PREMIER REAL ESTATE EXPO AT SMX MOA WILL CONNECT ALL REAL ESTATE STAKEHOLDERS IN 2019

BY MRS PINEDA - 5:09 AM

Makati, October 25, 2018 On July 19 and 20, 2019, Housal.com, the most innovative Proptech solution for buyers, sellers, brokers and developers, invites all stakeholders in Realty and Construction to 'Envision 2019: The Premier Real Estate Expo in The Phillppines’ to be held at SMX Mall of Asia.

Mr. Yogesh Mathur, CEO of Housal and creator of Envision 2019 say: ”2018 marked the year of the launch of our innovative digital Real Estate platform, 2019 marks the next step towards bringing all stakeholders together”.

Envision 2019 Finally brings together all the prime stakeholders in Realty in one event. From developers to banks, from contractors to insurers and from brokers to buyers, all dots in Real Estate will be connected. The expo provides ample ways of connecting to potential clients and business partners.

Yogesh Mathur: ”Real Estate and Construction in the Philippines are main contributors to the 77 quarters of uninterrupted growth in GDP. Although the economic outlook remains positive, more can be done to accelerate industry growth. To keep up with the demand of an ever growing population and all the challenges that come with it in terms of infrastructure and sustainabillty, more collaboration and better cooperation amongst stakeholders 15 key in moving forward, hence us organizing Envision 2019.”

The two-day event offers two different settings. First there is the expo, which covers 140+ booths and is open to the general public, accommodating thousands of visitors. Free registration is already possible via the event website. The second setting focuses on business matching. In a VIP area, dedicated to business leaders, the Envision team organizes several curated sessions linking participating companies with one another based on their business goals. Complimenting the business matching and expo, Envision 2019 will have a line up of top-notch speakers from the industry and continuous live entertainment to ensure that all visitors will have both a productive as well as a delightful experience.

In collaboration with event organizer PMCM Events Management, Envision 2019 invites all Real Estate Stakeholders from the Philippines and beyond to attend, exhibit and sponsor. For more information, please visit envision.ph.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Maarten Pennings of Housal Inc. at +63~9171283644 or email him via maarten@housal.com.
Website: www.envision.ph

PHILPOP 2018 REVEALS TOP 10 FINALISTS TOUTED AS THE PREMIER SONGWRITING

BY MRS PINEDA - 12:50 AM

PhilPop 2018 Reveals Top 10 Finalists
Touted as the premier songwriting competition in the country, PhilPop continues to provide a sustainable platform for amateur and professional composers to showcase exceptional songs from various genres and styles.
From "Dati" to "Di Na Muli," the annual music competition has produced some of the most  commercially successful and critically acclaimed recordings of the last five years, serving as breeding ground to artists who aren't afraid to challenge songwriting tropes and reflect their truth.
This year marks a landmark moment in songwriting history as PhilPop opened its doors to entries  written in different languages, spanning across regions and cities outside of Metro Manila.
Top 10 Finalists
From the carefully handpicked roster of Top 30 semi-finalists, PhilPop has narrowed the selection to top 10. The finalists are judged according to the following criteria: 50% judges choice, 25%
online streaming, and 25% Smart's People Choice through SMS and Twitter's conversational ad.

In no particular order, the top 10 finalists include: "Ako Ako," composed by Jeriko Buenafe and interpreted by Feel Day feat. Hans Dimayuga; "Di Ko Man," composed by Ferdinand Aragon and interpreted by Ferdinand Aragon himself; "Isang Gabing Pag-Ibig," composed by Carlo Angelo David and interpreted by Jex De Castro; "Kariton," composed by Philip Arvin Jarilla and interpreted by Acapellago; "Laon Ako," composed by Elmar Bolaño and Donel Trasporto Tigbauan and interpreted by Kakai Bautista; "Loco De Amor!," composed by Ed Miraflor Jr. and interpreted by BennyBunnyBand; "Nanay Tatay," composed by Chud Festejo and interpreted by Chud Festejo; "Pilipit," composed by Sean Gabriel Cedro and John Ray Reodique and interpreted by Julian Trono; "Tama Na," composed by Michael Rodriguez and Jeanne Columbine Rodriguez and interpreted by Katrina Velarde; "Yun Tayo," composed by Donnalyn Onilongo and interpreted by Gracenote.

Diverse Selection
This year's finalists offer a diverse crop of entries that represent different musical styles, ranging from contemporary hit music to folk, latin-flavored pop to R&B/soul, rock to easy listening music.
Instead of focusing on personalities, the latest edition banks on envelope-pushing compositions that have the potential to penetrate the local music market and create a lasting impression to the Filipino audience.
The official announcement of the top 10 finalists happened during the late primetime spot of the Pinoy Playlist Festival on October 17, 2018 at the Sunlife Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Festival curator Mr. Moi Ortiz also awarded PhilPop Foundation headed by PhilPop Board
Member and 2018 Festival Chairman Mr. Ryan Cayabyab, PhilPop Vice President Patrick C. Gregorio, and PhilPop Executive Director Dinah Remolacio a Certificate of Appreciation for continuously pushing the boundaries of Filipino music through regional inclusivity and for giving voice to homegrown talents who have the potential to make it big in the local music industry.

What's Next
The top 10 finalists, together with the interpreters, will showcase their original songs on December
2, 2018 in the PhilPop Festival Finals Night that will be held at Capitol Commons in Pasig City.
PhilPop 2018 is an initiative of the PhilPop Music Foundation, chaired by Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan.
This year's PhilPop is co-presented by MAYNILAD, and is supported by MERALCO (major sponsor), Mid Atlantic Foundation for Asian Artists, Inc., NYXSYS (official OOH partner), SMART, VIVA Records (official record label partner), Ortigas and Co., PETA (production partner), Coke Studio, NCCA, OPM, TAGA-ALOG, Rappler (official media partner), Pinnacle (official agency) integrator partner), and Gabi Na Naman Productions (official)

BASF KIDS’ LAB HELPS CHILDREN IN THE PHILIPPINES LEARN HOW TO BE “CLEVER FOODIES”

BY MRS PINEDA - 12:05 AM

(BASF Kids’ Lab participants in the Philippines will receive Dr. Bubbles soft toys. These dolls were produced by hand by housewives in Gawad Kalinga community at GK Enchanted Farm, Bulacan. The women are engaged by Plush and Play, a social enterprise under the GK communities.)

BASF Kids’ Lab helps children in the Philippines learn how to be “Clever Foodies”

 450 elementary students from Taguig and communities in Gawad Kalinga conduct safe, hands-on chemistry experiments
 “Clever Foodies” experiment program helps children understand healthier eating habits including Vitamin C
 BASF Kids’ Lab to be held at The Mind Museum from October 19 - 21
Manila, Philippines – October 19, 2018 – Around 450 children aged 8-12 will learn about chemistry and nutrition through safe, hands-on experiments at BASF Kids’ Lab. This interactive science education program will be held from October 19 to 21, 2018 at The Mind Museum in Taguig City, Philippines.
“Through BASF Kids’ Lab, we provide kids from a variety of backgrounds with the opportunity to experience chemistry through hands-on experiments. This year, to celebrate the United Nations’ World Food Day on October 16, we are introducing a new series of experiments: the ‘Clever Foodies’ program. This program helps boost children’s dietary awareness and encourage them to make positive changes towards healthier eating,” said Ronald Mercado, Managing Director, BASF Philippines.
During the event, mentors will guide elementary school children from public schools in Taguig, as well as from Gawad Kalinga communities, as they explore and analyze the Vitamin C content and other substances contained in fruit and vegetables, and understand the benefits of eating a colorful range of vegetables and fruit.

BASF Kids’ Lab focuses on fostering learning and interest in chemistry among children through safe and interactive science experiments. First held in BASF’s headquarters in Ludwigshafen in Germany in 1997, the program has been brought to more than 30 countries across the globe. “Clever Foodies” was first developed to mark the 20th anniversary of BASF Kids' Lab.
BASF Kids’ Lab has been held the Philippines since 2005, helping more than 3,000 children discover the world of chemistry in daily life and understand scientific concepts.
BASF is an active supporter of education projects in Philippines. Together with The Mind Museum, the Philippines’ leading science museum, in September BASF unveiled the Virtual Chemical Reactions Interactive Touch Table at the Atom Gallery of the museum. The only one of its kind in the country, the Virtual Chemical Reactions Interactive Touch Table, donated by BASF, uses digital simulations, audio, and colorful animations to help children explore the world of chemistry, so that they can observe the chemical reactions between various substances in a completely safe and interactive environment. 

About BASF in the Philippines
In the Philippines, BASF has been enabling manufacturers in various industries since 1963. Today, BASF Philippines, Inc. is a leading supplier of chemicals for industries including construction and coatings, automotive, health and nutrition, personal and home care, chemicals and plastics, and agriculture. BASF also operates an agricultural research station which conducts research, laboratory studies and field testing of novel technologies as part of BASF’s global research effort in the field of agricultural solutions. In 2017, BASF posted sales to customers in Philippines of approximately €119 million, and employed 88 people as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF in the Philippines is available at www.basf.com/ph.

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The more than 115,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of €64.5 billion in 2017. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com

SHOPEE INTRODUCES NEW CHRISTMAS AMBASSADOR, JOSE MARI CHAN, FOR SHOPEE 11.11 - 12.12 BIG CHRISTMAS SALE

BY MRS PINEDA - 11:50 PM

Shopee Introduces New Christmas Ambassador, Jose Mari Chan,
for Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale

From October 26, shop the Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale featuring up to 99% off all categories, daily free shipping specials, and over 11 million Shopee Coins to be won from Shopee Shake

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, announces Jose Mari Chan as its new Christmas Ambassador in line with the return of the biggest Christmas sale of the year, Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale. Affectionately known as the Father of Philippine Christmas music, the singer-songwriter made his debut as the official Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale campaign ambassador at the kickoff event held at Glorietta 2 on October 25, where he made a special appearance and performed Christmas carols to hundreds of mall patrons. As the face of Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, Jose Mari Chan also stars in Shopee’s latest Christmas television commercial that will screen nationwide starting October 26.

Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer at Shopee, said, “Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in the Philippines, and Filipino shoppers are known to start their holiday shopping earlier. In line with this, we are once again bringing back Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, this time with an even bigger lineup of promotions. We are also honored to have Jose Mari Chan, a household name in the Philippines, join us as our first official Christmas ambassador. Jose Mari Chan embodies the Christmas spirit, and his positive and cheery personality reflects Shopee’s commitment to bringing more joy to shoppers this year-end season.”

“Christmas is a time for us to come together and celebrate. I am thrilled to be joining the Shopee family to spread cheer to all Filipinos this festive season, and to be part of Shopee’s first ever Christmas television commercial. I welcome everyone to join Shopee and I in kickstarting the Christmas season with Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, and look forward to collaborating with Shopee to deliver a series of surprises this Christmas,” said Jose Mari Chan.

In line with the appointment of Jose Mari Chan as Shopee’s Christmas Ambassador is the launch of the Jose Mari Chan Road to Christmas campaign, which will take place from October 26 to December 12. With this, Jose Mari Chan fans can look forward to a series of exciting Shopee activations with him in the weeks ahead, including once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as the opportunity to sing a duet with him, receive a special dedicated song from him, or to meet and spend time with him on his Shopee Wish Bus tour.

The debut of Jose Mari Chan as Shopee’s Christmas ambassador marks the official start of Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale. The first wave of promotions will start from October 26 in the lead up to the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale happening on 11 November. Users can look forward to discounts of up to 99% off all categories, daily free shipping promotions, and an upsized coins pool of over 11 million Shopee Coins to be won from Shopee Shake.

16 themed days leading up to the big sale
Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale will see an expanded lineup of themed days, which were a hit among users during the recent Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day. This time, users can look forward to 16 back-to-back themed days leading up to 11 November, with not to be missed days including:
● 11.11 Flash Sale Day happening on October 26 and November 6 featuring 9 windows of upsized flash deals, and a bonus Free Shipping with no minimum spend for flash deals
● 11.11 Vouchers Day happening on October 29, where a wide variety of sitewide and category vouchers will be given away
● 11.11 Free Shipping Day happening on November 1 where users can enjoy free shipping for a lower minimum spend of only ₱299

11 Million Shopee Coins up for grabs for Shopee Shake
Shopee is bringing back its iconic in-app game, Shopee Shake, this time with an upsized pool of over 11 million Shopee Coins up for grabs. As a special treat this Christmas season, users will also stand a chance to win surprise Shopee Shake prizes, including roundtrip tickets to Australia, Malaysia, and Japan sponsored by Cebu Pacific. Shopee Shake will be happening twice daily, and nine times on 11.11 Shopee Shake Day on November 3 and 11.11 Big Christmas Sale on November 11.

Exclusive perks for Shopee users
On top of thousands of deals from leading local and international brands including Maybelline, P&G, Mossimo, Unilever, Wyeth, Platinum Karaoke, ASUS, and Unisilver Time, and many more; shoppers can also look forward to additional perks  presented in collaboration with Shopee’s exclusive 11.11 partners, including:
● SMART customers who subscribe for or renew their SMART plan from October 26 to November 3 will receive Shopee vouchers worth up to ₱300, which can be used for purchases made until the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale on November 11.
● Viber users who download the special Shopee Christmas Stickers from October 25 to November 11 will receive Shopee discount vouchers.

“With tons of unbeatable promotions and exciting features launched in response to users’ feedback and demands, Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale is a showcase of Shopee’s continued commitment to delivering the best online shopping experience to consumers in the region, especially during this festive holiday season. We invite everyone to shop together on Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale,” closed Pang.

Terms and conditions apply
For more information on the Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/11-11

For more information on the upcoming activations with Jose Mari Chan, visit https://shopee.ph/m/jmc-road-to-christmas

Download the Shopee app for free on the App Store or Google Play Store.

About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It is a platform tailored for the region, providing customers with an easy, secure and fast online shopping experience through strong payment and logistical support. Shopee aims to continually enhance its platform and become the region’s e-commerce destination of choice.

Shopee has a wide selection of product categories ranging from consumer electronics to home & living, health & beauty, baby & toys, fashion and fitness equipment.

Shopee, a Sea company, was first launched in Singapore in 2015, and has since expanded its reach to Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Sea is a leader in digital entertainment, e-commerce and digital financial services across Greater Southeast Asia. Sea's mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology and is listed on the NYSE under the symbol SE.

ZERO EMISSIONS DAY , CAR FREE DAY

BY MRS PINEDA - 7:29 AM

Last Sept 16 they celebrated the #Zeroemissionsday, #Carfreeday
CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels are contributing to climate change.

Up to half of plant and animal species in the world’s most naturally rich areas could face extinction due to climate change if carbon emissions continue to rise unchecked.

Can you go fossil fuel=free for 48 hours?

Walk 🚶‍, cycle 🚴‍, catch the train 🚂 or take the bus 🚍 to reduce carbon emissions.

Find out more about the impact on climate change in wildlife visit
http://wwf.panda.org/our_work/climate_and_energy/

Photo credits to Ranger Ed

ICATS BLOODLETTING EVENT SHARE THE GIFT OF L.I.F.E.

BY MRS PINEDA - 8:40 PM

Share the Gift of L.I.F.E. was held last September 28 is an.advocacy project of ICATS. Their partner in  Donate Blood Save Life 2018 is the Philippine Red Cross.

ICATS means International Cabin Attendant Training School, the premiere flight attendant School. Conducted a bloodletting event that brought awareness to everyone who attended the event. They also emphasize the importance of blood donation and how it preserve  L.I.F.E

It was a total awareness for me beacuse I was able to ask the questions regarding the requirements on how to be a blood donor. The blood will undergo a lot of screening before
They could give it to a person in need.
The event is very educational at the same time I'm so blessed with people behind ICATS because of their mission to help other people and training students not just how to be a flight attendant, but also preparing them to handle the struggles that they may encounter in life.

Thank you your for the generous  heart behind ICATS.

Be a blessing, be a cheerful giver
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver
2 Colossians 9:7

MUSIC FEST

BY MRS PINEDA - 8:42 AM

MusicFest held its maiden event last October 20 at Grandma's Kitchen at Ouans The Farm Resort.

The MusicFest showcase professional and budding talent from the different city of Quezon  Province. The night was filled with music, rhythm, instrumental and vocal tunes from talented solo performers and band.

The featured performers where:
Teatro Mukha
Paul Anca
Jam Labitigan
Narra Lei
KB Manheaven
Cloie Lorezca
Ruth Mondejar
Harvy Reyes
Flaurah
DJ Galang
Kyle Anunciacion
Ippo Huwano

Each performers are unique in their own style of music.They showed off their style by owning their music.
The audience composed of different genre really had a great time listening and singing the songs together with the artist which made the night enjoyable.
I was able to interview some solo performers whose voices captured my attention. At their early age they performed so good.
I congratulate them and told them that they've got a nice voice.

It was then that I realized that as a musician and watching these young artist perform i can compare that music vary in every generation but the love and passion of every artist doesn't change.
I know that these artist will go a long way and can build their career in the music industry.

Here are some live videos of the performers

Jen Labitigan

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10214673427322389&id=1024503840

Narra Lei

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10214673531204986&id=1024503840

Ruth Mondejar

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10214674013177035&id=1024503840

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10214673800931729&id=1024503840

I am looking forward in seeing them perform in some prestigious competiton carrying the name of Quezon Province.

Looking forward for the next MusicFest in 2020.

On my next article I will feature l Ouans The Farm Resort and Grandmas Kitchen. The services and accommodation they offer, ammenities and food.

FRESHNESS IS NOW IN MY HANDS

BY MRS PINEDA - 9:45 PM

Freshness is now in your hands!

Washing clothes for me is before is a hard task. Nobody taught me how to wash clothes since my hands are made to play the piano. I tried doing it but always stained clothes with different colors and my hands get wounded which made me hard to play the piece of my students. So I hired a labandera for many years.

But when I started washing clothes there are some. I tried experimenting different brand of laundry soap from liquid to powder, fabric conditioners,  Clorox and even the hanger to use.

I asked my friends what products they use and how they do it for me to have an idea. So now it's been years and still enjoying my labandera work but not worth towels and denim jeans. I have preferred products and things in mind.

Things I always have while washing:

1. Hand gloves since I always get wounded when I wash clothes this is a must. And it also prevent The skin from dryness.

2. Liquid Laundry soap well the brand I used is Ariel green. I don't use powder for washing since I have allergic rhinitis when I inhale power soap.

3. Fabric Conditioner of course Downy I often use the pink variant for baby since it's mild. But if it's not available any downy scent will do.

4. Powder Detergent for soaking clothes. I use is only to soak the clothes before washing.

5. Clorox or Zonrox for white and colors clothes.

6. Hanger and lantern hanger for undies

7. Wash basin small, medium, large.

That's my must have and since it's rainy season thanks Downy for making our clothes smell fresh despite the absence of The sun.

Downy is here to help you in your battle against musty malodor because we want you to achieve freshness all dayeveryday.

READY TO BRING SMILES: BELL HOTEL BACOLOD’S GRAND OPENING SET FOR OCTOBER 21

BY MRS PINEDA - 10:41 PM

Bell Hotel in Bacolod City, a gem in the City of Smiles, will hold its Grand Opening on Sunday, October 21.

Bell Hotel was recently awarded as the Best Standard Hotel  in the Bacolod City Tourism and Hospitality Awards 2018 held in September. It has also received praise for its contribution in helping local tourism.  The hotel is colorful and modern but is teeming with history and is steeped deeply in the city’s heritage.

Appealing to young, budget-conscious travelers, Bell Hotel has 54, brightly painted rooms which makes it a unique hotel in Bacolod City. Each is guaranteed clean, cozy, and secure to make you feel right at home.

“We want to make travel affordable and accessible to discerning guests,” says Laurence Peña, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Global Comfort Group, adding, “We’ve opened Bell Hotel to offer affordable rates and exciting tour packages to entice travelers to visit Bacolod again and again. We have an abundance of heritage and cultural sites that speak of our city’s rich history.”

Bell Hotel is managed by ICON HOTEL, owned and managed by the Global Comfort Group Corp (GCGC). They run the historic Apo View Hotel in Davao as well as the chain of EUROTEL HOTELS across the country, and ICON HOTELS in Metro Manila.

Modern Facilities Meet Old World Charm

This is an assurance that Bell Hotel follows only the best industry standards and practices. Besides the 54 well-appointed rooms, Bell Hotel also has a dining area and function room which can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Bell Hotel is also an ideal choice for functions, conventions, or events because of its accessibility. Conveniently located at San Juan St., Barangay 13, Bell Hotel is easy to get to from the airport. Besides public transport, guests can also arrange for a shuttle pick up to and from the airport.


Bell Hotel is excited to welcome the public to its doors and showcase its remarkable hospitality service. This boutique hotel has all the modest yet necessary comforts every traveler is looking for. There’s complimentary wireless Internet access and cable programming. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries.

There’s also a restaurant with room service for guests who want to sleep in and relax.

Make your stay at Bell Hotel the highlight of your Bacolod getaway!

For inquiries and reservations, please call Manila Central Reservations: (+632)  353-6000, Bacolod City Reservations: (034) 704-2756 or (+63) 977-414-1458 or check out the FB page Bell Hotel Managed by ICON HOTEL.

DISCOVER QUIAPO’S HISTORY AND CULTURE WITH THIS COMMUNITY CREATED APP & MAP

BY MRS PINEDA - 12:21 AM

Discover Quiapo’s history and culture with this community created App & Map

San Sebastian Basilica, only steel church In Asm (Image: Chester Ong)

Sometimes we forget how beautiful Quiapo is, this is the home to the San Sebastian Basilica, Quiapo Church, Golden Mosque, and Ocampo Pagoda, all important landmarks that represent a significant part of history of the neighbourhood, and even the whole of Metro Manila. The newly launched [Discover Quiapo App & Map helps locals and tourists navigate the neighbourhood and learn all about these untold stories of the past and present.

A true community effort, the iDiscover Quiapo project is developed by San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc., Kapitbahayan sa Kalye Bautlsta (KKB), Tralulu, and iDiscover. With the help of residents and heritage sites owners, 36 sites are selected to showcase the spirit of the Quiapo.

”We are proud to be part of this community initiative. For the first time we map out the historic landmarks and cultural highlights of this beautiful neighbourhood. With rapid urban development going on in Manila, it is important to document these stories, they form the foundation of all the preservation work we all do here," says Tina Paterno, Technical director, San Sebastién basilica conservation and development foundation, lnc.

Boix House is an 2016 World Monuments Fund Watch List

iDiscover Quiapo highlights key heritage sites like the row of surviving heritage houses along F. R. Hidalgo St., once home to the business elite and high society intellectuals, and Boix House, an architectural gem under 2016 World Monuments Fund Watch List and the headquarter of KKB.

But its more than just buildings. It’s also about festivals, like the Traslacion of the Black Nazarene, largest religious procession in the world where millions of devotees make a 15-hour journey through Quiapo, and popular locals food spots and family stores that have passed down through generations, like hopia from Master Hopia and Kim Chong Tin, or Christmas’ must-have Excelente Ham, and the neighbourhood coffee shop that doesn't even bear a name. iDiscover Quiapo highlights the stories of the places and the people behind them.

”Is it Gothic? Japanese? Maranao? Mexican? Filipino pop? Quiapo is all of these and more. It attracts Filipinos from differing persuasions yet offers them space for their creativity,” says Dr. Fernando Nakpil-Zialcita.

Cane San Sebastian in 1.969 (Image: wikimedia)

iDiscover presents the neighbourhood stories in the form of a free app [Discover Manila, available for download on both E and Android. and a printed map designed by local artist Patricia Ferriol,  available for pick-up in the neighbourhood or online on iDiscover’s website.

Quiapo map designed by local artist Patricia Ferriol

Quiapo is the heart of Manila. The heritage site owners and stakeholders of Quiapo are meeting regularly and working together towards the betterment of the area.

”We come across the same story repeatedly in Asia, that historic neighbourhoods are at risk, but there are locals who care. We are glad to be part of the Quiapo project working with young and committed groups, and we hope that this will be an important step to the path of revitalizing and rejuvenating this overlooked neighbourhood,” says Stephanie Cheung of iDiscover.

Screenshot the iDiscover Manila app

For any enquiries, please contact Stephanie Cheung of iDiscover at i-discover@urbandiscovery.asia.


About collaborators

San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc. is a SEC-registered nonprofit, composed of professionals and members of the Order of Augustinian Recollects (building owners), managing the scientific and sustainable 10-year restoration project of San Sebastian Basilica, Manila. The restoration is headed by a full-time local team that is aided by a wide network of consultants in the fields of historic preservation, architecture, engineering, fine arts, and community development.

https://www.facebook.com/savessbasilica/

Kapitbahayan sa Kalye Bautista (KKB) is a volunteer organization based in Quiapo, Manila that advocates sustainable cultural heritage conservatlon through restoration programs and sociocultural development of the community. KKB organizes activities such as documentation and research on Quiapo‘s heritage houses, and conduct tours called Lakbay Lakaran to raise awareness on the cultural heritage of Quiapo.

https://www.facebook.com/KapitbahayansaKalyeBautista/

Tralulu is a social enterprise and booking platform for local guides and travel experiences across the Philippines. It aims to humanise tourism by sustainably providing an avenue for travellers to book experiences offered by the locals.

https://www.tralulu.com/

iDiscover is about the spirit of a place. We work with locals who show us their favourite places and tell us their stories. We put them in a handy map and sawy app to create honest and authentic walking routes in Asia’s most captivating neighbourhoods. Quiapo is the third route we created in Manila, other routes are Binodo & Escolta, and Poblacion.

iDiscover is a non-profit based in Hong Kong.

https:/' i-discoverasia.com