I watched a film at The Met and I still can’t get over how beautiful the place is.
Filipino winner to join Tel Aviv Marathon
The first Israeli marathon to be held under the official mark of the World Athletics Association
Runners from over 40 different countries have already registered for the 2022 Samsung Tel Aviv Marathon,Israel’s leading sporting event, which finally returns to its previous form, in the heart of the city of Tel Aviv on Friday, February 25, 2022. The Samsung Tel Aviv Marathon will be held for the first time under the official mark of the World Athletics Association, thus becoming the first Israeli marathon in history to hold this license, joining the list of the largest and leading marathons of the world.
Following on from last year’s digital marathon competition, the city of Tel Aviv-Yafo with the support of the Israel Ministry of Tourism and Kapaim are proud to host the winner Jervis Johns Salvador, from Manila, the Philippines. Jervis will be treated to an all-expenses paid trip to Tel Aviv, where he will run his first ever full marathon (42.195km) and discover the best sites of the city. Tel Aviv cannot wait to host him and wishes him the best of luck with the marathon!
“When I won the Tel Aviv Marathon contest last year, I was thrilled and ecstatic to know that my dream of going to Israel is coming true. I am grateful to the Almighty for blessing me the opportunity of running my first 42K-kilometer race in Tel Aviv, the biggest running event in Israel. I thank everyone behind the Tel Aviv Marathon and Israel’s Ministry of Tourism for creating a unique way of getting people together despite the difficulties of lockdowns and pandemic restrictions. Israel is always close to the heart of the Filipinos; that is why I am happy to be representing my country Philippines, in this marathon event.” Jervis Salvador, Tel Aviv Marathon Winner.
The event of the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality and produced by Kapaim, will respect health guidelines and regulations imposed by the Ministry of Health and will follow the Green Pass. The event is expected to attract tens of thousands of runners who will be taking part in one of the five spectacular urban marathons - Full Marathon (42.195 km), Half marathon (21 km), 10 km race, 5 km race and a mini marathon that will take place on February 23rd at the Ganei Yehoshua park, which will include an end track for children with disabilities and their families (500meters and 1 km).
The starting point (for all tracks) will be located on Rokach Boulevard between Ganei Yehoshua Park and the fairgrounds, from where the runners will continue to the tracks marked by colors that will differentiate between them and pass through the main sites of the city of Tel Aviv. Along the route, runners will pass through the scenic routes of Tel Aviv, including the Rothschild Boulevard, the Tel Aviv port and beaches, GaneiYehoshua Park, Dizengoff Street, Rabin Square, Hayarkon Street, Ibn Gabirol Street, Old Jaffa and Jaffa Port. The Samsung Tel Aviv Marathon is one of the only marathons in the world that includes ten kilometers of its route along sandy beaches.
“In 2021, we had thousands of runners from all over the world participate in the Tel Aviv Samsung Marathon from their home countries. The winner of the 2021 marathon, Jervis Johns Salvador from Manila, the Philippines, is going to Tel Aviv to participate in this year’s event and, may be, even win again! 2 years ago, there were over 40,000 runners from all over the world who came to Israel and ran through the city for the Tel Aviv Samsung Marathon. That was one of the last major public events that Israel hosted before the pandemic brought the world to a stop. The Tel Aviv Samsung Marathon returning to normal is a positive sign for us, not only for the reopening of skies to Israel, but also a huge push for the tourism industry as well.” Sammy Yahia, Israel Ministry of Tourism Director for India and the Philippines.
Source: ISRAEL MINISTRY OF TOURISM Philippine Office
Speak Write Live Now!
If you want to know how I write books and create my own story, let me recommend my second book #speakwritelive! It teaches you the systems that worked for me when I wrote my first book. Buy it here. 📕 #authorlife
Quielle Choker
This choker was my first purchase from @quielle_ back in 2018! It still looks good as new even if I shower and workout with it. They use premium stainless steel so you can be assured that their jewelry is hypoallergenic and meant to last. Their locally-made bling is really nice! Use my promo code QUIELSAM for a 5% discount for a minimum Php500 purchase. Shop here. 🛍 #shopeeambassador #shopeesambassador #shopeeambassadorph #shopaholicsam
Israel Shares Best Practices in Cyber Protection of the Financial Sector
The Embassy of Israel in Manila and the Israel Economic & Commercial Mission to the Philippines, in cooperation with the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), hosted a virtual event last February 16, 2022 focusing on cybersecurity entitled “Optimizing Cyber Protection of the Financial Sector: Best Practices from Israel.” The program was divided into two parts: introducing the unique model of protecting financial institutions in Israel, and pitching of Israeli leading companies with innovative cybersecurity technologies and solutions for the financial sector.
Israel shares best practices in cyber protection of the financial sectorwith the
Bankers Association of the Philippines
Mr. Tomer Heyvi, Economic Counsellor and Head of the Mission shared that the purpose of this event is to share the Israeli expertise and technologies in the cybersecurity field in light of the growing challenges and threats that financial institutions around the world, including Philippines, are facing these days.
In his opening remarks, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Mr. Ilan Fluss shared, “My vision for the future of relations between Israel and the Philippines is to see growth in cooperation in innovation and technologies especially in these critical and sensitive areas. Israel has proven itself as a reliable and solid partner of the Philippines,therefore, I believe we should see more partnerships in the cybersecurity area.”
In the first session of the program, Governor Benjamin Diokno of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas shared his insights on Philippines Cybersecurity ecosystem and challenges in the financial sector. In his speech, Governor Diokno mentioned some key areas for collaboration such as threat intelligence platform and setting up a national CERT, given the industrywide initiatives in the Philippines and the maturity and sophistications of Israel in terms of cybersecurity controls and management. “I hope this session will strengthen ties and cooperation between Israel and the Philippines so that our respective financial services sectors remain safe, innovative and resilient in the digital economy,” he added.
Additionally, Mr. Jose Arnulfo A. Veloso, President of the BAP, highlighted in his remarks that cybersecurity remains to be a top priority of the association. He shared a number of advocacies of the BAP to promote and intensify its cybersecurity framework in the Philippine banking and financial services sector. “Together with the partnership of the guests in this forum, we can take them [cyberthreats] head on,” President Veloso noted.
On the other hand, Mr. Doron Liberman, Director of International Cooperation Development in the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD), in his remarks shared the Israeli national approach and strategy to the cybersecurity ecosystem as a whole in the civilian sphere. “The INCD looks at its constituencies in different layers: critical infrastructure, sectoral and general public,” he said. Mr. Liberman further shared that the INCD is a national agency that provides national intelligence and active defense tools and methodologies, and awareness events where their assistance is needed.
Ms. Rahav Shalom-Revivo, Head of Financial-Cyber Innovation and International Engagements from the Israel Ministry of Finance, shared the multinational financial cyber simulation that the Ministry executed with countries that Israel has financial cyber relations with. In that simulation, she highlighted that international collaboration is key and that there must be synchronization between finance and cyber decision makers. She added, “The collaborative understanding that only together we can overcome such dramatic attacks that at some point in time will happen in the future.”
A study case highlighting the power of collaboration was shared by Ms. Eden Cohen, Security Head of Security Operation Center of Bank Hapoalim, the largest commercial bank in Israel. In her presentation, she shared that in the last three years, there has been a significant rise in organized cyber crimes towards financial organizations by new and advanced tactics to penetrate the digital world. With this, she highlighted that the best way to handle the new generation-attackers is by collaboration as a necessity to protect ourselves and our customers. She added that collaboration between people, businesses, technology, intelligence, and enforcements is a key factor to be able to face cyber-attacks in a quick and thorough way.
The discussion was followed by a pitching session of 4 companies offering cybersecurity technologies: Semperis: “Protecting your Active Directory, the keys to your Kingdom”; Trustpeers: “Turn Chaos into a Controlled Event with the TrustPeers Cyber Crisis Management SaaS platform”; Cybowall: “AI Powered Cybersecurity”; and CYE: “Continuous Cyber Risk Visibility – Cyber Risk Quantification – Cyber Exposure Optimization.”
Mr. Benjamin Castillo, Managing Director of the BAP, shared in his closing remarks that the power of collaboration is very important in cybersecurity. He mentioned continuing discussions with INCD and the Israel Ministry of Finance as the BAP continues to explore its options in building a national CERT.
Israel is one of the leaders in cybersecurity expertise around the globe, and it has about 40% of the global cybersecurity investments. Israeli’s cybersecurity industry continued to grow in 2021 with a record of USD 8.8 billion in investments in 131 funding rounds – this was tripled compared to 2020 at USD 2.9 billion. Further, 33% of the Cybersecurity unicorns in the world are Israeli.
Source: Embassy of Israel Manila
HEPA Filtration System against viruses in place at The Manila Hotel
As The Manila Hotel’s famed Café Ilang-Ilang and the romantic Champagne Room reopened on January 28 and February 2, 2022, respectively. The hotel chose to suspend dining operations and do general maintenance when the holiday festivities died down to ensure food quality and guest safety, as well as do spot-checks on its facilities.
Café Ilang-Ilang is still one of the best eat-all-you can restaurants in the country where diners can indulge in a wide range of food selections for lunch and dinner daily. This brings together Italian, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and even certified Halal dishes under one roof for an indulgent eat-all-you-can feast featuring crowd favorites like the US Beef Rib Roast; items from the Churrasco station; seafood like prawns and crabs; a glorious spread of different sushi and sashimi; Filipino favorites like Lechon with truffle rice; an array of desserts including bibingka, puto bumbong, and halo-halo; and many more.
Meanwhile, Manila’s premier destination for exquisite fine dining serves up lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, with choices from la carte items and special multi-course degustation menus—conceived by the hotel’s Executive Chef to showcase what this dining outlet is all about. Think generous servings of Black Angus Tenderloin, US Prime Beef Rib, the Chilean Sea Bass, or the satisfying Seafood Medley; there are also choices of starters; and for dessert, don’t miss out on the indulgent sweet delight—its signature Baked Alaska. The most romantic room in the country marks the return of its fine dining just in time for Valentine month.
#YouAreSafeHere will always be a commitment
As the hotel continues to accept staycation guests, social events in various function rooms, and with dining outlets reopening, it will be much safer for guests to visit and dine in the outlets as the historic hotel takes a technology-driven solution to create a safer environment for guests by installing several innovative High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) UV-Care Clean air purifying filtration system units in different high-traffic areas.
The UV Care Air Purifier with Humidifier with 8-Stage Filtration System is proven to kill 99.97% SARS-CoV2* and is a timely response to the surge of the COVID-19 Delta and Omicron variants in the country (*tested by MRI Global USA, according to UV-Care website). According to its manufacturers, the more advanced, medical-grade H14 HEPA filter has VIRUX® patented technology with a built-in activated carbon and photocatalyst filters that, along with UV LED lamp, is proven to effectively eliminate bacteria, germs, viruses, and pathogens. Their product information also states that these air filtration units are efficient in capturing and removing airborne particulates such as PM 2.5 and other allergens, dust, mold, and pollution from the air, and provides Ultraviolet-C sanitization to disinfect the air and kill germs. When used along with the best practices recommended by the IATF, DOH and DOT, it could be an effective indoor protection for both guests and staff.
The Manila Hotel welcomes dining and staycation guests with further assurance that “YOU ARE SAFE HERE”—because it isn’t just a tagline for us, but a commitment we uphold. For air quality, the hotel also installed heavy-duty York Solution Mobile HEPA Air-Handling Units in wider areas like the Grand Lobby.
Aside from dining options, staycation and leisure stays are now at guest-friendly rates from only P6,000 nett. For more information on room and restaurant rates and reservations, guests may call the trunkline 85270011 or 09989501912. They can also book rooms by emailing resvn@themanilahotel.com, and make dining reservations via restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.
Source: The Manila Hotel
My First International Book Deal
My book, I Helped Myself, was recently accepted for publishing by international publishing house Ukiyoto. I am very proud of my hard work! This means that this title will soon be available worldwide both in print and ebook forms. Finally, my friends outside of the Philippines can read a full-length book of mine 🥺 Please support me when this comes out! And also, please continue buying my first two books Speak Blog Live and Speak Write Live here. ✨ NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!!!
101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think
This book! 💯 If your goal is to read more books this year but you’re struggling with finishing one, then begin with this! It is by @briannawiest, a Thought Catalog author who serves insights on personal growth, development, and change. You can read it in one go, like I did, or read an essay a day. Before you know it, you have already finished a substantial book. 📖 Buy it here. #shopeeambassador #shopeesambassador #shopeeambassadorph #shopaholicsam
Tiffany Circle Choco
Craving for chocolate milkshake but on a healthy diet? Give @tiffanycircleph chocolate drink a try! It has fiber and chia seeds BUT IT’S STILL YUMMY! Order here. 🍫 #tiffanyhabit
Karga Script Bag
Using my script bag from @kargastoreph! As an author, I NEED STUFF LIKE THIS. 🥺 It is a smartly designed bag 💼 which can hold a laptop, tablet, or e-reader in a separate pocket. My favorite feature is the tumbler holder! And I like how minimalist it is. Order from @kargastoreph 🖤 #supportsmallbusiness
Sam for Quielle Jewelry
Kindle Paperwhite
Finally got myself a Kindle! And of course, my first book is by @colleenhoover 🖤 Shop my Kindle here. 📚 #shopeeambassador #shopeesambassador #shopeeambassadorph #shopaholicsam
Eddie Benjamin delivers message of optimism during troubling times on new single “Weatherman”
The music video highlights the rising star’s whimsical nature and love of all things classic
Australian singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Eddie Benjamin introduces his upcoming debut album with new single, “Weatherman,” out today via Vol. 1 Records/Epic Records.
A defiant call for optimism in troubling times, the promising newcomer imbues his message of hope with old-school soul and irresistible pop hooks.
Over lilting keys, Eddie begins “Weatherman” with a plea for brighter days. “Go tell the weatherman I said, I want it sunny outside today,” he sings.
While the tone is uplifting, Eddie penned the song while battling anxiety. “I felt out of control and didn’t know what to do,” the 20-year -old artist tells Rolling Stone. “I couldn’t help how I felt, and it summed up all these extremities in a really vulnerable way. You’re talking to yourself, asking for a sunny day.”
With its confessional lyrics and heady blend of soul, jazz, and pop, “Weatherman'' combines his many influences for a sound that feels classic yet uniquely his. “I’d like to expose this generation to timeless songcraft in a contemporary way,” he says.
The addictive track also arrives alongside a colorful video, which made its broadcast premiere today via an MTV First Look, airing at the top of every music hour on MTV Live, MTVU, and MTV Biggest Pop, and simultaneously via a Nickelodeon Music premiere. Watch it HERE.
The visual narrative highlights the rising star’s whimsical nature and love of all things classic. Colorful, cryptic, and full of mysterious figures, it’s a surreal, rich video that suits the depth and character of the track. Directed by Tyler Yee(Lana Del Rey, G-Eazy), it adds yet another dimension to the richness of his textured sophistipop—upbeat yet complex, familiar yet new.
Alongside the release, Eddie joins Justin Bieber’s Justice World Tour, which kicks off tonight in San Diego, CA, an appropriate fit for a pop visionary in his own right. The tour, which also includes Jaden, Harry Hudson, and ¿Téo?, will traverse the US and Canada. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, while the tour routing can be found below.
Eddie Benjamin’s “Weatherman” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Vol. 1 Records/Epic Records/Sony Music.
Follow Eddie Benjamin:
Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok
Source: Sony Music Philippines
Speakoutsam at ScrIbblory
I am grateful for writing orgs like @scribblory. They recently published my essay, Speaking My Story, in their newsletter. Read my essay! I hope that it can inspire you to speak your mind and write your story ✍️ Buy my books to support me here. 📚 #authorlife
Clara Benin appears on billboard in New York City’s Times Square
A month ahead of International Women’s Day, Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin lands on a Times Square, New York billboard as part of Spotify’s EQUAL Campaign.
The global movement, which serves as an initiative of the music streaming platform to amplify the work of outstanding women and gender-nonconforming musicians, turned its spotlight on Benin as this week’s cover artist of Spotify EQUAL Playlist in the Philippines, with two of her songs, “blink” and “Araw’t Gabi” occupying the top two slots.
“I feel really humbled to be featured on a Times Square billboard in New York and to have my songs be part of Spotify’s EQUAL playlist alongside these lovely and talented women,” the folk-pop phenom shares in a statement. “I really hope our music reaches and inspires more people from all over the world.”
Having amassed more than 30 million streams on Spotify alone, Clara Benin is the first Filipino signed under Sony Music’s OFFMUTE— a Southeast Asian record label that’s entirely dedicated to giving artists a voice, an audience, and an opportunity for cross-collaboration within the region.
Benin recently released a new single called “blink,” which was produced by acclaimed electronic/indie artist The Ringmaster, and features prolific multi-instrumentalist Gabba Santiago on drums. Honoring memories like a fundamental aspect of human nature, the song finds refuge in reliving Benin’s past without any hint of regret.
She is also currently working on several new songs to be released soon. “I’ve been writing a lot the past two years and very excited to work on them this year for an upcoming album.”
Check out Clara Benin’s “blink” on all digital music platforms via OFFMUTE.
Follow CLARA BENIN on socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarabeninmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/clarabeninmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarabeninmusic
Follow OFFMUTE on socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/offmuteASIA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/offmute
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offmute/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offmute
Source: Nyou
Philippines makes history as the only Asian country to qualify at the 2022 Trek UCI Gravel World Series
Set to open the series, the Philippines kicks off the multi-cycling race series in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is set to hold its inaugural sanctioned gravel world championships series, with the first event to take place in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija in the Philippines on April 03, 2022.
The Trek UCI Gravel World Series will serve as its alternative off-road version for the premier UCI Gran Fondo World Series and World Championships, and the winners will be awarded with the coveted UCI rainbow jersey.
The Switzerland-based governing body for sports cycling, which also oversees international competitive cycling events, announced in a press release in September last year that it will “organize—in collaboration with eventsorganizer Golazo [Sports]—a UCI Gravel World Series consisting of events enabling athletes to qualify for the Trek UCI Gravel World Championships.”
With more than 15 events serving as qualifiers, the races are anticipated to be “mass participation events,” as Gravel continues to be a booming discipline around the world, combining elements of road and mountain bike, and takes place mainly on unsealed roads such as gravel, forest tracks, farm roads, and cobbles.
On the Trek UCI Gravel World Series’ first iteration’s criteria for participation, Erwin Vervecken, the off-road and gravel manager for Belgium-based sports marketing agency Golazo Sports, told American cycling magazineVeloNews that whereas the Gran Fondo focuses on masters and cyclotourists, the Trek UCI Gravel World Series is more geared towards non-professionals. “In gravel, elite riders of the top level, riders from the WorldTour, from UCI teams, can participate, can qualify and do world championships. We expect the top riders.”
In order to qualify for the 2022 Trek UCI Gravel World Series, participants must finish in the top 25% group per gender and age group, with each age group ranging fiveyears between 19 and 79. Riders with no license, holds amateur and masters license, cycling for all license, and elite license. The equipment and course regulations of Gran Fondo will apply to Gravel World.
While the final list of locations are yet to be revealed, races will be held in select event venues in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
The Trek UCI Gravel World Series Philippines event will include an 85km (qualifier distance for 19 to 49) and 62km course (qualifier distance for 50 and above)—the majority of the race is flat and fast. Starting in Vega Grande, located north of Bongabon, the 85km course is a mix of flat gravel roads along the river, forest roads, and dirt roads. The shorter, 62km course includes a shortcut to the same finishing point of the 85km course.
The first race of the Trek UCI Gravel World Series will coincide with Bongabon’s festive season, which includes the Sibuyas Festival, held every 10th of April. The celebration is a form of thanksgiving for a bountiful onion harvest. Perfect in the summer, tourists can also enjoy the Falls Deepsap waterfall at Barangay Labi and a visit to Mount Labi Peak.
Bongabon Mayor Allan Xystus A. Gamilla is honored that the municipality will be part of the upcoming UPCI Gravel Series in the Philippines. “Bongabon, being an emerging destination for cycling tourism and outdoor recreation, offers breathtaking sceneries with the most wonderful views of the Philippines’ untapped countryside. It’s also a great place with exciting backroads, trails, and routes that every adventure seeker would be thrilled to experience. Perfect in the summer, tourists can also enjoy the refreshing rivers and the cool weather at Mount Labi. It is also the home of the Bongabon Bike Park in Ariendo, an Enduro and Downhill MTB destination for the gravity riders.”
As the first Trek UCI Gravel World Series inch closer, organizers hope that its inclusiveness and scale will inspire “any rider who wants a shot at the rainbow stripes.”
The 2022 Trek UCI Gravel World Series – BongabonPhilippines is supported by brands and institutions who push the sport forward for the cycling community: Black Mamba, 8A Apparel, Genesis Eyewear, iGsport, Milo and Yakult.
Source: Nyou
CCP Library
My first two books, Speak Blog Live and Speak Write Live, are now at the @culturalcenterph library! As a published author, it is my goal to have my books used as research materials for fellow authors and researchers. Please continue supporting me by buying copies here.📕 Special thanks to Ms. Bebang Siy, my editor and partner Lorenz De Guzman, and my publisher @centralbooksph @rhegiedgzmn 📕#speakbloglive #speakwritelive #authorlife #ccp
Valentine’s 2022
Happy Valentine’s Day from me and Lorenz!
Give In To Your Heart’s Desires This Valentine’s Day At Market! Market!
Safely enjoy all the love month festivities at the mall with those you care about the most!
Manila, Philippines - February 15, 2022 - February is all about love, and Market! Market! has an awesome and safe celebration in store for mall-goers. Whether you are spending the love month with a special someone, or indulging in some much-needed self-love time, you’re sure to enjoy all the festivities happening at the mall for Valentine’s Day.
A Love Pop-Up To Remember
Shop for romantic gifts, treats, and other Valentine goodies at the various pop-up merchant stores located at the Activity Center from February 10 to 16, 2022.
And They Called It Puppy Love
Spend quality time with your furbaby through a fun playdate at The BarkYard across Starbucks Market! Market!. First 50 customers to present their pet's Ayala Malls PET ID at the Concierge Booth on February 14 will get FREE treats or toys for their pooch.
Wine And Dine At Seda Hotel
Shop for the chance to win a romantic dinner date at Seda Hotel. Simply present single or accumulated receipts worth Php 1,000 from Market! Market! retail store merchants, excluding Metro Supermarket, Metro Department Store, and Bills Payment, dated February 14 to 23, 2022, to get your e-raffle entry at the Concierge Booth.
View Love From Every Angle
Check out the anamorphic art installation that shows LOVE in All Angles starting February 13 at the Activity Center.
Self-Shoot Studio by Backroom Studios
Catch Backroom Studios’ first pop-up booth at Ayala Malls located at Serendra Wing near the Concierge Booth, from February 23 to 28, 2022. Capture great moments, and receive colored prints of your photos as keepsakes for the Valentine season.
Donate Blood and Keep the World Beating
Give so others may live when you participate in the Market! Market! Blood drive, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, at the 5/F, in front of Fun City, on February 14, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
For more information on mall activities, schedules, and promotions at #iLoveMarketMarket, like and follow Facebook.com/MarketMarket, @ilovemarketmarket on Instagram and TikTok, and @MarketMarketBGC on Twitter. You may also visit www.ayalamalls.com.
Source: Fifth Gear PR
Candles by Ysa
Lorenz and I got my mom the @candlesbyysa x @dayysakitchen candle and cookies gift set for valentines! We love their eco friendly packaging aside from their yummy cookies and aesthetic candles 🕯 order here: @candlesbyysa @dayysakitchen 💕
