Scoops of Goodness for Every Juan

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Japanese brand Almond Koka collaborates with Gelato Manila for a line of plant-based gelato

Summer in the Philippines screams the loudest for ice cream. As the country’s heat index continues to peak, it makes the dessert more of an irresistible necessity than an occasional treat by many Filipinos. 

However, here’s the scoop: many are skipping the goodness of ice cream to cool down either because they’re lactose-intolerant or their lifestyles just call for more nutritious and more ethical alternatives.

This is what Japanese food manufacturer Glico with its Almond Koka brand and homegrown business Gelato Manila aim to address, as both believe that finding equally delicious and healthy ice cream must be a “no-sweat” job for Filipinos. Hence, they formed a collaboration to come up with a line of plant-based gelato where indulgence meets health during the country’s hottest season.

Providing Filipinos deliciously healthy choices 

Glico’s Almond Koka is the best-selling almond milk in Japan, boasting a superior taste and top-notch nutrition from its Vitamin ​E content that is 100% of the daily requirement. Now available in the Philippines, Glico is eager to provide the freedom to enjoy delectable food and drinks made with their Almond Koka products, while not compromising the health needs of Filipinos.

Whipping up some plant-based coolness with Almond Koka is Philippines’ premium gelateria, Gelato Manila. Co-founded by world-renowned gelato maker Chef Zarah Manikan, the brand is known for its expertise in creating healthier Filipino gelatos using only natural ingredients sourced from local farmers and neighboring communities.

‘PINAS-Sarap’ with Almond Koka

The Pinoy Plant-Based Gelato by Almond Koka x Gelato Manila consists of plant-based versions of three well-loved Filipino ice cream flavors, all made with quality ingredients and Almond Koka milk products. Each flavor makes a good addition to any diet while beating the record-breaking heat.

As the Philippines is home to arguably some of the world’s best mangoes, the collaboration did not miss the opportunity to include Mangga Koka in their line of gelato. It’s made with fresh ripe mangoes churned with Almond Koka Original for a vibrant-tasting healthy treat.

On the other hand, Almond Mantikilya is a roasted almond butter gelato that has a bolder and nuttier flavor from the Almond Koka Unsweetened. It truly captivates Filipinos’ fondness for sweet indulgence with a surprising twist: it’s actually low in sugar!

Nothing puts anyone in a better mood than a scoop of good chocolate gelato. So completing the trifecta is Kokoa, which has the decadence of deep and rich chocolate from the finest cocoa and Almond Koka Chocolate. This flavor not only soothes the soul but also remains a healthy way to conquer a scorching day.

The Pinoy Plant-Based Gelato by Almond Koka x Gelato Manila will be available as a sampler set of all three flavors for only P450 from April 18, 2024 until June 2024 at www.gelatomanila.com and in selected One World Deli stores.

For more information, FOLLOW @glico_ph and @gelatomanila on Instagram and LIKE Gelato Manila on Facebook.

● Communication

Official Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PockyPhilippines

Official Instagram https://www.instagram.com/glico_ph/

Official TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@glico_pr_ph

Glico Brand Store (Shopalyst) https://shop-ph-glico.com/brandstore/glico

Glico Asia Pacific website https://www.glico.com/sg/

About Glico

On February 11, 2022, the Glico Group celebrated the 100th year of its founding. In 1922, Glico’s nutritious Glico caramel in its distinctive red box first hit the shelves of a department store. 

Headquartered in Japan, Glico has since expanded into Asia Pacific, European, and North American markets with the aspiration to stay true to its founding spirit of enhancing people’s health through food.

Led by its well-loved confectionary brands such as Pocky, Pretz, and Pejoy, Glico has now expanded its portfolio to include ice cream products, baby formula, milk products, desserts, food ingredients, and raw materials for cosmetic and health products. Its health and wellness offerings such as the SUNAO range of zero sucrose, low carbohydrate food products and Almond Koka almond milk are gaining popularity outside of Japan after becoming a hit in its domestic market.

About Almond Koka

Japan’s #1 almond milk brand is now in the Philippines! Almond Koka is produced from high-quality almonds sourced from the United States and Australia. It is rich in Vitamin E, a good source of Fiber, and is 0% cholesterol. Discover Goodness with every delicious sip of Almond Koka- available in 1L Original, Unsweetened, and Chocolate. 

For inquiries regarding distributors, please contact the Glico Philippines Consumer Hotline.

TEL: (+632) 8464-1105 / Email: consumer.hotline@glico.com.ph

Our Distributor

GYMBOREE MARKETING INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Office Address: 917 Banawe St., Barangay Manresa, Quezon City

Gelato Manila is a new frozen desserts business led by chef-entrepreneur Zarah Manikan & husband Joao. It is a premium gelato brand that promotes local Philippine flavors, ingredients, and culture in its Gelato. Its primary market are gelato & premium ice- cream buyers that look for new and exciting Filipino brands that offer Vegan, Healthy (low Sugar Choices) as well as all- time classic Italian and Filipino flavors for Gelato. Gelato Manila’s most outstanding characteristic is its unique flavor profile and smooth texture.

● Communication

Official Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gelatomanila/

Official Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gelatomanila/

Website https://gelatomanila.com/

How Can New Crypto Enterprises in SVG Avoid the Most Typical Legal Pitfalls and Stay in Complete Compliance with All Local Regulations?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

New cryptocurrency businesses in SVG often unintentionally break the law by not registering properly. Other prevalent legal pitfalls include not adhering to anti-money laundering (AML) laws and not acquiring the necessary licenses. In order to stay in the clear, generally, businesses need to hire outside help, be it attorneys or consult firms that are well-versed in this nation’s crypto laws. Other pitfalls can be avoided by registering with the Financial Services Authority (FSA), putting in place strong anti-money-laundering and know-your-customer (KYC) protocols, and making sure that all the required permits are acquired. Crucial measures for preserving compliance include:

Performing internal audits;


Remaining updated about legislative changes;


Regularly revising policies and processes to align with shifting rules.

 
How Does the Absence of Cryptocurrency-Specific Regulations in SVG Affect Companies, and What Steps Should They Take to Operate Within the Legal Gray Areas?

Freshly registered companies may actually face confusion and ambiguity due to the lack of cryptocurrency-specific rules in SVG. It may be difficult to get proper licenses, comply with anti-money-laundering legislation, and understand the tax consequences. Businesses can do several things to operate in a proper fashion.

Establishing openness, strong AML/KYC processes, consulting attorneys, and keeping lines of communication open with regulatory bodies all help in avoiding any legal ambiguity. When operating in SVG's changing crypto market, it's important to remain current on best international practices, form alliances with compliant financial institutions, and manage risks.

Given The Challenges of Banking and Financial Services for Crypto Companies in Small Island Nations, What Are the Pitfalls of Not Securing Reliable Banking Partnerships In SVG?

Holders of the SVG crypto license may face the following consequences if they fail to get a trustworthy banking partnership:

Problems with consumer transactions;


Frequent interruptions to company operations;


Severely restricted access to fiat currency exchanges.

There can also be operational delays and reputational harm if businesses can't pay their workers, suppliers, or taxes. Because it could be harder for businesses to do comprehensive due diligence on client transactions when they do not have any solid banking links, AML rules might be more difficult to comply with.

What Risks Do Crypto Companies Face If They Neglect Consumer Protection Laws in SVG, Especially Concerning Digital Assets' Security and Fraud Prevention?

As a first concern, they run the danger of alienating customers and tarnishing their brand. This, in turn, reduces user adoption and discourages investment. Their bottom line will definitely suffer. Furthermore, businesses risk cyberattacks, data theft, and financial losses if they do not have sufficient security measures in place. Legal consequences, such as fines and punishments, may also emerge. Crypto firms' legitimacy and sustainability are put at risk when consumer protection regulations are neglected.

How Can Ignoring International Standards and Scrutiny Related to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Impact a Crypto Company Operating in SVG?

There might be serious repercussions for a crypto corporation if it chooses to disregard these rules. Damage to one's reputation, betrayal of one's customers and investors, and eventually, banishment from international financial networks are all possible outcomes. Serious penalties, including fines and jail time, can also come from failing to comply.

Why Is It Important for Crypto Companies in SVG to Consider Their Impact on The Local Economy and Community, and What Negative Consequences Could Arise from Failing to Do So?

If businesses want to promote long-term development and good relations, they must ALWAYS think about how their operations will affect the local economy and community. If this doesn't happen, resource exploitation, social unrest, and economic inequality are all possible outcomes. Distrust, pushback from authorities, and trouble forming alliances hurt both the local economy at large and the crypto sector specifically. Disregarding community involvement may also reduce the availability of resources and overall skill, which might slow adoption.

What Are the Consequences of Misunderstanding or Mismanaging Tax Obligations for Crypto Companies In SVG, Considering the Unique Tax Laws Applicable to Digital Assets?

The tax authorities may take legal action, fines, or penalties against anyone who does not comply with the regulations pertaining to digital assets. A company's credibility and the trust of its investors might take a hit if its tax returns are inaccurate. Future fundraising endeavors and collaborations might be impacted by mishandling tax responsibilities. This could lead to questions about regulatory compliance at large. To stay out of trouble with the law, cryptocurrency businesses need to be well-versed in and pay all applicable taxes. This includes income tax, capital gains tax, and any other taxes that apply to digital asset transactions in SVG.

With Global Concerns Over Data Privacy and Security, What Are the Risks to Crypto Companies in SVG If They Fail to Implement Robust Data Protection Measures?

Significant hazards may be averted by implementing comprehensive data security mechanisms. Understand this: data breaches, which may result in the loss of sensitive information including private keys, transaction details, and client data, become an actual possibility without proper protections. This puts the firm at risk of regulatory penalties and legal responsibilities under data privacy rules. All in addition to damaging its brand and endangering user confidence. Furthermore, the firm and its customers might suffer financial losses if data integrity is compromised. This can seriously endanger the actual security of crypto assets.

Given The Increasing Attention on The Environmental Impact of Cryptocurrency Mining, What Should Companies Consider to Avoid Negative Environmental Consequences in SVG?

Companies should focus on energy efficiency and sustainability first and foremost. One example is powering mining operations using renewable energy like solar or wind.

Efficient cooling systems and well-configured gear may further cut down on power use. A dedication to sustainability may also be shown by investing in environmental conservation efforts and working with local communities to resolve difficulties. In short, it is necessary to adhere to regulatory norms and participate in industry-led initiatives to establish eco-friendly mining processes.

Common Myths About Clean Energy Transition in the Philippines: Debunked!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

This Monday 22 April is Earth Day, and in the Philippines the transition away from coal and towards renewable energy is not just an environmental imperative but a critical move for public health and economic prosperity.

Coal, a predominant source of energy in the country, is not only one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions but also an important source of air pollution.

"Air pollution poses severe health risks, from respiratory ailments to heart diseases, affecting millions of Filipinos. As the Philippines endeavors to secure a sustainable future, reducing dependence on coal becomes crucial.

This Earth Day and beyond, it is vital that we debunk prevailing myths about clean energy transition, emphasizing the tangible benefits of renewable energy for the people of the Philippines."

- Glynda Bathan-Baterina, Deputy Executive Director, Clean Air Asia



Myth 1: "Energy Transition is too expensive for the Philippines"

Reality: The perception that renewable energy is prohibitively expensive is outdated. Significant global investments in renewables have led to dramatic cost reductions. Specifically, the integration of renewable energy since the turn of the century has cut electricity sector fuel costs worldwide by a staggering $520 billion, demonstrating that clean energy is increasingly economically viable [1]. With solar contributing 1.7% of the Philippines' power generation in the first half of 2022, the country avoided around PHP 4.5 billion in fossil fuel costs [2]. While there may be initial costs involved in transitioning to renewables, the Philippines can then leverage its abundant solar, wind, and geothermal resources to promise substantial long-term savings and energy price stability.

The price of electricity from solar is around PHP4 per kilowatt hour compared to PHP9 per kWh from coal [3]. This month, Meralco paid PHP17 per kWh for coal power [4]. In the coming years, it is expected that costs of solar and other renewables will decline with technology improvements, greater economies of scale and reduced financing costs for wind and solar power plants [5].

It is important also to always consider the health impacts. Children are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution from coal-fired plants because of their still developing brains and bodies. Infants born within 20km of more than one coal-fired power plant had significantly greater chances of a low birth weight and very preterm delivery [6]. This damage to the health of future generations is too high of a price to pay.




Myth 2: "Renewables can't provide stable energy in the Philippines due to weather dependence"

Reality: Advances in renewable energy technologies and grid management have greatly enhanced the reliability of renewables, even in the face of variable weather conditions. Energy storage solutions and diversified renewable sources, such as solar and wind, complemented by geothermal energy, which is less weather-dependent, ensure a stable and reliable energy supply [7]. This effectively counters the myth of renewables' unreliability due to weather dependency, making them a dependable energy source for the Philippines. Comprised of over 7,000 islands, distributed renewable energy systems are particularly suited to the Philippines as these systems do not require the transport of fuel to islands. These systems also reduce the need for extra-long transmission lines vulnerable to extreme weather events, and battery technology can provide a quick backup of power during disasters [8].




Myth 3: "Renewable Energy cannot meet the Philippines' growing energy demand"

Reality: Despite concerns, renewable energy is increasingly capable of meeting the Philippines' energy demand [9]. The country's current reliance on coal has not prevented energy shortages and brownouts, including the recent energy supply issues such as in Iloilo, demonstrating coal's inability to meet demand reliably. These issues underscore the limitations of traditional energy sources and highlight the urgency for transitioning to renewables. With its rich resources in solar, wind, and geothermal energy (in fact, the Philippines has the third largest geothermal capacity in the world) [10], the Philippines is well-equipped to address these challenges, ensuring a stable, sustainable energy future beyond the constraints of coal dependency. By diversifying its energy mix and investing in renewable energy infrastructure, the country can mitigate the risks associated with over-reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring a stable and secure energy future.




Myth 4: "Transitioning to clean energy will hurt the Philippine economy"

Reality: The economic benefits of transitioning to clean energy are manifold. The downward trend in renewable energy costs makes it a competitive alternative to fossil fuels, promising job creation in the renewable sector and aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions [11]. Moreover, the health benefits of reduced air pollution, such as fewer days lost to illness and lower healthcare costs, further underscore the economic gains from investing in clean energy sources.

This transition supports the Philippines' economic growth and sustainable development. Every dollar invested in the clean energy transition provides 3-8 times the return [12]. Renewable energy adoption can also create many jobs (the renewable energy sector has employed 12.7 million people around the world as of 2021) [13].

Coal-fired plants also pose a danger to children’s neurodevelopment. In a study of children aged 6-14 years old from communities located within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of two coal-burning power plants, forty-three (43%) percent of children had fly ash in their homes. The children with fly ash in their homes scored on average 2.63 points lower on the school competency scale than their peers without ash in their homes.




Myth 5: "An energy transition cannot be 'Just' for all Filipinos"


Reality: There's a prevailing belief that the shift from coal to renewable energy could disproportionately benefit urban and wealthier populations, leaving behind rural and poorer communities. However, a just transition strategy, carefully planned and implemented, ensures that the move to clean energy is inclusive and equitable. By involving community stakeholders in the planning process and investing in skills training and education, the transition can provide new economic opportunities in renewable energy sectors across the country. Additionally, decentralized renewable energy projects can bring reliable and affordable power to remote areas, improving access to energy for all Filipinos.

By equipping people with the necessary knowledge and skills, the transition to clean energy can create new economic opportunities and promote social mobility, particularly for those traditionally marginalized in the energy sector. A just energy transition is not only achievable but imperative for the Philippines. By embracing principles of inclusivity, equity, and community participation, the transition to clean energy can pave the way for a more sustainable, prosperous, and equitable future for all Filipinos.




Conclusion

Embracing renewable energy in the Philippines presents a path toward sustainable development, economic growth, and improved public health. By addressing and debunking myths about clean energy wherever they occur, we can encourage a deeper understanding and acceptance of the benefits of clean energy, advocating for informed policy decisions to break the country’s reliance on coal and improve the health of all Filipinos.

About Clean Air Asia

Clean Air Asia is an international non-governmental organization leading the regional mission for better air quality, and healthier, more livable cities throughout Asia. Its mission is to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Asia and contribute to the development of a more sustainable, equitable and healthier region.

www.cleanairasia.org