Globe Customers in VISMIN Now Enjoy Additional Data Capacity for Faster Mobile Internet

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Customers of Globe Telecom in Visayas and Mindanao stand to benefit from the accelerated deployment of its additional allocation in the 2600 megahertz band as the company continues to step up its capacity-enhancement initiative to provide better mobile internet experience.

The company’s additional allocation in the 2600 MHz frequency is among the spectrum assets that it gained following the joint buyout of San Miguel Corp.’s telecommunications assets. In VISMIN, the total number of sites equipped with the 2600 MHz frequency has reached 500 sites, to cover big businesses and highly urbanized populated residential areas.

Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Governance, Network Technical Group, emphasized the accelerated deployment of the 2600 MHz provides additional data capacity through the Carrier Aggregation technology, using this spectrum with other LTE frequencies. “This will give customers faster data speed capabilities to serve growing demand for bandwidth. With 500 sites already activated, our customers in Visayas and Mindanao will be experience faster internet service and the reliability that this band provides,” Agustin said.

While lower frequencies such as the 700 MHz band provide better signal penetration and offering stronger indoor coverage, the higher frequencies, such as the 2600 MHz band, provide additional capacity for broadband data, Agustin said. Utilizing the 2600 MHz provides additional capacity layer over existing 3G and LTE capacity layers, providing customers with additional capacity and improving their internet experience as data traffic carried on other frequencies are off-loaded, he added.

Aside from the 2600 MHz frequency, Globe is also aggressively rolling out the 700 MHz spectrum in different locations in the country as part of initiative to provide additional network capacities.

Five Technologies Poised To Shape PH Real Estate

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Advancements in technology are paving the way for great and exciting tools poised to shape the Philippine real estate industry

The unstoppable progress of technology has a massive effect on how businesses are carried out, and real estate is one of the industries that have reaped many of its rewards.

Many new and exciting advancements in technology are being developed to make property selling and buying more convenient. These technologies narrow the gap between real estate sellers and buyers.

Leading real estate platforms Lamudi Philippines and MyProperty.ph have put together a list of technological innovations that are shaping the face of Philippine real estate.

Smart Online Listing Platforms

Over the last few years we have seen the proliferation of online real estate listings platforms, most of which follow generic designs and offer good content. This is a boon to consumers, who now can do their initial selection of properties for rent or sale without having to leave the house. All they have to do is just visit these online listing platforms, where thousands of properties for sale and for rent are literally right at their fingertips.

MyProperty.ph’s Map View

However, what set the smart platforms apart from their competitors are features such as completeness of inventory, easy-to-use features, and overall awesome performance. These platforms show consumers the available properties’ details, such as location, property owner info, pictures, and price. Advance search filters also allow users to view only the type of home they want to see down to specific locations. Buyers can also compare listings side by side to help them narrow down the properties that they’d like to view in person. While others, such as home-grown real estate website MyProperty.ph, show where these properties are located on a map view.

Mobile-friendly Websites and Apps

In today’s mobile-first consumers, mobile apps and responsive websites are being developed to let consumers browse properties using virtually any device. In addition, numerous real estate apps have been launched that make searching for properties faster for buyers, and uploading listings more convenient for real estate brokers, agents, and owners.

Drones

Drones are now being used in real estate photography. Drone photography provides aerial shots of properties that look good from an elevated point of view, and also captures the neighborhood where the property is located to increase its appeal. Drones are not only easy to handle, but they are also a lot cheaper than renting a helicopter to give you the best aerial shots.

Augmented Reality

With the use of a smart device, apps integrated with augmented reality combine the physical world seen through its camera with a digital overlay, which could contain information about what the camera sees. In real estate, it could display a property’s details, and could also show the interested buyer more information about the location, which can save both the buyer and the real estate agent time and money.

Virtual Reality Tour

Virtual reality (VR) is currently the rage in video games, and the technology has also found its way to the real estate industry. A special tool is used to capture 360-degree panoramic images of a property, which are then stitched together to create a “virtual tour.” This allows homebuyers to “walk through” a property to check it out as though they are actually inside it, clicking at certain spots on the images to view certain details up close.

On September 3 and 4, 2016, property buyers and sellers can experience first hand the use of VR in real estate by heading to the Bonifacio High Street Activity Center in Taguig, where the first-ever Lamudi Philippines VR Expo will be held.

Guests will experience how VR is making real estate more exciting as they use VR goggles and touch-screen monitors to explore various properties built by some of the country’s top developers. To know more about the event, visit www.lamudi.com.ph/events.

7 out of 10 Customers Highly Recommend Home Credit Philippines' Services

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For those who do not own a credit card and are unbanked, finding credit is a challenge. Consumer financing company Home Credit Philippines has made it possible for Filipinos to be informed about financial inclusion as it focuses on responsible lending to people with little to no credit history.

In a recently conducted survey for consumer financing, 7 out of 10 customers highly recommend the services that Home Credit has to offer – an easy, simple, and fast way of getting the best and latest gadgets and appliances in the market, as it has partnered with leading electronic brands such as Samsung and Oppo, as well as top retail partners to include SM Appliance Center, Abenson, and Silicon Valley, among others.

At the height of technology and social media, Home Credit has grown its customer base to over 280,000 customers, 180,000 of which were acquired within a short span of 9 months.

Now that the “millennials” are capable of owning their dream gadgets in as little as 20 minutes, it has become a recommended alternative for people who want to make purchases without the hassle of credit cards.

More Filipinos should take advantage of Home Credit's safe and innovative consumer financing services and avail of the gadgets, appliances or electronics that can enable them to improve their quality of life.

More information about Home Credit can be found in their website at http://www.homecredit.ph/ and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/homecreditph/.

A+E Networks Manila Makes History This August With First-Ever History Con

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Mark your calendar as HISTORY Con, A+E Networks’ HISTORY Asia’s very first-ever convention, will be opening in Manila on August 25. This can’t-miss event is jam-packed with activities and displays that will bring the channel to life and immerse visitors in the HISTORY® experience. Like the channel, HISTORY Con will be epic in scale and cover a broad range of genres and interests, with dedicated areas for the paranormal/sci-fi, survival and adventure, motoring, history and culture. The four-day ticketed event will be held at the World Trade Center and will be opened to the public. The convention passes are now available for sale at HistoryAsia.com/HistoryCon.

“We are thrilled to make history with the conception of HISTORY Con, the biggest entertainment convention of its kind, in Manila. HISTORY Con reinvents the way we connect with our local audiences, as an on-ground extension of our brand that offers something for everyone, whether they’re our loyal fans who just can’t get enough of HISTORY, or they’re curious onlookers who are new to our brand. We’re creating an experience beyond the television screen to engage our visitors at a deeper level that allows them to feel, live and see history come alive in an entertaining way,” said Prem Kamath, Deputy Managing Director, A+E Networks Asia.

HISTORY Con will feature a star-studded lineup of popular HISTORY personalities who will make appearances, sign autographs, host talks and conduct workshops. Fans will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with ANCIENT ALIEN’s Giorgio Tsoukalos; STORAGE WARS’ Brandi and Jarrod; GANGLAND UNDERCOVER’S Damon Runyan; PHOTO FACE-OFF’s Justin Mott; and the cast of CELEBRITY CAR WARS, which includes several Filipino celebrities like KC Montero, Joey Mead King and Marc Nelson and professional car driver, Gaby Dela Merced. The latter is HISTORY Asia’s brand-new original production that follows celebrities as they compete in automotive challenges. 

Case-Mate Features Apple Watch Bands to Complete Your Collection

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The Apple Watch is arguably the ultimate lifestyle accessory. It’s highly personalized as you can customize the watch face to fit your style, and you can dress it up or down with an assortment of bands to complement your outfit.

If you’re looking to shake up your #OOTDs, try switching Apple Watch bands. It’s guaranteed to change your look and get you a lot more compliments. Following are some on-trend pieces to add to your collection.

Case-Mate Sheer Glam Band in Champagne

Semi-transparent elastomer

When you’re in the mood for something chill or laidback but still like a little sparkle, opt for a flexible elastomer band with shiny flecks. It’s casual enough for everyday use, but makes it easy to add a little elegance to any look.

Case-Mate Turnlock Band in Shocking Pink

Bangle-style

For days when you can’t be bothered by locks and clasps, there are bangle-styled bands that you can just slip on and off your wrist. Keep it fashionable by picking one in an interesting design like a chain link and opt for a pop of color to take your outfit from drab to fab!

Case-Mate Signature Leather Band in Black, Alligator Band in Brown,

Double Wrap Leather Band in Black, and Edged Leather Band in Brown & Blue

Leather

Leather is a good investment since the material itself lasts a long time. Leather makes any watch stylish enough to stand changes in trends and it’s a timeless look that goes with almost all outfits. It is especially suited for formal settings, when you need to look polished or business-like. For your Apple Watch, you can go for the classic leather band, or spice it up with different textures, styles, and colors.

Case-Mate Linked Band in Black

Stainless steel links

The linked bracelet is another must-have in every collection. It’s easily adjustable by adding or removing links and the classic design exudes style and sophistication.

Actress Chienna Filomeno (@chiefilomeno) wears her Apple Watch with the Case-Mate Brilliance Band in Silver, available at Power Mac Center.

Day-to-Night

Take your Apple Watch anywhere from brunch to board meeting to party in the club with this one-of-a-kind genuine crystal and leather Brilliance band. It is actress Chienna Filomeno’s current favorite as it matches her personality and completes her OOTDs. If you’re looking to make a fashion statement, this is enough to do the trick. Wear it wherever the night takes you.

Case-Mate Apple Watch bands are available at Power Mac Center stores nationwide.

Premium accessories brand Case-Mate was born in 2006 out of the simple desire to craft accessories ingrained with individuality, purpose, quality, and style. It is for people who know who they are yet crave for something more, something extraordinary. Case-Mate Apple Watch bands made an appearance at the recently concluded 20th Philippine Fashion Week. More information may be obtained from Power Mac Center’s 26 branches or at <www.powermaccenter.com>.

Hontiveros Bats for Longer Maternity Leave, Add'l Allocation for Alternate Caregivers and Adopters

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Good news for women workers.

A bill was filed at the Senate pushing longer maternity leave and the expansion of the maternity benefit's coverage.

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros filed Senate Bill No. 215 otherwise known as the "Expanded Maternity Leave Law of 2016" to bring the country's maternity leave law at par with international standards and make it more responsive to the everyday realities of working women.

Hontiveros said her bill seeks to provide women workers in the public and private sectors, married or not, 120 days of maternity leave, and an additional 30 days for solo mothers.

The Senator explained that the additional 30 days can be allocated by entitled women workers to alternate caregivers such as their spouses, common law partners, or relatives up to the 4th degree of consanguinity. It can also be extended to adopters or any person who has adopted a minor.

"The government must carry a new and progressive perspective on how it responds to women workers' pre and post-natal health care needs. It must radically reform the traditional maternity law and update it according to international standards," Hontiveros said.

"The country's maternity law must have a strong emphasis on reproductive work, which has historically been the onus of women, and has largely been left with minImum respect and recognition in Philippine society," Hontiveros added.

The Philippines' maternity leave law falls short of the standard set by the International Labor Organization (ILO) that mandates a minimum 98 days of maternity leave. Currently, women workers may take a maternity leave of 60 days pay. For women who undergo caesarian deliveries, they are entitled to take a leave of 78 days with pay.

The country is also lagging behind its ASEAN neighbors; Vietnam provides its women workers 120 to 180 days of maternity leave credits, Singapore, 112 days, and 84 days for Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand.

Globe Telecom Not Blocking PCC to Do Job

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Globe Telecom took exception to the statement of the Internet Society-Philippines ISOC that the telcos particularly Globe Telecom are blocking the Philippine Competition Commission to perform its mandate of promoting fair market competition when it filed the Petition for Certiorari with the Court of Appeals, asking the latter to restrain the PCC from further reviewing the sale and purchase of assets of Vega Telecom from San Miguel.

The multi-billion joint buy-out deal gave Globe access to half of San Miguel’s telecommunication assets.

Globe General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo stressed the company supports the PCC’s mandate of ensuring fair and healthy market competition and promoting economic efficiency. “We are not in any way blocking the PCC from performing its mandate. In fact, we repeatedly invited the PCC to exercise its plenary powers under Section 12 of the Competition Act to investigate the conduct and behavior of the companies on this transaction for possible violations of the Act. Globe has consistently relayed to the PCC its willingness to submit to this investigation, and Globe is confident that all its actions pertaining to this transaction are all legal and above-board as certified by its legal counsels,” he said.

“With respect to the transaction itself however, Memorandum Circular 2016-02 of the PCC is very clear - the transaction is no longer reviewable as the same was ‘deemed approved’ under its provisions,” he said. The same memorandum circular states that it shall enjoy the benefit of Section 23 of the Philippine Competition Act, and therefore cannot be challenged under that law. The parties should abide by this provision, including the PCC, which is expected to uphold its own rules and the Philippine Competition Act. Globe has followed to the letter the rules of the PCC, and the same should be appreciated by the PCC, he added.

Castelo advises the ISOC to read and understand the law first before making such statement.

He said Globe will continue to roll out using the spectrum assets it gained access to following to deal with SMC as this is necessary to improve the internet situation in the country. Earlier, the Duterte administration called for a faster, reliable and cheaper internet service to be done in one year. With this, the company is currently in the process of activating the 700 MHz frequency spectrum in about 500 based stations in various parts of the country, expected for completion within by the end of the year. Globe is also making use of its additional allocation in the 2600 MHz band to provide additional layer for its LTE network for faster data connectivity.

Globe further emphasized that this sale will not restrict competition in the market, as both PLDT and Globe have surrendered a substantial block of frequency of San Miguel to the NTC. With these surrendered frequency plus those in reserve with the NTC, a substantial block will still be available for a potential third player. Moreover, the current stiff competition between major players Globe and PLDT is enough evidence that this will not result to an anti-competitive scenario. “In fact, this will benefit more the consumers, as this new frequencies will unlock a lot of service potentials which would lead to an efficient and better service”, Castelo ends.

AlDub’s Phenomenal Romance Celebrates First Anniversary With Special Twitter Heart Emoji

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Starting 12:00PM on July 16, AlDub fans can join the conversation on Twitter to mark the first year anniversary of supercouple Alden Richards @aldenrichards02 and Maine Mendoza @mainedcm by Tweeting with #AlDub1stAnniversary hashtag to unlock a special heart emoji. The Twitter emoji pays tribute to the global AlDub phenomenon and celebrates the romance that has taken the Philippines and the world like a perfect storm.

By including #AlDub1stAnniversary hashtag when composing a Tweet, a special Twitter heart emoji will appear after the hashtag in the sent Tweet. This is the first time that Twitter has created a customized emoji for a TV show in Southeast Asia.

“As a partner of Eat Bulaga, Twitter has witnessed the rise of AlDub from a local sensation on Philippine television to a global social TV phenomenon. It is powered by the love of fans all over the world, and the creativity of the show producers. The recent launch of the emoji for AlDub’s first year anniversary celebrates the show, the AlDub love story, and most importantly the fans who have flocked to Twitter to express their love and support over the past year,” said Pratiksha Rao, Twitter’s Head of Media Partnerships in Southeast Asia.

Looking back, the AlDub love team debuted on July 2015 in the ‘Kalyeserye’ segment of the popular noon-time TV show Eat Bulaga before they became one of the most well-known personalities on Twitter. Eat Bulaga’s Twitter account (@EatBulaga), which constantly keeps fans updated on the show by live-Tweeting each telecast and sharing behind-the-scenes images and videos, has added over 1.8 million followers in the past 12 months (over 200% growth) from 880,000 to 2.72 million followers today.

ASEAN Integration – A Realization or a Delusion?

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ASEAN’s path towards integration embraces social and economic inequalities within and between its member countries. As part of the ASEAN, the Philippines has to compete with its Southeast Asian neighbors.

On its upcoming 50th anniversary in 2017, has ASEAN really contributed to improving the lives of its member citizens? Is an alternative integration or Integration from below possible?

The Philippine Peoples’ Summit on ASEAN aims to provide a space where representatives from different sectors of society can discuss various issues and raise local, national, and regional concerns related to the ASEAN.

Princess Nemenzo (WomanHealth Philippines) will deliver the keynote speech. A series of panel discussions will follow. Speakers include Nemenzo, Dr. Eduardo Tadem (Freedom from Debt Coalition), and Antonio Tujan, Jr. (IBON Foundation), to name a few.

Join us on Monday and Tuesday as representatives from different sectors of the society discuss various local, national, and regional concerns related to the ASEAN.

A Delightfully Delish Night at Pioneer Street Market

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A great find for delectable dishes was recently introduced to us and it's located just within the compounds of HMR and along Reliance Street, in front of TV 5 Mandaluyong city, just one ride from our Pasig city residence.

The newly introduced Pioneer Street Market is composed of several food stalls with outstanding choices of food that will surely appeal to all foodies out there for its wide variety of feasts fit for the most eccentric and critical in their food craving.

You'll find this place a treasure chest of delightful delicacies that goes beyond the traditional way of preparing and serving food.

Thanks to Zomato for co-organizing this event where foodies like me enjoyed a night of pigging out until we drop. We got to meet even the owners themselves who shared a few info about their brand and opportunity for photo ops with them especially with celebrity owner Matet De Leon who was formerly a super child star during her younger days. The moment I saw her, I immediately remembered how her mother, superstar Nora Aunor, praised her for being the most thoughtful among her children.

Cable Car BGC Celebrates 2nd Year Anniversary

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Cable Car BGC located at the Fort Strip recently celebrated its 2nd anniversary last June 30, 2016 with entertainment provided by the acoustic sets of Davey Langit, Migz Haleco, Jana Garcia, RJ JIMENEZ and Lush MNL.

My favorites was of course the one with the pretty lady Jana who sang beautifully giving the night a lot more vibrance.

The beats of the night came from DJ Enzo, while a Breezer Pong Tournament made the night a lot more thrilling as team of twos tried their luck winning the highly anticipated Breezer Pong Tournament!

We participated in the Breezer Pong Tournament but sadly we lost since we do not play the game professionally unlike our opponents who were actually deeply involved in the fun game.

Great set of delectable dishes were also served on our table aside from the Bacardi Breezer of different flavors. I must have drank more than a handful of the amazing Breezer and I still can't get enough of them.

Congratulations to the owners of Cable Car which has other branches located in other areas of the Metro including the one at Tomas Morato in Quezon City, The Sapphire Bloc in Ortigas and San Lorenzo Village in Makati

The event was in partnership with Partyphile | Bacardi Breezer | Hennessy

Mark Carpio Launches His Very First Album Entitled Hiling

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After 11 years of wishing for this big day to finally come true, Mark Carpio now celebrates his 29th birthday via another celebration through the launch of his very first album entitled 'Hiling' making it it a bigger celebration.

Families, relatives, friends, colleagues and acquaintances, celebrity or not, all took the opportunity to congratulate the birthday celebrator for the launch of his Hilig album,  composed of 8 tracks all written and composed by him.

During a video interview, Mark shares that this creation is totally intimate and personal for him. It is a product of two months labor of love, but some of his songs were actually initiated even before he finally at down to focus and finish the album project. 

His brother said it was a dream come true for Mark, and upon finding out that all three brothers all sing, I knew then that music does run within his family I am just not sure where the three brothers, Jeffret, Marka nd Jerome inherited their singing prowess - from mother or father? I should have interviewed the parents but I wouldn't want to take them away from watching their son perform during the album launch night.

With his father involved in the real estate business with Grand Monaco, and also taking part of the management of the family business, I am surprised he still finds time to work on his music career. I can sense the passion within him as the last time we met a few months ago, he was just the front act of a music group who highlighted a certain event that I attended. Now he has his own album, and I can't stop feeling proud for the guy as his songs were truly amazing indeed.

Battling the Dreaded Big C

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With the recent demise of Jennifer Gonzales Roxas, fellow blogger and part of the Cook magazine team, who succumbed to stage 4 breast cancer, the blogging community is grieving, especially those who have one way or another met with Jenny personally during one or more blogger events.

I remember her as the more endearing among her lady friends. She seems to be the most mature or older in her group of other lady bloggers often seen as four lovely ladies of lifestyle. All four of them were the epitome of class and sophistication, but she seemed to be the most reserved or conservative of the four.

I was fortunate to see her just a few days ago during one of the events I attended. I can't help but notice how she seems to be looking different from the former days when I used to see her as gloriously beaming with health and confidence. I never knew she was suffering from cancer lately so I guess the big C does really put you down physically. May it be cancer of the breast, ovary, lungs or any other part of our body, the absence of a cure until now makes cancer so much a dreaded killer.

But I am totally overwhelmed realizing she was still passionately pursuing her blogging activities even though even though she has cancer. This means cancer has failed to totally keep her from her true passion of engaging and socializing at events so she can afterwards tell the stories through her blog.

However, it finally ended her life, but she will remain living in our hearts because of the wonderful memories we will continue to remember of her.

We know she is now at a better place and among the angels looking down on us from the heavens. Thank you Jenny for being a part of our lives.
Life is really unpredictable, and we would always be caught surprised and unprepared for many instances no matter how we think we are ready and able to face challenges.

I believe everyone should take extra effort in determining the possible occurrence of cancer at an early stage so as to have better opportunities to treat the dreaded disease even before it becomes worst. Women should not wait for the time when they feel a lump or pain in their breasts. Please do regularly have a mammogram - an X-ray image of your breast used to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms play a key role in early breast cancer detection and help decrease breast cancer deaths.

Polo Ravales Topbills Hercules: The Valiant Warrior of Thebes Musical

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We will soon see another mighty rendition of the epic Greek hero Hercules tale approximately two months from the recent press conference and launch held on July 15, 2016 at Garage88 located at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

This time it will be a musical play top-billed by actor Polo Ravales, and partnering with his real life girlfriend, CJ Flores Marin, a beauty queen who won as Miss Earth Philippines Water 2015, who plays the role of his wife in the play. Both of them will be singing but since Polo is more of an actor rather than a singer, he gets his encouragement from CJ who can easily belt out a tune.

The two will definitely be a match made in heaven, or at least Mt. Olympus, where Zeus, father of Hercules, will be among the many other characters who will also get some spotlight on the musical. The story will not only focus entirely on Hercules but also on his supporting casts made of Natasha Cabrera, Ronah Rostata, CJ Flores Marin, Paw Castillo, Fatima Cadiz, Hutch Perales, Jhay-R Baccol, Francelle Fetalvero, Jovito Bonita, Jasper Jimenez, Jasmin Salvo, Ren Medina, and Tina Dela Cruz.

The musical is directed by acclaimed actor Riki Benedicto, who has been guiding his actors throughout a series of rehearsals. They still have a couple of months to go before their first playdate on September 15 at the Star Theater located at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP Complex) in Pasay.

Zoomanity Hosts 4th Farm Tourism Conference at Paradizoo

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Robert Yupangco, the visionary head honcho and mastermind of the Zoomanity Group of companies, personally met with us during our visit at Paradizoo and Residence Inn Tagaytay properties. We were actually invited there to witness the 4th Farm Tourism Conference being held at Paradizoo from July 14 to 16, 2016 and attended by several delegates from all over the country.

Among the many known farm spots in Tagaytay, Paradizoo was chosen as one of the featured successful farm tour destination during the 4th Farm Tourism Conference.

The Zoomanity group also took the opportunity to show us the Residence Inn property so we could also see how they are fully engaged in farm tourism. So aside from petting and feeding animals, tasting their meals cooked with fresh poultry, livestock and fruits and veggies directly sourced from the Paradizoo farm itself, we also got to experience almost the same within the few minutes at Residence Inn munching on their pancit and pineapple jam spread on toasted bread, a short tour of the many animals showcased there, and the zipline highlight to end the tour with lots of shrieks and laughter as we coursed through the amazing zipline overlooking the Tagaytay lake.

The Zoomanity theme parks, which can be found at different parts of the country and even two abroad, are focused on farm and agri tourism where people can get up close and personal with both animals and plant life. However, the farms were built more as an advocacy geared in promoting best practices in living a better and healthier life.