From Waffles to Wonders: How One Birthday Tradition is Changing Lives in the Streets of Manila!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

On February 23, my girlfriend Jenylyn Dangel, buddy Carl Gerona, and I joined forces to distribute 28 free waffles to people on the streets of Taguig City, celebrating my 28th birthday in partnership with Waffle Time. The SM Bicutan branch of Waffle Time kindly helped prepare the packaging and waffles for 28 lucky recipients.

This year, our efforts received a significant boost through a partnership with Waffle Time, a renowned Filipino waffle brand. The SM Bicutan branch generously prepared and packaged the waffles for our distribution. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Ellen Irader Melocoton, Waffle Time's Marketing Officer-In-Charge, for her invaluable support in this endeavor.​

Celebrating 25 years of delectable success since its humble beginnings in September 1998 in Iloilo City, Waffle Time has become a beloved name in the food kiosk industry, delighting customers with freshly baked, mouthwatering waffles at unbeatable prices. With over 500 outlets nationwide, Waffle Time proudly holds the title of "Ang Pambansang Waffle ng Pilipinas" and is now setting its sights on becoming the world's best waffle destination - Best Waffles in the World!

Taguig City has been proactive in implementing nutrition and education programs. The local government offers free daycare integrated with nutrition interventions and physical activities, aiming to combat the country's learning crisis. Programs like the 120-Day Dietary Supplementation for young children and initiatives promoting breastfeeding reflect the city's dedication to holistic child development. ​

Our initiative aligns with these community efforts, aiming to inspire and support fellow Filipinos. We are eager to see our program grow, fostering a culture of giving and learning. Through collaboration and shared purpose, we believe in making a positive impact, one waffle at a time.​

We're excited to collaborate on future projects, starting with distributing 100 waffles to people on the streets of Manila and creating a program for kids that includes mini-lectures on reading and math. What began as a simple food-sharing initiative has evolved into a comprehensive program that provides not only sustenance but also education.

This program aims to inspire and fulfill every Filipino, and we look forward to its continued growth and impact.

Written by: Renz Delim

Banned Beauty Products Flood Online Stores—Toxic Creams Contain 24,900x the Legal Mercury Limit!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

​In a recent and alarming revelation, over 3,000 beauty products predominantly marketed to Black women have been found to contain hazardous ingredients, including mercury—a toxic element known to cause severe health issues. This discovery underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and heightened consumer awareness regarding the safety of skin lightening products (SLPs).​

Toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics has expressed deep concern over the continued online sale of banned SLPs containing mercury. Despite being prohibited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these products remain widely available on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook Reels, Facebook Marketplace, Lazada, and Shopee.​

A recent investigation by BAN Toxics' BT Patrollers involved purchasing and testing various SLPs using a Vanta C Series XRF Handheld Chemical Analyzer. The results were alarming: all eight samples tested positive for mercury, with levels ranging from 5,700 parts per million (ppm) to a staggering 24,900 ppm—far exceeding the 1 ppm limit set by the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive.​

Mercury is often added to SLPs to suppress melanin production, leading to lighter skin. However, its use comes with significant health risks. The World Health Organization has identified mercury in certain SLPs as a "major public health concern." Exposure to mercury can result in symptoms such as irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, memory problems, depression, and numbness or tingling in extremities or around the mouth.​

The U.S. FDA has also warned about the dangers of mercury exposure, noting that not only users but also their families are at risk. Mercury vapors can be inhaled, and contaminated items like washcloths or towels can spread the toxin.​

In light of these findings, BAN Toxics is calling on social media platforms and online shopping sites to take immediate action by removing content, advertisements, and listings that promote these hazardous products. Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics, emphasized the responsibility of these platforms to protect public health:​

"Social media platforms and online shopping sites must safeguard the public from prohibited beauty products that pose health risks. They should proactively take down these listings and take responsibility once and for all."​

Consumers are urged to exercise caution and avoid purchasing SLPs from unverified sources. For those seeking to address skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, dermatologists recommend products containing safe and effective ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, kojic acid, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, and licorice-root extract. These alternatives offer safer options for skin care without the associated risks of mercury exposure.​

The persistence of banned, mercury-laden skin lightening products in online marketplaces highlights a critical gap in consumer safety enforcement. It is imperative for regulatory bodies, online platforms, and consumers to collaborate in eliminating these dangerous products from the market and promoting the use of safe, effective alternatives.​

Election Violation: Candidates Caught Polluting Cities with Illegal Campaign Materials!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

​As the May 12, 2025, national elections approach, the proliferation of campaign materials in unauthorized areas has become a pressing concern in the Philippines. Environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition has issued a stern reminder to all senatorial and party-list candidates: refrain from placing campaign materials on lamp posts, utility poles, trees, and other prohibited sites.​

This advisory comes in the wake of widespread violations observed in cities such as Caloocan, Manila, and Pasay, where campaign materials have been indiscriminately displayed in forbidden zones. EcoWaste Coalition, collaborating closely with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to promote environmentally sustainable elections, emphasizes the critical need for candidates to adhere to established regulations.​

Understanding COMELEC Resolution No. 11111

COMELEC Resolution No. 11111 explicitly prohibits the posting of campaign materials outside designated common poster areas. The resolution also bans postings on private properties without the owner's consent and on public spaces, including streets, bridges, public structures, trees, electric posts or wires, schools, shrines, and main thoroughfares. Despite these clear guidelines, numerous violations persist, undermining both the aesthetic appeal of urban areas and environmental well-being.​

Environmental and Safety Implications

The unauthorized placement of campaign materials poses significant environmental and safety risks. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has highlighted the detrimental effects of nailing posters and tarpaulins to trees, which can harm or even kill them. In a recent operation, the DENR removed over 114,000 illegally posted campaign materials from trees nationwide, underscoring the severity of the issue. ​

Moreover, utility companies have raised alarms about the dangers of affixing materials to electric posts. Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. pointed out that such practices not only pose safety hazards, including potential electrocution, but also lead to unscheduled power interruptions and hinder maintenance activities. ​

Calls to Action from Authorities

Local governments are also taking proactive measures. The Quezon City government has reminded both the public and political aspirants to responsibly place their campaign materials, strictly adhering to designated common poster areas as per city ordinances. Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized the importance of respecting the city's beauty and following the law to prevent indiscriminate postings. ​

COMELEC has reiterated its commitment to enforcing these regulations. COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia warned that the commission is actively working to demonstrate to candidates and political parties that violations will not be tolerated, emphasizing the need for compliance to ensure orderly and environmentally friendly elections. ​

Eco-Friendly Campaign Practices

In light of these challenges, EcoWaste Coalition has launched the "Kalikasan: Pangalagaan sa Halalan" (Care for Nature during Elections) advocacy. This initiative urges candidates to adopt eco-friendly, non-toxic, and sustainable campaign practices. By integrating environmental protection into their platforms and avoiding the use of materials that contribute to pollution and deforestation, candidates can set a positive example for their constituents.​

Conclusion

As the election season intensifies, it is imperative for all stakeholders—candidates, supporters, and the general public—to collaborate in ensuring that campaign activities do not compromise environmental integrity or public safety. Adhering to established guidelines not only reflects a candidate's respect for the law but also their commitment to the community's well-being. Let us strive for an election that upholds democratic values while preserving the environment for future generations.​