sale for a chance to win S$500 daily, and embark on a gastronomic adventure with exclusive dining discounts from various establishments.

With all these and more, there is no better time to plan your own inspiring visit to Singapore to discover all the good things. 

To see what inspired Up Dharma Down in Singapore, visit www.yoursingapore.ph. To know more about the exciting Golden Jubilee deals, visit www.yoursingapore.com/goldenjubilee.