Treasures of SOX: Travel & Trade Expo

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The Treasures of SOX: Travel and Trade Expo is scheduled on May 4 - 6, 2018. SOX is short for SOCCSKSARGEN which refers to the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos which comprises Region 12.

The grand expo of SOCCSKSARGEN, organized by the Department of Tourism Region 12 and other partner agencies such as Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Information Agency, Department of Tourism – Tourism Promotions Board and with the Local Government Units of the region, will showcase the natural and cultural richness, the fresh and processed bounty of the seas and the land.

The event includes Trade Fair, Travel Fair and Sales Calls, Investment Forum and Matching, Daily Shows/Cultural Shows, Fashion Show, among others.

Treasures of SOX: Travel & Trade Expo which will be staged at Glorietta Activity Center.

Dusit International Introduces New Hotel Brand for ‘Millennial-Minded’ Travellers

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Dusit International, one of Thailand’s foremost hotel and property development companies, has introduced ASAI Hotels, a distinctive new brand designed to link curious, millennial-minded travellers with authentic local experiences in vibrant cities and resort destinations worldwide.

Set to officially launch in Q1 2019 with its first hotel in Bangkok’s renowned Chatuchak Market, ASAI Hotels embraces a sustainable, community-focused concept, with each property designed to reflect the culture and heritage of its location through collaborations with local artisans.

In line with the four core pillars of the brand – Thoughtful Essentials, Common Areas, Locally Inspired and Connected Community – each hotel will feature compact rooms (approximately 15 sq m), whose contemporary design will emphasize key features like superior quality beds and high pressure rain showers. A large mixed-use space, meanwhile, will include a cosy and efficient work space, a leisure area, and a restaurant concept curated by local chefs who champion sustainability.

In the upcoming Chatuchak hotel, which is the only hotel to be located within the world-famous market, this includes an eatery developed by Bangkok-based chefs and restaurateurs, Jarrett Wrisley and Paolo Vitaletti, whose own restaurants, Soul Food Mahanakorn and Appia, are renowned for their sustainable approach to cooking. Their menu at ASAI Chatuchak will highlight produce from Thailand’s Royal Projects.

Superior quality beds and high pressure rain showers come as standard at ASAI

HUB - the mixed-use space where guests and locals can eat, work and play

First floor bar concept image

Each ASAI hotel worldwide will leverage technology to streamline the booking and stay experience. This includes the implementation of self check-in kiosks, and exclusive online guides that link guests with authentic local experiences and lesser-known, but Instagram-worthy, attractions. ASAI will also link with selected local online start-ups, such as TakeMeTour in Thailand, to offer personalised excursions.

Staff at each property will be hired for personality as much as experience, and they will very much be the face of the brand, expected to be passionate about their neighbourhoods and always ready to share their knowledge with guests.

Alongside ASAI Chatuchak, five more properties are already confirmed in the pipeline. This includes three ASAI Hotels in Cebu, Philippines (in Lapu-Lapu, Oslob, and the city centre); one hotel in Yangon, Myanmar (in the historic Yankin Township); and a second hotel in Bangkok (in the stylish Sathorn district). All are expected to open throughout 2019.

ASAI Hotels’ management team hopes to secure over 10 properties in the pipeline by the end of the year across Southeast Asia and Japan. This includes owned and joint venture properties as well as properties under Hotel Management Agreements. Australia, Europe and Central America are also on the radar for potential projects.

“Inspired by community, and driven by sustainability, ASAI is an exciting new concept for Dusit that will leverage the company’s 70 years of hospitality heritage to deliver a new kind of stay experience in vibrant neighbourhoods worldwide,” said Mr Siradej Donavanik, Managing Director of Asai Holdings Co., Ltd., Dusit International. “The brand has been carefully crafted to meet the needs of millennial-minded travellers who seek authentic local experiences, and who appreciate value and quality for money.

“ASAI is not budget travel – this is an affordable lifestyle brand offering something new, different and bespoke. Our collaborations with local artisans in each destination will ensure each stay is unique, memorable, and definitely worthy of our slogan – Live Local. And everywhere we set foot we will always ensure we have a positive impact.”

Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International, said, “In line with our three-pronged strategy for balance, expansion and diversification, the introduction of ASAI Hotels will add an innovative new revenue stream to our company that complements our traditional hospitality offerings and actively responds to the needs and desires of millennial-minded travellers.

“Recent detailed studies in America have shown that, alongside a desire for local experiences, a majority 35% of this segment prefer to stay in luxury and upscale resorts. The majority also placed cost and security as chief concerns when booking accommodation. ASAI is perfectly positioned to meet these needs, and we look forward to making the brand a huge success.”

Dusit International is currently in a significant growth phase which will see the company’s current portfolio of 27 hotels surpass 70 worldwide within the next four years. The company’s other hotel brands, which cover luxury and mid-market segments, include: Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, Dusit Princess, and dusitD2.

Photo caption

ASAI Hotels was launched in Bangkok by Dusit's executives on 3 April 2018. Pictured, from left: Mr Siradej Donavanik, Managing Director, Asai Holdings Co., Ltd.; Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International; Mr Chanin Donavanik, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Dusit International; Ms Natapa Sriyuksiri, Creative Director, ASAI Hotels.

Early Visita Iglesia with Zooper Cruise of Zoomanity Foundation

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Visita Iglesia is an annual tradition my wife and I do but this time (with apologies to her) I get to experience it alone  with other people (twice) and break the tradition since I got an invite to do an early Visita Iglesia with Zooper Cruise (part of the Zoomanity Group but advertised as under Zoomanity Foundation) of the Yupangco Group of Companies, a few days before the actual day, and another invite with another group who are members of the Miata Club of the Philippines. We did the early Visita Iglesia on a Holy Tuesday (March 27), and the other on a Maundy Thursday (March 29) but it got extended until Good Friday (March 30) when we visited another member's luxurious condominium unit at Tagaytay Highlands. To tell the long story short, my wife and I had to cancel our own Visita Iglesia for this year.

This blog, as the title implies, is all about the early Visita Iglesia with the Zooper Cruise (Though I am a bit confused why they used "zoo" in the name but probably just to indicate that it is operated under the Zoomanity group.

As they advertised, you can get to try a Visita Iglesia like no other for only P1,399 per person. But since I am among the media, the tour was offered to us for free so we could help promote it to our readers, or viewers since I also captured the activity on video of which I will alternate showing on our official Facebook page and official YouTube channel.

The Lenten Week activity (normally done on a Maundy Thursday or like us who do it every Good Friday to avoid the same crowd practicing the activity) is just an example of how we could appreciate a tour via the ferry boat that cruises via the Pasig river. There are actually several options to take advantage of how traffic-free the Pasig river cruise is. Minus the seasonal smell of the Pasig river, the ferry cruise could be a great option to travel and tour aroun the Metro especially if the LGUs of each city would participate in rehabilitating not only the Pasig river but also the sights or locations that we passed by.

 

This is not my first time doing a Pasig river cruise as I have been with the Pasig River Rehabilitation Council twice already, and I could say that there has been a lot of improvement already. This means they are actually doing a great job.

Visionary businessman and agriculture & animal theme-park owner Robert Yupangco sees the potential of the Pasig river cruise so he invested on it. We need more people like him who would take the risk just to prove that there is a visible tourism potential. Some people may call him crazy, but we should rather call him a hero for such an act. We need to emulate his practice because in the long run we will all benefit from the same vision. We need not look far for a solution to the traffic because it is right under our noses. Not to make fun of the pun, but making the Pasig river less smelly is a nationwide task. Each of us should cooperate. From the big businesses to the informal settlers along the rivers, a lot of great possibilities can happen if we all take part in the noble goal.

We are tourists in our own country" says Robert Yupangco, the main man behind the Yupangco Group of Companies which includes the Zoomanity theme-parks.

The Zooper Cruise took us to 7 churches around Makati and Manila. Meeting place was at UnliCity (located at the 3rd floor of Century City Mall) which is also part of the Yupangco Group of Companies.  The tour is actually a combination of a by road and river travel (transport by shuttle and cruise) so it involved going to the different ferry ports in Makati and Manila and some travelling by road to a few of the churches.

St. Andrew the Apostle Parish Church

St. Andrew the Apostle Parish Church

Nuestra Senora de Gracia Church

Nuestra Senora de Gracia Church

Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish Church

Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish Church

Sta. Cruz Paris Church

Sta. Cruz Paris Church

Binondo Church

Binondo Church

Manila Cathedral

Manila Cathedral

San Agustin Church

San Agustin Church

The churches we visited were St. Andrew the Apostle Parish Church located in Bel-Air Village in Makati, Nuestra Senora de Gracia Church (also known as Guadalupe Church) located in Guadalupe, Makati, Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish Church in Sta. Ana, Manila, Sta. Cruz Paris Church in Sta. Cruz, Manila, Binondo Church (also known as the Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish) in Binondo, Manila, San Agustin Church (also known as the Immaculate Conception Parish) in Intramuros, Manila, and the Manila Cathedral (also known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) which is also in Intramuros, Manila.

Below are some of the sights you'll see along the Pasig river:

It took almost the entire day for the Visita Iglesia since we got back to our origin at around 4pm already. Registration for the tour started at 8am and we got down from UnliCity at around 8:30am, and to a shuttle sometime after a few minutes.

They let us stay at a church for around 20 minutes which includes time for prayer and photo ops. For a media like me who takes both photos and videos, it was enough. But I was also documenting the attendees so I am rarely in the official photos and videos. However, I never forget to do my own selfies (posted on our social media pages) though you will notice I am a bit haggard due to that tedious task. I guess I need to find a way to always bring at least one team member with me for travel-related events like these so we could divide or alternate the tasks.

The rewarding part is seeing how the attendees appreciate the tour. I could see that they are somewhat tired and exhausted sometime in between and especially at the latter part, but I could also see that it seems worth the effort for these people. After all, we should be doing a form of sacrifice (all those bits of walking and boat transfers) including fasting (the merienda of macaroni salad was not enough to satisfy) but I heard during one of the interviews that it was intentionally meant that way for this particular tour since it was Visita Iglesia.

Thank you Zooper Cruise for another unique and memorable experience.

Proudly Up In the Air Again at the Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival

Wazzup Pilipinas!

All things came into place as if we were destined to be there flying up in the air again in a hot air balloon. To be specific, I rode on the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) hot air balloon but flown by a foreign pilot.

From the availability of restaurants to feature, and a luxurious accommodation to become our temporary home, our planned coverage of the Lubao International Balloon and Music Festival turned out to be more glamorous than we expected.

We basically never expected the opportunity to ride a hot air balloon. We were actually contented with just seeing them getting inflated and taking photos and videos (including selfies and groupfies) as they flew up into the skies of Lubao, Pampanga.

However, someone up there has better plans for us as He has given us more than what we wished for.

Incidentally, a request to feature a new restaurant at SM Clark, Pampanga also played a big part in our Pampanga tour. When we found out the restaurant owner also has a villa for rent, we asked her if she could also let us stay overnight, and quickly jumped on the opportunity when she agreed.

But we were still pushing our luck. With her having a second (and even a third) restaurant, we swallowed our pride and asked if she could let us feature her other restaurant, and we were in Cloud 9 when she agreed.

Yet still our luck was going non-stop as we met a friend of hers who happens to own another restaurant, and it is as if fate has connived with destiny to make our Pampanga story a lot more interesting, we were happy we got ourselves another restaurant feature.

That and another buffet restaurant at SM Clark, since we still have unused Gift Certificates that we could use, made it a total of four restaurants to feature in our blog.

Understanding and Treating the Gambling While Visiting UK Cheltenham Festival

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If you are anywhere in the UK during the month of March, you would have definitely heard of the Cheltenham Festival. The Cheltenham Festival is the place to go if you wish to experience the best in-class racing from all over the world. 

The joy of watching fine bred horses with their rippling muscles, being led to the finish line by their jockeys in a nail biting race will give you goosebumps. The other attractions the Shopping Village, the Guinness Village, the Hall of Fame, and the AP McCoy Wall to name a few. However, the core identity of the Cheltenham’s Festival remains racing and of course, betting.

If horse racing is an age-old tradition then so is betting on such races. If you are trying to understand the gambling culture around the Cheltenham Festival, you have come to the right place. Here’s how you can get started:

Check Your Wares

Checking out what you are signing up for is the first rule for anything and everything. While the online methods of betting could sound alluring, nothing beats the actual experience of observing and judging the horses during the parade ring. Notice the coordination between the jockey and the horse. Pick what you feel has the greatest chance of winning and then check out the odds of that horse winning the race. Note down the number of the horse.

Placing Bets

Interestingly, Cheltenham offers many ways to place your bets. However, if you still wish to place your bets online, you can always check out some of the best betting websites for Cheltenham Festival.

Once you have placed your bet, you shall receive a receipt containing the details of your bet. Always check and tally the details, if in case there is a mistake in your receipt, bring it to the bookmakers notice.

Types of Bets

There are two types of bets:

·         Win Only: When you are positively sure that your horse will win, you can place a Win Only bet.

·        Each Way: An Each Way bet is double betting, one bet is on the horse that you think will win, and the other for the placement of the bet. So the money you put at stake is basically paid in double.

After the Race

If you have won, all you need to do is produce your ticket to the bookmaker to claim your settlement. If the result was not in your favor, you should still remember to keep the ticket safe. Do not destroy your ticket until the weighed in announcement has been declared. It may be possible that the winning horse could be disqualified or a Stewards’ Enquiry could be invoked. And who knows, in the process, lady luck may have shined on you!

So, now you have a better understanding of gambling and how to place bets at the Cheltenham Festival. Win or lose, the gambling experience will definitely stick by you forever. Just remember to make a calculated decision and be always aware that betting is good way to earn extra cash, but also can be addictive. So, If you want to be rewarded for your prudence, be sure not to miss full experience of Cheltenham Festival. Good luck!

Makati Diamond Residences Holy Week Staycation

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Have a meaningful stay with your family at Makati Diamond Residences this Holy Week. Feel at home in the well-appointed rooms with special features that include a fully- equipped kitchenette, a complimentary mini bar, and complimentary Wi-Fi and local city calls.

Access the health club amenities including our 24-hour gym, daily TRX classes at the TRX studio, and an indoor lap pool so you can stay on track with your fitness regimen. Inspire the chef in you and participate in a cooking demonstration, or visit the inflatable play area, arts and crafts station, and more.

Enjoy the privilege of a 20% discount on the Easter Brunch Buffet. Book a room with breakfast for two at ₱5,800 net per night for the 41sqm Studio or ₱7,800 net per night for the larger 64sqm One Bedroom Suite. Studio Room-only packages start at ₱5,000 net per night.

The Holy Week room package is available from March 24 to April 1, 2018. This offer is exclusive to local residents and foreigners with ACR I-Card certification.

Book your reservations now! Call (02) 317-0999 or email reservations@makatidiamond.com. Visit www.makatidiamond.com for the complete details and other hotel offers.

Makati Diamond Residences is located at 118 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229. 

For more information, contact +63 2 317 0999 or visit www.makatidiamond.com or email reservations@makatidiamond.com.

Check facebook.com/MakatiDiamondResidences or follow @makatidiamondresidences on Instagram for more updates.

4 Must-Try Wild Outdoor Activities in Darwin, Australia

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For an exciting and memorable vacation, head over Darwin. This amazing Australian city is one of the top choices to spend a vacation because there are tons of things to do and see here. Get yourself ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure to this lovely destination!

Darwin is the capital of Australia’s North Territory. With its astounding natural beauty, awe-inspiring tourist attractions, vibrant culture, and incredible wildlife, you will surely have fun exploring around. You can simply look for a car rental in Darwin for a safer and more comfortable trip. There are car rentals in the airport or you can book online to choose from wider options of available car.

All adventure seekers will be delighted to discover this place. So, here are a few thrilling outdoor activities you must try in Darwin:

Crocodile face-to-face encounter

Get up close with the crocodiles at Cage of Death or Crocosaurus Cove. For those wanting an unforgettable and blood-tingling adventure, this is the perfect activity for you. Have fun feeding and taking a selfie with the crocodiles. Also, the view where you see the Australia’s saltwater crocodiles is just spectacular. In case you are up for a different level of adventure, then never miss out on this one.

Flyboarding

Experience the electrifying flyboarding at Darwin Flyboarding at least once in your life. Never pass up this great opportunity as it will absolutely make you feel extremely happy. If watersport activities are your thing, then this is the one for you. For about 10 to 15 minutes, you will be flying around in the middle of the sea or underwater. There is no need for you to be a professional to do it, so inquire at Darwin Waterfront Lagoon now.

4WD camping safari

Do you love the outback? Then try 4WD camping safari in Darwin. To see the stunning beauty of Australia, you can go on a three-day camping safari. This tour lets you have a private cruise that you will definitely cherish all your life. It might be a new and wild experience, but it is truly worth it.

Skydiving

One of the ultimate outdoor activities that you have to try in Darwin is skydiving. You can experience it at Top End Tandems. The entire adventure will blow your mind as the falling speeds up to 200 kilometers per hour over the glorious beaches of Darwin. You are going to be speechless once you see the breathtaking view of the city. In addition, there are freebies waiting for you once you try this stimulating activity.

Choose Darwin for a wonderful vacation with your family or friends. This city surprises everyone as it offers numerous things to visitors of all ages. It might not be as popular as the other Australian cities, but it has its own beauty to boast to everyone, too. 

Not only it takes pride of its awesome scenery, rather its people and the adventures you can try with your loved ones. So, visit Darwin and experience these wild outdoor activities mentioned above. Plan your trip ahead of time and it will surely be one for the books!

Rainbow Warrior of Greenpeace to Arrive in Manila for Climate Justice Ship Tour

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This year, the Rainbow Warrior - the most iconic ship of global environment group Greenpeace – will set sail in the Philippines on a 20-day journey dubbed as Balangaw: The Climate Justice Ship Tour, in the name of the countless communities who are fighting for Climate Justice.

The Rainbow Warrior will be connecting people and their stories, as well as surfacing stories yet untold, about the impacts of the climate crisis on our rights as human beings – our right to life, the right to health, the right to our culture and way-of-life, the right to livelihood, the right to an adequate standard of living for one’s self and family, the right to a balanced and healthful ecology.

Like the balangaw (a Filipino term for “rainbow”) these people’s stories represent the different facets of life that make it light. They are diverse and they herald Hope.

Be part of the stories of hope and positive action as we become the generation that reclaims our right to a stable climate and safe environment.

The Rainbow Warrior has been the heart and soul of Greenpeace global campaigning for over 40 years. She’s been raided, rammed, shot at and bombed but the spirit of the Warrior is stronger than ever. After French Government agents bombed the first ship in Auckland harbour in 1985, she was laid to rest in Matauri Bay. Her replacement then picked up the baton and led from the front for over 21 years before being retired. Now the new Rainbow Warrior – the first purpose built Greenpeace ship - is leading the campaign for a cleaner, smarter, more innovative future.

Communities affected by climate change will welcome her as she arrives in Manila on February 14, 2018, Wednesday, which will be followed by a press conference onboard the Rainbow Warrior. The ship will stay in Manila until February 18.

Venue: Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila
February 14, Wednesday	Rainbow Warrior arrives in Manila 6:00am – Security Briefing by PPA and                   Opportunity to capture images of Rainbow Warrior’s arrival 9:30-12:00nn - PRESS CONFERENCE                           “Balangaw: The Climate Justice Ship Tour” Speakers: Capt. Hettie Geenen, ship captain, Rainbow Warrior Amalie Obusan, Country Director, Greenpeace Philippines Ka Jhun Pascua, Pambansang Kalipunan ng mga Makabayang Magbubukid Ka Pablo Rosales, Pangisda Pilipinas Isagani Serrano, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement -Guided Rainbow Warrior tour for media and partners- 3:00 pm - 4:00pm - Facebook Live: Storytelling with Jun Sabayton & communities
February 15, Thursday	9:30am-1:00pm - Ship Ahoy: Diet for Climate! Speakers: Yeb Saño, Executive Director, Greenpeace Southeast Asia Virginia Benosa Llorin, Food and Ecological Agriculture Campaigner, Greenpeace Philippines Dir. Mario Capanza, Food and Nutrition Research Institute -Guided Rainbow Warrior tour for media and partners- 3:00pm - 5:00pm - Storytelling and cooking demonstration with Love Anover, Chef Giney Villar, and Rainbow Warrior chef Daniel Bravo
February 16, Friday	9:30am - 12:00am – Media conference on the status of Philippine coral reefs and Climate Justice Speakers: Dr. Perry Alino, Professor, UP-Marine Science Institute Dr. Al Licuanan, DLSU ShOrE Center Rainbow Warrior Capt. Hettie Geenen Miledel Quibilan, Coordinator, Philippine Coral Bleaching Watch Vince Cinches, Oceans Campaigner, Greenpeace Philippines Ka Ruperto Alerosa, Chairperson, Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan  -Guided Rainbow Warrior tour for media and partners-

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Returns for Its 22nd Run

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For the 22nd Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta,  held from February 8 to 11, 2018 at Omni Aviation Airfield of Clark, Pampanga, you may just want to attend the early morning ceremonies only. That's when they blow up the balloons and fly to the skies.....but that may be too early for kids so you may want to reconsider bringing them to this Weekend of Everything that Flies.

Also, the event is not recommended for those with asthma or breathing problems because of too much dust at the area...so wear a mask. Plus you need sunblock because of the sun and plenty of water to fight the thirst due to heat. Though there are a few food stalls to choose from. Some souvenir spots to buy items or booths for photo ops and selfies.

But parking is a bit far from the site, so expect to walk a few, and thus sweat a bit.

You may just want to go on a food trip around Pampanga since it is known for its culinary expertise.....or try the newly-opened Yami Bulgogi at SM Clark if you want good old airconditioned...then be back for the night glow at night time (now only during weekends - Sat and Sun) and a concert featuring local OPM bands and singers.

For first-timers, you'll be awed at all the balloons when they are inflated all at the same time, but frequent visitors to this event would notice the big difference.

There are other attractions, like the Wing Walker exhibitions, that were not there last year, but some highlights from before were also no longer there.

The entrance fee may be a bit stiff considering what you'll find there but I'll gladly pay up if I want to capture great shots using a professional top-of-the-line digital camera for photos and videos.

There were quite a number of fancy balloons of different shapes and sizes plus a few sponsors with balloons of their own too.

Getting in a balloon to actually fly with the pilot is something very memorable but do expect heat on top of your head coming from the contraption that fires up hot air to the balloons. They should provide water bottles for you to drink in case you get dehydrated up there. But it would be best to bring your own.

If you must know, there's another hot air balloon event to be held in Lubao, also in Pampanga, and held after two months sonif you miss this one, you can go there instead. This second hot air balloon event rivals the first one since the organizers of both events were formerly one group. Now they separated and setup their own different events.

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Photography by Collin Yap

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