Yahoo Philippines Homepage Gets a New Look!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Refresh offers a more unified experience across Yahoo News and Yahoo Homepage

 

Yahoo today announced the new Yahoo Homepage, along with updates to Yahoo News for users in the Philippines. These changes, hosted on a dedicated Philippines domain - ph.yahoo.com, will provide a more unified experience across the Yahoo homepage and core properties, offering a better way to consume, engage, and discover the quality content users have come to expect.

With cleaner, more modern designs and a focus on increased personalization, the new sites deliver a continuous stream of articles tailored to each user (including original content) and create a more consistent experience on Yahoo properties across devices.

Here are some highlights:

Yahoo Homepage

The new Yahoo homepage is designed keeping user behavior in mind. Yahoo has made it easier for users to get all the latest news and content, in less time. People no longer need to open individual articles in multiple browser tabs; instead, they can simply scroll through related stories inline. They can also engage in conversations, share what they are passionate about with a tap, and like their favorite articles by clicking on the heart icon.

Up top, Yahoo’s editors pick some of the most important stories people need to know, alongside content most relevant to them. Over time, as users click on more content, the Yahoo stream becomes more tailored to their interests. The more people use homepage, the better their experience will be.

Yahoo News

Yahoo News provides content relevant to Filipinos, ranging from international and local politics to sports and entertainment to viral videos. For example, users can read articles – or watch videos – about the latest government pronouncements, get updates on NBA games, or find out what local artistas or Hollywood celebrities are up to.

The new upgraded design for Yahoo Philippines will provide users with a new experience which includes considerably faster page load, more seamless surfacing of slideshows, videos and original content and a more conformed platform.  

Yahoo will continue to provide the same quality content their audiences all over the world have come to expect. This major redesign of the homepage and core properties lays the foundation for many upcoming new features across platforms, harnessing the full power of Yahoo to create a unified experience across desktop and mobile web.

About Yahoo

Yahoo is a guide to digital information discovery, focused on informing, connecting, and entertaining users through its search, communications, and digital content products. By creating highly personalized experiences, Yahoo helps users discover the information that matters most to them around the world -- on mobile or desktop. Yahoo drives value for advertisers by helping them engage with consumers online through the combination of data, content and technology. Yahoo is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and has offices located throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific (APAC) and the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions. For more information, visit the pressroom (pressroom.yahoo.net) or the Company's blog (yahoo.tumblr.com).

Davaoenos Unite! Catch Davao Aguilas FC as they go Against

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Davao Aguilas Football Club (DAFC), which drew a record-breaking crowd of 4,384 when they played their first match in Tagum, Davao del Norte, is calling out to all its fans in Metro Manila, as they go up against Kaya FC Makati in their match this Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 7p.m., to be held at the University of Makati (UMAK).

“We would like to invite Davaoeños and fans of Davao Aguilas FC to come over and support the team as they go up against Kaya FC Makati this Saturday.  It would be a big boost for the team if they had their fans screaming for them.  I’m sure the fans would love to see how this team fights to the finish,” says DAFC CEO Chito Manuel.
 
Among the players to watch out for in DAFC is 19-year old Fil-Belgian Dylan de Bruycker, who has scored 3 goals for the team in its last 2 matches, and  is also part of the Philippines Men’s U22 national team.

In a recent article, Dylan was described as “Very composed and tricky,…he is dangerous when he gets momentum, and in front of goal he can finish with either his left or right.” 

Homegrown Davao footballers such as Alexis Cabistante, John Philip Delos Santos and Roeder Ignacio are also part of the team. 

Match against Kaya FC Makati has been adjusted to May 20, 2017, 7 p.m. and will be held at the University of Makati (UMAK).

Tickets are available at the stadium.  

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/DAFCofficial.
 

Ben Askren Predicts an Easy Night Against Agilan Thani

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American mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar Ben “Funky” Askren is set to make his much-awaited return to the ONE Championship cage on 26 May as he stakes his undefeated record and the coveted ONE Welterweight World Championship title against fellow unbeaten fighter Agilan “The Alligator” Thani of Malaysia.

Both men are scheduled to collide in the co-headliner of ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES, which takes place at the 12,000-seater Singapore Indoor Stadium.

When the champion known as “Funky” enters the sold-out showground for the scheduled five-round championship clash with Thani, it will have been over a year since he last made the walk to the cage.

However, his Malaysian opponent has competed three times since then and still has the enthusiasm and drive to seek improvements in his game every day at the tender age of 21.

Thani's rise in MMA after just a few years in the sport has been spectacular, but Askren believes there is nothing his foe can do that will prepare him for what is about to come.

"It does not matter what my opponent's strengths and weaknesses are, because at the end of the day, I have got the trump card. He cannot stop my wrestling, which he cannot, then he is going to be on his back, and he is going to get beaten up," he said.

Askren’s claim is not erroneous as he is highly regarded for his outstanding wrestling background that earned him two NCAA Division I national championship trophies and the privilege to represent the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

In addition, Askren is universally recognized as one of the best welterweight in mixed martial arts (MMA) today and one of the best fighters in the world pound-for-pound.

The 32-year-old grappling expert from Milwaukee, Wisconsin holds an unblemished professional MMA record of 15-0 with four knockout victories and four submission wins.

“Usually, it is just not enough, and by usually, I mean it always is never enough,” Askren quipped.

Although Askren acknowledges Thani’s inspirational story of coming from Malaysia’s lower level development scene all the way to a ONE Championship title contest, he is confident of keeping the gold-plated strap around his waist and his unscathed win-loss MMA slate intact.

“He's young and he's coming up and he might be great someday, but I keep telling people May 26 is not going to be his day. May 26 is going to be a very tough day in the life of Agilan Thani,” he ended.

​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

PHL’s Biggest Food Show Opens May 19-21 at WTCMM, PTTC

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IFEX Philippines rounds up over 700 int’l, local firms in a grand showcase of Asian flavors.
CITEM Executive Director Clayton Tugonon gives a thumbs-up on ground and roasted coffee ATOKAPE - 100% Benguet Arabica Coffee, one of the export products featured in IFEX Philippines. ATOKAPE is made from beans harvested by local farmers from the highlands of Benguet and Mountain Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

The International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines, Asia’s ethnic food and ingredient show, welcomes every food buyers and enthusiast as it opens for its 11th edition on Friday, May 19, until May 21 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

IFEX Philippines is the country’s biggest export-oriented food show and one of the official trade events of the 30th ASEAN Summit. It organized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Center for International Trade Exhibitions and Missions of (DTI-CITEM).

Under the theme “Taste ASEAN,” IFEX Philippines will gather over 700 international and local food companies to demonstrate new bonanza of Asian flavors, product offerings, and food innovations.

Celebrate What's Great at Philippines-Australia Friendship Day

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The Australian Embassy and the Australia Global Alumni in the Philippines will mark the first official Philippines – Australia Friendship Day with an outdoor festival on Saturday, 20 May at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater. 

 “This is a celebration of the longstanding and close friendship between our two countries,” said Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely, “We have strong people-to-people links nurtured through educational and cultural exchanges. So I am very pleased that Australia Global Alumni are leading the celebration of the first PhilippinesAustralia Friendship Day.” 

Inspired by Australia’s lively outdoor lifestyle, the festival will feature a free film screening and concert, a food and fashion fair, kid’s games and a traditional Aussie sausage sizzle hosted by alumni and volunteers. The award-winning Australian family film Paper Planes will screen in the afternoon, followed by a fun paper plane making competition. 

To cap off the festival, Australian sax duo Half Sound with Erick Calilan and Tusa Montes, Indie Alternative band Oh! Flamingo and Filipino rock icons Razorback will perform. Festivalgoers will also enjoy a free shuttle service around Bonifacio High Street on Star 8 solar jeepneys. 

These green public utility vehicles feature innovative Australian technology that modernises the classic Filipino jeep. “I thank our Filipino friends and my fellow Australians for their warm support of last year’s celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations,” Ambassador Gorely said. 

 “One of the outcomes of that was a Presidential Proclamation declaring 22 May of each year as Philippines– Australia Friendship Day so we can celebrate what’s great between our two countries,” she added. The Philippines is one of Australia’s longest-standing bilateral relationships. While formal relations commenced with the opening of Australia’s first Consulate-General in Manila on 22 May 1946, links between the two countries date back to the 1800s, driven by trade and migration. 

Lasting ties were forged in the heat of battle when 4,000 Australian service personnel fought alongside Filipino and allied forces for the liberation of the Philippines in WWII. 

Today, Australia and the Philippines cooperate closely across a range of areas, including defence, counter-terrorism, law enforcement, education and development.Australia is the second largest source of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines, with AUD 83 million (PhP 2.8 million) in 2016-17 strategically deployed to support the Philippine roadmap for sustainable growth. “I invite everyone to join us in celebrating this inaugural friendship day,” said Ambassador Gorely. 

The Ambassador launched an online campaign to inspire people across the Philippines to join the celebration by sharing their stories of friendship using the official hashtag #AUPhWeAreMates and #FilAussieDay. For more information about the first Philippines–Australia Friendship Day celebration, visit www.philippines.embassy.gov.au, like Australia in the Philippines on Facebook and follow @AusAmbPH on Twitter.


Here’s the link to the pre-publicity video: https://www.facebook.com/AustralianEmbassyManila/videos/1347323208683873/

Advocacy Group Encourages the Youth for their First HIV Test

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With 30 Filipinos being diagnosed with HIV every day, LoveYourself, Inc. will hold a free, fast and confidential HIV screening day for the Youth on 28 May 2017 (10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.) at Victoria Court, Malate dubbed as “Let's TestMNL.”

Let’s TestMNL specifically targets the Youth sector following the rate of HIV infection in this population, but nonetheless, all are invited, to register at this link: go.loveyourself.ph/testmnl to join the event.

“We are aggressive in bringing this free, fast and confidential HIV testing to the Youth because of their apparent vulnerability to the causes of the disease, and most importantly, only through testing that we can detect if one has the virus,” LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan underscored.

According to the latest Department of Health (DOH) data, there are 2,160 individuals aged 15-34 who have contracted the virus for the first January to March of this year alone.

Pagtakhan clarified, “Let’s TestMNL testing day is for all ages, but LoveYourself highly encourages college students and those in their early 20s to support the movement in knowing their HIV status for the first time, especially in a safe yet welcoming space.”

4th Philippine Property Expo: Find All Things Real Estate under One Roof

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Mediacom Solutions is staging the 4th Philippine Property Expo, to be held on May 27-28, 2017 at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila and will be open from 11:00am until 08:00pm.

With its tagline “Find All Things Real Estate under One Roof”, the Philippine Property Expo will feature over 80 property developments, from condominiums to house and lot, as well as various real estate suppliers, from furniture, kitchen, technology to home accessories.

This 2 day event is also filled with an interactive program where visitors will be able to learn from property industry experts all about real estate, from property market trends, to property investment tips, a guide for first time home buyers, home beatification hacks and more.

“Now on its 4th year, the Philippine Property Expo will provide interested home buyers, property investors and real estate professionals a wider selection to source for their dream property and supplies, as well as the opportunity to learn from property experts, all under one roof for free” says Mediacom Solutions CEO and Founder of the Philippine Property Expo, Mr. David Abrenilla.

More Coffee Export Deals Eyed at IFEX Philippines

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Philippine coffee is being positioned for a bigger role in export trade at IFEX Philippines, the country’s biggest international food show, currently held today until May 21 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

According to Leandro Gazmin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness and Marketing Services (DA-AMAS), IFEX Philippines will serve as a platform to streamline the goals of the Philippine Coffee Industry Road Map (PCIR) 2017-2022.

Recently signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last March, the roadmap serves as the country’s coffee industry guide to achieve a more competitive, profitable and sustainable growth, contributing to improving national food security measures and poverty alleviation.

“We want to showcase coffee here at IFEX Philippines 2017. The coffee pavilion will demonstrate the value-chain of coffee from bean to brew. Through IFEX, we would like to promote trade and position the Philippines as one of the sources of the best coffee,” says Asec. Gazmin.

“Roadmaps are vital instruments to provide direction to the industry stakeholders to move the industry forward. Roadmaps assess the current industry situation, identifies critical key result areas which have to be addressed to meet its short term and long term goals of developing the industry. Crafting of these roadmaps is stakeholders-led and thus participation and collaboration of both government and the private sector are promoted,” adds Gazmin.

According to the roadmap, the Philippine coffee industry intends to export 214,626 metric tons of green coffee by 2022. Should the goal be met, the Philippines would have surplus coffee available for export.

“From being a significant player, we are now a minor player in Southeast Asia. But the huge potential of Philippine coffee cannot be understated especially for specialty coffee. Our coffee has distinct flavor and aroma. In fact, based on a study, the Philippine beans is said to be competitive with imports from Viet Nam and Indonesia. Coupled with the right intervention, Philippine coffee has a bright future,” explained Gazmin.

The Philippines is one of the few countries in the world producing the four coffee varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa. Local coffee farmers have evolved from subsistent farmers to entrepreneurs through the active support from coffee organizations pushing coffee for a more sustainable enterprise. Coffee farmers are continuously adopting environment-friendly technologies and are intensifying their efforts to comply market standards.

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IFEX Philippines is the country’s biggest international trade exhibition on the Philippines’ and Asia's ethnic and specialty food, tropical fruits, vegetables, seafood, beverages, bakery and confectionery products, meat and poultry, Halal-certified products, as well as natural, organic, and healthy food products.

It is one of the official business events in the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Summit. The three-day event is organized by DTI-CITEM, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion (CBIP), which is chaired by DTI.

Monde Nissin to Make Favorite Dishes Healthier at Summit of Flavors @ IFEX Kitchen

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Philippine food industry giant Monde Nissin Corporation is bringing a healthier and tastier twist to international delicacies in its participation at the Summit of Flavors @ IFEX KITCHEN, a special event featuring cooking demonstrations by local and international celebrity chefs at the IFEX Philippines event slated on May 19-21 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

On May 21, Monde Nissin will feature Quorn, a range of meat-free protein products that makes just about any type of food healthier without compromising its taste. Quorn’s main ingredient is Mycroprotein, a naturally healthy protein from nutritious fungus that is meat-free and non-GMO. It is low in saturated fat and calories, high in protein and fiber, and has zero cholesterol.

Quorn made healthier Monde Nissin’s array of delicacies like the Mushroom Stroganoff, a rich and creamy vegetarian version of the Russian specialty made with mushrooms and Quorn Chunks. It is great for either rice or pasta, and is perfect for the whole family.

The company will also prepare Quorn Greek Style Salad, a healthy and low fat salad recipe with fresh herbs, olives, and avocado served with a vinaigrette dressing, and Chili con Quorn™, a delicious Mexican meat sauce that combines Quorn™ Grounds, beans, and a rich, spicy tomato sauce.

Monde Nissin will also revamp the classic Filipino curry dish with Quorn Chunks simmered in an aromatic curry sauce and thickened with coconut cream.

Preparing this mouthwatering dishes at the Monde Nissin booth will be Chef Heart Alikpala, Research and Development Chef at the company.

Also showcasing their products at the event are Magic Melt Foods Inc., Nutri-Asia Inc., and GEMS Inc. CCI France-Philippines will also be presenting some products and its own chef from the Society Lounge and Tauro Pintxos Wine Bar & Grill.

The IFEX KITCHEN is located at The MarketPlace at the main hall of the Philippine Trade Training Center.

IFEX PHL Banners Country’s Top Agri-Export on May 19-21 Show

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The Philippines top agricultural export products will be among the highlights of the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines to be held on May 19–21, 2017 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and the Philippine Trade and Training Center, Pasay City.

In line with its efforts to promote the country’s food commodities to the international market, IFEX Philippines will have special highlights on coffee, cacao, coconut, and fruit and nut products as part of the Food Industry Cluster under the Food Artisans Village. Each pavilion site will showcase the Philippines’ high-demand export commodities in numerous varieties and cultivars.

“Through IFEX Philippines, we hope to close new deals and partnerships with our extensive list of international buyers, a majority of which are new comers to the event,” said CITEM Executive Director, Clayton Tugonon. “We are showcasing only the best in IFEX Philippines and buyers can expect to see the finest agricultural products the Philippines has to offer.”

Agro-based products contributed to 6.1% of the share of the Philippine’s export in the first half of 2016, amounting to a $291.5 million in sales. Coconut products lead the country’s agricultural exports with 34% share to total agricultural exports, closing off the last quarter of 2016 with a total of $487.3 million.

The Philippines is a major producer of tropical fruits, exporting more than 744,000 metric tons of homegrown products in the fourth quarter of 2016. Bananas ranked second in the total agricultural exports with a share of 12% and sales of $172.6 in 2016. Pineapples follow right after at 10.7% with $153.7 million in sales.

Tuna, fourth in the overall export shares with 5.5%, recorded an increase in exports by 39.2% during the fourth quarter of 2016 from $56.58 million in 2015 to $78.76 million. Other seafood products, such as seaweeds, carrageenan, shrimps, and prawns, produced $67.54 million during the same period.

Coffee exports rose by 24.7% from $91.50 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 to $114.14 million in 2016, while cacao closed off the year with $72.16 million, an increase by almost 30%.

“There is a constant increase in the exports of our commodities and with new partnerships, such as our outstanding one with Japan, this trend will only continue within the next years,” said Tugonon. “IFEX Philippines will be our one-stop trade platform in promoting our local products and building relationship with global buyers.”

The 11th edition of IFEX Philippines will feature four major exhibition halls that will present a spectrum of flavors from across the globe.

Top and emerging Philippine exporters and business support organizations (BSOs) in the food industry will be stationed at the “Food Philippines Hall”, while the “International Hall” presents top food products and ingredients from top international companies and manufacturers.

The distinct flavors of the country’s provinces take center stage in the “Food Artisans Village”, presented by the Department of Agriculture, through the Agribusiness Marketing and Assistance Service (DA-AMAS). The Food Artisans Village includes the Commodity, Seafood, Mindanao, and Negros Occidental Pavilions.

The “MarketPlace” is a free-for-all where buyers and visitors can purchase on retail throughout the event.

IFEX will also present highly curated exhibit of product prototypes developed through the locally fabricated food machinery operated by Food Innovation Centers (FICs), under the Department of Science and Technology- Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) at the “Food Innovation Gallery”.

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IFEX Philippines, Asia’s ethnic food & ingredients show, is the country’s biggest international trade exhibition on the Philippines’ and Asia's specialty food, with around 700 exhibitor companies, attracting wholesale buyers, importers and food distributors from all over the world.

IFEX Philippines is a fast-rising Asian marketplace where sellers of unique tropical flavors, products, innovations, and services are linked with international buyers, importers, and retailers, propelling for bigger international presence, wider variety of products, and world-class features. Categories include tropical fruits, vegetables, seafood, beverages, bakery and confectionery products, meat and poultry, Halal-certified products, as well as natural, organic, and healthy food products. It is organized in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), and the ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion (CBIP), which is chaired by DTI.