SOME EXHIBITORS AT THE VIRTUAL NATIONAL TRADE FAIR

Digital transformation, e-Commerce, online selling — these are the new buzzwords for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adapting to the new normal. In keeping with the times, the much-awaited National Trade Fair is now accessible to anyone, from anywhere, through the Virtual National Trade Fair.

Showcased at the event will be over 100 exhibitors in the following product categories: fashion accessories and wearables, food and beverages, gifts and souvenirs, health and wellness, and home and living. Designed mainly for B2B commerce, the exhibitors are looking forward to opportunities to do business with large institutional buyers like hotels and restaurants, supermarket chains, large corporate merchandisers, export consolidators, and also online resellers.

Here's a sampling of some exhibitors at the Virtual National Trade Fair:

BLUE MACAY FOOD MANUFACTURING CORP. Spice up your meals with blends of organic and inorganic herbs and spices that give full flavor and aroma to culinary dishes. A renowned food specialist since 1995, Blue Macay manages and distributes local food materials and special powder blends. They also provide customized services for the supply of food ingredients, spices, savory seasonings, and sweet blends and sauces.

CARE CHANNEL SOCIAL ENTERPRISES INC. (CCSEI) produces unique designs of Filipino-made and export quality calendars, greeting cards, wall frames, notebooks, bookmarks highlighted with real pressed flowers.

All these locally-made handcrafted products provide decent income to at least 600 mothers and youth nationwide and generates funds for college scholarships to support deserving students coming from poor and indigenous families

COCOPLUS AQUARIAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION manufactures organic Virgin Coconut Oil, known to be the healthiest dietary oil on earth. The company is capable of producing at least an average of 20,000 liters per month using fresh wet centrifuge method. This type of method produces the best quality virgin coconut oil!

FULGOSINO ENTERPRISES started way back 1976 and is now supplying different hand-woven products such as hats, baskets, placemats, packaging, boxes, bac-bac rope — storage or braided. Their products are mainly made of abaca, also known as Manila hemp, long recognized for its exceptional strength, flexibility, and resistance to damage in salt water. Bacbac, meanwhile, comes from the outer layer of the banana trunk. Its natural brown color gives a vibrant effect on multifunctional home decor products such as planters, trays, hampers, and baskets.

EVERYTHING GREEN TRADING & CONSULTING is a social eco-enterprise that aims to eliminate waste. It is a purpose driven company that provides "greenovative" solutions and products for a more sustainable world. Their flagship "gree-ne-las" made from abaca and pandan, are the greener alternative slippers. They also produce abaca/pandan shoe boxes.

The Virtual National Trade Fair will run from January 27 to February 2, 2021 at the website: virtualnationaltradefair.dti.gov.ph. To facilitate business transactions between the participating MSMEs and interested buyers, exhibitors will be present at their virtual booths during show hours from 10AM to 6PM on January 27 to 30. At that time, real-time interactions can be done through chat, video calls, or virtual meetings.

Beyond show hours and in the following days from January 31 to February 2, visitors can visit the booths anytime and leave a message for later interactions.

There will also be a series of webinars at the Virtual National Trade Fair, to be held from January 27 to January 29. The 3-day virtual sessions are targeted at new entrepreneurs and small businesses, to empower them with the right mindset and various tools to help them in their ventures.

The Virtual National Trade Fair is open to the public, and admission is free. Simply visit virtualnationaltradefair.dti.gov.ph and fill in your registration details. Be informed about the latest updates by following @virtualnatltradefair on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information about the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, please follow their social media accounts @BDTP on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You may also email bdtp@dti.gov.ph.

SIGNS YOU'VE EMBRACED THE ADULT LIFE

Transitioning to adulthood is never easy. Even when you plan or think you’re ready for what’s to come, there will always be bumps along the way. That said, growing up can feel less overwhelming once you start achieving adulting milestones step-by-step.

Think you’ve mastered the art of adulting? Here are signs to look out for:

You have a steady job.

It’s natural to jump from one job to another at the beginning of your career, but as you grow older, you begin to understand what you want to do until you retire. You weigh in on the pros and cons before accepting a job offer because you know your value. You’re aware that there are other jobs out there that would better suit your skills and experience.

You manage your time wisely.

There is a common misconception that being busy equates to being productive. Many people try to multitask and eventually produce low-quality output or get burned out. Adulthood is about accepting the fact that you can’t juggle multiple responsibilities all at once and understanding that prioritization is key to lessening the burden.

You prioritize your finances, and ensure government papers.

When you were younger, you were comfortable living from paycheck to paycheck. Now, you’re financially independent and only spend what you can afford. You keep track of all your bills. You want to avoid the hassle of time-consuming queues, and so you pay for your utilities and reload your radio-frequency identification (RFID) stickers on time and online.

You also ensure that aside from updating government IDs such as your driver’s license and passport, your NBI clearance is up to date in case of employment. For secure and worry-free transactions, Shopee has you covered. Use ShopeePay, Shopee’s official mobile wallet, to top-up your EasyTrip account and pay for your NBI clearance.

Here’s how you can reload your EasyTrip account and pay for your NBI clearance with ShopeePay:

ShopeePay is a safe, convenient, and secure way for users to pay for their bills and online shopping purchases. It also offers monthly promos, cash backs, daily vouchers, and discounts for both new and regular users.

Until February 1, users can enjoy 10% cashback when they pay their postpaid bills and 20% cashback when they pay for their NBI clearance using ShopeePay.* For more information about the bill payment, check out https://shopee.ph/m/bills-payment.

DTI TO HOLD FIRST-EVER VIRTUAL NATIONAL TRADE FAIR

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) and in collaboration with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, will be hosting the first-ever Virtual National Trade Fair from January 27 to February 2, 2021, on its website virtualnationaltradefair.dti.gov.ph.

In line with the BDTPs mandate to expand the market presence of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Virtual National Trade Fair aims to offer a digital solution to connect our MSMEs to big institutional buyers like hotels and restaurants, supermarket chains, large corporate merchandisers, and export consolidators. 100 exhibitors from the regions will be showcased, featuring products such as processed food and beverages, gifts and souvenirs, houseware and decor, fashion accessories, wearables, and health and wellness products.

Designed mainly for B2B commerce, the Virtual National Trade Fair provides MSMEs and interested buyers with a venue for transacting business online through real-time interactions via chat, video calls, or virtual meetings, particularly during the first 4 days of the event when exhibitors are expected to man their virtual booths during show hours from 10AM to 6PM on January 27 to 30. Subsequently, from January 31 to February 2, visitors can continue to visit the booths anytime and leave a message for later interactions.

Additionally, the Virtual National Trade Fair will also have a series of webinars targeted at new entrepreneurs and small businesses. The 3-day virtual sessions aim to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the right mindset and ample tools to help them in their ventures.

The Virtual National Trade Fair is open to the public, and admission is free. Simply visit virtualnationaltradefair.dti.gov.ph and fill in your registration details. Be informed about the latest updates by following @virtualnatltradefair on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information about the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, please follow their social media accounts @BDTP on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You may also email bdtp@dti.gov.ph.

10 WORK FROM HOME ESSENTIALS FOR A PRODUCTIVE 2021

We’re all finding it a little difficult to swing back into the rhythm at work after the holidays. After all, the current work-from-home setup makes it even trickier—you have to deal with distractions such as an inviting bed, loud neighbors, and clingy pets.

Still struggling to maximize your efficiency at home, even with months of working remotely under your belt? This new year, use a few key products to make working from home a breeze! Check them out below.

Mumuso LED Desk Lamp 
Great lighting wakes you up and gets you in the zone—plus it brightens up your face for work video calls. This sleek lamp features three adjustable levels of brightness. 

Papemelroti Planner 
Stay on top of projects and deadlines with a planner. This pocket notebook, which is made of 100% recycled paper, features monthly spreads printed in black and white. 

Hydro Flask Water Bottle 
A tumbler full of your power drink of choice—whether a coffee, smoothie, or even just water—will get you through the day. Choose an insulated one to keep your beverage hot or cold for hours. 

Socone Seat Cushion 
You spend most of your day perched on your office chair, so make it as comfortable an experience as possible. This soft, comfortable cushion can be used on the seat or back of your chair. 

Soundpeats Desk Organizer 
A cluttered workspace muddles up your brain. Organize your desk so you can clear your head and work on your deliverables more efficiently. This storage box features a 9-piece pen holder, 3 storage compartments, and a drawer. 

Akari Extension Cord 
Got lots of gadgets to charge and only one outlet in your working area? An extension cord is a lifesaver! Choose a product with different sockets, such as this one. It has 3 gang universal sockets, 2 gang multi-purpose sockets, and a 3-meter wire. 

Lotus Activewear Wrist & Ankle Weights 
If you’re finding it difficult to fit workouts into your busy schedule, sneak them in while on the job. With wrist and ankle weights, who’ll ever know? Each pair of this hypoallergenic, antibacterial set weighs 0.5 lbs. 

Buzzbee Mini LED Speaker 
A bluetooth speaker helps you connect with your colleagues better on weekdays, and relax more on weekends. This product boasts of a working range of up to 10m and a working time of 5 hours. 

Bostanten Blue Light Glasses 
Remember to take care of your eyes—you spend more or less eight hours in front of the computer screen for work, after all. Blue light lenses prevent eye strain and aid in better sleep, thanks to a coating that filters harmful light emitted by digital screens. 

Plextone Diffuser/Humidifier 
Enjoying the chilly weather? Don’t forget to use a humidifier to improve air quality in your working space. This also works as a diffuser for all your favorite relaxing scents. Its aesthetically pleasing design would spruce up your desk as well. 

Check out more authentic products at the lowest prices on https://shopee.ph. 

For more deals, top up your ShopeePay wallet. Top up at least a total of P3,000 until January 31 to receive a free shipping voucher and a 20% off voucher on the 7th day of the following month. Learn more here: https://shopee.ph/m/shopeepay-topup-rewards. 

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

UNIQLO TO OPEN ITS FIRST STORE IN ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA ON JANUARY 29

Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO, is set to open its first store in Zamboanga Peninsula at SM City MindPro mall on January 29. The new store will provide a 766 sqm of shopping space, bringing LifeWear clothing and world class retail shopping experience to the Zamboangueños.

“With the opening of our first store in the region, we hope to bring our quality and affordable LifeWear items to more Filipinos, to help them with their everyday lifestyle clothing needs,” says Masayoshi Nakamura, COO, UNIQLO Philippines. “We invite everyone, especially first-time customers, to experience our UNIQLO store and LifeWear items, and check out our exclusive offers on the opening weekend.”

With easy access from the main road, the store is located at the ground floor near the mall’s main entrance. The SM City MindPro store will offer the latest line-up of UNIQLO’s 2021 Spring-Summer Collection — featuring a wide range of LifeWear pieces for men, women, kids, and babies.

On the opening weekend, from January 29 to January 31, 2021, customers will receive a Uniqlo U packable bag with a minimum single receipt purchase of Php 3,000.

Zamboangueños can enjoy the following exclusive limited offers and more from January 29 to February 4, 2021:

THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM'S "BALIKAN ANG PILIPINAS"

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched the Balikan Ang Pilipinas campaign to encourage Balikbayans to travel to the Philippines this season and visit the country's sites and destinations with their loved ones.

"With the campaign, we welcome our balikbayans back home, who now have the opportunity to be together with their families and friends. This is the chance for them to create new memories while visiting destinations that are now open and safe for tourists." DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

Puyat emphasized, "This is the main reason why the DOT has focused on establishing and promoting safe tourism under the new normal. We're enforcing stringent safety protocols so that we can resume tourism activities sooner, while ensuring the protection of everyone."

The Balikan Ang Pilipinas campaign was launched with the online release of the music video that featured the now-classic Original Filipino Music (OPM) Mundo by IV of Spades, rendered by the international award-winning The Loboc Children's Choir, and Mikey Amistoso, frontman of cult-favorite Ciudad.

'Mundo' in English means 'world'. The video serenades both balikbayans and local travelers to return and travel around their 'mundo' -- the Philippines.

The simple act of returning home, of traveling, even if it is just within one's municipality, province or region, will also mean the world to tourism workers as they recover from disruptions in their livelihood caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Balikan Ang Pilipinas campaign, which will run until the first quarter next year, aims to inform balikbayans on what to expect and prepare on their return home. Programs will include a microsite, unique tour packages, and a special online-event for them to enjoy.

The Philippine government recently opened its borders to balikbayans and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), enabling them to return to the country.

To know about the destinations that have reopened and their respective travel requirements, travelers can go to philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel.

One of the destinations featured in the AVP is the Lawis Grand Canyon at the Tagoloan River Valley in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Watch the Balikan Ang Pilipinas music video here: www.facebook.com/watch/?v=437356187261740

The latest DOT AVP also featured and hired actual tourism workers including Bukidnon’s Tagolwanen Women Weavers Association and Ibaloi kayabang basket weavers from Atok Benguet. Photo by Kyrke Stephen Jaleco.

THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM CELEBRATES ANEW WITH THE WORLD

DOT celebrates Boracay and Palawan inclusion in Condé Nast’s 25 Best Island Beaches in the World list.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrates anew with the world as White Beach, Boracay and El Nido, Palawan place 2nd and 9th, respectively, in Condé Nast’s Traveler's 25 Best Island Beaches in the World: 2020 Readers' Choice Awards list.

The inclusion of these two destination gems in the prestigious travel publication’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards, is sheer recognition of their unparalleled beauty and uniquely diverse resources.

“We would like to thank the travelers who voted for our destinations. We draw inspiration from this warm reception and solid vote of confidence from our satisfied patrons. As our destinations gradually reopen with health and safety measures in place, we will continue our conservation and protection efforts of these areas,” remarked Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

“Boracay is a screensaver brought to life, with dazzling white sand, so-clear-you-can-see-your-toes water, and a lush jungle backdrop, available to anyone willing to make the journey. The island used to fly under the radar with one of the most beautiful beaches in the world—but the secret's out. Now the three-mile White Beach, with its grottos and beachside dining (and nightlife), is its busiest swath of sand,” wrote Conde Nast’s Caitlin Morton. 

On El Nido, Morton gushed, “Shockingly, Palawan remains steadily under the radar, even though it continues to rank highly in our Readers' Choice Awards. El Nido alone is home to around 50 white sand beaches—it’s impossible to choose just one—all of which are set around dramatic limestone formations and have the finest and whitest sand you’ll ever see. The water is so blindingly blue it makes the Caribbean Sea look murky in comparison. And the sunsets? Well, they’ll ruin you for life. Consider yourself warned.”

Both Boracay and El Nido are open to domestic tourists coming from GCQ and MGCQ areas with health and safety protocols, which you can find at www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel

As a means to make domestic travel more affordable, the DOT, through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), encourages domestic tourists to avail of the 50 percent subsidized RT-PCR tests. The program, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines - Philippines General Hospital (UP-PGH) and the Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC), brings down the test cost to P900 and P750, respectively. To apply, visit https://www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel/.

BACK TO SCHOOL PROMO FROM SAMSUNG

With the rise of the new normal, a key factor in the success of online learning is having the right device. A gadget with suitable specs paired with a stable internet connection can make online classes easier for students to learn in the new normal. For parents worrying about their children’s education this New Year, they can rely on Samsung to welcome the year with a show of gratitude for the year that was 2020.

To start the New Year, Samsung aims to make online learning even more accessible, comfortable, and fun with the biggest Back-to-School promotions of the Galaxy Tabs where students can get up to P5,000 discount from January 5 to 31, 2021. This serves as Samsung’s big thank you for continuing to support the brand in spite of the hurdles and challenges that 2020 brought to everyone. The Galaxy Tab S7|S7+, Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, Galaxy Tab A with S Pen and Galaxy Tab A 8.0 are now all available on special discount for a limited time only. These tablets come with easy-to-use-features perfect for digital learning and those students in need of updated, powerful devices.

Giving students the power to study and play with the Galaxy Tab S7 Series

Those looking for a device that can seamlessly manage the mix of work and play will be sure to enjoy the array of cutting edge features such as a new and improved S Pen with ultra-low latency. This is best paired with the device’s 120Hz display refresh rate for the ultimate experience, be it in writing or drawing. The device also has the improved Samsung Notes app that allows users to easily create, edit, and share their ideas across their tablet, phone, or Windows 10 PC. Just like the Galaxy Note20, the device is also capable of turning messy handwriting into legible penmanship. Further expanding what one can do for productivity and entertainment, the device’s Samsung DeX feature provides a wireless means to produce a second screen through a monitor or TV.

Whether it’s note-taking for classes, drawing, watching videos, or playing the most intense games, the Tab S7 series provides an immersive and enjoyable experience through its large display with up to 120Hz refresh rate and quad speakers tuned by AKG and sound by Dolby Atmos. The Galaxy Tab S7 comes with an 11-inch LTPS Display, while the Galaxy Tab S7+ comes with a 12.4-inch Super AMOLED display.

For capturing high-quality photos and videos, both the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+ come with a 13MP Main and 5MP Ultra Wide camera with flash as well as an 8MP front camera. With the Book Cover Keyboard, now improved with a larger touchpad and intuitive function keys, users are in for a PC-like experience with a single tap. With the Back-to-School promo, Samsung is offering the Galaxy Tab S7+ at Php 5,000 off and is now only Php 58,990 while the Galaxy Tab S7 with Php 4,000 off is now just Php 43,990.

Ensure learning without interruptions with the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite also makes for a great online learning companion as it features an immersive 10.4” WUXGA+ display and breathtaking audio with its dual speakers with sound by AKG and Dolby Atmos 3D. These features enable learners to watch and listen to their online classes and virtual workshops without interruptions, as well as tune in to the content they love in high-quality—whether it be for learning a new skill or binge-watching a new show during downtime.

The tablet comes with a precise, ergonomic S Pen which makes drawing and jotting down notes easier than ever. Parents can use this feature to encourage creativity among children through visuals—may it be in the form of painting or other types of artworks. They can also use it for personal learning, such as listing down new recipes, experimenting on digital artworks, and creating digital bullet journals. What’s more interesting is that users can turn their scribbles into digital text via the Text Conversion feature on the Samsung Notes app.

The S Pen is also magnetically attached to the tablet and its accompanying book cover so users don’t have to worry about misplacing it.

The tablet also comes with various apps that can be valuable for learning--may it be through educational and inspirational videos, shows, or podcasts. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite offers access to various educational apps and content via Youtube, Spotify, Netflix and so on. Whether it’s for watching children shows, discovering a new life-changing hack, or listening to motivational podcasts, the tablet is equipped with apps and content for various learning needs.

Furthermore, it has the Samsung Kids feature which helps set parents' minds at ease as it safely introduces children to the digital world through a range of exciting, colorful, family-friendly learning apps and games. Through the app, parents can also control the amount of time that children spend on the tablet.

During the Back-to-School promo, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is available at only Php 23,990, previously Php 26,990.

Beginner friendly e-learning for students

For those looking to provide a tablet that’s easy to use for beginners and has the S Pen, Samsung offers the Galaxy Tab A with S Pen. The Galaxy Tab A with S Pen comes with a display measuring at 8 inches, just right for young children experiencing e-learning at home. This Tab is powered by an octa-core chipset and comes with 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, expandable up to 512GB. Other features include 2D Face recognition, Dolby Atmos audio, a 4,200mAh battery capacity, and runs on Android 10 Q. This device is a perfect companion to those who consume a lot of content like browsing on social media and watching videos on Netflix and YouTube. Those who want to encourage the motor skills of their children will find the S Pen to be very useful and will serve as the super-convenient tool for all drawing and writing needs.

With the new Back-to-School promo, parents can now buy their children the Samsung Galaxy Tab A with S Pen at PHP 12,490 (previously at Php 13,990).



Affordable e-learning for young students

Given the new year and new normal, many families may be looking for good bargains to replace their current devices. Parents need not look further than the more affordable option of Samsung with the Galaxy Tab A 8.0. This portable tablet packs a punch with its premium metallic design and brilliant basic performance perfect for young children beginning their e-learning journey. This Tab has an 8 inch screen, a 5,100 mAh long-lasting battery, 8MP high resolution back camera and 2MP front camera. With its powerful Quad-core processor and Snapdragon 429 chipset, parents don’t have to worry about any lag during class time. In addition to all these excellent basic features, the Tab comes with the pre-installed Samsung Kids app and various other pre—installed content all available through secure mode.

The Galaxy Tab A 8.0 is now available at only Php 6,990 with the new Back-to-School promo of Samsung.

Know more about the Samsung Galaxy Tabs Back-to-School promo at samsung.com/ph.