BARANGAY 143” : First Filipino Anime Series to air in GMA 7

Synergy88 Entertainment Media Inc. has announced that their upcoming TV Series will go on air on GMA 7 starting this October. The announcement was made recently by Jyotirmoy Saha, CEO of August Media Holdings; Jackeline Chua,Managing Director and Co-Founder of Synergy88 Entertainment Media Inc. and Takahiro Kishimoto, Head of Animation, International Business Department of TV Asahi.

Barangay 143 – as the series is known is the first-ever Filipino Anime series. Co-produced between Synergy88, TV Asahi (Japan) and August Media Holdings (Singapore), Barangay 143 will feature a glittering celebrity cast including Cherie Gil, Alice Dixon and John Arcilla and millennial heartthrobs, Julie Anne San Jose, Kelley Day, Migo Adacer, and Ruru Madrid.

Barangay 143 is a feel-good coming of age story of a young Korean boy whose search for his father brings him to the Philippines. Lost and desperate for answers, is here in this foreign land that he finds an unlikely family in a team of misfits whose only ambition is to bring glory to their hometown. It's a story about love and family set against the action-packed world of street basketball, where the stakes are always high and life the biggest game you can win.

“Philippines has a vibrant TV and film industry with a rich culture of storytelling. Right from the onset we were determined develop the show right here so that it captures the essence of life in Manila. I am immensely proud of what we have finally created in Barangay 143”, said Jyotirmoy Saha, CEO, August Media Holdings Fans can enjoy Barangay 143 not just as a TV Series but digitally, in print and as consumer products. The Barangay 143 Street League mobile game is already available on the Google Play Store for Android and the iOS App Store. The narrative story within the mobile game leads to the suspense and drama that drives the story for the upcoming TV Series. “Within the series, the comic strip and even the game we have tried to capture the real-life experiences of the Philippines through the art and the sounds.,” said Jackeline Chua, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Synergy88 Digital. “With Barangay 143 Street League we also created a unique experience

that helps players compete with friends in cyberspace but get their wins rewarded in the real world.”

Set against the backdrop of gritty Tondo, the series also features original music from a whole host of celebrity Filipino singers and musicians. The series is painstakingly designed and produced here in Manila with the help crew from across Japan, South Korea, USA, Malaysia and Singapore.

“When we first came across Barangay 143 during its development phase, it seemed like a natural choice for us to be a part of. We hope that Japanese creativity will bring light into the Filipino story and characters to life.”, said Takahiro Kishimoto, Head of Animation at International Business Department of TV Asahi.

Leading up to the start of the broadcast, fans will be treated to a series on Barangay 143 themed concerts featuring music stars like Gloc-9, Shanti Dope, Julie Ann San Jose and more. We expect to also treat our audiences with many other “GMA has always been known to support anything that champions Filipino talent and promotes our culture. We are immensely proud to be the network carrying the first Filipino anime drama series,” said Joey Abacan, First Vice President, Program Management at GMA.

Executive Producers of the TV Series have mentioned that they are committed to develop the property further and are already contemplating more content surrounding Barangay 143 the brand.

ABOUT SYNERGY88 ENTERTAINMENT

The Synergy88 Group of Companies is one of the leading content creators in the Philippines. In recent times the

group has become the leader in creating content for the youth audiences. The company is widely known worldwide for its children’s animated content with its shows on air in more than 100 countries. Its children’s content portfolio includes popular shows like George of the Jungle, The Kids of Seagull Street, Tilda Appleseed and more. Synergy88 has also lent its name and talent to cutting-edge platform games like Gears of War 4 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Games. The group has already cemented its place as the leading mobile games developer in the Philippines and is soon to announce a host of live-action TV and film projects – all of which target the millennial audiences.

ABOUT AUGUST MEDIA HOLDINGS

August Media Holdings creates and manages high quality intellectual properties for Kid and Youth audiences.

Together with its rights management arm – August Rights, the company has built itself a library of some global iconic brands. Some of the brands in the August Media kitty include George of the Jungle, Ella Bella Bingo, Tilda Appleseed, The Kids from Seagull Street and others that are now on worldwide.

In recent years the company has also diversified along the media vertical to now include among others - a joint venture with Synergy88 (Philippines) - ASI Studios in Manila for animation production, the company is poised to grow into an integrated media house that takes its properties across platforms including Television, Publishing, Mobile and Interactive for a complete 360° leverage.

ABOUT TV ASAHI

TV Asahi Corporation, the main company of TV Asahi Holdings Corporation, is a leading media and content powerhouse headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It operates the top-rating terrestrial channel as well as cooperates with the three satellites channels owned and operated by its group companies. Besides top-rated drama and unique and compelling variety shows, TV Asahi delivers top-rated animation series including “Doraemon” and “Shin chan”. Through Shin-ei Animation, its wholly-owned animation arm, TV Asahi continues to strengthen and develop fresh and innovative animation shows for Japan and the world.

KUMU: Our Digital Bayanihan

Shop Local. Eat local. Spend local. Enjoy local. Support the local businesses who support the area where you live, work and play. 

Are you like me who loves to support local? Facebook has been around for fourteen years, Viber and Instagram for eight. Here's the good news! Recently a messenger app and media platform built by and for the Filipino community launched the Public Beta version of KUMU. Kumu is the product of a long process — a labor of love and countless hours of work contributed by an extended team of over 60 leaders from the Philippines, the diaspora, and the global tech community.

What is this all about? Why do we need another messenger app? What exactly is Kumu? Read on.

1. A localized communication app for the Filipino people

Localized messenger apps are taking over Asia. Part of it means designing for the realities and constraints of digital communication in Philippines. Our video and voice call technology is powered by a unique real-time communications protocol that is optimized for low connectivity settings

We’ve worked hard to infuse Kumu with a voice and spirit that’s uniquely Filipino. Our stickers are one example of this — saturated not only with Filipino language and slang, but also an undercurrent of Filipino history and mythology, all rendered in vivid color by some of the best artistic talent in the Philippines. We will take the same approach to our brand, our marketing, and everything that we do.

Stickers by Katsy Garcia, Team Manila, Toto Madayag, Neil Fernando, and Geraldine Sy.

2. A media network for the next generation of Filipino creativity

Filipinos are some of the most creative people in the world. But historically, that creativity hasn’t been given the right platform to flourish. People leave the country to be Broadway actors and musicians. The local media landscape remains monopolized and insular. Tapping into our innate creativity isn’t just a matter of expression and inspiration — it’s also the key to surviving the next decade of disruption.

We’re building Kumu’s Explore tab as a platform for the digital creative economy in the Philippines. Beginning with our livestream network, Kumu Explore will be the home to artists, journalists, students, vloggers, historians, musicians, comedians, and all kinds of creative talent from across the global Filipino community. Our curation team will ensure a diversity of voices that represent the best of Filipino talent, and our livestreaming technology will enable a deeper level of interaction and engagement than anywhere else.

3. A digital economy of services that make life easier in the Philippines

The Filipino people are naturally viral. Makati was once named the selfie capital of the world, and the Philippines was ranked #1 in terms of average time spent on social media.

But for the most part, our digital savvy remains very separate from our day-to-day economic needs. Filipinos in the Philippines still have to line up each payday to get their money from the bank; Filipinos abroad still use remittance services with hidden fees and unreasonable exchange rates. The cash economy, which remains king, is a very expensive way of doing business.

Later this year, we’ll be releasing some solutions to make life a little easier. We want remittances, shopping, payroll, food delivery, and Balikbayan Boxes to be as fast and easy as posting a selfie. We want to make everything from day-to-day necessities to other products a more seamless part of the digital experience. For many of these services, we’ll be working with some of the best Filipino innovators to integrate their existing solutions into our platform.

Our goal is to unleash the economic power of one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

4. A movement to take back our internet and unlock the power of the Filipino community

When the internet came about, it promised to be a great equalizer, a way for us to connect and be better together than the sum of our parts. But fast forward several decades and our internet infrastructure, too, has been dominated and throttled by a few multinational corporations. Our social media channels are rigged against us, selling the public conversation to the highest bidder.

At Kumu, our vision is to harness the full promise of the internet and digital technology to unlock the power of the Filipino people. We think that the internet can build stronger communities rather than divide them, make life easier instead of distracting us from what matters. Digital media can inspire us and broaden our imaginations. Kumu hopes to be, more than any single thing, a vehicle to make these possibilities real. We want to be a platform for the future of the Filipino community, a Filipino renaissance that is rising and gaining momentum.

We hope you join us in getting there! We need all the Filipino spirit spirit and energy for the journey ahead. Let’s start our Digital Bayanihan with Kumu.

Kumu is now available on the Google Play and App Store. Learn more : kumu.ph

The AsianParent PH and Lactacyd First ever Baby Bash

Do you have parenting questions like:

"I've just given birth, what should I eat to increase milk supply? "

"My son just bit my hand till it bled just because I didn't give him his toy. What should I do? "

"My husband keeps on beating and shouting at our kids whenever he gets annoyed with their kakulitan. What is your side about corporal punishment? "

"I haven't had sex with my husband in years, what's your advice?" 

... but are afraid you might be bashed, embarrassed and laughed at? Worry no more as I will share with you what I've discovered.

Last month, Princess Y and I attended the first ever Baby Bash of the Asianparent PH and Lactacyd Baby 

(The Science of Love) at Whitespace Makati.

It was an afternoon filled with fun, learning and bonding. Bonding with the family, with other moms and with my Unica. 

The venue was breastfeeding mommy-friendly as the organizers set-up an area for moms who needs to breastfeed their little ones. There were other fun stops too!

Baby Weaning Station

Free and Easy (Play Area)

Sensory Bottle Station

Sensory Bottle Station- this is where Princess Y spent most of her time. She enjoyed doing her own sensory bottle

ParentTown Station

The aim of the event was to help and guide first-timers/ experienced moms and dads with their babies and growing-up toddlers. Tips on baby weaning were also given. I believe that's what the AsianParent PH is all about; to assist and a how-to guide for parents.

Sanofi executive intoduced the newest line of Lactacyd Baby: the 2 in 1 moisturizing cleanser and liquid powder.

Lactacyd Baby is a line of mild, cleansing products made with safe and mild,natural ingredients, which fight skin infection and irritation.

Lactacyd Baby bath is formulated with newborn and infant bathing in mind. It can also be used as an adjunct treatment for infections like diaper rash, pruritus, eczema, and seborrhea dermatitis, promising to provide the best care for your little one. 

Did you know that Baby powder can be DUST-FREE lotion? That's why Lactacyd Baby came up with liquid powder because they believe that babies can inhale the very fine grains of talcum powder, which could cause lung and other problem. 

The 2in1 moisturizing cleanser has a Dual Hydration System that moisturizes and protects against skin conditions like dryness and dermatitis. It is specially formulated with extra moisturizing ingredients to hydrate baby's delicate skin and create a defensive barrier to prevent TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss)

For Sanofi: 
 "when babies are free from harm, parents are free from worry."

That's the Science of Love. That's Lactacyd Baby.

Pediatric Dermatologist was also present and discussed about skin care for newborns and infants.

On the event, Parent Town was also introduced. 

What is ParentTown? 

It is a mobile app designed for parents who have parenting concern. New parents often feel like they are stumbling in the dark and have a million questions. Literally overnight they are expected to know everything about pregnancy and raising a family.

Most turn to Google for answers or post their question on a Facebook group, hoping to find the right answer. Often when searching on Google, the results that come back are irrelevant or outdated. And Facebook groups offers you no anonymity.

From conception to raising kids, ParentTown is your trusted guide for everything parenting.

After the talks, attendees were treated with sumptuous buffet, exciting raffle prizes and gifts. 

Thanks to the AsianParent PH co-sponsored by Sanofi and its minor sponsors - Naturali, Profreeze, Whitespace, VPharma, Mega- Malunggay and Thesis salon.

Follow theAsianParent Philippines on Facebook, Instagram for vital parenting information and watch out for their upcoming events. 

SANOFI 

Sanofi-aventis, a global life sciences company, is committed to the continuous advancement of health and wellness. It upholds the same commitment to improving health as well as a person's quality of life through therapeutic medicines, breakthrough products, and major advances in research, making a significant and lasting contribution to the health and well-being of Filipinos for generations to come.

Globe Telecom and Turner enhance Cartoon Network Watch and Play

Last October 22 marked the beginning of a super cool partnership between the country’s No. 1 kids’ brand, Cartoon Network and the Philippines’ No. 1 mobile brand, Globe Telecom. Turner Asia Pacific and Globe Telecom have sealed a partnership that will see two Cartoon Network’s apps feature as part of Globe’s portfolio of content.

Cartoon Network Watch and Play will be upgraded, allowing subscribers access to the apps’ full functionality, including a live stream of the channel and exclusive video-on-demand content.

It aims to provide more creative ways to nurture kids' imagination. Kids and kids-at-heart can now watch their favorite Cartoon Network shows whenever, wherever. The features were previewed at the event showcasing a unique digital experience at The Globe ICONIC store in BGC.

Globe subscribers, can watch their favourite Cartoon Network shows and play Cartoon Network games, all in the same easy-to-use app!

WATCH VIDEOS from hit Cartoon Network shows like: Adventure Time, Regular Show, Ben 10, The Amazing World of Gumball, Chowder, The Powerpuff Girls Johnny Bravo and many more. PLAY GAMES starring Finn, Jake, Mordecai, Rigby, Gumball, Ben 10 and more of your favorite characters.

Enjoy Cartoon Network library of video clips and play games to your heart's content.

The app will work on all iOS and Android devices. A free 30-day trial for Cartoon Network Watch and Play starts this November, exclusive to Globe subscribers. Cartoon Network Anything will also be bundled, showcasing the channel’s best short-form content on mobile devices. It can be accessed for free via Globe Switch app that comes with a data wallet for prepaid users while postpaid custoners can enjoy the app by registering to Globe GoSurf50.

For more Information, follow Cartoon Network Asia and 
Globe Telecom on Facebook.

Watch how the apps work here .

Developing Pharmacy Assistants through New Technology

Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. and The Drugstore Association of the Philippines (DSAP) recently launched a mobile application called DSAP Mobile Drugstore aimed at using new technology to professionalize  operations  among DSAP member drugstores.

The mobile app contains TESDA-accredited modules to train Pharmacy Assistants (PAs) to become professional drug attendants, including TESDA’s Pharmacy Services NC III Program. With this, PAs will have the opportunity to demonstrate product knowledge on the medicines that they are selling, improve their handling of pharmaceutical products, perform proper product handling and control, carry out proper dispensing activities and promote health promotion, education and vigilance to their customers.

Drugstore Association of the Philippines and Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. officials along with TESDA Certification Office Executive Director Ma. Susan Dela Rama during the launch of the app at DSAP’s 20th National Convention

The launch, spearheaded by DSAP President Alberto Hechanova, during the association’s 20thNational Convention held recently at the Manila Hotel, was witnessed by Johnson &Johnson (Philippines) Retail Channel Country Director, Ms. Tina Sabarre and TESDA Certification Office Executive Director Ms Susan Dela Rama and DSAP’s National Board of Directors and more than 2000 delegates from all over the country.

The DSAP Mobile Drugstore app was funded through a grant from J&J and came as a response to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Administrative Order No. 2014-0034 and FDA Circular No. 2014-0025, which mandates drug establishments to employ personnel who has proper training and knowledge about the pharmaceutical products that they are selling. FDA aims to strengthen the Pharmacy workforce that are currently employed in drugstores, in particular, the PAs. 

According to TESDA’s partial analysis, roughly 40 percent of the PAs they have evaluated received absolutely no training when they were employed while a minimal number get most of their trainings from presentations of pharmaceutical companies or possibly, from medical representatives who visit their establishments.  Thus, the likelihood of errors is high, putting in danger the lives of patients.

DSAP’s vision to be the prime mover in healthcare distribution; responsive to the needs of its members & adapting to the changing business climate to pave the way for continued growth and prosperity while maintaining excellence in customer servicing, the new DSAP Mobile Drugstore APP, all PAs can now access the training they need to perform their job well using their phones, thereby, professionalizing their members’ workforce.

“Technology has made skills training for both owners of the establishment and their employees very easy, thanks to the grant from Johnson & Johnson,” said DSAPs Alberto Hechanova.

The mobile app is available in both IOS and Android platform exclusively for DSAP’s members.