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Local News

♻ The Circular Economy: Turning Trash into Treasure

By Tobias Bautista

Maybe the zillions of tarps of politicians’ faces during election season can be turned into something good after they’re taken down…

That's the circular economy's mission: reuse, recycle, and refurbish everything for as long as possible. The Philippines is working on it, but there's still a long way to go, says a UNDP report.

To make real progress, both consumers and manufacturers need to embrace recycling fully. The UNDP suggests practical steps to drive this change.

The private sector is crucial. Collaboration among manufacturers, academics, policymakers, and local governments is essential.

Take the SM Group, for example. They're pushing green initiatives through their SM Green Movement, empowering communities with sustainable projects.

Tela Tales: Linens to Life Stories

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) launched Tela Tales, transforming old linens into stylish bags. Local women are trained to weave these linens, turning them into something beautiful and useful. It's not just recycling; it’s a bonding and income-generating activity.

From Tarps to Totes

SM also repurposes old tarpaulins into functional bags, involving a community effort from start to finish. Proceeds support youth and education programs through the SM Foundation.

Want to make a difference? Support these initiatives and help turn trash into treasure.

Canva’s Big Moves: Freebies

by Tobias Bautista

Whether you're a big corporation or a classroom, Canva’s got something exciting for you.

Canva is celebrating its 20th anniversary by diving into the enterprise market and offering freebies to schools and nonprofits.

Trusted by over 90% of Fortune 500 companies, Canva's growth is still skyrocketing. They're defying gravity!

Canva's giving away its new graphics suite, Affinity, for free to schools and nonprofits. Spread the love, right?

Co-founder Melanie Perkins announced Canva Enterprise, a suite to streamline design and workflow for large organizations. It's like a workspace on steroids, boosting collaboration and visual content creation.

Canva's had a massive redesign to better meet workplace needs, with new tools for Marketing, HR, Sales, and Creative departments.

After acquiring Affinity, Canva now offers a full-stack solution for all designers, and it's free for students, teachers, and nonprofits.

With 141,000 teachers and 79,000 business owners using Canva, and over 850 local employees, Canva’s making waves in the Philippines.

Mice on the Rise: Mice Industry Gaining Momentum

by Tobias Bautista

Good news for anyone in the Mice (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) industry: the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) predicts a bright future ahead. After taking a hit during the pandemic, the sector is bouncing back with gusto.

Scott Wang, WTCA’s VP for Asia-Pacific, is optimistic, noting that the Asia-Pacific Mice industry is gaining momentum. The World Trade Center Metro Manila is holding its ground as a top player in the region.

Data from the Union des Foires Internationales (UFI) shows a remarkable recovery in 2023 across all major exhibition markets in Asia, with further growth expected this year. The UFI’s Trade Fair Industry in Asia report highlights that China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Hong Kong together accounted for over 80% of net space sold in the region.

Wang, who recently visited the World Trade Center in Pasay City, emphasized the importance of international cooperation and investment opportunities, working closely with members and partners in the Philippines.

Sports

🍀 Boston Celtics on the verge of Finals berth as they now lead the ECF, 3-0

By Koby del Rosario

In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics squeaked past the Indiana Pacers, 114-111, after Jrue Holiday’s pesky clutch defense that now puts the C’s within one win away from booking a 2024 NBA Finals ticket.

Apart from Holiday’s nose for the ball, superstar Jayson Tatum led his team with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists as Jaylen Brown and Al Horford dropped 24 and 23 markers, respectively, with the latter going hot from deep.

As the Pacers are on the brink of elimination, Andrew Nembhard picked up the slack from All-Star Tyrese Haliburton’s absence with 32 points and nine dimes as Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner had 22 apiece.

The 2024 NBA Playoffs continue this morning with Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.

 🏀 Thirdy Ravena, Rhenz Abando bid farewell to their respective teams, will explore options

By Koby del Rosario

Over the weekend, a couple of Gilas Pilipinas standouts in Thirdy Ravena and Rhenz Abando announced on their social media pages that they will be departing from their B.League and KBL teams, respectively. 

After being with the team for four years, Ravena is leaving the San-En Neophoenix just a little over a month after him and the team bagged the B.League 2023-2024 Season Central Conference Championship. 

The former Ateneo star will now enter free agency as it’s been said that a number of top teams from the league have expressed interest in his services. 

Meanwhile, Letran legend Rhenz Abando also announced his departure from the KBL’s Anyang JKJ Red Boosters team after a couple of seasons where the swingman was able to showcase his athletic ability.

As he also enters free agency, both B.League and KBL teams are now offering contracts for the 26-year old winger.

Best of luck to our fellow countrymen in finding a new home for their shining basketball careers.

News Roundup

• Scuffles erupt in Israel between police and protesters demanding for return of Israeli Hostages still in Gaza

• PH Tourism Industry struggling as many employees seek better-paying jobs abroad

• Nicki Minaj’s concert postponed after Dutch authorities detained her over pot

• 60-year old Argentinian woman’s Miss Universe journey came to an abrupt end

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