Why Igorots in Metro Manila directly source goods from farmers

Two pesos a kilo for cabbage. Four pesos for cucumber. After spending money to bring their produce to the nearest vegetable trading post in the last week of July, Cordilleran farmers were given a cruel rate, crushing their hope of raising cash to buy seeds for the next harvest. 

A Sad Story for New-Gen Farmers

Shereen Umayat and Jessica Dapliyan, two young farmers from Sagada, had a cheaper option for their next maturing vegetables- let the plants rot in the farmland to stop having additional expenses. 

Asked how much she has spent for her cucumber, Umayat computed it to be at least P40, 000.

While there are active programs like Sustainable Sagada and Rural Rising organized to help ease the situation, not all produce in the remote Mountain Province town can be accommodated.

Dapliyan, a former innkeeper who shifted to farming following travel bans, started giving away her cabbage produce for free in September after unsuccessful attempts to sell what her family has been working since community quarantine restrictions were implemented. 

Trying the Metro Manila Market 

For generations, farmers in Sagada and other towns of the Cordilleras have been trading in marketplaces within the mountainous region and going to the lowlands is not part of their regular routine. But as they run out of options, they are forced to seek help outside the highlands.

Tapping Metro Manila-based Cordillerans or Igorots was the first move. Upon learning about the crisis, Christian Aligo, a Marketing Communications practitioner living in Quezon City, started the “The Sagada Harvests Project” on Facebook. 

With the assistance from Umayat, Menchie Buking of the Department of Agrarian Reform Mt. Province (DAR MP) and other concerned locals, The Sagada Harvests Project is able to sell out about three tons of produce in its first two runs.

Alongside Aligo are other Metro Manila-based Igorots including Luisa Gay Pugong, Jenny Lyn Likigan, Bing Podes Laguipen, and Hector Ngales who transformed themselves into vendors after their day job to help address the crisis.

Joining the force is the couple Atty. Pio and Noemie Jeanet Daoas who now spend their weekends on vegetables. With the help of dedicated riders, the couple deliver the goods within Taguig City at only P20. 

A Trade Friendlier to Farmers

As agreed, it is the farmers who set the price of their produce. Currently in marketplaces, it is the multi-level middle-men who dictate the price and get a bigger portion of it.

When the rate at the La Trinidad trading post for cabbage was P2 per kilo, The Sagada Harvests Project purchased the vegetable at P20 per kilo-- as dictated by the farmers.

To further assist the Igorot vendors, DAR’s Sagada Linksfarmers Consolidation Center opened its doors to help screen quality produce prior to shipping. 

Recently, the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) also offered transportation assistance to help lower expenses.

Meanwhile, local food producers Gabay Wines and Food Preserves and Masferre Country Inn & Restaurant have been doing experiments for delicate items like wild blueberry, wheat bread, and goat cheese products to check on the shelf-life of the products when offered in places with a warmer climate.

To know more about The Sagada Harvest Project and a list of Igorot vendors who directly source their goods from farmers, contact Aligo at 0956-174-8464 (Globe) or visit www.facebook.com/sagadaharvests now.

NOVUHAIR Supports Alopecia Philippines

September 2020 marks the seven (7) fruitful years of collaboration between NOVUHAIR®, the leading hair loss treatment in the country and THE ALOPECIA PHILIPPINES, a group founded in 2012 by singer and songwriter Abby Asistio.

“VICTORIOUS, Rising Above Alopecia and the Pandemic Together” is this year’s official online gathering theme LIVE at When In Manila’s Facebook page on Saturday, September 26, 2020 (3pm to 8pm). Everyone is invited to witness this momentous event.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3iUQoUD

Abby Asistio is currently one of the ambassadors and the Inspirational VIP Coach of NOVUHAIR®, nature’s answer to hair loss, which she has been using since March 2013.

Know more about NOVUHAIR ®

https://www.novuhair.com/novuhair-3-in-1-vip-promo-kit/

Resolve changes, the dust of tomorrow stays there, and the life of today stays

Of Canned Tunes... In disgust, noting a similar factor, that similar statement, re-thinking all the precedents, shaking the foundation to the very core, still holding on to the angels who guard me, to a God that is the belief, the leaves are shed from the trees to reveal light streaming from the canopy above, looking at the forest floor and feeling the coolness, and walking away from the shade of the tree that has been there for decades, to pursue a new path to get out of the forest, to reach the mountain top and see the view, and to reach the highest point of what seems to be the sky, knowing that the universe is there – lasing out with confused and mixed beliefs, holding on to the confirmation of a promise kept golden, the glory becomes no longer powerful but encompassing, as the steps are taken, knowing that there is that good and evil is the absence of, the resolve changes, the dust of tomorrow stays there, and the life of today stays.

The mind states otherwise, and in hesitation, in trying to change what is known to be grounded in this world, the systems begin to be smashed, destroying all that was ever held onto, the days become shattered with the forces moving to propel forward, and the exhaustion that takes over to remove the struggle, it is a giving up thing, as there is no escape. Dramatic, sounding dramatic upon backreading, yet, the lack of drama when there is no discussion is there. What are the controls placed? Who had placed the controls? What is there to control, indeed, as there is the flow? As the others watch in vain, the world is unmasked, and the rules go away, in the lawless land – as what ia fair becomes what is not fair to the stand.

Posted on April 25, 2016

Just the last chapter of the epic fails

As the signs were all there, was it just since mid-Feb, the destructive upheaval of special occasions was noted, as that brings on a cyclic depression, controlled by factors as the depth and height of emotions are the sought-after elements of being alive. Recalling the illusions made alive by tweaking of the mind, in ending the game, by refusing to no longer play, in addressing such matters as fun and a great tale to be told, the confirmation came with a snapback, that it was not fun at all.

Once, twice, three times... as the effort was made to state that all was let go, with blank pages to write a new story, moving on, to discard the tags of an emotional affair that was done to address the blanks, not the person, in recall and observing, to note that the changes were making the holding stronger, the demand was there, to not disregard the story, yet the book was finished, as it was just the last chapter of the epic fails. In closing doors and making new windows, as, during this time, the pages are being filled with a new storyline, that may be the final book to be written, noticing things brings on an overwhelming amount of information for assessment.

Irritated, as the rule of what this society dictate was hurtled, the attention-seeking control, to heed, is not being stopped, information, feedback, and then, the rising in anger, as the vent has been made, the betrayal has been dealt with, and how the door closing made things happen, to know and have heard the whimper of a dog that was leashed by another, in discovering more things to be noted, the same stand remains, and to avoid might be the justified reason, yet to stand unswayed is the reason, as the conflict experienced is internal, that the external factors may no longer harm. 

Posted on April 25, 2016 

As we lose what we hold onto the tears upon awakening are a different cry

 As a plea was ignored for practical reasons, again comes that time in a woman’s life that rejection does hurt. Though hesitant to lose that maybe last chance to be, the struggle to overcome what surely will happen in time continues. The body clock does tick away, as the hormonal levels are changing, lowering, with each passing month. The concern is psychological yet it is also physical, as the functions do change, and though it may all seem to be in the mind, the body states differently. 

To offer what might be the final chance again would seem desperate, and the sadness begins, of giving a gift that is not accepted, and as the turning has stopped, the thoughts drift, stating that there is nothing that will happen, and the last chance might pass me by, and yet, to just drift makes the time not worthwhile, as the mind and heart would not be present. 

Such things seem silly, as we lose what we hold onto, and as the time passes, the tears upon awakening are a different cry, and acceptance of the process that brings up from the start to the end of life is there. Placing it aside, the lack of the longing, and the controls in place, the mind changes, again and again, to heed what was heard, to heed what was said when reality sets in, as there might not be any confusion, though all signs show otherwise. 

As the world vies for attention, calling our names to be grounded, the discussion about good and evil is answered, as who does set the standards? Society dictates. Religion takes place. The others factors make their voice be heard, then the plea not to hurt – what has been neglected indeed? To stop time is impossible. To stop the world is not possible. To break the chains of the mind can be done, and the holding to reality what makes me a woman that is set free. 

Posted on April 25, 2016 

Details Escaping

As the memory recall of the start of last week remains clear, the overall view is not present, as the focus was on details. To look up and to face the future, a solitary arm on the table, the reach, and how every vibe said to go with the flow, to look down, and become breathless, as the emotions are tapped, and to base a bond on just feelings would make it sway. To take the time to think, and assess what was already known from the start, that what matters is the heart does not change in the harsh light of reality, the determination was there, not to procrastinate, and to live that next day with the offering. 

The sudden change of response was confusing, as conflict arose to drift into an argument, and settling to make the way for a normal, ordinary day, depriving the upheaval that might have been what was used to. Being consistent, not to continue the journey by moving on without the other, the togetherness must stand, and the recall may not be sufficient, yet the missing of those moments, makes up for creating an ordinary day, filled with assurance, the assurance to stay. 

Routine being a good thing, though the time spent is now limited, things happen to shake the world that is known, the forces are strong, and epic fails upon fails to bring about the creation of a haven, one that has the shelter, one that has the tide, and one that has the peace sought for, amidst the maddening world that dwells on details. The details escape as such is holding on to something too tight, and the space makes the togetherness stand, hopefully, like pillars. To dare not look into the future, to hold back that first step, the sunken feeling does not take over, in the offering of an ordinary day. April 25, 2016

Of Cellphones and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Since my cellphone had slipped out of my fingers on Easter Sunday, that crash had set me back when it came to work. Going to an internet cafe was the routine as my internet provider is still not yet done upgrading and data connection was enough, aside from something that cannot be done on mobile such as picking up links.

Last week, my daughter’s cellphone also fell, and it is in the forever tomorrow it will be fixed repair, and I was able to find at home a basic phone for her to use. The old iPod for connectivity was okay, and I was able to use a hotspot from my daughter’s phone, and when that was broken, I was lent an older iPhone by my other daughter. It has a cracked LCD but it is working fine, and I plan to have it repaired.

As I looked at many cellphones today, the ones that I like are way too expensive as I want one with an HD camera, then I keep on looking at the ones that are for gaming, that can be strapped to the face, and with a control box, and though I am not a gamer, that is so awesome that I can't really settle for less, well, not really as that is silly but that's the way new gadgets do get sold as it has awesome features. I did find one that had a control box but the brand was not that popular, and since I went shopping for cellphones without any intention to buy as I have to study the reviews first, I won't buy unless it is branded, and has other features that I would like.

I might be able to win one or two and I hope that happens, though I just started joining contests again, the percentage of winning is low.

Having pulled out my blogging files and written a few hunting for contact person proposals, to create a tech reviews site or one that has a larger niche to include appliances, is the way to get better projects so I can just work for phones and other things, like maybe a few new kitchen appliances.  There are so many cheap phones but then, I would rather not have those as those are a lousy investment. 

May 1, 2016

Sign up for the Hyun Bin Philippine Fan’s Virtual Birthday and Get a Raffle Entry

The Hyun Bin Beer is the highlight of the Birthday Virtual Party on Sept 25, 2020, at 8 pm PH time that will be streamed live on the FB page of Manila Preneur Corp. 

The audience may also expect a complete Birthday celebration where they can watch a panel of fans for games, cake blowing of a grand customized cake by Maria’s Cake, AVP presentation, gift-giving, and Toast wishes from VIPs and celebrity guests.

RSVP for the Virtual Party : (serves as raffle entry as well)

http://bit.ly/HyunBinVirtualPartyInvitation

  

The HBPFC’s overflowing love for their IDOL, has taken their Fangirling into an innovative expression of their admiration to HYIN BIN thru many other ways such as Charity Event last Sept 19, at SILUNGAN NG PAG-ASA (Shelter for Cancer Children Patients). 

“Fangirling is not just an obsession to an idol, we formed our group based on our common admiration to Hyun Bin and it has taken us to meet people from different walks of life, we are continuously inspired and we choose to be high-spirited especially this challenging times of our lives.” --- Cherry S. Genato, Hyun Bin Philippine Fan Club/ Manila Preneur Corp.  September 20, 2020. 

 

Manila Preneur Corp., commissioned internationally recognized multi-media artist, Clint Catalan to Make HBPFC’s Filipino – inspired custom hand-painted shoe (and box included) dedicated to his character Captain Ri in Crash Landing On You.

 

And, very soon the HBPFC will share its Fanzine, a magazine for the fans, which has the same content as to what was given to Hyun Bin as a gift for his Birthday, proof of the club’s milestones. 

NEW NORMAL Fangirling is done differently in all parts of the world.  Here in the Philippines, multiple HYUN BIN Fangirling social media pages rose, since the success of the Kdrama Crash Landing On You (CLOY) a Fan Community is lead by an Events Company, Manila Preneur Corp.

The Hyun Bin Philippine Fan Club (HBPFC) has multiple content, being the First of most things, having its own website, fan merchandise,  fan live broadcast, featured clips for documentary, gift sending to Hyun Bin in Korea, creation of the exclusive fanzine, and the most awaited is their birthday celebration for their Oppa Idol, Hyun Bin. 

“I want Hyun-Bin’s Birthday Month to be a campaign, not just an event”, shared by the Fan Club Director, Cherry Saculo-Genato. As a solid fan, she has organized the fan club no different from her popular events and festivals.

“I am a Filipino creative, I support projects that showcase Filipino Pride.  By profession, I organize different events; one is the Manila Beer Fest, participated by 80 Local Craft Brewers. I was sure that making a Customized Craft Beer by the 4th largest Brewery (Boondocks Brewing) in the Philippines, as a gift for Hyun Bin was an idea that is hard to beat. I thought that if the gift is unique, Filipino Fans would stand out, that is why I tirelessly think of ways where we can be exceptional.”

She added, “Creating a Craft Beer for Hyun Bin is a work of Art, from carefully selecting the ingredients, taste testing, designing the packaging and up to all the way how videos are directed. Hyun Bin Beer is my gift to the Filipino fans and the Fan’s Gift to our one and only Hyun Bin."

Visit the website of Hyun Bin Fangirling at www.hyunbinph.com and Like the Manila Preneur Corp Facebook page.

 

RSVP for the Virtual Party : (serves as raffle entry as well)

http://bit.ly/HyunBinVirtualPartyInvitation

 

MANILA PRENEUR YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgbayJeGu_-kXXbv70fIOKA/videos

 

 

VIDEO 1 (Making of Beer) : https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=319100825841972
VIDEO 2 (Reveal of Beer) : Reveal the Hyun Bin Beer

NOVUHAIR Congratulates ADP Pharma

ADP Pharma Corporation is celebrating its 10th year anniversary.

The company established its position in the pharma industry through successful endeavors in all aspects of operations. Its ambition to give Filipinos with the best helped ADP cap off each year with new product developments and partnerships. 

 Milestones video: https://bit.ly/3hA7GF7 

 

ADP is a team of driven and passionate people, who keep themselves abreast with recent trends in the pharma industry, set with a major advantage in addressing current and future market needs in an era where value-creation for consumers is a must. 

Leading up to where they are now — Ambition, Drive, and Passion are what makes them and these are what gave them a decade of rewarding their team as they reward the Filipinos with a wealth of health.

Read more: https://bit.ly/2Hct4DX

021 Maker Space's First Community Outreach Program

As part of addressing common concerns in this time of pandemic and giving back to the community, the 021 Maker Space Dream Incubator coworking space, conducted its very first Community Outreach Program on September 12, 2020, with the theme "We Care, We Share. Together We Can Do Best." The said community event was done in participation with the Philippine Dragon Media Network (PDMN) and XBistro Laboratory.

The chosen beneficiaries are the poor families of Barangay 282, San Nicolas, Manila, the Medical Frontliners of Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital in Binondo, Manila, and some street dwellers in the areas of Binondo, Sta. Cruz and Intramuros. 

A total of 200 poor families of Barangay 282 benefited from the 021 Maker Space community outreach program. Each family received a food bag with rice, canned goods, instant noodles, and a face shield. The activity at the barangay was realized with the support of Barangay 282 Chairman Steven Yap and Council. The 021Maker Space coworking team donated 4 gallons of alcohol to the barangay and a certificate of appreciation was handed to Chairman Yap for their assistance in ensuring a smooth and peaceful event. 

Also, with the help of the volunteers from Starlight Business Consulting Services, the coworking space team were able to randomly distribute a total of 100 food bags to the poor street dwellers along Binondo, Sta. Cruz and Intramuros, Manila. 

Furthermore, as a part of the O21 Maker Space coworking community outreach program, they donated a total of 100 meal packs, cooked with love by XBistro Laboratory, to the Medical Frontliners of Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital in Urbiztondo St, Manila. Aside from the food packs, a Certificate of Appreciation was handed to thank the hospital frontliners for their selflessness and for relentlessly fighting against the Covid19 virus.  

"We know that what we gave to our poor fellows and the medical frontliners today were not enough, but we hope that our small gesture could make a difference to them," according to the 021 Maker Space coworking representative.

By 021 Maker Space Dream Incubator coworking space, Sept. 12, 2020
https://www.021makerspace.com/