by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 5, 2022 | Book Reviews
Was the order for kitties or pussies? A wrong interpretation could mean a disaster! Erin is an erotic baker. No, it doesn’t mean she bakes in the nude, get your mind out of the gutter, lol! It means she is an artist and a baker and creates naughty (very lifelike) cakes. Nolan is a lawyer. He started out in family law but is now focused on corporate law.
They first meet when Nolan commissions Sticky Treats, Erin’s bakery, to make a stripper cake for a bachelor party. On the day of the party, Erin went to make some last-minute adjustments to the cake and got mistaken by Nolan for the stripper (who was running late) who then pushed her into the cake before it was rolled out to the party.
Long and short, she isn’t, and he realizes this too late when the agency sends him a message to let him know the stripper wasn’t showing up. In the end, he opens the cake to let her out and he ends up doing the strip tease himself at her dare! What a riot!
Both of them have psycho exes who are determined to ruin their lives by sabotaging their careers, reputations, and budding relationship. That alone would make anyone hesitate in getting romantically involved but cupid (figuratively) shot his arrows at our main characters. Add in the mix the family and friends on both sides who see their interaction and are convinced that he/she is “the one” for each other.
Mishap after mishap happens that it would seem the universe is against them getting together but somehow either Erin or Nolan is able to turn things around and they find themselves back in a good place.
I enjoyed reading The Sweet Spot by Monica Myers. The way it is written, I can easily see this book becoming a rom-com movie. There were some parts that I felt were a little slow but that can easily be adjusted in the screenplay. I hope this becomes a screenplay.
The Sweet Spot by Monica Myers is the first book in the Tasty Temptations series and will be available on Amazon on Nov. 6, 2022, for only 0.99. That’s pretty sweet!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 5, 2022 | Business
Most Filipino families — regardless of social standing — believe that education plays a vital role in a person’s success. That’s why this year’s Balik Eskwela is different and more important for many parents and students. As young learners transition back to the new normal after overcoming the uncertainties and difficulties brought on by the pandemic, Bear Brand is sparing no effort to inspire and encourage children to dream big and secure a better future for themselves and their families.
Recognizing exceptional students in the Philippines
Although every student made sacrifices and experienced difficulties in their studies over the past year, some kids faced harder challenges due to their everyday living situation. However, despite these obstacles, they have displayed their eagerness to learn and overcome life’s adversities. Bear Brand has been honoring the strength and resilience of these young people since 2018 through the Batang Matibay Awards. Last October 27, the 2022 Batang Matibay Awards was held in Screening Room 1, Cinema Complex of Estancia Mall, Pasig.
4 of the Batang Matibay Awardees with Mr. Atom Araullo as the host and Mr. Russell Lipchin, BEO of NESTLE Philippines
In partnership with the Department of Education, Bear Brand started the Batang Matibay Awards to recognize students who exhibited “tibay” in learning both in school and in life. This means not only do they show excellence in academics, but also the community and their families. Every Year, Bear Brand and DepEd call for nationwide nominations of ten Batang Matibay public school students from grades 5-6 who can serve as role models and inspirations to their families, school, and community.
2022 Batang Matibay Awardees
4 Batang Matibay Awardees who showcased how to be a Batang Matibay
Bear Brand continues its commitment to building a generation of Batang Matibay by announcing this year’s Batang Matibay awardees. All of the 10 Batang Matibay awardees showed exemplary courage and strength to thrive despite their struggles.
One of the awardees is Jerald Pelonita from Guihulngan, Negros Oriental. Despite being born without arms, he rose above his peers and was hailed as Champion for the Division level National Art Contest. He displayed commendable skill in drawing and painting using his foot.
Cryzon Jay Ambinang belongs to the Manobo tribe that lives in a secluded area on a mountainside in North Cotabato. He walks more than 2 hours to get to one of DepEd’s last-mile schools. Despite his own personal struggles, he excels in school and extracurricular activities, which includes being Vice President of SPG in their school that leading several projects in their school. One of those is the distribution of modules in his community and organizing a feeding program for the Manobos.
Mark John Alayon from Roxas, Capiz is a model student despite his financial difficulties. His mother is a cancer patient while his father works as a construction worker. Even though the everyday struggles torment his young heart, he excels in school and is consistently chosen as a homeroom officer in class. He also joins programs sponsored by his school or barangay Mark John does all these while also helping his father raise livestock, plant vegetables, do household chores, take care of his mother, and study.
What all the awardees have in common are the lifelong learnings that are ingrained in them at a young age. Bear Brand wants to nurture their tibay ng isip, tibay ng katawan, and tibay ng kalooban and help them secure a better future by recognizing their efforts. In addition, with every glass of Bear Brand Powdered Milk, the awardees are provided with a holistic, Tibay Nutrition that will keep them strong while facing life’s challenges.
Jerald J. Pelonita – REGION VII / Guihulingan / Mandi-I Elementary School
Despite being born without arms was hailed as Champion for the Division level National Art Contest because of his commendable skill in drawing and painting using his foot. He uses his talent and skills in drawing and painting to create harmonious moments with others.
He advocates against bullying which he personally experiences to encourage and inspire children with or without disabilities to come out from their shells and radiate positivity in their hardest or saddest moments.
Jessca Solania – REGION XII / North Cotabato / Renibon Elementary School
Jessica is a student at a last-mile school in North Cotabato. She walks 8km and crosses 8 rivers just to go to school. She once had to cross the river despite strong currents, and she was found crying by the teacher – not because she was scared, but because she lost the only pair of slippers she has and did not want to miss school because of it.
At her age, she carries additional responsibilities to help their family because they don’t have her father by their side. Because of financial scarcity, there are days they would survive on boiled bananas for meals. Despite these challenges, she shows resilience by excelling in school and extracurriculars.
Daryl Ashlei Teves – REGION V / Catanduanes / Virac Pilot Elementary School
She is an inspiration to the school/community as a consistent honor student since she was in 1st grade excelling even in extra-curricular activities such as local/international math competitions.
In addition to the brunt of the pandemic, the onslaught of super typhoon Rolly has greatly affected the educational system in Catanduanes – houses were destroyed, including the residence of Ashlei’s family. But no matter how many storms she encounters, she always faces them head-on. In fact, despite her personal struggles brought on by the typhoon, not only did she continue to excel in school, but she even helped in a relief drive in an orphanage, and also helped to tutor kids who were having difficulties in modular learning in Math. One of her tutees said that after being taught by Ashlei, Math became their favorite subject
Isabelle Lara Miranda – REGION IV-A / Laguna / San Pedro Central Elementary School
Isabelle does not allow her epilepsy to get the best of her. When she started schooling, she had difficulty writing as a side effect of phenobarbital, an antiseizure medication. To compensate for her slow writing and keep up with her classmates, she would usually skip lunch only to end up still being the last to finish. Some classmates bullied her, construing her feeble writing skills and occasional staring (seizure episode) as a sign of being inferior. However, she was relentless in her effort to prove herself. She remained positive until one day her hard work paid off, and she was finally recognized as one of the most outstanding students in class. She also became a champion of an oratorical contest despite going through an emotional crisis. Her terminally ill father was confined in a public hospital at the time, and eventually passed away days after the competition.
She is always eager to take on challenges and new tasks each time she shows a firm resolve to succeed. She carries an unfaltering faith and a strong determination to overcome obstacles.
Matt Jayrus Evangelista -REGION IV-A / Batangas / Tibig Elementary School
He grew up without a father, so his mother has to work abroad to support the family. Whenever he wants to talk to her, he would need to climb a mountain to get a signal. He tries to help support their family by helping with little chores (making broomsticks and collecting scraps as pigs’ feed). While doing this, he still extends his help to his classmates who he helps with their studies.
He may have experienced some defeat in school competitions, but it doesn’t stop him from trying again. Rather it inspires him to be better “Sa susunod na pagkakataon, makakaya ko na yun.”
Cryzon Jay Ambinang – REGION XII / North Cotabato / Renibon Elementary School
Cryzon belongs to the Manobo tribe which lives in a secluded area on a mountainside in North Cotabato. He walks more than 2 hours to get to one of DepEd’s last-mile schools. Despite his own personal struggles, he excels in school and extracurricular activities, which includes being Vice President of SPG in their school that leads several projects in their school. One of those is the distribution of modules in his community and organizing a feeding program for the Manobos.
Sean Geralyn Mara – REGION III / Bulacan / Muzon Elementary School
Sean Geralyn has an older brother with autism, she personally takes care of her Diko and even researches some tutorials on YouTube on how to handle autism spectrum disorder cases. Because of her love for her brother she tried to teach him how to read, write, draw, and other basic skills. She wanted her brother to feel that he is an important member of their family.
Xoann Kyle Ocampo – REGION IV-A / Laguna / Chrysanthemum Village Elementary School
His mother lost her job due to the pandemic which affected their state of life. Instead of being sad and despairing, he came up with the idea of putting up their own snack bar to earn extra income. He’s been very involved throughout the process of building it – starting from brainstorming the menu, up to cooking and packing orders. He himself created the design and logo of their snack bar. This micro business helped them get back on their feet again. It also allowed Kyle to have his own computer that he uses for his study and journalism training/competition.
He can break barriers because he is approachable and friendly. He can make others see their talents and skills because he is not afraid that someone can be better than him.
Marchilyn Guinahon – Region X / Misamis Oriental / Lantad Integrated School
Marchilyn was infected with the polio virus when she was little. Because of this, she is no longer able to walk. Her mother acts as her feet in going to and from school. Her struggles in life made her strong and dream to finish her studies to lift her family from poverty. Her willingness to go to school every day despite her condition, during the pre-pandemic is a testimony to how strong her determination is in pursuing her education.
Her positive outlook in life despite her physical struggles is very commendable. She has written two poems entitled ” Sa Gabay ng Tanging Ina” and “Physical Disability Never Stops me from being complete” depicting her life experiences.
Mark John Alayon – REGION VI / Roxas / Pres Manuel A Roxas Memorial School North
He is consistently chosen as a homeroom officer and fulfills his roles beyond satisfaction. He also joins programs that the barangay/school is sponsoring. His mother is a cancer patient while his father is a construction worker. All his siblings want to attend school but few of them have the opportunity. Seeing everyday struggles torments his young heart but this inspires him to continue learning – finish his studies, and help his family in the future. He helps his father raise livestock, plant vegetables for sale and consumption, do household chores while attending the healthcare of his mother, and study.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 4, 2022 | Business
IMMAP DigiCon VALLEY 2022 would like to thank its Co-Presenter Angkas. Platinum sponsors Manulife Philippines, Share Treats, and TikTok. Gold sponsors GrabAds, Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian Government, Kroma Entertainment, Maya Philippines, McDonald’s, Meta, MetaverseGo!, and Smart. Silver Sponsors DigitalTurbine, Hepmil Philippines, and Metrobank.
IMMAP DigiCon VALLEY 2022 would also like to thank Platinum MediaPartners GMA New Media, Inc., Manila Broadcasting Company, andRappler. Gold Media Partners ABS-CBN, CNN Philippines, ManilaBulletin, One Mega Group Inc., Podcast Network Asia, The Asian Parent, and The New Channel. Silver Media Partners adobo magazine, BusinessWorld, Inquirer.net, Kroma Entertainment, Manila Times, and Philippines Star.
Finally, IMMAP DigiCon VALLEY 2022 would like to thank Event Partners CICP, Endeavor, Eventscape Manila, and Kickstart Ventures.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 4, 2022 | Advocacy
Illiteracy is a key issue that hampers an individual’s ability to function in society. It limits employment opportunities and perpetuates the cycle of poverty. In the Philippines, pockets of illiteracy remain despite having a basic literacy rate of more than 95%.
Recognizing the crucial role literacy plays in uplifting lives, Globe has partnered with NABU, a reading app and mother tongue publishing platform that makes literacy accessible to children globally. Based in New York, NABU is a nonprofit organization focused on eradicating poverty through increased literacy.
The partnership is in line with Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including UN SDG No. 4 on the provision of quality education, and UN SDG No. 17, which highlights the value of partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals.
“Globe is always looking for ways to empower Filipinos. We believe that literacy is a fundamental right that should be accessible to everyone. This partnership with NABU will help us make reading more accessible to Filipinos, so they can learn, appreciate local culture, and reach their full potential,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer of the Globe Group.
“We are excited to be partnering with Globe on this project. This is the first time that we are venturing into the Philippine market. We are confident that this partnership will help us solve the imbalance in children’s book creation and distribution,” said Tanyella Evans, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Creator of NABU.
According to a joint report released by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the World Bank titled “Where are we on Education Recovery?” the Philippines is currently experiencing “learning poverty” where an estimated 70% of 10-year-olds in low and middle-income countries are unable to read or comprehend a simple story.
Their findings also showed how learning has become further exacerbated by the global pandemic, driven by the disruption to in-person schooling.
Through this partnership, Globe will serve as a distribution unit for NABU’s e-books throughout the Philippines to complement students’ learning. Anyone can access the Nabu.org mobile app for free.
Together, the two organizations are bringing more than a hundred Filipino books, with some translated into regional languages such as Hiligaynon, Bicolano, Ilokano, Cebuano, and Maranao. NABU believes that helping children read in their local language first allows their confidence to grow. Having culturally represented, original, and relatable stories in the bilingual text increase the child’s motivation to read.
Over the next two years, Globe and NABU will seek to expand the platform’s reach by partnering with schools and learning facilities. NABU is also excited to hone the skills of Filipino creatives such as writers and illustrators to continue telling and creating more stories that reach a wider audience.
The NABU: Multilingual Kids Books app may be downloaded for free on Google Play Store and App Store. For further details, visit https://www.nabu.org/read/ or https://www.nabu.org/tl/philippines.
Globe has always been a strong advocate of reading and comprehension. It has the Globe eLibrary mobile app and website, which contain hundreds of English classic titles, age-appropriate storybooks, eLearning videos, and other resource materials that can be viewed online or downloaded for later use.
To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 4, 2022 | Book Reviews
Four Nights by Stephanie Brother is a love story. Autumn never imagined that a girl like her, an inexperienced virgin, could attract four men. She also never imagined herself attracted to or involved with more than one man. But I guess that’s just what happens to some special people at Four Points.
When Autumn’s roommate hires a stripper to “devirginize” her, this was so wrong … especially since she had no idea about it. But this bad judgment by her roommate led to her meeting and later becoming involved with four wonderful men.
Four very different men who are all somehow connected even before meeting Autumn:
- Garrett, Autumn’s co-worker and friend who she has had a secret crush on for a long time
- Trevor, the playful dancer/stripper from Club Red quickly puts her at ease with his quick wit and mischievous smile
- Adrian, sensitive and sinfully attractive, is also a dancer/stripper at Club Red
- and Duke, impressively imposing, the bouncer at Club Red, who makes Autumn feel safe and secure.
Four Nights by Stephanie Brother is a story of innocence and sexual exploration. I was in awe at how sensitive the men were to Autumn’s needs and each other. Garrett, who like Autumn, started this as a virgin, too, had hesitations, mostly because of societal expectations. Somehow, though, every experience with Autumn just felt right … even when their “explorations” into sex without intercourse were never alone. First with one other, then two, then three other men.
This is a reverse harem so none of the men are into each other … it is all four men worshipping one lucky woman … Autumn. As the story progresses all we feel is love, love, love.
This book made me smile. Perhaps because of Autumn’s innocence, the love scenes in Four Nights are not as “smutty” as in other reverse harem books. Even with 4 men, there isn’t ever that feeling of being overwhelmed but I am sure that Autumn was going through sensory overload.
You can get a copy of Four Nights by Stephanie Brother on Amazon. The Kindle version will be available on November 8, 2022, but you can already get a paperback copy now.
After reading this book you can read the bonus content here.
The NABU: Multilingual Kids Books app may be downloaded for free on Google Play Store and App Store. For further details, visit 
Four Nights by Stephanie Brother is a love story. Autumn never imagined that a girl like her, an inexperienced virgin, could attract four men. She also never imagined herself attracted to or involved with more than one man. But I guess that’s just what happens to some special people at Four Points.
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