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Saturday, April 26, 2025

Cebu-Based Paint Manufacturer Treasure Island Industrial Corp. Joins Elite Circle of Lead Safe Paint® Certified Companies


Wazzup Pilipinas!?



In a groundbreaking victory for consumer safety, environmental responsibility, and corporate integrity, Cebu-based Treasure Island Industrial Corporation (TIIC) has officially secured the prestigious Lead Safe Paint® (LSP®) Certification, earning its place among a select group of Philippine companies that have voluntarily submitted to the world’s most stringent paint safety standards.


The announcement, made by SCS Global Services, a US-based certification body, electrified both the business and civil society sectors, hailing TIIC's success as a monumental step forward in protecting public health and promoting safer consumer choices. Treasure Island’s celebrated brands — Island Paints, Star Elastomer Paints, and Apollo Paints — are now verified to be free from hazardous lead additives, aligning with the Philippines’ strict 90 parts per million (ppm) limit under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Chemical Control Order (CCO).


“SCS Global Services is thrilled to announce that TIIC’s paints have passed exhaustive Lead Safe Paint® verification procedures. This empowers consumers to make safer choices for their families, their communities, and our planet,” said Rob Emelander, Program Manager at SCS Global Services.






A Powerful Symbol of Trust


The achievement allows TIIC to proudly display the Lead Safe Paint® logo on their product labels and marketing materials — a visual and powerful symbol of safety, quality, and environmental stewardship. It is a badge that not only reassures consumers but challenges the entire industry to rise to the same high standard.


This voluntary certification, while not required by the CCO, underscores TIIC's corporate ethos: an unwavering commitment to public health, sustainability, and regulatory excellence.


“While the CCO does not require third-party certification, TIIC’s decision to pursue and achieve it is a notable and commendable milestone," affirmed Atty. John Menguito, Managing Trustee of the Cebu-based Philippine Earth Justice Center (PEJC) and member of the EcoWaste Coalition. "Consumers can now shop with greater confidence, knowing that these paints do not contain toxic lead ingredients that could put children, workers, and pregnant women at risk."


Business Integrity Meets Environmental Advocacy


Business leaders, environmental groups, and global health advocates were united in their praise of TIIC’s landmark accomplishment.


“This certification is a remarkable testament to TIIC’s commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainability," said Reginald Yu, President of the Philippine Paint & Coatings Association, Inc. (PPCAI). “At a time when safety and sustainability are more crucial than ever, TIIC’s achievement sends a powerful message about the integrity and professionalism that defines their brands.”


On the global stage, IPEN — the organization that launched the LSP® program in 2015 — echoed these sentiments.


“Lead exposure remains a devastating public health issue, especially in developing countries," stated Jeiel Guarino, IPEN’s Global Lead Paint Elimination Campaigner. "TIIC’s certification will significantly reduce the risk of lead poisoning among vulnerable sectors, including children and paint workers, while offering Filipino consumers safer and healthier alternatives."


Building a Safer, Healthier Future


Environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition also congratulated TIIC for investing in independent certification — a strategic decision that promises far-reaching benefits.


“TIIC’s move sets a gold standard for responsible manufacturing,” said Manny Calonzo, Campaigner for EcoWaste Coalition. “Certification does not just protect health; it enhances brand trust, builds competitive advantage, and boosts market confidence. We urge other companies to follow TIIC’s inspiring example."


A Growing League of Champions


With TIIC's certification, the Philippines now boasts seven companies leading the charge for a lead-free future:


Asian Coatings Philippines Corp. / Rain or Shine Paints

Davies Paints Philippines, Inc.

FH Colors & Coatings Corp. / A-Plus Paints

Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, Inc.

Roosevelt Chemical Inc. / Triton Paints

Sycwin Coating & Wires, Inc. / Purecoat Paints


Treasure Island Industrial Corp. / Island, Star Elastomer, and Apollo Paints


Each company, through third-party verification, represents a powerful commitment to a Philippines free from the dangers of lead exposure.


For more information and to view the official LSP® certificates for TIIC’s verified products, please visit:

https://www.scsglobalservices.com/certified-green-products-guide?q=Treasure+Island+Industrial+Corp

The E-Commerce Visionary: Macy Castillo's Journey to Revolutionizing Digital Entrepreneurship


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In the bustling landscape of Southeast Asian technology, few figures have made as profound an impact as Macy Castillo. As the co-founder and CEO of Enstack, Castillo has emerged as a transformative force in democratizing e-commerce, particularly for entrepreneurs who have traditionally faced barriers to digital commerce adoption.



A Vision Born from Experience

Castillo's journey through the digital commerce ecosystem began with formative experiences in finance, with three years in banking across Los Angeles and London. This financial foundation, built upon her Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in Applied Mathematics from Pepperdine University (where she graduated cum laude), provided her with a unique perspective on commerce and financial systems.


Her transition into the world of e-commerce began at Zalora, a Rocket Internet venture, where she cut her teeth in product management. However, it was her groundbreaking role as the first country lead for Shopee Philippines that would establish her reputation as an e-commerce innovator. Under her leadership, Shopee rapidly evolved from a newcomer to a dominant force in the Philippine online shopping landscape.


"The experience at Shopee provided invaluable insights into both the tremendous potential and significant challenges of digital commerce in emerging markets," notes an industry analyst familiar with Castillo's work.








Bridging Financial and Digital Divides

Following her success at Shopee, Castillo's tenure at Oriente in 2017 saw her leading Strategy and Special Projects, where she helped advance fintech solutions throughout Southeast Asia. This experience, combined with her academic credentials, which include a Master's degree in Public Management and Governance from the London School of Economics and Political Science, positioned her uniquely at the intersection of technology, business, and public interest.


This convergence of expertise has proven crucial to her current mission at Enstack.


Enstack: Democratizing Digital Commerce

With Enstack, Castillo has created an AI-powered no-code e-commerce solution that addresses a critical gap in the market. The platform is designed as an all-in-one mobile app that enables entrepreneurs to quickly establish and manage online stores with minimal technical knowledge.


What sets Enstack apart is its integrated approach—combining essential services like payments and logistics in one user-friendly platform. This integration eliminates many of the complex technical hurdles that have traditionally prevented small business owners, particularly women entrepreneurs, from establishing a digital presence.


"The beauty of what Macy has built with Enstack is that it removes layers of complexity," explains a digital commerce expert. "Where entrepreneurs previously needed to navigate multiple separate services and platforms, they now have a single, intuitive solution."


Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Perhaps most notably, Castillo has positioned Enstack with a particular focus on empowering women entrepreneurs. In regions where women often face additional barriers to business ownership and technology adoption, this emphasis carries significant social impact potential.


The platform's mobile-first approach is also strategically important in Southeast Asia, where smartphone penetration far exceeds traditional computer access, making digital tools more accessible to a broader population.


A Decade of Transformation

Over the past decade, Castillo's influence on Southeast Asian e-commerce has been profound. From helping establish Shopee as a regional powerhouse to advancing fintech solutions at Oriente and now revolutionizing access to digital commerce tools with Enstack, her career represents a consistent commitment to expanding digital economic opportunities.


With her combination of financial acumen, technological vision, and commitment to accessibility, Macy Castillo continues to shape the future of digital entrepreneurship in ways that extend far beyond just building successful companies—she's helping build more inclusive digital economies.


As Southeast Asia's digital landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, Castillo's innovations at Enstack position her at the forefront of efforts to ensure that the benefits of this digital transformation are widely shared, particularly among those who have historically been excluded from traditional commerce ecosystems.

Friday, April 25, 2025

Pinoy Otaku Festival 2025: Celebrates 10 Years of the Uniqueness of Filipino Japanese Pop Culture and Fandom


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Get ready, Philippines! The highly anticipated Pinoy Otaku Festival is back for its 2025 edition, promising an even more vibrant and immersive experience for anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, and pop culture enthusiasts from all over the nation. This year's festival will be held on May 1-4, 2025 at Robinsons Novaliches Trade Hall and is poised to be the biggest celebration of Filipino otaku culture yet.

To celebrate the 10th Edition of the Pinoy Otaku Festival, key guests include Zhia, a cosplayer from Bicol, Sowon, Meewo, Mirai, Ivy! Musume, Korin, Sheartato, Choji TV, Aspire, and more. It promises to be one of the grandest gatherings of idols, cosplayers, and performers in the Philippines.




The event, which began in 2011, will feature an electrifying lineup of activities designed to thrill every kind of fan:

  • Cosplay Competition Extravaganza: Witness Filipino cosplay mastery on full display across various categories.

  • Trading Card Game Tournaments (in cooperation with Toy Shogun): Compete and win exciting prizes!

  • Anime and Manga Mania: Dive into a wonderland of merch, fan art, screenings, and exclusive releases.

  • Gaming Gauntlet: Join video game tournaments or enjoy casual free-play zones.

  • Artist Alley Showcase: Support homegrown talent and bring home one-of-a-kind creations.

  • Special Guest Appearances: Rub elbows with idols and iconic figures in the local and international scene.

  • Panel Discussions and Workshops: Learn from industry veterans and fellow fans through informative sessions.

  • Live Performances: Feel the beat with exhilarating music from anime and J-pop culture.

  • Merch Booths Galore: Shop to your heart's content with otaku treasures and collectibles.

As it celebrates a decade of fandom, the Pinoy Otaku Festival 2025 continues its mission to create a safe, inclusive, and exhilarating space for fans of all ages to unite, express, and belong.

Tickets are now available at: pof.ticketmax.ph


Special VIP PASS and 4-DAY PASS offers are only available online!

This iconic event is made possible through the collaboration of Red Cloud Interactive, Robinsons Novaliches, and co-presenters Ani-One Philippines, XPasm Studios, Toy Shogun, and Printing King, along with support from AMBOX Events, Arterion Philippines, Shoryu Fighting Games, Herals Peak, Cavite Cosplayers Official, Multiverse Wrestling Unlimited, 1South Cosplay, Jakk N Jones Cosplays, and YU-EN Cosplay.

Stay Connected:

Facebook Event Page: facebook.com/events/433472549286285
Main Page: facebook.com/pinoyotakufestival
Instagram: instagram.com/pinoyotakufestival

Wazzup Pilipinas, led by its dynamic founder Ross Del Rosario, is honored to take part in this milestone event — and we invite everyone to join the celebration of Filipino otaku pride, identity, and passion.

Don't miss the ultimate otaku experience of the year. See you at Pinoy Otaku Festival

Ang Pambansang Blog ng Pilipinas Wazzup Pilipinas and the Umalohokans. Ang Pambansang Blog ng Pilipinas celebrating 10th year of online presence
 
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