Vibal Foundation to Launch Púgot: Head Taking, Ritual Cannibalism, and Human Sacrifice in the Philippines

Vibal Foundation, Inc. (VFI) will be launching Narciso C. Tan's Púgot: Head Taking, Ritual Cannibalism, and Human Sacrifice in the Philippines at VFI’s monthly virtual tertulia this October. Encyclopedic and analytical in its approach, this scholarly book dissects the ritualized forms of violence such as human sacrifice, ritual cannibalism, and head taking in the prehistoric Philippines. 

Púgot: Head Taking, Ritual Cannibalism, and Human Sacrifice in the Philippines

Púgot weaves together historical data and archaeological studies with traditional myths, legends, and songs to create a seamless narrative of some of the most misunderstood aspects of Philippine culture and to shed light on deeply rooted cultures of violence.

Preceding the emergence of Islam and Christianity, deeply held religious beliefs led various Philippine communities to sanction ritualized forms of violence: human sacrifice, cannibalism, and head taking. Today, many Filipinos see these practices as “primitive,” “barbaric,” or pertaining only to so-called “tribes” and therefore not related to the national dynamic. Púgot forces Filipino readers to contemplate and confront the not-so-ancient past, when their ancestors sported loincloths, battle gear, and talismans, and participated in violent community-wide celebrations and rituals. 

New facilities in Bulacan strengthens Holcim lead in producing cement with alternative fuels

Executives of Holcim Philippines’ led by President and CEO Horia Adrian (middle) inaugurated on September 30 new facilities that will drive up usage of alternative fuels at its Bulacan plant to improve business and sustainability performance.

Leading building solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc. and waste management unit Geocycle inaugurated on September 30 new storage and processing facilities at its Bulacan plant that further strengthens its position as the industry frontrunner in using alternative fuels and raw materials in cement production.

The company completed a new 5,400-square meter-warehouse to house its shredding equipment that converts qualified post-consumer and municipal solid wastes to alternative fuels. The warehouse also keeps the processed materials dry and suitable for feeding at its cement kiln.

10 steps to get your online store ready for the 2021 year-end shopping season

Historically, the last quarter of the year is when most Filipino online sellers make the most sales. By now, most Pinoys are already in a Christmas-y mood, so you better make sure you’re there when shopping activity starts to pick up. With more and more Filipinos shopping online, you can be sure the season is going to be crazy.

Preparing for the holiday rush? To end the year strong, here are some tips from Ninja Van!

Ready, Set, Race! Channel your desire to race with the Honda One Make Race

Imagine experiencing the thrill of watching your favorite motorcycle racers competing for a podium. Imagine the feeling of pure adrenaline rushing through you as you speed through the racetrack like the Marquez brothers, Alex and Mark, or Jakob Sablaya. Imagine feeling the pulse of a Honda motorcycle as you race through the finish line like a MotoGP champion.

Now, what would you say if you were told that you can get that excitement and thrill by simply using your smartphone wherever you are, no matter who you are with? Awesome, right?

This is exactly what this new, free digital game app, called Honda One Make Race (HOMR), is all about! It’s the newest and one-of-its-kind app recently launched by Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the No.1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country.

As HPI does not want to limit the excitement the motorsports can offer amongst its patrons, HPI initiated the Honda One Make Race so racing fans, motorcycle enthusiasts, and the likes will still feel the thrill and excitement despite the limitations brought by the safety protocols to avoid the spread of COVID-19. In addition, this game aims to connect and inspire all aspiring motorcycle riders in the future.

UNIQLO Philippines Introduces its Live Station

Japanese global brand UNIQLO continues to bring more shopping convenience with the launch of UNIQLO Live Station. Available on UNIQLO’s Facebook, IGTV, and Youtube pages, this online event series aims to give customers a new and fun way of shopping for their LifeWear clothing essentials.

Hosted by Justin Quirino and Celebrity Fashion Stylist Bea Constantino, the first episode which was launched today, showcased the latest UNIQLO AIRism Collection. AIRism is clothing made with a fiber material that absorbs the water vapor more quickly than ordinary polyester and diffuses moisture using a quick-drying capillary effect.

Clorox and J&T Express pays tribute to its 10,000 riders and couriers as modern heroes

Clorox Philippines recognizes economic front liners

As the country struggles with the economic fallout brought about by the pandemic, courier companies have become an important means to ensure that not only do people continue to get access to much-needed goods but that vital economic activity is maintained through job-generation and consumer spending.

According to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the estimated long-run total cost of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantines for present and future generations of Filipinos is estimated at 41.4 trillion pesos. It was also estimated by the NEDA that the total loss due to lower consumption is 4.5 trillion pesos. 

ShopeePay Expands Presence with Lifestyle and Food Brands as More Filipinos Embrace Mobile Wallets

ShopeePay now offers an even wider digital experience with new partners such as BonChon, Papa John’s Pizza, Mary Grace, Power Mac Center, and Shoe Salon 

ShopeePay, Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, partners with more food and lifestyle brands to cater to the growing number of Filipinos patronizing e-commerce platforms and using mobile wallets as an alternative payment method. 

Digital payments continue to gain momentum in the Southeast Asian region, with a 70% year-on-year growth in respondents who say e-wallet is their preferred way to pay. In the Philippines, more people opt to use cashless payment methods for its convenience, safety, and benefits, recording a 133% growth in consumers who prefer e-wallets. With continuous usage of mobile wallets, it is expected to peak at 75.5 million users in a span of five years. With Southeast Asia showing a promising future in terms of digital payments, ShopeePay continues to expand its services and network of partner merchants to serve the Filipino community.