Blogapalooza Leads Advocacy for Children’s Wishes with Project Headshot Clinic

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Blogapalooza, the Philippines' premier influencer marketing company, took a stand for hope and unity through a meaningful campaign benefiting children with critical illnesses. In collaboration with Project Headshot Clinic and Make-A-Wish Philippines, the event brought together creators, influencers, and advocates for a cause that aims to grant the wishes of children facing critical health challenges.

“This initiative is about more than just bringing people together; it’s about showing these children that they are not alone in their battles,” said Ace Gapuz, CEO of Blogapalooza. “By partnering with influencers and creators, we’re using the power of digital platforms to amplify a message of hope and resilience.”

With the theme centered around the Japanese legend of folding 1,000 origami cranes—symbolizing strength and solidarity—the event was held during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Every photo taken during the event symbolized a crane, with proceeds going directly to Make-A-Wish Philippines, an organization dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children battling serious conditions, including cancer.

While Project Headshot Clinic, spearheaded by conceptual photographer Niccolo Cosme, played a key role in providing the visual element of the campaign, Blogapalooza ensured that influencers and creators rallied behind the cause to maximize its reach. “It’s inspiring to witness influencers leverage their platforms for something that truly matters. We’re proud to have united them for this advocacy,” Gapuz added.

Cosme, who is known for turning headshots into advocacy movements, said, “Through this collaboration, we were able to create a visual representation of the hope we all have for these children. Every headshot taken reflects that shared hope and support.”

The event saw participation from key influencers, including Blogapalooza BX talents such as Chal Maling, Rozel Basilio, Ezra Mane, and Chef Gelo Guison, alongside well-known figures like Macoy Dubs, Alec Cuenca, Jako de Leon, and Diana Meneses.

“We are grateful to our partners and sponsors like Korea Garden PH and Aperture Philippines for helping us bring this advocacy to life,” Gapuz said.

As Blogapalooza continues to champion meaningful campaigns, Gapuz emphasized, “This is just one of many steps we’re taking to use our influence for positive change. We’ll continue to bring people together, share their stories, and offer hope to those who need it most.” 

About Blogapalooza 

Blogapalooza is the Philippines' premier influencer marketing company, connecting brands with content creators, influencers, and digital personalities. With a commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships and promoting positive change, Blogapalooza empowers influencers to use their platforms for social good. As a leader in the industry, Blogapalooza has spearheaded numerous campaigns aimed at amplifying important causes, while also providing brands with innovative and impactful marketing solutions. Through its events, collaborations, and digital initiatives, Blogapalooza continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of influencer marketing in the country.

DepEd Expresses Gratitude to House of Representatives for FY 2025 Budget Approval

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The Department of Education (DepEd), under the leadership of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, extended its heartfelt appreciation to the House of Representatives for the approval of its proposed Php 793.1 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The budget, part of the National Expenditure Program (NEP), was approved on Tuesday.

Secretary Angara expressed his gratitude to House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Budget Sponsor Representative Maria Carmen Zamora, and the members of the House for their unwavering support. “We sincerely thank Speaker Romualdez, Rep. Zamora, and the entire House of Representatives for their dedication to uplifting our education system. This budget reflects our shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of every Filipino learner,” Secretary Angara said.

The approved budget aligns with President Ferdinand R. “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s directive to fully harness the nation’s educational potential. It will support critical initiatives such as the construction of new classrooms, rehabilitation of school facilities, the DepEd Computerization Program, procurement of learning tools and equipment, teacher recruitment and training, the School-Based Feeding Program, and various government assistance and subsidies.

Additionally, funding will be allocated to DepEd’s attached agencies, including the National Book Development Board (NBDB), National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT), National Museum, Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCD), and the National Academy of Sports (NAS).

Budget Sponsor Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora emphasized the importance of the budget in enhancing the quality of basic education across the country. "This funding will empower DepEd to continue its mission of providing quality education, ensuring that our learners are prepared for the future's challenges and opportunities," she said. “With your continued support, we can make quality basic education a reality for all.”

During the deliberations, five lawmakers either raised clarifications or expressed support for the budget. Secretary Angara also acknowledged the constructive feedback from ACT Partylist Representative France Castro, which contributed to the revision of DepEd Order No. 12, s. 2024. This amendment to DepEd Order No. 010, s. 2024, introduces greater flexibility in teaching hours under the MATATAG Curriculum, promoting a healthier work-life balance for educators while ensuring improved educational outcomes.

Ingredients in chewing gum help tilapia survive cold climates

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Researchers inspect blue vats containing Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings fed with varying levels of Arabic gum and lecithin to see what effect these have on the fishes' survivability in cold climates. Photo credit: Benha University / National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Egypt 

Two common ingredients in ordinary chewing gum – Arabic gum and lecithin – have been found to help improve the overall health of tilapia, helping these fish survive better even in cold climates. This discovery paves the way for raising tilapia for food outside of the tropical regions where they are commonly farmed.

Native to Africa, the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) has been raised for food since ancient times due to its fast rate of reproduction. It is now a common sight in markets across tropical countries, including the Philippines and Indonesia. However, O. niloticus is sensitive to cold and only thrives in warm water within the range of 26°C to 30°C.

A recent study by an international team of researchers from Egypt and the Philippines, including Ateneo de Manila University Department of Biology’s Dr. Janice Alano Ragaza, tracked the weight, growth, blood chemistry, and enzyme levels of Nile tilapia fingerlings fed on varying amounts of Arabic gum and lecithin. Arabic gum and lecithin are common ingredients found in chewing gum and other foodstuffs. Arabic gum is made from sap, usually from the Acacia senegal or Sengalia senegal tree. Meanwhile, lecithin is a common emulsifier derived from a variety of sources, including eggs, soy beans, and sunflower seeds. Both have a wide variety of food uses, including in off-the-shelf chewing gum.

Measured amounts of Arabic gum and lecithin are kneaded into fish food before being dropped into fish tanks containing Nile tilapia fingerlings. Photo credit: Benha University / National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Egypt

The researchers found that Nile tilapia fingerlings fed on 4 grams of Arabic gum and 10 grams of lecithin per kilogram of fish food over the course of three months led to increased levels of minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants that help the fish overcome the stresses of living in winter. This change was more than just physiological, as it was found that the diet even activated specific genes associated with surviving cold temperatures.

The study, jointly undertaken by Benha University and the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Egypt; and Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines; was published in Aquaculture Reports Vol. 38 in October 2024.

SOURCES:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2024.102332