J. Amado Araneta Foundation Recognized wins top nod from USAID

 

The J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) was named the Most Supportive Private Sector Partner during the Gabi ng Parangal sa Pagpupunyagi at Pag-alpas, an awards ceremony by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Opportunity 2.0, held on November 13, 2024, at Novotel Manila Araneta City.

The foundation received the honor for its commitment to empowering out-of-school youth through innovative programs and partnerships, which also contribute to business growth and innovation.

"This recognition shows the power of collaboration,” Diane Romero, JAAF Executive Director said “We firmly believe that the young people we engage through this program are not merely potential employees; rather, they represent the future innovators and contributors who will drive our economy forward. By investing in their potential, we are fostering a generation of leaders who will shape the future."

JAAF Most Supportive Private Sector Partner

JAAF’s flagship initiative, the Immersion Link for Enablers and Adapters Program (iLEAP), was a standout in fostering second-chance education systems in the Philippines. In collaboration with USAID Opportunity 2.0, iLEAP equips out-of-school youth with skills that prepare them for meaningful employment and sustainable livelihoods. The foundation shares this accolade with Pizza Hut Philippines, which provides immersive opportunities for out-of-school youth, enabling them to gain real-world work experience.

“Through the iLEAP initiative, we have witnessed the transformative power of second chances. These opportunities have the potential to not only change individual lives but also to uplift entire communities. We are honored to collaborate with USAID and our esteemed partners in this endeavor, as we collectively strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the chance to succeed, regardless of the challenges they face,” Romero added.

Romero was joined at the event by Glenda Carlota, JAAF Deputy Director, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who also expressed support for initiatives aimed at uplifting the youth. USAID Opportunity 2.0 supports systems in the Philippines to provide second-chance education to 180,000 out-of-school youth across 15 cities, leading to their successful employment and livelihoods.

“Recognizing the capabilities of out-of-school youth and providing them with avenues to succeed benefits not just the individuals but the entire community,” Romero added. “This award inspires us to continue building pathways for success and inclusion.”

The USAID Opportunity 2.0 program acknowledged JAAF’s efforts in seamlessly integrating youth- focused initiatives into broader business strategies, making it a model for how private sector partners can drive both social impact and innovation.

For more information about the J. Amado Araneta Foundation, please visit /https://jamadoaranetafoundation.org. You may also like and follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JAmadoAranetaFoundation/.

Festive Launch Marks the Opening of the 1 st COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair, an Industry Milestone

The Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Marketing and Development Promotions Office (DTI-BMDPO), in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and other key government and private sector partners, has officially opened the 1st COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair at Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall. This groundbreaking event, a highlight of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), is poised to elevate the Philippine coconut industry.

The opening ceremonies were marked by the lighting of a coconut-themed Christmas tree, a symbolic gesture representing growth, resilience, and the festive spirit of the country’s thriving coconut sector. Adorned with intricate ornaments made from coconut materials, the tree stands as a testament to the creativity and sustainability that define the industry.

A Unified Vision: Launch of the COCONUTPhilippines Brand

The event also saw the much-anticipated launch of the COCONUTPhilippines brand, designed to unify and promote the country’s vast array of coconut-based products under a single identity. Marking a pivotal moment for the industry, the brand launch represents a movement to redefine the global image of Philippine coconut products. This initiative highlights the dedication and ingenuity of farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders who form the backbone of the sector, embodying their collective effort to promote high-quality, innovative, and sustainable coconut-based goods worldwide.

Meet the CocoMania Mascots: CocoMania Buko and CocoMania Niyog

Bringing a festive and playful atmosphere to the event was the debut of the CocoMania mascots, CocoMania Buko and CocoMania Niyog. These mascots, representing the fresh and dried varieties of coconut, respectively, embody the versatility of the crop and its integral role in the lives of Filipinos. They will serve as ambassadors for the coconut industry, appearing in future events and campaigns to educate and engage diverse audiences.

The Fair: A Platform for Innovation and Opportunity

Running from December 2 to 4, 2024, the COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair is a three-day showcase of the finest coconut-based products from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. With over 90 exhibitors, the event offers a platform for product launches, market testing and benchmarking, business matching and networking, and direct selling.

Exhibitors present a variety of coconut products, including virgin coconut oil, coconut sugar, coco coir, charcoal briquettes, food and beverage innovations, cosmetics, and eco-friendly packaging solutions.

A Key Initiative Under the CFIDP

The COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair is an integral part of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), mandated under Republic Act No. 11524, the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act. This comprehensive program underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of the coconut farming sector through income diversification, market expansion, and poverty alleviation.

PCA Administrator Dr. Dexter Buted emphasized the importance of the collaboration between 14 implementing agencies, saying: “The CFIDP is not just a roadmap—it’s a commitment to the future of our coconut farmers and entrepreneurs, whose hard work and dedication sustain this industry. Through an integrated, multi-sectoral and whole of government approach, we hope to provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”

How to Be Part of This Thriving Industry

The COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair is open to the public, offering free admission to anyone interested in exploring the rich heritage and bright future of the Philippine coconut industry. Attendees are encouraged to join the celebrations, support local entrepreneurs, and discover the many ways coconuts enrich lives.

For those looking to be part of this thriving industry, the fair provides a unique opportunity to connect with representatives from the 14 implementing agencies of the CFIDP, who will be present to answer questions, share insights, and discuss initiatives aimed at driving growth and sustainability. Whether you’re a farmer, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the industry, this is your chance to gain firsthand information and explore pathways into the coconut sector.

Event Details

Dates: December 2–4, 2024

• Venue: Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

• Admission: Free

For updates on the trade fair and other DTI initiatives, follow the DTI-BMDPO on social media.

For inquiries, please contact Director Marievic M. Bonoan at bmdpo@dti.gov.ph.

How to Spot Skin Cancer?

 

It’s on Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe’s lower left cheek, on supermodel Cindy Crawford’s left upper lip, and on the outer left eye of Filipino actor Piolo Pascual. “It” is a mole, or beauty mark, that noticeable spot on your face that enhances your attractiveness and makes you uniquely you.

Sometimes, though, a “mole” can be a symptom of a serious health concern.

“Most moles, dark spots, and skin growths are harmless,” says Donna Marie L. Sarrosa, MD of the Dermatology & Phototherapy Center of top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Unfortunately, some growths tend to be mistaken for moles when they’re actually melanoma, a form of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes, or the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color.”

Can Filipinos get skin cancer? While skin cancer is associated with Caucasians, given that they produce less melanin, Asians aren’t exempt from developing the disease. “According to data from the Philippine

Dermatological Society, about 2,700 Filipinos were diagnosed with skin cancer between the years 2011 and 2021—2,102 had basal cell skin cancer and 614 had squamous cell skin cancer,” Dr. Sarrosa points out.

As for melanoma, new and unusual growths can appear anywhere on the body, including your eyes and internal organs. “Inspect often-missed areas. Darker-skinned folks like Filipinos can get them on their back, nails, or soles of their feet,” advises Dr. Sarrosa. “About 30 percent of melanomas start off as moles, so it’s important to keep track of growths that didn’t use to be there or that change over time.”

Constant exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is said to be the cause of skin cancer, but the likelihood of you getting it increases too if you have a family history of skin cancer, many moles, and a weak immune system.

The ABCDEs of melanoma. So, how do you know it’s melanoma—or just a plain old mole? “When assessing a suspicious growth, remember ABCDE, an acronym by the American Academy of Dermatology,” says Dr. Sarrosa.

“Look for Asymmetry, or if one half of the growth doesn’t match the other half. Check out the Border or the edges of the growth; a melanoma is not smooth. A melanoma’s Color comes in uneven shades of brown, black, gray, red, or white. Furthermore, its Diameter is bigger than a pencil eraser. Melanomas are also Evolving, meaning they change in size, shape, and color from the first time you noticed them.”

Melanomas are diagnosed with dermoscopy or total body mapping to check lesions on the skin. If found to be malignant, your doctor will request imaging tests like a CT scan, MRI, or PET scan to gauge the stage of the skin cancer.

The results of these tests determine the most appropriate approach to treatment. “Like other types of cancer, melanoma’s treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, targeted therapy (oral medication that specifically attacks cancer cells), and immunotherapy (a treatment that strengthens your immune system to fight cancer cells),” explains Dr. Sarrosa.

Observing healthy habits can help reduce your risk of developing melanomas. “Keep away from the sun, particularly between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, when the UV rays are at their harshest,” says Dr. Sarrosa. “Apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and reapply if you’re swimming or sweating a lot outdoors. Wear hats, light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.”

Early detection can also curb skin cancer’s growth and spreading. “If spotted early enough, melanomas have a 99 percent cure rate,” Dr. Sarrosa assures, “so it pays to check yourself regularly for any new and unusual growths, and to advise your family physician about suspicious ‘moles.’"

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

10 Tips to Savor Every Moment in Tagaytay

Tagaytay is more than just a getaway; it’s a place that invites you to breathe, savor, and make memories that linger long after you leave. With its cool breeze, majestic views, and serene atmosphere, this popular destination offers a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle.  

For those looking to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of Tagaytay, below are 10 tips for an unforgettable getaway, with The Lake Hotel Tagaytay—located in the heart of the city—as the perfect base to experience everything this charming destination has to offer.

Choose a hotel with magnificent views

Nothing elevates a trip quite like a room with a view. The Lake Hotel Tagaytay, perched along the Tagaytay ridge, offers sweeping views of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. Imagine waking up to this stunning sight each morning—a backdrop that makes your getaway feel like a truly special occasion.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Al Dente by the Lake 

Food is a central part of any travel experience, and Al Dente by The Lake, The Lake Hotel Tagaytay’s very own restaurant and cafe, delivers a memorable start. With breakfast options that cater to every palate, from Filipino classics to continental favorites, you are sure to enjoy a leisurely morning as you savor each bite while gazing over Tagaytay’s breathtaking scenery.

 Relax in a room designed for comfort and luxury 

When it comes to accommodation, a room’s ambiance can make all the difference. The Lake Hotel Tagaytay’s rooms range from cozy singles to spacious two-bedroom suites, each thoughtfully designed to blend elegance and comfort. After a day of exploring Tagaytay, returning to this haven feels like an experience in itself.

Explore Tagaytay’s famous attractions nearby 

Tagaytay offers a range of attractions, many of which are just a short distance from The Lake Hotel Tagaytay. Visit the Sky Ranch for thrilling rides, take a calming walk at Picnic Grove, or unwind with a wellness retreat at a nearby spa. With the hotel’s accessible location, exploring Tagaytay becomes easy and convenient. 

Enjoy a leisurely swim with a view 

There’s something incredibly relaxing about a swim overlooking a scenic view. The Lake Hotel Tagaytay offers both indoor and outdoor pools, so you can unwind in any weather while soaking up views of Taal. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Savor local flavors with a twist 

Dining at Al Dente by The Lake is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The restaurant serves a mix of traditional Filipino and international cuisine, allowing you to enjoy familiar flavors and discover new ones. A dinner here is a must, especially when accompanied by the stunning night views over the lake. 

Capture the beautiful Tagaytay sunset  

Tagaytay sunsets are renowned for their beauty, and The Lake Hotel Tagaytay offers some of the best vantage points to catch them. Whether from your room, the dining terrace, or the garden, take a moment to watch the sky change colors as the sun dips below the horizon—a magical end to the day. 

Make use of the hotel’s leisure amenities 

The Lake Hotel Tagaytay has an array of amenities that make your stay extra special. Relax in the game room, get active in the fitness center, or let the kids enjoy the playroom. These small touches add up to create an experience where everyone can unwind and enjoy. 

Explore local culture and souvenirs 

A trip to Tagaytay wouldn’t be complete without exploring local culture and bringing back souvenirs. The hotel staff can guide you to nearby markets and shops where you can find handmade crafts, fresh produce, and other local delights. It’s a great way to bring a piece of Tagaytay back home. 

End your day on a high note with a peaceful night’s sleep 

At the end of an exciting day, there’s nothing better than a restful night. The Lake Hotel Tagaytay’s luxurious bedding and serene atmosphere—not to mention its top-notch security enhanced by recently installed baggage X-ray scanners and metal detectors—ensure you sleep well, ready for the next day’s adventures. It’s the kind of comfort that makes you long to return even before you depart.

As you leave The Lake Hotel Tagaytay, you carry with you more than memories—you take with you a feeling of renewal and warmth. This is a place where you’re not just a visitor but a welcomed guest, and the echoes of each serene sunrise and breathtaking sunset call you back. Because the best moments are those you can’t wait to relive. 

To learn more about The Lake Hotel Tagaytay, visit https://www.lakehoteltagaytay.com/.