This Father’s Day, making super fun memories is made easier, safer, and more convenient at SM Supermalls. No matter what your SuperDad is like, your favorite SM mall has got you covered with an array of activities that will make his day all the more special.

Start the day with a mass

Our dads are definitely God’s gift to us. On this special weekend date with him, start the day by attending a mass organized by SM Supermalls. Don’t forget to say a little prayer for him!

Grab the nicest gift for him

Make Father’s Day even more rewarding by giving Dad the trendiest personalized gifts. Plus, you can save more and buy more because lots of SuperDad deals are up for grabs!

Spend the day with a feast

Famished after all the shopping and strolling? Turn a simple dining experience into a feast with SM Supermalls’ fab dining deals. From June 13 to 18, you can get your hands on exclusive deals and discounts, as well as dining rewards for dads so be sure to get all his fave Filipino food.

Furdads are also dads

Don’t be sad, Super Furdads, because this day is also for you. Learn from the best at the special tricks and training classes with SM Supermalls’ featured dog whisperer. Plus, there will be a pet show competition in partnership with PCCI so suit up and make sure you and your pet look dashing.

This weekend deserves a cool ride!

Father’s Day at SM wouldn’t be complete without cool photo spots. Make sure to drop by your fave mall’s SuperDads Ride installations. From interactive retro-futuristic and arcade designs to astounding larger-than-life vintage cars and big bike setups, delight your car enthusiast dad by giving him the gift of great photos. 

Get ideas on where to go with your SuperDad on your #FYP

Scroll through Tiktok from June 13 to 18 to check out the best SuperDad dining and shopping promos straight from SM Supermalls’ tenants. 

Show how big your love is by taking him to the SuperDads Giant Collections

Pretty sure your SuperDad loves it big– big displays, big feasts, big toys, and even big love. So this weekend, show how big your love is by taking him to the SuperDads Giant Collection featuring collector dads with super-sized collection items. 

Give your SuperDad an amazing weekend with these dad-approved activities. Cool deals, sumptuous dining promos, and rewarding treats and experiences await the King of your Home this June! Plan the best weekend treat for him at SM Supermalls.

For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com. To get the latest updates, follow @smsupermalls on social media. – Rappler.com

The new 2023 ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304) got a major upgrade from last year’s model, including a design aspect you most likely didn’t expect. This year’s release, as ASUS claims, is their most eco-friendly model to date.

ASUS has always taken design inspiration from nature, and so they’re taking a more active role in protecting the environment. They did this by replacing whichever parts they could with recycled materials (post-industrial, post-consumer, and ocean-bound materials). For their Basalt Gray model, they used eco-friendly plasma ceramic aluminum on the laptop’s lid that not only feels premium but is more durable as well.

And to test its durability, the laptop has gone through rigid military-grade testing (MIL-STD-810) to see how the device will hold up in various harsh environments, which it passed with flying colors.

They also avoided using single-use plastics for any of their packaging, making each component recyclable and compostable.

In this TechRap unRap video, we take the new ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304) out of its compostable packaging and put it to the test. This ultrabook has a 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 Processor housed in a body that is a centimeter thick and weighs only a kilogram. It also has the brand-new ASUS Lumina OLED that makes it sharper, brighter, and more color accurate. With an even thinner and lighter build, we’re setting out to see if it can keep up with our needs and busy schedules, or if ASUS has made any compromises to introduce new design elements.

Spoiler alert: There were no compromises found, your honor.

Watch our video to see how the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304) did.

Want to know more about this ultrabook? Visit its official product page. You can also order a device through authorized resellers found on the ASUS website. – Rappler.com

New Bold University (NBU), the locally inspired version of Silicon Valley-based Singularity University, successfully concluded its highly anticipated 2023 Masterclass, themed “New Bold U 2023: The Country’s Biggest Gathering of the Passionate.” The four-day event, held from March 1 to March 4 at the University of the Philippines Diliman, brought together more than 200 empowered dreamers from across the country, as well as some participants from abroad. The Masterclass was dedicated to exploring a new world of possibilities and igniting groundbreaking ideas that have the potential to disrupt industries and drive innovation.

New Bold U attracted an impressive lineup of over 200 attendees, including founders, leaders, CEOs, and professionals from various industries across the country. The diverse group of participants, ranging in age from 16 to 64, showcased their commitment to embracing new possibilities. Throughout the event, students from different regions of the country passionately shared their aspirations, inspiration, and motivation, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and unity.

Ralph Layco, the head of New Bold U and a serial entrepreneur who received the 2022 Gen T List award, expressed the importance of reinvention in these rapidly evolving and disruptive times. He emphasized that it is no longer solely one’s college degree that defines them, but rather their updated skills and mindset that enable them to navigate the future successfully.

“New Bold U has the crucial role of creating a space for change-makers to reflect on the transformative shifts affecting our lives. As we move forward, AI and emerging technologies will continue to reshape industries, even in traditionally non-tech sectors such as marketing, customer service, and sales,” said Layco.

The Masterclass featured more than 20 influential speakers and mentors who shared valuable insights on staying market-ready and relevant in the face of disruptive technologies. Topics ranged from entrepreneurship, scaling, and marketing to finance, law, mental health, and the utilization of platforms such as Facebook and TikTok for advertising purposes.

Some of the notable speakers included Steve Sy, founder of Great Deals; ER Rollan, CEO of Growsari, awarded the best B2B e-commerce brand across Southeast Asia; Nina Cabrera, CEO of Niv Della Beauty Innovations, operating renowned beauty brands Colourette Cosmetics and Fresh Formula; Randell Tiongson, an esteemed author, columnist, and personal finance speaker; Cherry Pua Africa, an expert in NFTs, author, and founder of The World Stage International Network; Constantin Robertz, founder and CEO of the cloud logistics platform Locad; Kia Abrera, a creative entrepreneur and founder of Likha Summit; Alec Cuenca, host of the top-rated Spotify podcast “Small Talk”; Lowel Magdadaro, founder and chairman of Shantahl Direct Sales, Inc.; and Kaye Layco, co-Founder and CEO of Noah Solutions.

New Bold U’s mission for this year was to inspire more than 500 founders, entrepreneurs, and passionate individuals to embrace a life of abundance and impact. Layco expressed his desire for participants to engage in meaningful discourse, expand their perspectives, and return to their communities and organizations armed with fresh ideas.

Established in 2019, New Bold U has consistently produced outstanding thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who have risen to become CEOs and created impactful solutions in their industries.

For more information, you may visit newboldu.com or their official Facebook page for more details on the enrollment process. – Rappler.com

Getting sick is a huge hassle all year round, but there’s something about the weather recently that hits extra hard when you’re unprepared for it. With PAGASA raising the El Niño alert for the coming months of June to August, it’s high time that we know how to prevent getting sick amid the rising temperature, but noting the rainy season as well.

As someone who regularly suffers from allergic rhinitis, getting a stuffy nose and headache doesn’t just make me extra uncomfortable, but the added heat during the summer months also makes me extra cranky and straight-up unproductive. Did you know that a Harvard-funded public health study found that people can become less capable of performing cognitive tasks during heat waves?

Whatever you’re feeling during the changing weather, it’s best to remember that just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you can’t catch contagious respiratory ailments.

For one, there are more than 200 different viruses that can cause the common cold. It’s just that the most common virus, such as the rhinoviruses, survive best in cold conditions. Meanwhile, the flu is brought only by influenza viruses that still survive during the hot season.

Here are a few seasonal reasons you could be getting sick – and how to prevent them.

Drastic temperature changes

The most obvious culprit is how unpredictable the weather is.

With rising heat indexes to light rainfall showers, these changing weathers can take a toll on our bodies. Extreme temperature fluctuations can weaken our immune system and make us vulnerable to getting sick. Additionally, going in and out of air-conditioned spaces can also make the body more prone to infections.

The Philippines also has its fair share of unpredictable weather around this time as we go from sudden rain showers and localized thunderstorms to your good old-fashioned blistering afternoons.

Too much aircon time

Turns out, you can have too much of a good thing. One reason why people can get sick during the summer season is due to the air conditioning in buildings and public transport. When people spend prolonged periods of time in air-conditioned environments, their nasal passages can become dry and irritated, making them more susceptible to colds.

Being in an air-conditioned room for a long time can also weaken our thermal adaptation, or the ability to endure a hot environment, hence increasing the risk of stress caused by the heat.

You might also need to check the last time your air conditioner was cleaned. Having overall good air quality is important for any type of weather, as a dirty AC unit can spread airborne bacteria and molds more easily, especially if the filters are not cleaned regularly.

Weakened immune system

With the hot weather slowing down our minds, it can also slow down our bodies. When temperatures soar, our bodies perspire more and radiate warmth that ramps up our bodies’ efforts to help us cool down.

Remember when we said that over 200 viruses make up for the symptoms of getting sick? During the summer season, the infection is usually caused by the enterovirus. This infection affects the tissues of your nose and throat, your eyes, and your digestive system.

A strong immune system powered by proper exercise, getting enough water, eating right, and getting in your daily vitamins is your best defense against getting sick.

How can we handle getting sick when it’s hot?

Just like getting sick during any other season, we have to take extra precautions and consider how the surroundings are affecting our immune systems.

For one, it’s best to keep your AC unit clean. Regularly cleaning the air conditioner filters can help prevent the spread of germs and viruses, and make for a colder room to boot. Second, prepare for sudden temperature changes outside by bringing an umbrella to avoid the heat and wearing clothes that allow your body to breathe freely.

Finally, it’s best to prevent getting sick by equipping yourself beforehand. When you’re out and about, you will never know what symptoms of flu you can catch. It pays to be ready and get that helps relieve multiple symptoms already. Go for the medicine that can relieve flu symptoms at any season, like Phenylephrine HCI Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (BIOFLU).

Phenylephrine HCI Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (BIOFLU) has three key components that offer multi-symptom relief:

1. Phenylephrine HCl (10 mg) is a decongestant that helps reduce swelling and obstruction of the nasal passages and sinuses. Phenylephrine HCl may also assist with improving airflow, reducing the risk for post-nasal drip that may cause cough, and promoting easier breathing.
2. Chlorphenamine Maleate (2 mg) is an antihistamine that relieves symptoms of an allergic reaction like a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy and watery eyes.
3. Paracetamol (500 mg) is used to alleviate headaches and fevers to assist in overall flu relief.

All in all, Phenylephrine HCI Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (BIOFLU) is clinically formulated to relieve the symptoms of colds, fever, headache, sore throat, and cough from post-nasal drip before they get worse. Be more wais and go for the medicine that can say “Kaya all” to flu symptoms. Learn more on the Bioflu Facebook page and their official website.

Phenylephrine HCI Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (BIOFLU) is available at all leading drugstores, convenience stores, and supermarkets nationwide.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. – Rappler.com

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If I’m being perfectly honest, the only reason why I was able to enjoy CONQuest 2023 was because I had a media pass. And even then, I was eventually guilt-stricken by the fact that my colleagues and I could go in and out while everyone else had to line up for hours only to be met with more lines inside the halls of the SMX Convention Center.

CONQuest Festival is an annual pop culture and gaming convention. The festival originated in Iloilo and was brought to Manila for the first time last year by AcadArena. Last year’s event was regarded as a huge success. Attendees finally had the chance to physically be with the bigger gaming and anime community as COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were loosened. Plus, CONQuest did what many local cons had not done as much – bring in some of the largest international talents into Manila.

This year, event organizers tried to go bigger by bringing in more talents, more brands, more partners, adding more venues, more events, and more displays. But in the end, things didn’t really work out as planned.

Yes, there were more things to do at CONQuest this year, but everyone was stuck in queues under sweltering heat for too long that in the end, not everyone got to enjoy the three-day affair.

The Bad

Let’s start with the obvious: there were too many tickets sold, and the main venue wasn’t big enough for what they intended.

Ticket claiming started ahead of the festival so that con-goers wouldn’t need to collect their passes on the same day which would’ve meant more lines. But even then, the queues were still too long. And despite long lines and the already packed convention center (it was honestly suffocating), there were still passes being sold onsite.

Hundreds of attendees had to line up for four hours (some even more) outside the SMX Convention Center, many of them in full cosplay.

Imagine wearing layers of fabric and other materials, plus wigs and accessories, while standing under the summer sun and over concrete radiating with heat. There were reports of people fainting while in the queue, and since there wasn’t much room to walk through, medics took too much time to get to them.

There are many entrances you can take to get into the SMX Convention Center, but many of them were closed during day three, which funneled people into one main entry point at the front of the venue. Queues were so bad, memes about them cropped up on the internet. At one point, even the designated entrance for persons with disabilities was closed.

What organizers tried to do to mitigate this was to add more venues where further activities could be enjoyed. Some of the panel discussions, gaming tournaments, meet and greets, and exhibits were held in adjacent locations like Conrad Manila, the National University MOA campus, Microtel by Wyndham, SM Mall of Asia’s Atrium, and even a portion of Seashell Lane right outside SMX.

Unfortunately, the main events were still found within SMX, so even though there were additional venues that con-goers could explore, the majority still flocked to the convention center. And who can blame them? All the exhibits and main events were found there.

Part of CONQuest’s appeal was also the fact that attendees can win passes for meet and greets with famous content creators, gamers, and artists. Some of these passes were raffled online ahead of the event, while others were supposed to be distributed onsite. To get a pass, people would have to queue at designated schedules and venues, but unfortunately passes were given away randomly and arbitrarily hours ahead of their supposed time slots. Many attendees expressed their frustration online, wondering how they were given away and to whom, and why schedules weren’t being followed.

Tickets started at P800 for a one-day pass, but premium passes with all the perks were priced at P20,000. This didn’t include the flights and accommodations some con-goers booked just to make it to CONQuest 2023.

There were also last-minute changes to plans and schedules that left vendors, exhibitors, and some of the talents confused.

Compared to the previous CONQuest festival, this year’s event was chaotic. Last year, I remember walking around freely and with less sweat. Sure, my colleagues and I chose to wear Squirtle onesies this year, but I also had on thick clothing the year before and I was totally fine. In fact, it was really cold last year because the crowd wasn’t as thick.

I also remember being amazed by everyone’s cheerfulness and amazing costumes. People were hyped about finally getting to attend a convention again, and I think I speak for everyone when I say that we really tried to bask in the moments of CONQuest 2022. This year, however, felt like we were all exhausted and frustrated. Some have even started Twitter threads about plans to file a lawsuit against the organizers.

The disaster also prompted Justin Banusing, one of the founders of CONQuest, to create an apology post. Organizers are also now accepting refund requests.

That being said though, there are certain things about this convention that left me wanting more.

The Good

If we ignore the chaos and the logistical mayhem, CONQuest 2023 would’ve been an experience to remember. The fact that this year’s headliners were some of the biggest names in online streaming internationally was quite the feat to pull off.

Streamers like Sykkuno, Pokimane, Valkyrae, Lilypichu, Michael Reeves, and iGumDrop all have thousands of fans across the world. CONQuest 2023 also brought in other well-known individuals in the scene like Anne Yatco and Laura Stahl who are best known for their roles in the hit game Genshin Impact; music performers like James Reid and the K-pop group The Rose; VTubers Demenishki, Bao, and Shoto; and local creators like MaggieKarp, Een Mercado, and KrisRey.

See the full guest list here.

Each of these individuals was given multiple opportunities to participate in shows, meet their fans, and have a good time.

And their respective fandoms and communities already intersect in one way or another, so to see everyone merge into one giant convention was inspiring.

CONQuest 2023 also had some upgrades that they tried coming off from their 2022 experience. For one thing, they added more food concessionaires and placed them in two main locations – outside at Seashell Lane in partnership with Mercato Centrale, and right at the doors of the convention center’s second floor. They also added more activities in the evening like music nights that featured a number of bands and performers. And, as mentioned earlier, they booked adjacent venues so crowds could spill over to other areas.

CONQuest was also an opportunity for creators to get their work seen directly by the people who would appreciate them. Questmarket, for example, was a zone for indie creators and vendors to sell their crafts. There was booth after booth after booth of artists selling prints, stickers, bags, and more.

There was also a section for people developing indie games and looking for players or investors. Amazingly too is that they added an advocacy section for social enterprises and groups working in the development sector to gain some support from the community.

And there were also places where people can play free games like a section dedicated to board games, and an improved retro games zone where con-goers can play classic titles from their childhood.

Several national gaming tournaments hosted by Alliance Games were concluded in CONQuest, giving students from different colleges and universities opportunities to impress gaming communities and win coveted trophies. Scholarships were given out too.

Plus A LOT of freebies and discounts for merch and products.

All in all, CONQuest would have been a mecca for gaming and pop culture fans to feel welcomed and uninhibited. It was a place where everyone can get their geek on and no one would be judgy. It’s a place where community inside jokes can make sense, and terms like MonkaS and KEKW mean anything.

And with gaming and anime becoming more mainstream, the community is also evolving into one that no longer gatekeeps but rather welcomes newcomers. And an inclusive community like this would’ve had a better experience as a collective if everyone had a fair chance at attending and enjoying the con.

Hopefully, next year would be better. – Rappler.com

SM Supermalls won a special award in recognition of its invaluable contributions to the retail industry at the Outstanding Filipino Retailers Awards Night held last June 8 at Okada Manila.

SM Supermalls president Steven Tan received the special award for SM’s commitment to supporting retailers during a time of crisis last 2020 to 2021.

The 2023 Outstanding Filipino Retailers Awards Night, hosted by the Philippine Retailers Association, was a celebration of the remarkable resilience, commitment, and dedication of Filipino retailers during difficult times. It was themed “TIBAY: Gabi ng Pagpupugay,” and served as an inspiration to different communities to make a significant impact amidst continuous adversity. – Rappler.com

In this episode, Kitchen 143 host Michelle Aventajado of Momma ‘N Manila visits the Yurari Kissa by LAB Manila coffee shop at Serendra, where she chats with owner Ros Juan about all things coffee.

Kitchen 143 airs on Tuesday, June 13, at 8 pm. – Rappler.com

We don’t need many reasons to eat a burger. It’s a complete and delicious meal with protein, carbs, and vegetables all on its own. It’s the ultimate comfort food! But what if someone tells you that the best way to eat a burger is upside down? You might raise an eyebrow and ask for reasons why. 

Well, Heinz can help you with that. 

Reason #1: You’ll get a more flavorful top bun

Since the thicker top bun will now be at the bottom, it’ll be able to soak up the meaty juices of the burger patty, making it more flavorful. Imagine the soaked cake of tres leches but in burger form. Yum!

Reason #2: You’ll keep the burger components from falling off

No one likes to deal with slip and sliding tomatoes, pickles, and onions while eating a burger. It’s just plain messy. But eating your burger upside down might just do the trick. Since they get better support by being at the bottom part of the burger with the thicker bun, there’s a lower chance they would fall off.

Reason #3: Your taste buds will get immediate access to the condiments

When you eat your burger the right side up, it usually takes a while before the condiments hit your taste buds. It might even drip to the sides of the burger instead of going into your mouth. But if a burger is made with Heinz Tomato Ketchup made with real red ripe tomatoes and Heinz Seriously Good Mayonnaise made with the fresh free-range eggs, you would want to have a taste of these condiments right at the very first bite. Eating your burger upside down will make that happen for you.

Celebrating Upside Down Burger Day

Heinz is making such a strong case for eating your burger upside down that they turned the celebration of International Burger Day to Upside Down Burger Day.

Last May 31, Heinz partnered with Pound x Flatterie in Greenbelt 3 to conduct a social experiment. They served burgers made with Heinz Tomato Ketchup and Heinz Seriously Good Mayonnaise upside down to the surprise of their customers. It may have looked weird at first, but after the customers tried this strange way of eating a burger, they were convinced that they could no longer go back to how it was before.

If you’re curious about the upside down burger experience, you can try Heinz’s limited-edition upside down burger in collaboration with Pound x Flatterie. It’s available from June 10 to July 10, 2023. Who knows? You might also discover your new favorite way of enjoying this crowd-favorite comfort food. – Rappler.com

What are you giving to the big man in your life? With Father’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what to get the man of the house. 

While it’s sweet to get your father something that he’s been eyeing for a while, the same can’t be said for the “kahit ano” dads in our life. If your dad is a man who takes pride in his appearance, then a grooming gift is a great option. There’s also something to be said about giving them a structured routine that they can lean on every day. My own dad recently started his own skincare journey at the ripe age of 57, Japanese serums and all, and he’s never looked better! 

There are numerous grooming products in the market, so here are a few finds that cater to the dapper dads in our lives.

Anessa Perfect UV Skincare Milk

If you’re looking for the ideal gift for active dads, go for Japan’s holy grail sunscreen: Anessa Perfect Skincare. With SPF50++, Anessa’s water-resistant formula is the perfect gateway sunscreen for dads who don’t have a skincare routine just yet. It’s also pretty easy to use since it isn’t greasy or heavy once applied. 

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream 

After SPF, it’s time for some moisturizer! This Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is simple enough for skincare newbies, but fancy enough for your dad to appreciate (and actually use it every night). With its fragrance-free and lightweight formula, the Ultra Facial Cream can be a go-to for your dad when he wants a quick hydrating fix.

Farmacy Healthy Skin Starter Pack

So maybe your dad needs a full-blown skincare starter pack to jumpstart his wellness era. We’ve got you covered with Farmacy’s Healthy Skin Starter Pack which comes with a 4-step routine to cleanse, tone, treat, and hydrate your dad’s skin. While it may take him a while to get used to it, it will be a worthwhile addition to his nighttime routine.

The Maverick Best-Selling Grooming bundle

Is your dad particular about his hairstyle? Check out this local brand catered to men’s hair grooming products – The Maverick! The Best-Seller Bundle includes their cream-based pomade as a pre-styler and their bestselling sea-salt spray to add texture and volume for all types. The bundle also comes in a well-packaged box with a foldable pocket comb.

16-in-1 Stainless Steel Nail Grooming Kit

On a budget but still want to give your dad something special for his kikoy kit? Check out this stainless steel nail grooming kit that comes with a fancy leather holder that comes in three different colors.

Panasonic ER-430K Nose & Ear Hair Trimmer

Here are some choices for the techie dads out there. First up is the classic Panasonic Nose & Ear Hair Trimmer, a compact and lightweight device with a built-in vacuum system that’s easy to use for dads that still use good ‘ol scissors to clean their facial area. The ER-430K is also waterproof and 100% washable for dads who love tinkering with their tech.

Philips Multigroom Series 5000, 9-in-1 Face & Hair Trimmer

One of the holy grails of male grooming is The Philips Multigroom Series 5000. Though it might leave a bigger dent in your wallet than the other products, this handy device comes with 9 different attachments for trimming facial and body hair, 80 minutes of battery life, and a travel pouch for easy storage. Think of this as your mom’s equivalent to those fancy steel gua shas.

Whether or not your dad is a self-proclaimed skincare enthusiast or just starting out his dapper era, these thoughtful gifts are sure to make his day. – Rappler.com

In the past week, posts showing several merchandisers who re-created the PH flag using packs of Lucky Me! instant noodles quickly gained virality – gaining the attention of more netizens and notable personalities such as Cebuano rapper Karencitta, who virtually applauded the post of merchandiser Bhen-J Agudera from Valencia City, Bukidnon.

As of June 9, the effort from Bhen-J Agudera has already gained a lot of attention, just a day after the posts were published online – amplified by growing coverage from regional outlets, plus other social pages and sites.

Similar expressions of commemoration are being spotted in other supermarkets such as LCC Supermarket, Metro Gaisano, Gaisano Grand Mall, Gaisano Capital, RCS, Red Camia, Citimart, Legends, Emilus, and in select Puregold and Waltermart stores! This trend should come as no surprise as Filipinos are recognized globally for their ingenuity and penchant for showing their support and love for their country in unique ways.

What’s more, Pinoys are also known to love Lucky Me! With the instant noodle brand being a part of many Filipinos’ lives for many years – it’s likely that more outlets will have related expressions of solidarity in the coming days.

Those who spot similar displays of Pinoy pride can share their finds and tag Lucky Me! on Facebook. Happy Independence Day, everyone! – Rappler.com

Editor’s note: This press release is sponsored by Lucky Me! and was handled by BrandRap, the sales and marketing arm of Rappler. No member of the news and editorial team participated in the publishing of this piece.