#physical internet in the philippines

[customsoftwarephilippines]

The First Philippine Physical Internet National Symposium

In a groundbreaking initiative, a consortium of dedicated professionals and scholars successfully organized the 1st Conference on the Physical Internet, held on November 22, 2023, at the University of Asia and the Pacific in Pasig City. The conference, operating under the theme “Meeting the Global Logistics Challenge in the Philippines through the Physical Internet,” sought to address the…

[cityzenshark]

Firsts to Grow Up | Humans in the Malto Family

Dorothy “Dot” Malto

The strict and loving matriarch of the Malto family. Dot was once a lieutenant in the U.S army during the Cybertronian war on Earth. Having fought alongside the Autobots and against the Decepticons, her opinions regarding the alien robots depend on them as individuals. But as for her general feelings towards them, she’d rather not be in their vicinity unless necessary. Dot lost a leg from knee down whilst defending civilians during a Decepticon attack. The one who rescued her and delivered her to medical assistance was none other than the now former leader of the Decepticons – Megatron. Fifteen years have passed since their last battle together, Dot and Megatron rarely see each other since. The conspiracies that follow Megatron wherever he goes is a burden that is his alone to bear. As his close friend, Dot will help him should he asks. As a mother and wife, her main priority is her family. The last thing she wants for her children is for them to be involved in the aliens’ politics that took Dot her entire life to get out of. The Terrans’ existence causes a mental war between Dot’s motherhood and her trauma.

.

Alex Malto

A dotting husband to Dot; father to Robby and Mo. Alex has a doctrine in Cybertronian culture and history. During the Cybertronian War on Earth, he was drafted into the Philippines military as a consultant in Cybertron-Earth relations. He and Dot first met during their services in the U.S. The two fell in love fast and got married. When news of Dot’s near fatal injury reached him, Alex left his station to visit her in a hospital at another state -- unbeknownst he would avoid a catastrophe that killed hundreds of his colleagues and refugees. While the catastrophe drastically shifted humanity’s views on Cybertronians, Alex’s boyish admiration of their kind remains. He kept the toys, the comics, and every physical media that promoted the Autobots when he was young. Despite that, he shares Dot’s wishes to stay away from their politics. His profession may force him back but right now, he is a historian teacher in Witwicky’s high school and to his adopted children – the Terrans.

.

Robby Malto

Fourteen-year-old son of Alex and Dot; twin brother to Morgan. Robby grew up in the city and the city life was where he wants his future to be. He had a great reputation at school, has many friends, and won several competitions in robotics and science. However, his dreams crumble when he and his family move to the small town Witwicky, surrounded by mountains, wildlife, and terribly weak internet signal. Robby doesn’t understand his mother. She was partners with Megatron of all Cybertronians, yet she doesn’t see him often nor wants to be around Cybertronians. He doesn’t understand his father. Since he knows so much about the alien robots’ culture, why did he agree with Dot’s decision to not have any involvement with them? He doesn’t understand his twin sister. Mo is at cloud nine since the move. The night crickets doesn’t disturb her sleep, the smell from cows doesn’t bother her, and very oddly, she’s excited about their new school. Robby wished he could wear his headphones and play games until he magically had his old city life back. After he gained the cybersleeves, Robby endures the pain coming from beneath it all while handling the Terrans’ emotional hive mind and his family distancing from him that he is very well aware is his own doing.

.

Morgan “Mo” Malto

Fourteen-year-old daughter of Alex and Dot; twin sister to Robby. While Robby would brood at his desk staring at his computer all day long in their new home, Mo would run free at the wild outdoors. The Malto’s new home in Witwicky is like haven to her. She gets her own room, no vehicles that might run over her, no nosy neighbours, and nature all around her! Mo’s life in the city was lonely. She was an odd one out at school and none appreciated her imaginative personality. Her new school in Witwicky gave her many good friends, and a chance for her to play role-playing board games. The Terrans are a great surprise addition to the new chapter in her life. Mo quickly grows into the role as big sister and learns to understand how the emotional hivemind functions quite fast, though she has no idea how to explain it. She spends most of her free time with the Terrans so whenever they have questions and their parents or their teachers aren’t around, they go to Mo. Despite this, however, Mo desperately wishes to keep her emotions private again. She doesn’t want her siblings to know how bad her period can be, she hates how the Terrans keep guessing her activities at every jolt of emotions, suggesting what she “should” do, and she doesn’t understand why her twin brother keeps pushing her away when she can literally feel him calling for help. Her new home is becoming more hurtful than joyful, but Mo keeps wearing a big smile on her face. For her family’s sake.

.

.

[sarkariresultdude]

NET Simplified: A Step-by-Step Approach to Excellence

 The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is one of the maximum competitive examinations in India, serving because the gateway for students intending to pursue undergraduate medical and dental publications. Each yr, lakhs of candidates appear for this exam with hopes of securing a seat in prestigious scientific faculties across the u . S .. The declaration of NEET effects is a momentous occasion for those college students, as it determines their future professional paths and academic possibilities. In this newsletter, we delve into numerous elements of the NEET consequences, exploring their importance, the procedure of result announcement, and their impact on students’ lives.

NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY TEST RESULTS 

Significance of NEET Results

NEET effects are important for college kids entering the clinical and dental fields. The ratings obtained in this examination shape the idea for admission to MBBS, BDS, and different allied health applications supplied by using establishments in India. Additionally, NEET consequences are also taken into consideration for admissions to AYUSH courses (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) and veterinary packages in a few states. For students meaning to have a look at overseas, NEET qualification is often mandatory in search of admission to scientific faculties in countries just as the Philippines, Russia, Ukraine, and China.

Given the high stakes, the NEET consequences hold significant importance. They reflect the fruits of months, frequently years, of rigorous guidance. The rankings no longer determine whether a candidate qualifies for admission but additionally impact the selection of university and specialization, putting the level for his or her professional adventure.

The Process of NEET Result Declaration

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is answerable for engaging in the NEET exam and asserting its consequences. The process begins with the discharge of the provisional solution key, permitting applicants to project discrepancies or errors. This guarantees transparency and accuracy in the evaluation procedure.

Once the objections are reviewed, the very last answer secret's posted, and the results are prepared accordingly. NEET results are commonly announced online at the official NTA internet site. Candidates can get entry to their results by getting into their software quantity, date of delivery, and protection pin. The result consists of the following information:

Candidate’s Name and Roll Number: Identifying facts for the candidate.

Scorecard: Sectional and standard ratings obtained in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Percentile Score: The percentage of applicants who scored under the candidate.

All India Rank (AIR): The usual rank secured through the candidate among all check-takers.

Category Rank: Rank accomplished in the candidate’s reservation category, if relevant.

Qualifying Status: Whether the candidate has cleared the cutoff criteria.

Additionally, NTA releases a benefit list for All India Quota (AIQ) seats, which includes the top-performing applicants eligible for counseling underneath the centralized admission process.

Understanding NEET Cutoffs

The NEET cutoff is an important issue of the outcomes, determining the eligibility of candidates for admission. The cutoff scores vary each year primarily based on elements consisting of:

Exam Difficulty Level: A harder paper typically outcomes in decrease cutoffs.

Number of Candidates: Higher opposition often increases the cutoff.

Availability of Seats: Limited seats in medical schools have an effect on the minimum qualifying marks.

Reservation Policy: Cutoffs fluctuate for numerous classes, along with General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS.

However, securing the cutoff percentile does not guarantee admission; applicants have to also rank high enough to secure a seat in their preferred college.

Counseling and Seat Allocation

Post the announcement of consequences, the counseling procedure starts offevolved, controlled via the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) for AIQ seats and by using the respective country government for kingdom quota seats. The counseling method entails:

Registration: Candidates check in on the designated portals for AIQ or kingdom quota counseling.

Choice Filling and Locking: Students choose their favored schools and courses.

Seat Allotment: Based on NEET rankings, ranks, and options, seats are allotted.

Counseling is performed in multiple rounds, consisting of a mop-up round to fill vacant seats. For college students who are no longer stable for admission within the preliminary rounds, those extra rounds provide another opportunity.

Challenges Faced by Way of Students

The declaration of NEET results brings a combination of emotions for college kids. While a few have fun with their fulfillment, others face the frustration of no longer assembling their expectancies. Here are a few common challenges faced by way of students:

High Competition: With lakhs of candidates vying for a restricted quantity of seats, securing admission will become a frightening task.

Financial Constraints: Medical education is steeply priced, and no longer all students can find the money for non-public college prices, even though they qualify.

Stress and Anxiety: The strain of acting nicely in NEET and the anticipation of effects can take a toll on college students’ mental fitness.

Limited Opportunities: Many deserving candidates miss out on admission due to marginal differences in scores.

Success Stories and Inspirational Tales

Amidst the extreme opposition, NEET effects additionally spotlight inspiring tales of perseverance and determination. Every 12 months, we come upon applicants who overcome massive barriers to acquire their desires. These tales function as motivation for destiny aspirants, emphasizing the significance of tough paintings, willpower, and resilience.

For example, students from rural backgrounds, fighting economic hardships and lack of assets, often come to be pinnacle performers, proving that dedication can conquer any task. Similarly, applicants who take multiple tries to crack NEET exemplify the price of patience.

The Way Forward for Aspirants

For college students who do no longer gain their favored consequences, it's far essential to bear in mind that this is not the end of the road. Many applicants opt for a drop 12 months to prepare more efficaciously and improve their rankings. Coaching centers, online mastering systems, and self-take a look at strategies can help them enhance their coaching.

Moreover, exploring alternative profession paths in allied fitness sciences, biotechnology, or public health can also be worthwhile. These fields provide promising possibilities and allow students to make contributions meaningfully to the healthcare region.

[thedreamcrosser]

The Art of Automatic Heritage

Made by friends and fans (like you!)

Commentary by Dream Crosser

When I heard that the game Stray was finally out I was only vaguely keeping an eye on it at the time. To me, it was that cat game that had been in development for a while, so when it came out I was not expecting to jump into it right away.

Boy, did I wish I should have played it sooner. When I finished playing it I had something of a raging itch to have more of the game. The lore of the world had me hook line and sinker, and I had to have some kind of outlet to let it out.

I could not draw, but I had an idea for a character that I was begging my twin sister to draw for me, just like we were in grade school again. She was in art collage at the time so she did not have much time for my raving, but a rough sketch was born and my itch was sated.

For a while at least… Beryl became my baby and soon I found myself writing about her to calm myself down in between the times I could sit down at work. All I wanted to do was to dive into this world so badly, so getting back into an old hobby seemed to be my saving grace.

Jumping on to Twitter I found that other people online were making their own OCs. I found one particularly friendly person and I just had to play along with their character. I made a cute role-play comment and out popped this cute picture by @Lenny_lazyDraw of their character Cleo with Beryl.

As my fanfiction began to take form I began to chat more and more online with others of the fandom. To be honest, you guys have been the ones to keep me company for a long time, and I want to reassure you all that while I am not on the internet that much anymore I am still alive and well and still thinking about you all on the physical side of life. But as for my time on fanfiction, I also took some time on Discord. Discord for me was a place where I could have real conversations with people. If it was not face-to-face it was through text, and there was no pressure to have likes and to post pictures. You could truly be anonymous and somebody at the same time.

I was invited to a roleplay server called TheStraycord by none other than ThemSoundwaves. It started on the unofficial Stray server with us talking each other's ears off and finding we had some things in common. A love for writing, dubstep, and the silly. When she invited me over to TheStraycord I immediately made myself comfortable and dove into a role play. I was on that server every day, and soon I caught the eye of none other than a “Dumbfoundbot.”

Also known as ViralPenny on Twitter, Dumbfoundbot surprisingly loved the characters that I created, not knowing that I have made fanfiction of my beloveds. On Twitter, they asked for OCs that they could draw for people. My twin sister and I both volunteered and found later our characters had their portrait done.

I would not be surprised if he heard me scream in delight from my home in Florida all the way in the Philippines, because he for sure did not stop. Before I knew it a picture of Whitney was made as well.

Folks, to say I died would not be enough to express how happy I was. I could tell the feeling was mutual for the artist because when we were finished with the roleplay these art pieces popped in chat.

And they are adorable!

What a week that had been! I am glad that happened as well because for some reason this series of events kicked off my twin sisters’ inspiration like none other. Not only did she get into her Stray Oc character more over time, but she finally did a full-color character sheet of Beryl.

Just in time to show it off on her graduation day as well. And while I hope she draws more I hope even more that she draws for herself. Even her sketches I adore. Here is one she did on chapter 5.

While things have slowed down a bit, that being the Stray fandom on A03 and currently my time on this fandom, life in the real world has sped up. Having my first child and recovering from major surgery had taken a number out of me. But I am glad that everyone else is still moving forward. Heck, I am especially happy that ThemSoundWaves is finding time to draw as well. She gave me a phenomenal take on Dr.Mike and I look forward to adding his description more to future chapters.

Artists, I love all of your art. Please continue to love what you do and don’t let what is going on in the world stop you from doing what you love, especially with this AI nonsense going around. As for my readers, please go check out and support these artists. They deserve all of their hard work to be rewarded.

Automatic Heritage will continue. The next chapter is about to be completed, it just needs some time. I do know that this project will continue as long as I can see that there is interest, that being kudos and comments. Not that I am holding this story over my reader's head, but that I am going to use this as a way to see that there are people interested and to stay faithful to the few that are. No point in forcing myself to write when there is no activity.

Thank you again my friends, and may the sun shine warm upon your face.

*closes document* “ah… that should be it…” *gets notification from Discord* *opens Discord*

*screams in cute robot*

Art done by @Jesterdysphoria on X (aka twitter)

[j-a-smiths-blog]

0655 4Apr24: Chapter 95.

18 years ago, I was waking up for the first time here in the Philippines. I didn't know what I was really doing. It was my first international travel by myself, only other international travel was via the USS Enterprise during a deployment. I had gone here to pursue a woman that I had only ever gotten to talk to on the phone and via internet. Never had I ever had a physical relationship with her.

I beat alot of odds during my time in the Navy... the biggest odd is that once I got married I never got divorced while in the service which was a high rarity.

But here we are 18 years later and I am officially living in the Philippines just trying to enjoy my retirement.

[ovrcat]

Gen Z Travelog: The Hunger for Thrilling Travel Expedition

Generation Z, the youth of today, have a strong desire for thrilling travel experiences. They want more than just ordinary vacations. This generation, born into a world of technological innovation and global interconnectedness, seeks more than just leisurely vacations; they crave immersive encounters that push the boundaries of traditional tourism. In today’s generation, the young travelers seeks authenticity, spontaneity, and meaningful connections in their travels.

In today’s generation age, the love for adventurous travel is evident in their enthusiasm for adrenaline-pumping activities. This generation seeks out thrill-seeking opportunities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, rock climbing, and white-water rafting. The young travelers have a strong inclination towards off-the-beaten-path destinations and unconventional experiences. Rather than sticking to well-trodden tourist trails, they prefer to explore lesser-known locales and immerse themselves in the authentic culture of a place. With this, the thrill of these activities goes beyond mere entertainment; it represents a quest for self-discovery and an opportunity to challenge themselves physically and mentally. These travelers eagerly seeks out opportunities to push their limits and conquer new heights. The adrenaline rush they experience fuels their passion for adventure and leaves them craving more. In addition, the Philippines boasts a myriad of natural wonders, from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to towering mountains and hidden caves. For young travelers, the opportunity to explore these breathtaking landscapes is irresistible. Whether it’s island-hopping in Palawan to discover secluded coves and vibrant coral reefs, trekking to the crater of Mount Pinatubo for a glimpse of its majestic beauty, or spelunking in the underground rivers of Puerto Princesa, adventure awaits at every turn. As they navigate the archipelago’s diverse landscapes and vibrant communities, they are not just tourists; they are explorers, ambassadors, and stewards of the Philippines’ natural and cultural treasures.

The internet age of these travelers are not just passive observers; they are active participants in shaping the future of travel in the country. By embracing sustainable travel practices and supporting local communities, they leave a positive impact on the places they visit, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Philippines. As they return home with memories of their adventures and experiences, the young adventurous individuals carry a newfound appreciation for the world around them and a commitment to preserving its wonders for generations to come. In the end, their journey is not just about the places they’ve been or the things they’ve seen; it’s about the connections they’ve made, the lessons they’ve learned, and the impact they’ve had on the world around them.

@therealrodthings

[purplesurveys]

1823

Would you rather have another job?  I would, but the job market sucks and it's been a challenge trying to apply to new ones even though I had been actively looking every day of February. I got a little impatient so I've ultimately settled for a new role, still in my current workplace – so I've still resigned from my current post, but the new role will allow me to continue to be in the industry I like while removing the shit I don't want to deal with and had originally resigned over.

Did you ever live in a house with more than one story?  I currently do. It was the house I grew up in that didn't have an extra floor.

What room of your home do you spend most time in? My bedroom, since it's also my workspace.

Is your second toe longer than your big toe?  Just super slightly, but yeah.

Have you ever given yourself a tattoo?  Nope.

Do you own any clothes you wouldn’t wear in front of your mother?  Not really.

Do you have health insurance?  Just Philhealth. What are some medical issues you’re currently dealing with?  Just what I'm presently sensing as anemia, but other than that there aren't any.

Why did you last take pain medication?  Can't even recall. I just apply a cooling ointment whenever my back and shoulders are sore lol, and I've been proactively lessening my Biogesic intake because I don't want to be too dependent on it every time I get a headache.

What physical traits have you inherited from your father?  I find that my smile and mouth are similar to his. I think my eyes too? Idk but in general I'm the most well-balanced among me and my siblings when it comes to genetics haha, so it's hard for me to tell which of my features look more like my mom's or my dad's.

How about your mother?  My overall face structure? IDK IT'S REALLY HARD TO TELL LOL

What personality traits do you wish your children would inherit from you? I take pride in how devoted and loyal I am in my friendships, so it'd be nice for my hypothetical and likely-to-never-exist kids to get that from me. Also, passion for their hobbies! I'd listen to my kids ramble on all day about whatever it is they're interested/invested in.

What parts of the world are your ancestors from?  Philippines, and that's pretty much it lol. I don't think I have ancestors from Spain.

Have you ever had a strange pet, outside of the normal animals people keep?  No.

Do you believe in astrology?  Hell no.

Do you drive an electric car?  No. It just wouldn't be the smartest decision to get one at this point as we barely have the technology or network to make owning an electric car a feasible long-term thing. Philippines was already late as it is when it came to the internet, so I imagine it would be the same - perhaps even longer - with the electric cars.

Do you like facial hair on guys or do you prefer the clean shaven look?  Eh, it depends on how they look with the hair.

Who was your first celebrity crush?  It was a tie between Zac Efron and Ashley Tisdale, haha.

Are you good with kids?  I honestly don't know. I was good with kids before as a First-Born Asian Daughter™ lol, but I haven't been arounds kids in YEARS so idk if my abilities still hold up.

Are you usually late, early, or right on time?  At this point tbh I'm a mix of all three. I try to make it on time but it sometimes also depends on how invested I am in the thing I'm supposed to be at. I arrived at the Seventeen concert by 11 AM, but at work I will sometimes arrive at 10:30 AM lol.

Are you good at applying makeup?  I'm horrible at it, but that's also because I'm not the least bit interested in makeup.

Do you like pastel colored hair?  It's alright!

What do you think about the most?  Career options, opportunities to take care of myself or find new hobbies...I've been getting paranoid about mortality lately as well and I hate it.

Do you like to see it snowing outside?  I wish I could experience that, but I don't live in a country with snow.

Do you have your national flag hanging up anywhere outside your house?  Nopes.

Have you ever been in a choir?  I have not.

Do you look older or younger than you actually are?  I used to get 'younger' all the time, but idk now. Work may have aged me physically enough to start actually looking 25 hahaha.

When is the next time you’ll be up on stage?  I'm assuming June because my mom has asked me to host a surprise party we're doing for my paternal grandparents. I never committed to it, but I know ultimately it'll come down to me hosting anyway lol.

Where did you spend your last birthday at?  I was just at home. My friends came over though.

What was the last show that you watched a full episode of?  Friends.

Is there anything you need to work on doing soon?  Little bit, yeah.

Were you ever a boy or girl scout?  I was not.

Do you take your medications in the morning or at night?  I don't take any medication at all.

Have you ever bought a YouTuber’s merch?  Nah, merch is usually next to impossible to get when you're from an Asian country that's not Japan anyway. The merchiest I got with YouTubers was going to the first-ever YouTube Fanfest haha.

What is the best type of donut?  I like a good classic – chocolate frosting with sprinkles! My favorite local doughnut shop also makes this fantastic roasted brown butter brioche doughnut that I could have every day.

Do you like thrift stores?  Not the first place I would go to, but still willing to check them out.

What is your town known for?  Aesthetic cafes with shitty food, car accidents, pilgrimages, and our waterfalls. We're all over the place lmao.

Have you ever used a fake name at Starbucks?  I once referred to myself as Audrey as in Audrey Hepburn but it came back as fucking Aujie hahahaha. Haven't really done it since because I don't see the point.

What color is your lava lamp?  I've never had one.

Who is your favorite Lisa Frank character?  We were too short on money for my parents to be spending overpriced Lisa Frank shit on me.

What’s your favorite movie that you remember seeing in the theater?  Portrait of a Lady on Fire.

Do you know anyone who has ten cats?  I think Val may have? She posts about her cats all the time and it's always different ones every time lol.

Have you ever had a cat?  My sister had Arlee.

Have you ever had a dog?  Yes, three of them.

Have you ever any other kind of animal?  Yes.

Have you ever had a pet rock?  That I never have.

What were you voted in the senior class polls?  We don't have that tradition.

Who was your favorite teacher in high school?  My music teacher. I never even liked what she taught, but she had a teaching style that let her relate life lessons to whatever music theory she was explaining at the moment and that resonated with me all throughout high school.

Do you want to give your kids common names or unique names?  Common, but not too mainstream in that they can still stand out but also not get bullied.

What collection are you thinking of starting?  I currently collect BTS merch and I plan on continuing it, especially since I'm not even done getting all the albums yet.

Do you organize your clothes by color?  No, I just have them fixed according to article of clothing.

What do you want to name your first child?  I've stopped having a go-to pick for a name because I've also stopped wanting kids.

List ten favorite girls names.  Mia, Scarlett, Charlotte, Emilia, Harper, Elliott, Lily, Juliana, Rosie, Dylan.

List ten favorite boys names.  Seth, Liam, James, Lucas, Julian, Matteo, Noah, Owen, Jacob, Leon.

What season do you want to get married in?  Continued from last night. We don't have seasons but I'd pick out a colder month – so anywhere between December to February.

Is your Pinterest cluttered?  I don't use Pinterest enough to make boards.

What is your favorite insect?  None of them.

What bugs scare you?  All of them, but especially cockroaches.

Who picked your name, your mom or your dad?  My dad picked my first name, my mom chose my second.

Have you ever fallen asleep in a significant other’s arms?  Sure.

Do you have a television in your room? If you do, is it one of the old school big ones? Or i it a new flat screen?  I do. It's a flat-screen but it's not a new TV – it was originally from our living room until we got a new one last year. Anyway, the TV I have is like 16 years old.

What was your favorite cartoon or television show as a child? What about movie?  I liked Spongebob and Drake & Josh. For movies, Toy Story was and continues to be my favorite.

Did you have sleepovers at your friends’ houses a lot as a child? Or did your friends come over to your house more often?  No. I was never really allowed to, but also I didn't have many friends so eh. As for me, I lived in a very crowded duplex so the house was never the most visitor-friendly.

Do you have any significantly older siblings?  No, our age gaps are small.

When opening presents on Christmas or birthdays, do you first try to guess what is in the package? Do you tear the wrap off slowly, or just rip it to shreds? Are you polite no matter what the gift, and say you love it anyways?  I rip it to shreds haha, and yes I always say thank you.

What happened last time you got drunk?  I dropped a wine glass and injured my foot.

What are you listening to?  Friends.

Which parent do you feel the most affection for?  My dad.

How do you feel about God?  "If there is a God, He will have to beg for my forgiveness.” A quote that reached fame by being found carved in a concentration camp wall. And I will forever agree with it, violently so. <– I like this answer. < There you go. <--- yep. < That's the best answer yet, because that's exactly how I feel with the shit I went through growing up.

Which platform do you use to listen to music on the most?  Spotify.

Who do you care about the most?  Myself and my dogs.

[tabby-shieldmaiden]

To set the record straight, I think one of the main issues I take with my family is still their willingness to participate in hiring domestic helpers here. Like, to be really frank, it is a thing here, as well as in a lot of parts of Asia: hiring women from nations like Indonesia and the Philippines and Myanmar and India to be live-in domestic workers. Within those nations, it tends to be the upper middle to middle class hiring people too. If you watch Domics, you may remember that he briefly talks about it in a Filipino context in his video on his trip to the Philippines to visit family.

It’s one of those that I have a difficult time accepting as I grow into finding myself as a person who wishes to partake in feminist movement, a person who wishes to engage in proper leftism, and just... generally someone who does like being independent. Currently I’m just figuring out what the right courses of action are. I mark out some chores that are mine alone to do (some tasks related to pet care, changing my bed sheets, washing my own plates). But that’s not like, materially useful for the thing. I try to read theory and I should try to keep up with TWC2 and HOME. But aside from that, I’m not sure what I can do about it. Other than move out, and that’s not really feasible for me for multiple reasons.

And I think one of the difficult things is that, it’s hard to talk about it with other people here because it is so normalised here. Like, it’s not at all a normal thing to just have a live-in domestic worker in a lot of places where all my internet friends come from, but it is normalised here. Which means that a lot of people here don’t really think too hard about it? And frankly, I understand that it’s going to take a lot of work to completely dismantle this system. But like, I don’t really know how I can meaningfully do my part against it, you know?

TWC2 and HOME and AWARE support the idea of easing out the live-in aspect as default as an incremental change of some sort. Increasing live-out options. And that’s a start. It’ll make bartering for reasonable working hours and having space away from one’s employers easier, at least. That’s good! And it’ll be especially good if a woman who comes here to work as a domestic worker knows how to find support in the case of things like her employers withholding her pay, or of employers getting physically violent with her. Living away as a default means that she will have more of a chance to seek out help, in the case of these things happening.

I guess this has been on my mind lately because there had been yet another case of violence against domestic workers in the news. I know that has to stop. My parents don’t withhold pay or get physically violent, but they are still participating in the system through hiring live-in domestic work. And it’s like. I don’t know man. I would rather not partake in the system while I know it’s so injust, but what can I really do about it? Besides be friendly and nice and chip in when I can.

I guess the other worry I have is because I know that my parents are busy and are getting older. And my brother does have higher support needs than I do. I think... I need to want to be willing to take on more housework in a hypothetical situation where it’s just us. But I worry you know? Can I do it? How can I do it? What if my executive function issues flare up and I really can’t do it? And I know that that would mean I may have to give up on things like writing. I hate how selfish this makes me sound, but because writing has been something really good for my mental health, I worry what I would be if it has to be taken out of my life.

But it will have to leave my life if it means doing the right thing, wouldn’t it? That’s the thing. If it has to go in that hypothetical situation, it has to go. And frankly, the other big worry of whether or not I will have to participate in local activism less should also be of concern.

I don’t know why I’m telling all of you this. Maybe to be honest with people online about where I am exactly as a person. Just so you know exactly what I am.

[howyoutalktostrangers]

So,

June is Filipino Heritage Month.

In Canada, where Filipinos have been among the most reliably numerous immigrants in the past few decades, the date was chosen to commemorate the country's Independence Day in 1898. That's when they freed themselves from hundreds of years of Spanish colonization. 

If I'm being honest, I knew very little about the Philippines before I married my wife Kristina. When I was a teenager I sponsored a young Filipino boy named Nestor through an international charity, and when I was in the Yukon I wrote an article for the Whitehorse Star about the positive impact Filipino immigrants were having on the local economy. I also read a great novel by Alex Garland called The Tesseract that was set in Manila, but other than that I've been woefully ignorant about my family's origins.

Last year my father-in-law introduced me to Jo Koy, a Filipino stand up comic known for his racy, hyper-sexualized content. One of the most interesting things I learned from him is that there is a close kinship between Mexico and the Philippines, both in religious sensibilities (Catholic) and in basic culture. They're rebellious, hot-headed and considered "crazy" by their more conservative neighbours. He claimed this was due to them both being conquered by the Spanish, then rejecting some elements of their culture while embracing others. It makes for an interesting hodge-podge.

I was interested to learn, from a quick Google search, that the Philippines didn't truly become independent in 1898 — they spent another half century under American rule, only finally becoming free following the Second World War. When I teach Kris and Celista about the Philippines, it will be important for them to understand the devastatingly negative impact of colonization and why it's important to recognize the Indigenous culture that was suppressed and nearly wiped out, just like in Canada. 

One of the most shocking elements of Filipino history was the introduction of "human zoos" which were open as recently as 1958 in places like New York City and London. It was there that racialized people from a variety of origins were kept in cages and gawked at by their western oppressors. In 1904, Americans displayed Filipino tribespeople in zoos like this during the Summer Olympics. Just another reminder that humans are sometimes disgusting to each other, and it really wasn't that long ago that deeply entrenched racism dictated the reality of many people's lives.

While my wife was growing up, she routinely experienced racism. Because she was half-Filipino and half-white, she didn't feel like she truly belonged in either category. A lot of attention was paid to her jet black hair, her sun-browned skin and ambiguous features. When people talk about white supremacy, this is what they mean: close attention to every difference, every physical detail of somebody's body, all scrutinized and held up against an Aryan ideal we haven't quite successfully shaken from our collective consciousness.

But there's also all the things I plan on teaching my kids about their heritage to give them pride in where they came from. They'll learn about the warrior Chief Lapu-Lapu, the Philippine Insurrection, and the villainous Rodrigo Duterte. They'll learn that the country is made up of seven thousand islands, with innumerable distinct cultures. And karaoke, I've learned, is extremely popular, just ask my mother-in-law! Also, once you start looking for them, there's plenty of Filipino celebrities who have achieved global success — including Vanessa Hudgens, Manny Pacquiao, Nicole Scherzinger and (my favourite) Bruno Mars.

 One day Kristina and I will successfully take a trip to the Philippines, and I'm already stoked for the southeastern Asian sunshine. One of her relatives is a mayor (who was nearly assassinated!) and we have family scattered all throughout the islands, some of them in places without phone or Internet to connect them to the outside world. I can't wait to dive into the ocean, to see the tropical foliage and see firsthand the derelict weaponry abandoned there during World War Two. 

I want the kids to walk those white sand beaches and know this country is part of their story, and always will be.

The Literary Goon

[ejuanko]

Online games are video games that were played through the internet (online) or any other computer network available. These online games are often present on modern gaming platforms like PCs, consoles, and mobile devices, and has a wide span of genres, including first-person shooters, strategy games, and massively multiplayer role-playing games. Some of the most popular online games in the Philippines this year and the past years are Roblox, Mobile Legends, Genshin Impact, Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant, Fortnite, and many more. A recent statistics showed that 95.8 per cent of internet users between the ages of 16 to 64 played video games. These numbers make the Philippines the number one country in the world when it comes to the sheer number of gamers. Me personally I enjoy playing online games and there's been a time that I've been addicted to it to the point that I almost spend the whole day playing online. Then I realized that it is not healthy for me physically and mentally so I stop playing online games for a time being to get rid of the addiction and now I am able to manage my time playing online games.

As we all know, all things in this world has an advantage and disadvantage so are online games. Some of the advantages of online games are: First, it os a great source to develop early learning skills for children, it helps in enhancing memory,brain speed, and concentration, it also build skills for future careers and the most important advantage for me is the benefit of multiplayer games when it comes to socializing skills. Disadvantages of online games manifests when you spend too much time playing online games. Immoderate playing of online games can lead to unproductivity, poor health both physically and mentally, and it might limit your academic progress. Always remember that it is always important to find things or hobbies that entertain us and provide happiness to us but always discipline yourself and do your priorities and responsibilities first.

[baylonjuliana]

Advertisement Journals

Globe: Sama-sama sa Distansiya

Globe’s 2020 released advertisement fantastically portrays the situation of people’s relationships with their special ones, be it their friends, family, or spouses in the time of the pandemic. “Lumayo ka sa’kin, kasi malapit ka sa’kin” (get away from me because you’re close to me) is a line that probably hits most of our hearts. We understand how it feels to stay away or quarantine ourselves, especially from close people, not just to protect ourselves but also to protect them. 

The only way we could communicate or merely get in touch with each other was through online social media platforms. Dinner hangouts became group video calls, professional and educational meetings were held on online platforms, and even romantic dates became late-night calls.

Now Globe, being one of the top telecommunication services providers in the Philippines, has not done this without a reason. It was called an advertisement, after all. It shows a situation close to our hearts, but it also benefits their company by implying that they are with all of us who are struggling at these challenging times. 

However, the service advertised is actually beneficial for most of us. All online services using the internet are inaccessible without Globe and its close competitors, which sometimes fail and have much room for improvement but work fine enough most of the time to supply our necessities. 

In my view, this commercial has not used any sort of media manipulation, at least within the small number of manipulation kinds in my knowledge. Even without apparently using inappropriate techniques, Globe has still managed to capture our attention throughout the whole almost-3-minute-video. They did so by portraying a situation all familiar to each of us. According to B2B Partners (2014), relatable content increases customers’ attention spans. Moreover, it was interesting since it might have served as a means of comfort.

CIMB Bank PH: Breadwinner

A Philippine bank, CIMB, which stands for Commerce International Merchant Bankers Berhad, published this advertisement during the most challenging time of the pandemic in 2020. It was when the newly-found virus shocked everyone mentally, physically, and financially. The emergence of the pandemic (COVID-19) has brought an international financial, social, and general health concern that has resulted in the loss of 90 trillion USD to worldwide economies (Frontiers, 2020). 

The commercial's content showed a breadwinner child's situation in a communication with his mother. They seem to have made plans for the upcoming Christmas celebration, but a problem ruined everything. Due to the unemployment issues brought upon by the virus, he has been fired from his previous job, causing them to be short on funds.

In the next scene, however, the mother showed her bank application that contains savings from CIMB Bank PH. This commercial targets every Filipino that has been affected by the pandemic to help them in terms of finances. The mentioned bank provides storage for your income or savings and increases the rate over time. It is helpful for people who need extra income in complicated situations like this. 

Just like the previous advertisement from Globe, I do think that this does not include any sort of media manipulation. It captured our attention by showing a pure but heartbreaking scene. It emphasizes how Filipino breadwinners do their best to feed and make their families happy. Many Filipinos may sympathize with the commercial since it has content that practically touches the viewer's feelings. It shows how Filipinos care about those who are around them. Overall, the company did an excellent job on this one. It can be seen that it was done with quality and purpose. Hopefully, we could all get through everything the coronavirus inflicted on us.

References:

B2B Partners. (2014). Make Your Content Relatable and Actionable. https://b2bpartners.nz/make-content-relatable-actionable/

CIMB Bank PH. (2020). Breadwinner | CIMB Bank PH. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtgpUjHg0-s&t=7s

globeph. (2020). Sama-sama sa Distansya | #SafeAtHome. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZNnrEKbyJ4&t=1s

Wang, C., Wang, D., Abbas, J., Duan, K., & Riaqa M. (2021). Global Financial Crisis, Smart Lockdown Strategies, and the COVID-19 Spillover Impacts: A Global Perspective Implications From Southeast Asia. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.643783

‌

‌

‌

[justeconomy]

My thoughts on Pandemic advertisements in the Philippines

Advertisement 1: BIDA solusyon sa COVID-19 by DOH

As the virus continuously spreads in the Philippines, The Department of Health (DOH) advertises solutions to lessen the spread rate of the covid-19 virus. The advertisement is on behalf of the Interagency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) with the coordination of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). The advertisement presented four solutions corresponding to the four-letter word "BIDA." The letter "B" means "Bawal walang mask," which translates to "not wearing a mask is prohibited"- this means that the audience is encouraged by the Department of Health (DOH) to wear a mask when going outside. The protocol was to prevent audiences from contracting or spreading possible diseases to others. The letter "I" means "I-sanitize ang mga kamay, iwas-hawak sa mga bagay," which can be translated to "sanitize your hands and avoid touching things." The information in the letter "I" informs the audience to constantly clean their hands and be extra cautious when coming in contact with objects. According to the article by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the covid-19-causing virus, SARS-CoV-2, can survive for different lengths of time on surfaces of any object. To prevent contracting covid-19 virus from SARS-CoV-2, an individual must kill it through sanitation before it enters the body. The letter "D" means "Dumistansiya ng isang metro," which translates to "maintain a distance of at least one meter" - this informs the public to stay away from the proximity of anyone in public to prevent unwanted transmission of the virus. The letter "A" means "Alamin ang totoong impormasyon," which translates to "know the legitimate information" - this suggests that the audience should be responsible when it comes to receiving pieces of information in the media as every piece of information about the virus and the pandemic plays a crucial role on how the world would behave.

The word "BIDA" is a Filipino word that means "hero" or "the protagonist." The advertisement was purposely created to encourage Filipinos to take part in the action to battle against the virus spreading across the country. The advertisement sparks the audience's "Bayanihan" attitude by calling everyone a hero to commence a collective action and inspiring every Filipino to follow the medical protocols of government health agencies. 

Advertisement 2:  Sama-sama sa Distansya by globeph

The effect of the covid-19 pandemic has changed the day-to-day living of individuals worldwide. The significant effect of the pandemic was the isolation of people, which the government-administered in response to preventing the further increase of patients with the virus. In connection with the events of the pandemic, the Globe, a telecommunication company, made an advertisement highlighting the situation of most Filipino during the surge of covid-19 virus. The advertisement starts with the message "Kailangan dating humidly" through a phone call which hints that there is a cause for why the two individuals should separate. Throughout the advertisement, the messages gave off a sad romantic vibe, a very attention-catching genre for teenagers. The message was later clarified that the two individuals must not get near each other because they are both close to each other - this means that staying isolated to love ones during the pandemic shows love and care to that person. The advertisement conveyed the message through the thought of love and care of audiences, thus, giving a heart-warming yet informative advertisement.

Furthermore, the Globe's advertisement also highlighted the use of the internet to stay connected with their family members and loved ones, encouraging Filipinos not to lose hope and that all of these hardships will someday be overcome. The company showed its sincere concern for those families who are not together physically with an ending note "Closer, Stronger, Together - Stay #SafeAtHome." To contribute to keeping Filipinos following the covid-19 isolation protocol, the Globe telecommunication company provided various promotions that help costumers to stay connected, especially during the times of pandemic. Based on the advertisement's content, it shows no signs of social media manipulation as it promotes positive yet engaging and informative advertisements. The advertisement captures the audience's attention because of its relativeness to the current situation.

References:

Department of Health website. (n.d.). https://doh.gov.ph/bidasolusyon 

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). (2020, February 11). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/science-and-research/surface-transmission.html 

Department of Health (Philippines). (2020, July 8). BIDA Solusyon sa COVID 19! [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ruNCIwyBOk 

Heartwarming Globe Digital Film Shares Message of Hope and Connection Amid Isolation. (2020, April 8). globe.com.ph. https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/newsroom/corporate/connection-amid-isolation.html#gref 

globeph. (2020, April 17). Sama-sama sa Distansya | #SafeAtHome [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZNnrEKbyJ4 

Media Manipulation & Disinformation. (n.d.). Data & Society. https://datasociety.net/research/media-manipulation/ 

Spacey, J. (n.d.). 17 Examples of Media Manipulation. Simplicable. https://simplicable.com/society/media-manipulation 

[kadcptblog]

Castillo PT 6

Video 1: "#MSafe always with McDo" by McDo Philippines

The reason why I selected this advertisement in particular was because I came across it almost everyday through various multimedia websites during the pandemic. The video advertisement itself is a short video featuring the various sanitation and safety practices done by the McDonald's employees in order to minimize the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. The commercial was made in order to draw in customers by ensuring that their safety is guaranteed when dining or entering any McDonald's restaurants nationwide. Which brings us to its target customers. This video was posted on YouTube on April 2021, which was still at the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The target customers for this ad would most likely be the general public. The various sanitation practices shown in the ad are most likely shown to persuade the individuals who are still skeptical about dining/purchasing food outdoors. The practices they've shown in the video are common COVID-19 prevention practices, which include good hygiene, the wearing of proper equipment such as masks and face shields, the installation of transparent boards in order to block the transmission of the virus, among many other things. The efficacy of face masks and face shields at blocking the transmission of the virus has already been proven by Wendling et al. (2021), who experimented with various types of facial equipment using two mannequin heads spaced 25cm apart. The experiment also included a particle emitter in order to simulate the transmission of virus particles. The results showed a transmission reduction of up to 98% when wearing a face mask or a face shield, which of course, could benefit the consumer as they’re running a lower risk of receiving the virus in the public environment. To conclude, I'd like to discuss if there are any forms of Media Manipulation present in the video. From my experiences, I'd say that they're sticking to their promises. Obviously, since the threat of the virus has died down, they're way less strict than they were during the midst of the pandemic. But, they're still practicing most of the various sanitation methods that they've presented in the advertisement.

Video 2: "Sama-sama sa Distansya" by globeph

The video features a compilation of cuts of different places in the Philippines showcasing the effect of the pandemic on the daily life of Filipinos. This was backed by an audio recording of a woman who at first seemed to be avoiding someone who was important for her, but we soon learn that it was for good reason. She states that, during that time, it would be better for them to distance themselves from one another, because they were close. Which may imply that staying too close to each other during the time of the pandemic may cause more harm than good. Though, during that time, they were able to meet more often through the use of the internet and its communication capabilities. They were able to find ways to connect with each other, even though they're far apart. The possible intended purpose of this short ad is to let the people know that during this time of being disconnected to the outside world, we could still build more connections with those around us through different means. And those means could be accessed through the internet. The target audience for this ad would be those who miss the ones dear to them, to persuade them to connect with those loved ones through the use of the internet, and the services of Globe Telecom. For me, the services that Globe offers is essential during this modern time, especially since we're recovering from a pandemic. The internet allowed us to limit physical interactions, which drastically decreased the transmission of viral diseases such as COVID-19. As for the presence of Media Manipulation, I'd say there is a subtle hint of it, but it isn't really relevant. I think that the ad managed to gain the interest of the public because of its creative writing and storytelling. It draws you in to anticipate the conclusion of the story.

References:

McDo Philippines. (2021, April 23). #MSafe always with McDo [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTx9KhgA91w

globeph. (2020, April 17). Sama-sama sa Distansya | #SafeAtHome [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZNnrEKbyJ4

Wendling, J., Fabacher, T., Pébaÿ, P. P., Cosperec, I., & Rochoy, M. (2021). Experimental Efficacy of the Face Shield and the Mask against Emitted and Potentially Received Particles. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1942. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041942

[getbudslegalize]

Philippine E-Commerce Scandal: Illegal Marijuana Sales Unchecked

Philippine E-Commerce Scandal: Illegal Marijuana Sales Going Unchecked Online

E-commerce platforms have revolutionized our shopping, offering unparalleled convenience and accessibility. But in the Philippines, this innovation is being exploited by sellers of illegal marijuana, raising serious concerns about safety, accountability, and regulatory gaps.How did these platforms become hubs for illicit trade? And why are authorities struggling to respond effectively?This alarming trend sheds light on the broader challenges of policing online marketplaces in the digital age.The sale of illegal marijuana, in particular, is not only an issue of public safety but also a growing threat to the integrity of e-commerce systems themselves.

The Growing Problem: Illegal Marijuana Sales on E-Commerce Platforms

Senate Hearing Sparks Public OutrageIn a recent Senate hearing in the Philippines, Senator Raffy Tulfo spotlighted the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) failure to curb marijuana sales on major e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada. Tulfo revealed that marijuana is openly sold on these platforms, igniting public outrage."So many people are selling marijuana on Shopee. Arrest them," Senator Tulfo instructed PNP Counter Intelligence and Security Division Chief, PCol. Feloteo Gozalgo. He further criticized the police for their inaction, pointing out the swift raids on physical establishments like beerhouses while online crimes are left unchecked.This revelation underscores the vulnerability of digital platforms to exploitation by criminal elements, posing a serious threat to public safety and the credibility of the e-commerce market in the Philippines.

A Global Struggle: Challenges with Policing E-Commerce Platforms

The Worldwide Battle Against Online Illicit TradeThe Philippines is not alone in facing the challenge of regulating online marketplaces. Around the world, e-commerce platforms are being exploited for illegal sales, including drugs, counterfeit goods, and illicit tobacco products. The anonymity and vast reach of the internet make it increasingly difficult for law enforcement agencies to keep up with illegal activities.Global Case Studies: In the U.S., Amazon and eBay have struggled with counterfeit goods sales despite implementing policies against illegal activities. In Europe, platforms like Facebook Marketplace have been used for the illegal sale of prescription drugs.Similar challenges are faced across Southeast Asia, where law enforcement often lacks the resources and jurisdiction to act decisively.

Who’s Accountable? Authorities, Platforms, and the Fight Against Online Crime

Authorities Struggle with CoordinationThe Senate hearing revealed a lack of coordination between the PNP and other government agencies responsible for enforcing anti-drug laws.According to PCol. Gozalgo, the PNP operates in collaboration with other agencies, but Senator Tulfo argued that the PNP should take a more proactive role in monitoring and addressing online crimes rather than waiting for reports.

E-Commerce Platforms: Efforts and Loopholes

Platforms Acknowledge the Issue, But Progress is SlowRepresentatives from Shopee and Lazada acknowledged the presence of illegal items on their platforms during the hearing—Shopee’s Atty. Jem Hans-Segovia stated that the platform is improving its screening system to detect and remove prohibited products.Meanwhile, Lazada’s Ken Estiller highlighted plans to enhance age-gating measures and introduce more stringent facial recognition features.However, these efforts have not been without challenges. The platforms continue to face criticism for their delayed implementation of more robust screening systems.This creates gaps in enforcement, allowing illegal listings to thrive until they are flagged by users. Correlated Articol:

Cannabis Expert Calls for Legalizing Medical Marijuana in the Philippines

The Role of Technology: Using AI to Combat Illegal Sales

To effectively combat the sale of illegal marijuana online, both platforms and authorities must leverage advanced technologies.- AI-Powered Monitoring: E-commerce platforms must implement automated systems to detect and remove listings of prohibited items like marijuana. AI can scan product descriptions, images, and even coded language used by illicit sellers to evade detection. - Age Verification Systems: Stricter controls such as facial recognition and ID verification are crucial to prevent minors from accessing restricted products. These systems could prevent the sale of marijuana to underage buyers. - Collaborative Data Sharing: Platforms must collaborate with law enforcement agencies to share data on suspicious activities. A cooperative approach ensures a more coordinated effort to track and shut down illegal sales before they escalate. - Global Best Practices: The European Union’s Digital Services Act has become a model for regulating illegal content online. This legislation enforces stricter rules for online platforms to prevent illegal activities. The Philippines could adopt similar frameworks to tackle the illicit trade in marijuana and other prohibited goods. - In the Philippines, over 200 illegal marijuana listings were reported on Shopee and Lazada within a single month in 2023. - In Southeast Asia, the illegal online sale of marijuana has increased by 30% year on year, despite heightened scrutiny.These numbers highlight the urgent need for stronger, more efficient regulatory measures to combat this issue.

The Gaps in Enforcement: Lack of Proactive Sweeps

While some e-commerce platforms have taken steps to address illegal activities, many illicit listings go unnoticed until flagged by users. This reactive approach leaves significant gaps in enforcement, allowing illicit activities to flourish.The implementation of stricter measures, such as enhanced age-gating systems and AI-powered monitoring tools, has been delayed. While some of these features are in development, the slow rollout of these systems allows illegal activities to persist.

What Can Be Done? Solutions and Policy Recommendations

To tackle this growing problem, several steps need to be taken:- Strengthen Legislation: The Philippines needs to update its laws to hold e-commerce platforms accountable for hosting illegal products. Clear legal frameworks that mandate platforms to actively monitor and report illegal sales would significantly reduce the scope of such crimes. - Enhance Public Awareness: Educating consumers on how to report illegal activities on platforms is crucial. Public campaigns should inform users about their role in keeping e-commerce spaces safe. - Boost Law Enforcement Capacity: The Philippine National Police and other agencies need more resources and training to effectively monitor and respond to online crimes. This includes digital forensic training and increased personnel dedicated to cybercrime. - Foster International Cooperation: The Philippines should work with international law enforcement agencies to create a global network for tackling online illicit trade. Joint operations and data-sharing initiatives can help curb the cross-border nature of illegal sales.

Real-Life Implications: Why This Matters

Unchecked illegal trade on e-commerce platforms affects everyone. It erodes trust in online shopping, endangers public safety, and allows criminal networks to flourish. Consumers could inadvertently purchase illegal or harmful products, while law-abiding sellers face unfair competition from illicit activities.For instance, a recent undercover operation by Philippine authorities found that illegal marijuana products were being marketed as “herbal supplements” with attractive prices, leading unsuspecting buyers to fall victim to fraud.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Safer E-Commerce

The unchecked sale of illegal marijuana on Philippine e-commerce platforms is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in today’s digital marketplaces. While the convenience of online shopping has transformed how we buy and sell, it has also opened doors for illicit activities that threaten public safety and undermine the integrity of the e-commerce ecosystem.To combat this growing problem, collaboration is key—between law enforcement, platform operators, and policymakers. Authorities must be proactive in monitoring digital spaces, while platforms must adopt and refine technological solutions to detect and prevent the sale of prohibited goods. Legislative reforms that hold e-commerce giants accountable are crucial in ensuring that platforms uphold safety standards.No single entity can tackle this challenge alone. To build safer online environments, we must prioritize tougher laws, advanced technologies, and collective responsibility. The Philippines has the opportunity to lead the way in addressing these issues, setting a precedent for other countries to follow.What steps should be taken first? Should we push for stronger regulations, smarter tech solutions, or greater platform accountability? The discussion is just beginning. Join us in advocating for a safer, more transparent online marketplace.Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter for the latest updates, and follow us on Facebook to keep the conversation going!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Illegal Marijuana Sales on Philippine E-Commerce Platforms

What is the issue with illegal marijuana sales on e-commerce platforms in the Philippines? Illegal marijuana sales on platforms like Shopee and Lazada have become a growing problem in the Philippines. Despite efforts from the authorities, illicit sellers are taking advantage of the anonymity and reach of e-commerce sites to market and sell marijuana, often using euphemisms and disguised listings. This raises concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of existing regulations. Why are e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada being used for illegal marijuana sales? E-commerce platforms are vulnerable to exploitation due to their large user base, limited oversight, and complex verification processes. Read the full article

[salesrain-ph]

Cost Comparison: Virtual Office vs. Traditional Office in the Philippines

Setting up a traditional or virtual office is a massive decision for any business in the Philippines, as it might affect the company's operational efficiency and financial health. This article provides an in-depth cost comparison to help companies make informed choices tailored to their needs.

Understanding Virtual Offices

The virtual office provides a business with a professional address and essential services but no physical workspace. Services typically included are mail handling, answering calls, and access to meeting rooms. This is ideal for startups, freelancers, and small—to medium-scale enterprises desiring to cut overheads without losing credibility in business.

Understanding Traditional Offices

Traditional offices require renting or owning a space and maintaining on-site staff. An on-site setting allows businesses to have a fixed place, which is expensive to acquire and sustain by paying rent, utility, and maintenance costs alongside furniture and other equipment.

Cost Comparison

Rental Expenses:

Virtual Office: Virtual office rentals in the Philippines are generally inexpensive. They offer services such as prestigious business addresses and mail handling at a fraction of the cost of real physical office space.

Traditional Office: The rent for a physical office in key cities like Makati or Bonifacio Global City will be dramatically higher, and the prices can vary depending on size and Location.

Operational Costs:

Virtual Office: No utility expenses, office maintenance, and administrative staff are required, significantly reducing the overall cost.

Traditional Office: Pay for electricity, water, internet, cleaning, and other utilities accumulating over time.

Flexibility and Commitment:

Virtual Office: Flexible terms, including the scalability of services up or down according to current needs and no long-term commitments, are offered.

Traditional Office: This type of office often demands long-term lease commitments with little flexibility or perhaps high costs due to changing business needs that the premises no longer suit.

Additional Services:

Virtual Office: Many providers give access to meeting rooms, co-working spaces, and administrative support in their various packages.

Traditional Office: This facility demands more investment in infrastructure and personnel.

Advantages of Virtual Offices

Cost Efficiency: Virtual offices reduce the overhead of physical space, including rent, utilities, and maintenance.

Global Talent Pool: You can hire the best talent from around the world, harnessing diverse skill sets and perspectives with a virtual office.

Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Workers are allowed to work from their favorite locations. Hence, the work-life balance of employees will most probably increase to raise their level of job satisfaction.

Advantages of Traditional Offices

Physical Location Equates to Customer Trust: Business clients will show more confidence in businesses with a physical location, as it's tangible and depicts legitimacy.

Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: Traditional offices facilitate face-to-face interactions, fostering better employee communication and teamwork.

Structured Environment: A physical workplace can offer a structured atmosphere that boosts productivity and, hence, creates clear boundaries between work and personal life.

Drawbacks of Virtual Offices

Communication Challenges: Virtual teams must surmount some communication barriers, such as time zones and dependence on technology.

Loss of In-Person Interaction: While virtual tools provide a means for interaction, something related to some spontaneous interrelations and personal contact can be lost.

Security and Privacy virtual office rentals, indeed, require robust cybersecurity measures to keep sensitive data safe, which may become challenging for smaller businesses.

Disadvantages of Traditional Offices

Higher Overheads: Maintaining an office at a physical location involves many expenses, from rent to utilities and maintenance to furnishing it.

Limited Flexibility: Most traditional offices require long-term leases, limiting flexibility and the likelihood of incurring costs from unused space should business needs change.

Commuting Issues: Employees may have to travel a long distance to and from work, which can affect their job satisfaction and productivity.

Final Thoughts

A virtual office in the Philippines can be a very affordable, flexible alternative to conventional office space, especially when the nature of the operations does not really call for a physical presence at any one time. Saving on overheads and offering only the core services, virtual offices will release resources for companies to utilize creatively better, hence engineering growth and flexibility in a very aggressive market.

Choosing between a traditional and virtual office rental will depend on your business needs, budget, and long-term goals.

Explore Virtual Office Solutions.

[purplesurveys]

1755

Millennial survey In which a Gen Z-er takes over a survey meant for millennials 😜

What year were you born in? 1998.

Do you remember a time before smartphones and social media? Yeah, of course. I'd talk to friends mostly through landline or text; memorizing the program schedules per channel was the norm because streaming and on-demand stuff were pretty much nonexistent then; and playing outside was the best way to have fun with friends. There was also still the element of surprise when watching...well, pretty much anything, because there was no concept of spoilers unless you had access to the (early days of the) internet, which had been damn near impossible to use anyway because of how expensive it used to be.

I remember when Friendster, Multiply, YouTube, and Facebook all started getting popular and it being very exciting because the concept of social media didn't exist til then and it was like discovering a new world that I thought I'd never get tired of, lol.

Were you part of the generation that experienced the transition from dial-up internet to broadband? Yes. We had dial-up up til the early 2000s and didn't get a taste of broadband until around 2008 - 15 years ago. That noisy dial-up sound is permanently etched in my brain.

Did you grow up watching Saturday morning cartoons? I absolutely did. For some reason they kept the actual entertaining shows in the early morning, so that's how I learned to want to wake up early even on the weekends to catch them. I hated the Nick Jr block they had on in the morning and always skipped over it unless Hi-5, my only favorite, was airing.

Do you have any memories of using floppy disks or cassette tapes? Not floppy disks, but I am very familiar with cassettes since our first family car had a cassette player. My first Beyoncé album is a cassette and I wasn't able to get the CD version til, like, well into the 2010s because it was the first time I saw the CD in the wild haha.

How did you communicate with your friends before the advent of text messaging? Landline.

Were you a fan of any particular boy band or girl group during your teenage years? Ok this is 100% where my Gen Z card would show because my answer to this would be One Direction hahaha.

Did you ever own a portable CD player or a Walkman? I had a CD player and my own radio.

What was your favorite video game console when you were growing up? PlayStation 1 and 2. I had always wanted to try playing on the GameCube but we never had one.

Did you ever use AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) or MSN Messenger to chat with friends? Not those, but I did have Yahoo! Messenger for a time.

Were you aware of the Y2K bug and the associated concerns leading up to the year 2000? No, I had been too young for that whole thing.

Did you ever rent movies from a physical video rental store like Blockbuster or Hollywood Video? I didn't.

Were you into MySpace or LiveJournal during the early days of social networking? I made a Myspace because I had heard of its popularity, but quickly realized that it was only popular in the west because what was big here instead were Friendster and Multiply. LiveJournal yes, I did do a few attempts to start blogs and stuff but I always ended up abandoning them after 1 or 2 posts.

What was your first experience with online shopping? I only started online shopping in like 2017 - the Philippines caught on pretty late. Before that I would either have to go to an actual store to get something, or ask my dad to buy something for me whenever he was in the US.

Did you ever participate in a flash mob or witness one in person? I've done neither.

How did you discover new music before the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify? It was mostly through either recommendations of my favorite celebrities or word of mouth in school.

Were you a fan of the "Harry Potter" book series or the "Twilight" saga? I was never into Harry Potter but I was obsessed with Twilight (still am, lol). I caught on to the hype in 2008 when the first movie came out – quickly breezed through all the books and got to watch New Moon up to Breaking Dawn Part 2 in the cinema.

Did you ever have a MySpace profile and customize it with HTML and CSS? I didn't do HTML on Myspace but I definitely did on Tumblr. This is where I learned all my website customization knowledge tbh.

What was your favorite TV show or cartoon during your childhood? In early childhood, my favorite was without a doubt Hi-5. I was hooked and I remember feeling so distraught when I graduated preschool and realized I was never gonna get to watch Hi-5 again once I'd start grade school and have full-day classes.

Growing up more I started to gravitate towards shows like Drake and Josh, The Suite Life, and That's So Raven. Apart from those, Spongebob also remains a favorite no matter what age I get.

How did you feel about the transition from traditional television to streaming services? It was hard to grasp at first. I remember in 2020 when my dad was asking us if we can get rid of cable and I felt genuinely scandalized lol like why would we ever get rid of cable when it's been part of our everyday lives since even before I was born??? Anyway, my siblings and I eventually gave in when we too realized that we never even went through the cable channels anymore.

Streaming services are definitely the 'new' way of consumption now and my family has fully eased into it - we're subscribed to Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video. I don't have too many strong feelings about this topic, but if anything it does feel extremely bittersweet whenever we'd hear a channel permanently sign off for good – recently it had been NatGeo.