by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 23, 2023 | Book Reviews
I opened Me, My Mate, and His Human Girlfriend by Annietroup1 on Goodnovel despite heavy reservations just to give the author a chance. From the title, I was assuming this is either a rejection story or a menage. Early heads up, it is (apparently) neither.
I like giving new stories and authors I encounter a chance. I actually recall adding this book to my library a while back but never got around to properly reading it because the first chapter did not engage me. To be honest, usually if the first chapter bombs, there is very little hope for me to like the succeeding chapters any better. To give the author the benefit of the doubt I decided to revisit it and read on.
First, the premise … Amanda (Mandy) is 19 and this is her 3rd year looking for her mate so she was not optimistic. At the party, she discovers that her mate is Alpha Mason and she immediately “nods her head no” (this tells me the author is Asian because in other cultures a nod means yes). It is common knowledge that Mason has a human girlfriend of long-standing (10 years) and has openly stated that he would not be leaving her for his mate.
Despite that, he still insists on taking her back to his pack. She rejects him but he does not reject her back saying that doing so will make him weak. In addition, he hides her away in the east wing of his house, isolated from everyone, and goes on with his life as if she was not there. The only change being he visits her every night to talk to her since his wolf insists.
In the meantime, he still maintains a physical relationship with his girlfriend every night which causes Mandy excruciating pain, needing the intervention of the pack doctor every night. Mandy is angry, infuriated even. After a bout of violence (against any object in her sight) she slowly degenerates. it takes her FIVE YEARS OF SUFFERING to finally decide to just end her life.
FIVE FUCKING YEARS!!! She allowed Mason to hurt her intentionally every day and it took her FIVE YEARS to realize that killing herself was the best thing to do since she can’t get help from anyone else. And when she does and is spotted by the doctor who then rushes to the hospital bleeding that is the only time that Mason realizes what a dickhead he is … after he intentionally (and I mean, told her to her face that was exactly what he was going to do) hurt her by having sex with his human girlfriend that entire time.
It takes Mandy almost dying for him to decide to dump his girlfriend of 15 years now to be with his mate. WHERE IS HIS BACKBONE?!? If he truly loved his girlfriend that much he should have rejected Mandy from the start and marked the human, not made Mandy suffer for FIVE FUCKING YEARS! If he believed that the Moon Goddess knew best then he should have done that mind wipe thing to the human and be with Mandy from day 1 of finding her.
So far, I have read all the free chapters and bought a few (I am now on chapter 9) and I am most definitely NOT liking this story. Both male and female lead characters are idiots and their story should not be told. Also, I am unhappy with the author’s grammar. Girl, hire a copy editor, PLEASE! Stat!
If despite my thumbs-down review you are still curious and want to get tortured for yourself (hyuk!) you can find Me, My Mate, and His Human Girlfriend by Annietroup1 on Wattpad and Goodnovel. Fyi, I rarely give an outright thumbs down so this should tell you how much this book angered me.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 21, 2023 | Advocacy
Fujifilm Philippines, one of the most trusted leaders in imaging solutions, continues its commitment to enhancing healthcare in the Philippines by conducting health outreach programs in various parts of the country.
Masahiro Uehara, Fujifilm Philippines President, said the Japanese company will partner with local government units to provide free medical consultations and diagnostic tests to communities using their innovative medical equipment. These include the FDR nano and FDR GO Plus for tuberculosis screening and X-ray.
“As part of our corporate social responsibility and commitment to adapting to the changing times, Fujifilm Philippines is taking action by implementing social initiatives to aid Filipinos and local government units. Through these outreach programs, we want to show our dedication toward the betterment of communities,” he said.
Uehara noted that Fujifilm Philippines will first go to Majayjay, Laguna to kick off the outreach program and provide medical assistance to around 300 individuals.
“Majayjay is committed to providing quality healthcare to its citizens and its commitment makes it an ideal site to launch our health outreach program,” he explained.
During the event, Fujifilm Philippines will also turn over medical kits, including sphygmomanometers and thermometers, to the local government of Majayjay to augment the local health centers’ medical instruments.
“We are committed to providing medical assistance to communities in need. At the same time, we look forward to launching more programs that will benefit more Filipinos,” Uehara added.
Pivoting to healthcare
Fujifilm Philippines started its Medical Systems business in 2012 offering five of its pillar products including the Digital X-ray Systems, Computed Radiography Systems, Medical Informatics, Dry Imaging Printers, and X-ray Imaging Films. The introduction of these products paved the way to establish Fujifilm Brand.
In 2013, the business expanded to include Ultrasound Systems, Dry Chemistry, Digital Flat Panel Detectors, Endoscopy Systems, and Digital Mammography Systems. Fujifilm then became one of the most competitive brands in the market as it continuously increases its installation around the Philippines.
Moreover, with FUJIFILM Corporation’s latest acquisition of the Diagnostic Imaging-related Business of Hitachi, Ltd in 2021, Fujifilm Philippines now offers a comprehensive product lineup covering CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound systems, endoscopy, in-vitro diagnostic systems Pictures Archiving and Communications System (PACS).
At the height of the pandemic, Fujifilm Philippines helped healthcare workers identify and monitor COVID-19 patients through a mobile X-ray system called the FDR Go PLUS.
Another innovative medical instrument is the FDR nano, a mobile device for high-quality X-ray imaging. Unlike the traditional mobile X-ray, which is around 500 kilograms, the FDR nano only weighs 90 kilograms. Its compact design makes it easy to use and ideal for confined spaces.
Uehara said Fujifilm Philippines is dedicated to developing new technologies to produce exceptional products and facilitate the treatment of patients.
‘Never stop’ campaign
Besides health outreach programs, Fujifilm Philippines will also conduct basic photography training for young adults highlighting Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras and Instax. The training will be facilitated by Ms. Jam Ramos, an instructor at the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF) and a part-time multimedia teacher.
In 2020, Fujifilm Philippines launched the Fujifilm Online Academy, where professionals provide free photography, videography, and vlogging training. Fujifilm will also put on display its various camera products including mirrorless cameras and Instax to provide a hands-on experience for the participants.
As part of its “Never Stop” global brand campaign, Fujifilm offers a diverse selection of products and services, such as Healthcare (medical equipment and pharmaceuticals), Materials (data storage media, electronic materials, sensor films for touch panels, film for LCD monitors, inkjets, and graphic systems), Business Innovation (office printers, digital production printers, and business solutions) and Imaging (instant photography/Instax and advanced digital cameras).
Established in 2012 as a sales subsidiary of Fujifilm’s regional headquarters in the Asia Pacific, Fujifilm Philippines is committed to promoting sustainability and addressing social issues through developing innovative products, services, and technologies.
For more information about Fujifilm Philippines, visit www.fujifilm.com/ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 21, 2023 | Book Reviews
I encountered Accidental Surrogate for Alpha by Caroline Above Story on iReader when I was looking for something new to read (as if I don’t have any books I am in the middle of already, lol!) as a palate cleanser. I paused on this mostly because I was curious about how the FLC could be a surrogate for a werewolf, assuming she is human. Did she know he was a werewolf? In this story are werewolves and humans even genetically compatible?
Betrayed by her boyfriend physically and emotionally, Ella goes to the fertility clinic where her sister works to help her get pregnant. A mess-up at the clinic ended up with Ella being inseminated with Alpha Dominic Sinclair’s sperm instead of the handsome surgeon she chose from the file. And the story only gets better from there.
After reading all the free chapters, iReader charges 180 coins per chapter and I wasn’t willing to spend that so I tried to see if this story is on Goodnovel, and to my delight, it is! I spend over 352 coins to read 10 chapters and I look at how much more I will need to spend to catch up on all the chapters and its equivalent would be something like $24.99! Whoa! So I took a leap and checked Amazon. Lo and behold, the story is there but in two parts (so far) at $5.99 apiece. Doing the math, buying the e-book on Amazon still made more economic sense so I took the leap and bought the 2 books.
In hindsight, I should have just started on Amazon after the free chapters. I have no regrets. This is a wonderful story and worth the money I spent on it on Amazon. I’m only on Chapter 41 but I have a funny feeling that Ella is actually a werewolf but her wolf is suppressed. I can’t wait to know if I guessed right!
Caroline Above Story apologizes in her author’s description for her faulty English since she is Asian but, to be honest, her English is better than what I’ve seen from many authors who are native English speakers. Either her English really is better or she has a good copy editor.
If human-werewolf love stories are your thing, you can find Accidental Surrogate for Alpha by Caroline Above Story on iReader, Goodnovel, and Amazon. Sadly (for me) it isn’t on KU but if the story is good, it is worth spending the coin on.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 20, 2023 | Business
Water remains the world’s top resource, as industry and community benefit from having access to clean, sustainable supply. Among the environmental commitments of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, is practicing sound, responsible methods that help manage its use of water in collaboration with its various stakeholders.
The 22nd of March marks the commemoration of World Water Day, and aside from implementing industry best practices and policies, PCPPI encourages process improvement to further optimize how water is utilized across all areas of operations.
“Upholding our commitment to responsible water stewardship goes beyond having the systems and protocols in place that allow our teams to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Our employees are encouraged to embrace innovation as part of our advocacy,” said PCPPI president and chief executive officer Frederick D. Ong.
Strategic Plans Supported by Strong Partnerships
The water resource management policies of PCCPI are embodied in the Luntiang Yaman program, which covers the organization’s sustainability efforts. These include the 3Rs approach to managing water consumption: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Other than reducing water use, PCPPI also has protocols in place to optimize electricity use, optimize fuel yield, manage solid waste output, and community engagement.
PCCPI also works with government authorities in the communities where it operates. For example, the organization actively works with the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to periodically assess the health of the waterways in the communities they operate alongside multi-sectoral groups.
Sto. Tomas: Shifting the Traditional Mindset
PCPPI’s commitment to responsible water management is demonstrated in its manufacturing facilities, particularly in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The plant has twice received PCPPI’s Galing at Sikap Plant Excellence Award in Sustainability in 2021 and 2022. This recognition is given to the business units with the highest performance ratings on key focus areas of operations, including environmental resource management. “The Sto. Tomas facility was lauded for its efforts in consuming water and energy most economically, thereby minimizing environmental impact,” Ong added.
According to Plant Manager Chrysler Salcedo, one of the best practices at work at the Sto. Tomas plant includes setting definitive operating hours for the optimum target volume of water required, both for the products to be manufactured and for its manpower’s daily water consumption. This encourages all employees to become more mindful of their water use in daily operations. Regular training sessions on resource conservation are also scheduled and serve as checkpoint meetings where employees can proactively address potential areas of concern.
“Open communication and collaboration make even the most complex policies work. In Sto. Tomas, it remains important for our team to engage in discussions about how we can best manage the resources we look after water, electricity, and oil, among others,” said Salcedo. “To become more effective in our industry, we recognize the value of implementing more creative, cost-efficient policies so that we can better serve our communities,” he added.
Strategic and planned updates in the Sto. Tomas plant has also been implemented to further manage how the facility consumes water, one of which involves decreasing the frequency of production line Clean-in-Place (CIP) procedures. These pertain to the overall cleaning of equipment used after continuous production. “We shifted to a 72-hour cycle, which will allow us to save 780 liters of water a week. Combined with our stringent sanitation protocols, we are confident that our operations will continue to meet internal and industry standards while maximizing financial and resource savings,” Salcedo explained.
PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country. It distributes well-loved brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum Soonhari, and Premier. For more information about PCPPI and its products, please visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 20, 2023 | Book Reviews
Try searching for Ever Langlais online and you will be surprised at how many books she has already written about so many different types of creatures. My comfort zone, though, is with Lycans and werewolves. Defying Pack Law by Eve Langlais is the book that introduced me to her world and will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Imagine a society where the males outnumber the females and polyamory is the norm rather than a “deviant relationship”. Whether the female likes it or not, she is forced to mate with more than one male. Our girl, Dana, was in love with Nathan who from the beginning knew how she felt about polyamory. Initially, he agreed to be her only mate but when push comes to shove, he felt bound to follow the dictates of the elders and would end up betraying her.
In her horror and outrage, Dana leaves and goes into hiding for many years. Nathan, now the Alpha, finds her and truly regrets what he did. Now he is more than ready to be her only mate. Unfortunately, news flash, Dana now says she wants many mates and points at his friends, John and Kody, to be her other two mates.
It’s messed up! Does she really want them as her mates or is her goal just to hurt Nathan?
What I like about this story is that we, the readers, are given an up close and personal peep into how Nathan, John, and Kody feel, too. We know how all three are quite attracted to Dana. We know that Nathan does not want to share. And we know his guilt over the years. At the same time, we see how Dana’s feelings change from resentment and rebellion to actually wanting to be with all of them.
Seriously, though, I think what I like about this book is that Dana is in control of where the relationship would go. In most stories, women do not always have that control.
And this book is just the beginning! There are four books in the series. Thankfully, Defying Pack Law by Eve Langlais is a standalone story so we won’t be left hanging at the end. If this book interests you, you can find it on Goodnovel and at Amazon. My personal preference is Amazon where you can get the book in several formats.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 19, 2023 | Business
Excellence thrives where it is practiced consistently. Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country—recently honored three outstanding employees with this year’s Gold Crown Awards. This recognition is awarded to employees for demonstrating professional dedication per PCPPI’s ICARE Values, which stands for Integrity and Innovation, Care and Respect, Empowerment, and Excellence.
The three awardees for this year are (in the photo, from left to right) Faith Marie M. Zacal from PCPPI’s Cagayan De Oro plant, Lucky J. Mallari from the Central Luzon Operations (CLO) and Jona Marie S. Rollan from the Davao manufacturing facility.
PCPPI president and chief executive officer Frederick D. Ong said of the awardees, “Our people remain at the core of what makes us proud to be part of PCPPI. The Gold Crown Awards allow us as one team to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of our employees.”
He adds, “Jona, Lucky, and Faith are among the many brilliant team members who exemplify how true PCPPI Bravehearts are. We look forward to nurturing more inspiring professionals in the future.”
For more information about PCPPI and the organization’s ICARE values, please visit pepsiphilippines.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 18, 2023 | Book Reviews
Compared to other books I’ve read from these authors, Pacey and his Unicorn Professor by Colbie Dunbar and Lorelei M. Hart is more chill. The most hair-raising/stressful thing happened in the first chapter and only Pacey was in it. Their first meeting was admittedly high adrenalin but after that everything was more or less smooth sailing.
The title misled me at first because I had the impression that Pacey was a student and Sable was his professor. It turns out that Sable is a professor in a community college, yes, and is Pacey’s “his anything” by virtue of being his mate. A better title would probably have been Pacey and THE Unicorn Professor. I confess to being a little disappointed only because I thought there would be a little taboo thrown in there to spice things up.
I also felt a little incomplete by some characters being mentioned, like Stallone, for example, and nothing more is said about him except “family friend”. Up to the end Sable never introduced him to Pacey. We also never met Sable’s brother or found out his name. Bowell is a shifter midwife but aside from the initial checkup, he had no part in the birthing, so what was he “midwifing”?
According to https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au: A midwife is a health professional trained to support and care for women during pregnancy, labor, and birth. They help you to stay healthy during pregnancy and, if no complications arise, to give birth with little intervention. Midwives also care for you and your baby in the first few weeks following the birth.
Therefore, should Bowell be even called a midwife? Why not just call him a healer? This also brings to mind Stedman, the bear shifter who, besides helping Pacey clean his house in anticipation of his return, is also a healer, or I guess an apothecary. So confusing.
That aside, it’s a HEA story so if light reading is what you are after then Pacey and his Unicorn Professor by Colbie Dunbar and Lorelei M. Hart is a good book to get into. It’s on Amazon for $3.99 or free with Kindle Unlimited. If you are into paperbacks, that is available, too!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 18, 2023 | Book Reviews
The No-Judgment Zone by Ellie K. Wilde is one of the most enjoyable books I have read (so far) in 2023. It tells the story of Jenna, a pink-haired sex goddess, and Finn, an irresistible serial dater. Both are players and fully embrace the concept of one-night stands. In their words … one night, no repeats.
So can you imagine what happens when they meet for the first time and things don’t pan out as expected? Translation: that one magical night never happened. Fast-forward to a year later and Jenna is back for the summer to attend her sister’s wedding. Jenna goes to Finn’s place with the intention of hooking up but instead ends up becoming his roommate for the summer.
Finn has been in a funk for some time and didn’t know why. The moment he saw Jenna again he realized what it was. There she was … the one that got away. Right then and there he knew that one night with her wouldn’t be enough so instead of giving in to temptation he impulsively offered his place for her to stay in, as roommates.
Friendzoned! What torture these two have set themselves up for!
The story goes on to show us their budding friendship amid sexual tension. Does it count as a slow burn when everyone knows from the get-go that they are meant to be? Cute nicknames, forehead kisses, and cuddle o’clock? Come on! Crush, what crush? It’s destiny!
And I haven’t even mentioned the super hot “not sex” scenes. fans self I swear, The No-Judgment Zone by Ellie K. Wilde is a must-read. It took me longer to read this book, not because it is long, but because I would go back to savor scenes. You can find this book on Amazon for $3.99 and free with a Kindle Unlimited account.
Highly recommended! Satisfaction guaranteed.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 18, 2023 | Art and Science
One of the galleries that will be participating in Art in the Park 2023 is Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits. For this year’s art fair, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will showcase and sell an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists.
Looking to build your art collection on a budget? Don’t miss this chance as the annual Art in the Park, famed for being the most anticipated affordable art fair in the country, returns outdoors on March 19, at Jaime Velazquez Park, Makati City to mark its 17th year of celebrating and championing Filipino artistry.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) once again teamed up with Art in the Park 2023 to offer flexible payment options for fairgoers with BPI Cards when they shop for art at the exhibit-sale, which runs for one whole day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“BPI has been supporting Art in the Park for continuously uplifting the vibrant Filipino art scene and for providing a platform for our valuable contributors of art whose works truly merit more support and respect. It also makes art accessible to Filipinos, helping them learn more about art and Filipino artists,” said Jenny Lacerna, BPI Product and Sales Head for Unsecured Lending and Cards.
For this year’s edition, 60 exhibit booths representing galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups will be showcasing and selling an assortment of exceptional pieces by seasoned and rising artists.
One of the galleries that will be participating in Art Cube Gallery featuring Isko Andrade for special exhibits.
“Art Cube Gallery has been a backbone of the Philippine contemporary art scene since it was established in 2012 for helping Filipino artists get their well-deserved spotlight,” said Lacerna.
The said Gallery provides a platform for talented young artists to showcase their works before an extensive roster of art collectors, as well as help promote the careers of seasoned artists by giving art aficionados broad access to their work in international art exhibitions. The gallery has so far mounted over 100 art exhibitions here and abroad involving award-winning and seasoned artists, as well as promising young painters and sculptors.
Francis Eugene E. Andrade, also known as Isko Andrade, is a young artist based in Bulacan who has been known for sharing his stories through his artworks that evoke a sense of nostalgia. He received several awards and citations such as Shell National Student Art Competition and Metrobank Art Design Excellence Competition. He is a graduate of fine arts with a major in visual communication at Bulacan State University.
For his show titled Intersections II, Andrade uses knots as his art subject to depict his own impression of ‘persevering’ by utilizing oil paint on canvas.
Lacerna said art as an asset remains an auspicious investment as it tends to hold its value over time in contrast with other asset classes whose value has the propensity to decline sharply when the market crashes.
“What’s really enticing about collecting and investing in art is that aside from having a potentially lucrative return in the long-term, they can also make stunning display pieces at home,” she said.
BPI Cardholders can enjoy an exclusive Real 0% Special Installment Plan for up to 6 months and buy now and pay 3 months later using their BPI credit cards.
Organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc. and supported by BPI, Art in the Park will continue to benefit the Museum Foundation of the Philippines in support of its projects and programs for the National Museum of the Philippines and its network.
For more information about Art in the Park and BPI’s special offers, follow www.facebook.com/bpi and www.facebook/artinthepark on Facebook, or visit www.bpi.com.ph/ and www.artinthepark.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 15, 2023 | Book Reviews
Reading Power Drilled by Stephanie Brother was a surreal experience for me because it felt like I was reading my story. No, it isn’t because I’ve ever been with triplets (I wish!) but mainly because the female lead character and I have the same name. This made it easier for me to slip into her skin and be Penny as I was reading. Yes, I am embracing it!
The first scene in the book had me falling off my chair and my jaw hitting the floor in amazement. Way to grab our attention, Stephanie! And, yes, I get why her drawing of Jackson focused on a part of his anatomy she wouldn’t normally see in a man, lol!
That moment when I (I mean, Penny) meet the triplets together I think my heart was trying to pound out of my chest. My face was flushed and I was breathless just imagining hotness times three!
Thinking about that jerk, Jeff (the ex), who had the temerity to not only become my cousin’s boyfriend but to attend the wedding as her date makes my blood boil. Good thing I have three good men who were willing to step up to the plate and be my fake boyfriend. Singular, yes. With all the work that needs to be done to meet their deadline, asking one of them to spend so much time with me at the wedding events is too much! But having 3 identical men pretending to be 1 man is perfect.
Reid, Jackson, and Hunter are just wonderful and perfect! Just like my namesake, I would not be able to choose between them. And, really, why choose at all? If reverse harems and triplet romance is your thing, then you should really check out Power Drilled by Stephanie Brother on Amazon. It’s $2.99 if you want to purchase it but with a Kindle Unlimited account, it is free!
These gentlemen made me feel so loved. Yup, still channeling the FMC.
You can check out the bonus content of Power Drilled by Stephanie Brother here. Power Drilled is book 8 of the Roommates series
Fujifilm Philippines started its Medical Systems business in 2012 offering five of its pillar products including the Digital X-ray Systems, Computed Radiography Systems, Medical Informatics, Dry Imaging Printers, and X-ray Imaging Films. The introduction of these products paved the way to establish Fujifilm Brand.
I encountered Accidental Surrogate for Alpha by Caroline Above Story on iReader when I was looking for something new to read (as if I don’t have any books I am in the middle of already, lol!) as a palate cleanser. I paused on this mostly because I was curious about how the FLC could be a surrogate for a werewolf, assuming she is human. Did she know he was a werewolf? In this story are werewolves and humans even genetically compatible?
Try searching for Ever Langlais online and you will be surprised at how many books she has already written about so many different types of creatures. My comfort zone, though, is with Lycans and werewolves. Defying Pack Law by Eve Langlais is the book that introduced me to her world and will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Compared to other books I’ve read from these authors, Pacey and his Unicorn Professor by Colbie Dunbar and Lorelei M. Hart is more chill. The most hair-raising/stressful thing happened in the first chapter and only Pacey was in it. Their first meeting was admittedly high adrenalin but after that everything was more or less smooth sailing.
The No-Judgment Zone by 
Reading Power Drilled by Stephanie Brother was a surreal experience for me because it felt like I was reading my story. No, it isn’t because I’ve ever been with triplets (I wish!) but mainly because the female lead character and I have the same name. This made it easier for me to slip into her skin and be Penny as I was reading. Yes, I am embracing it!
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