by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 27, 2017 | Advocacy
Hope in a Shirt – a unique concept that marries fashion, comfort, and social awareness.
That there is a severe shortage of classrooms in the country is a sad reality that needs to be addressed. And the government simply cannot do it alone.
It was towards this end that GenerationHOPE, a social enterprise aimed towards the building of public school classrooms, was formed by Founder and President, Nanette Medved-Po, who graduated with degrees in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Babson College in Boston.

Hope in a Bottle
From the initial success of Hope in a Bottle Purified Drinking Water — the full profits of which go towards the advocacy, wherein 37 classrooms have already been built — the team realized the growing interest among Filipinos in buying socially and environmentally responsible brands.
Hope in a Shirt
Thus, as an offshoot, Hope in a Shirt was born. But these aren’t just any ordinary shirts: they are unbelievably soft custom printed shirts made from 100% recycled plastic bottles! These shirts became an instant hit among Nanette’s friends and soon word spread.
So taking this concept further, Nanette has turned to Solenn Heussaf with the idea of creating custom designs for an exclusive Hope in a Shirt collection.
Now, with the help from the good guys at Globis, Inc., every one of Solenn’s brush and pencil strokes were transformed into high quality textile prints – resulting in shirts that are unique, artsy, and stylish!
And for yet another first, the collection will be launched in a special Hope-branded vending machine — an idea inspired by New York fashion week.
The result is a disruptive and desirable product that celebrates art, innovative sustainability, and a worthwhile cause.
The Hope vendo will pop up in 3 surprise locations, for only 2 to 3 days each.
Just 200 shirts will be produced and sold, so excited shoppers can keep tabs on Hope’s Facebook and Instagram pages to find out where they’ll pop up. Thereafter, the shirts will be available exclusively through Zalora.
How exclusive are these shirts? There are only three designs and each shirt has a serial number on the sleeve. This means that all purchased shirts are only one of 67 or 68 copies. Get your own Hope in a Shirt while you can.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 27, 2017 | Advocacy
We believe that every Filipino has the power to vote with their peso about the things they value most. We’ve put building public school classrooms at the top of our list, and invite everyone to build more, one HOPE product at a time.

Hope in a Bottle
As a social enterprise, we continue to devote 100% of the profits from our flagship product, Hope in a Bottle to our cause. From the sales of our bottled water alone, we have built 37 classrooms.
That’s no small feat, but at HOPE we dream big.
We are in the midst of transforming HOPE into a movement that — fueled by the power of cobranding and collaboration — makes it easier for Filipinos to give back.
By leveraging the creative forces of companies both big and small, we can contribute more profits from HOPE-branded products and services to building many more classrooms. And that’s what we call Business for Good.
Hope in a Shirt
There is a growing propensity among Filipinos to buy socially and environmentally responsible brands, and as a pioneering social enterprise in the Philippines, we at HOPE continue to rise to the occasion. Our latest classroom-building initiative? Hope in a Shirt.
Last Christmas, our founder and President Nanette gifted her good friends with no ordinary shirts— they were unbelievably soft custom printed shirts made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
The gift was a hit among her friends, who in turn told their friends about it. When Nanette approached Solenn with the idea of creating designs for an exclusive Hope in a Shirt collection, she loved it: not only would she be supporting a sustainable lifestyle; she’d also beinvesting her talents in the future of Filipino kids, by whom her art is inspired in the first place.

Hope in a Shirt #solennart
After receiving a shirt of her own, Solenn brought it with her on trips and tapings, styling it for events on some days, and lounging around in it on others. She was wearing what was to be the next canvas for her art, or #SolennArt, as she aptly calls it.
With help from our good friends at Globis, Inc., every one of Solenn’s brush and pencil strokes were transformed into high quality textile prints.
We’re not exaggerating when we say Solenn may as well have painted directly on the shirts, because that’s sure what it looks like.
A first in Philippine fashion, each of the shirts on this line is made from 11 recycled plastic bottles. Solenn, in her first foray into fashion, has artfully designed each shirt with our advocacy in mind.
Yet another first, we are launching this collection is a special HOPE-branded vending machine — an idea inspired by New York fashion week. The result is a disruptive and desirable product that celebrates art, innovative sustainability, and a worthwhile cause.
Our HOPE vendo will pop up in 3 surprise locations, for only 2 to 3 days each. We’re producing them in extremely limited quantities — just 200 — so excited shoppers can keep tabs on our Facebook and Instagram pages to find out where we pop up.
Those who miss their chance to shop at vendo caravan can rest easy knowing our shirts will soon after be available exclusively through Zalora.
With Hope in a Shirt we kick-off HOPE as a movement that celebrates and empowers consumers to positively impact thousands of Filipinos, one HOPE-branded product at a time.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 26, 2017 | Events
Top heritage street food vendors and celebrity chefs from across the globe will soon flock Manila for an exciting five days of gastronomic adventure of local and international street food at the World Street Food Congress 2017 (WSFC17).
Happening on May 31 – June 4, 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, these experts will be sharing insights, developments, and opportunities in street food heritage and culture in the World Street Food Dialogue. Over 30 authentic street food vendors from 13 nations, including Philippines, will be flown in to dazzle the foodies at the World Street Food Jamboree component.
WSFC17 special guests
Leading the roster of dialogue speakers are Anthony Bourdain, international food and travel celebrity, and Greg Drescher who is currently the vice-president of strategic initiatives and industry leadership at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA).
Joining him are our country’s very own culinary maven, Claude Tayag, who specializes in Kapampangan dishes and owns the famous Bale Datung as well as Sau Del Rosario who is a proud owner of the popular modern Kapampangan café, Café Fleur and 25 Seeds, SARSA’s JP Anglo, and Rafael Jardeleza who is the founder of project director of the annual Tabu-an Western Visayas Ilonggo Heritage Cooking Competition and Food Fair.

Malcolm Lee

Mai Pham
Also included in the list of speakers are:
- Mai Pham, author of several award-winning cookbooks including The Best of Vietnamese & Thai Cooking, Pleasures of the Vietnamese Table and Flavours of Asia and,
- Malcolm Lee who is the head chef and owner of the first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut, to name a few.

KF Seetoh
Curated by K.F. Seetoh and organized by Makansutra and presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), this year’s WSFC17 is bigger and better with over 50 kinds of street food representing 13 different countries in over 30 stalls plus pop-up booths.
Other activities at WSFC17
Aside from World Street Food Dialogue, the event will also host the World Street Food Jamboree, where you can sample different local and international street food and at the same time mingle with celebrity chefs at the cooking demo; and the World Street Food Awards, where the best of industry professionals will be awarded.
Schedule of activities:
WSFC17 Dialogue
Venue: airconditioned tent at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds
- May 31 – 8am to 5:30pm
- June 01 – 8am to 5:30pm
WSFC17 Jamboree
| May 31 to June 02 |
Wednesday to Friday |
4pm to 11pm |
| June 03 |
Saturday |
1pm to 11pm |
| June 04 |
Sunday |
1pm to 9pm |
WSFC is one of the world’s biggest food destinations and with an even bigger and better event this year, it will sure to attract more global attention. This paves the way for the Philippines to be recognized as one of the world’s most go-to food destinations.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 22, 2017 | Safety tips
A few days ago, on May 18, 2017, the Philippine government passed a new law that was supposed to address the issue of distracted driving. While I believe that this is a good law “in principle” I think that the LTFRB was premature in having it implemented as it failed to address some issues and tried to institute measures that many have found irrational.
What is considered “distracted driving”?
Republic Act (RA) 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA) defines “distracted driving” as using telecommunications or entertainment devices while in motion or when temporarily stopped at a red traffic light.
- Eating while driving is not classified as distracted driving.
- Putting on makeup while driving is not classified as distracted driving.
- Passing things back and forth to the driver of the vehicle (as jeepney drivers do when accepting the fare and giving back change) is not classified as distracted driving.

Google Maps
It does not take into consideration that most people nowadays, not just drivers of ridesharing apps, use GPS software such as Waze or Google Maps to help them navigate to places they’ve never been or through heavy traffic.
It does not allow motorcycle and bicycle riders to attach a cellphone to their bike (usually placed in front behind the handlebars) even if the purpose is for navigation.

biker complaint
But what is even worse is when our traffic enforcers are not given adequate education on the law which allows them the make victims of law-abiding citizens.
Let’s go back to what the anti-distracted driving law states … using telecommunications or entertainment devices while in motion or when temporarily stopped at a red traffic light. This netizen was neither in motion or temporarily stopped at a red traffic light. He pulled to the side, DID NOT GO ON THE SIDEWALK (which is for pedestrian use), and ONLY THEN checked his messages. So, tell me … WHY, oh why, traffic enforcers would you penalize him and cite the anti-distracted driving law?
- he wasn’t driving/riding
- he was not at a stoplight
- he was not blocking traffic
And, you know what? He posits a valid point, why not penalize pedestrians who are on their phone while walking, too? Is that not a hazard as well?
- it means the pedestrian is distracted also and not paying close attention to where he/she is walking
- it is an invitation for unsavory elements to rob the pedestrian
Line of sight

line of sight – photo credit to rappler.com
Let us consider this … they did not say that we could not mount our cellphone or tablet, they said not within the line of sight. This photo taken from rappler.com shows what part of the car constitutes as “line of sight”. In a nutshell, they are saying we cannot put anything on the dashboard because doing so would be a distraction.
Many netizens have gone up and arms, mostly those who use GPS. In response, LTFRB says they are still allowing cellphones BUT at recommended locations such as:
- attached to the air vent
- behind the rearview mirror (for the dashcam) and not hanging under it
- behind the steering wheel in front of the display panel
LTFRB, have you really given this serious thought?
Ok, correct me if I wrong, but isn’t the point supposed to be that drivers are to keep their eyes on the road at all times? So … if I had to look/glance down to check the map on my phone would that not mean that I AM taking my eyes off the road? Am I not then distracted?
Personally, my preferred placement is on top of the dashboard on my right or right on the air vent. Anything lower than that is too low. Playing peekaboo with my phone behind the steering wheel is not an option unless I am prepared to hit another car or a pedestrian. Having my phone just at that height means that I have my phone on my periphery the entire time so glancing at the map is not difficult.
Understanding distracted driving

What is distracted driving? – the graphic is taken from seafirstinsurance.com
I think the infographic above taken from seafirstinsurance.com says it quite well:
- no personal grooming
- no using of handheld or portable electronic devices
- no listening and talking on handheld devices
- no texting or emailing
- no writing, printing, or sketching
- no reading of printed materials
- no entering of info on GPS units
If only LTFRB could state it as clearly as that then maybe there wouldn’t be such a hubbub.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 19, 2017 | Business
MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) provider in the country, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a stronger commitment to provide more Filipinos access to quality health and medical care, amidst the fast-paced, technology-driven lifestyles of this generation.
To make the celebration more meaningful, the country’s top HMO put forward the theme, “Brave the World,” to emphasize the company’s commitment to encourage each and every Filipino to capitalize on his health so that he can seize more opportunities, dare to make a difference and successfully pursue a better future.

Dr. Nicky Montoya, Medicard President
“The world has indeed become smaller, providing Filipinos more opportunities to excel and grow. However, many pass up these great opportunities as health issues sometimes stand in their way.
As we celebrate our anniversary with this in mind, MediCard will continue to strive to provide more Filipinos access to quality health care through innovative products, and services and free-standing clinics in key locations that will make staying healthy possible for every Filipinos thus, allowing them to brave the world,” says MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya.
Innovative and responsive products
Along with its corporate packages, MediCard also highlights its new products as it celebrates 30 years of providing quality and accessible healthcare to Filipinos: MediCard Select, a breakthrough product that takes care of healthcare needs for minimal access fee, service fee and fixed fund and allows returns of unused fund.
On top of these innovative health maintenance products, MediCard offers various health plans to fit each individual’s budget. For individuals and families who want coverage for hospitalization, outpatient procedures and preventive healthcare, among others, MediCard has the Family/Individual plans. For a more comprehensive healthcare coverage, MediCard also offers VIP plans; and Kabayan, created for overseas sponsors to provide quality healthcare for their loved ones in the Philippines;
Other healthcare pre-paid plans offered by MediCard are: The RXER plan, which offers a specialized healthcare maintenance service that covers emergencies for trauma cases and preventive and outpatient care in MediCard free-standing clinics; Healthplus plan, where members can avail themselves of preventive and outpatient coverage in MediCard free-standing clinics for one year for only P1,100; and the MediCard Health Check Card, which gives your loved ones unlimited check-ups at MediCard free-standing clinics for only P500.
Clinics across Metro Manila, Luzon and Cebu
In addition to its 12 well-equipped clinics, MediCard also brings its top-notch medical services to more Filipinos by opening more free standing clinics outside Metro Manila. It recently opened clinics in Lipa City, Batangas and Cainta, Rizal, making their quality healthcare services accessible to everyone.

MediCard Lifestyle Center, a first of its kind wellness center in Makati
Chief among them is the MediCard Lifestyle Center, a first of its kind wellness center in Makati, which has a breast clinic – an outpatient facility that offers breast exam, mammography and consultation with breast specialists before undergoing any diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.
Giving back to the community
Furthermore, in 2012, MediCard maintained the lead on the realization of its founding chairman’s vision and created another symbolic milestone with the birth of MediCard Foundation, the first charitable institution in the Philippine HMO setting. It develops and implements health-related programs and conducts outreach activities through funded CSR projects, fund-raising activities and donations from generous corporations, philanthropic individuals and other foundations.
With all these developments, new product offerings and network of clinics, MediCard is truly the health partner to help members and patients achieve optimum health and be on their way to brave the world.
For more information, visit www.medicardphils.com and https://www.facebook.com/MEDICard.Philippines/.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 18, 2017 | Lifestyle
The Philippines will once again play host to one of Asia’s biggest food events, the World Street Food Congress (WSFC)! And this time, the event gets bigger and better.
For five full days of gastronomic adventure, foodies from around the world will get to enjoy over 35 different kinds of street food from across 13 countries. This will happen from 31 May – 04 June 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

K.F. Seetoh of Makansutra
Organized by photojournalist and TV personality K.F. Seetoh of Makansutra and presented by Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), this year’s WSFC will highlight three exciting components:
- World Street Food Jamboree
- World Street Food Dialogue
- and World Street Food Awards
You can find a wide array of authentic mouth-watering heritage street food representing different countries across the globe in the World Street Food Jamboree. Plus, you can also meet various celebrity chefs and watch their amazing whipping skills at the cooking demos.

Celebrity Chef Anthony Bordain, Chef Claude Tayag, and Chef Sau del Rosario
The industry’s top chefs, global movers, entrepreneurs, and food aficionados will be coming together to share ideas, developments and opportunities in street food culture. With the theme, “Re-Imagining Possibilities”, the roster of speakers will be led by international food and travel celebrity Anthony Bourdain and the country’s very own Chef Claude Tayag and Sau Del Rosario.

World Street Food Congress 2017
30 World Street Food Masters will be awarded in the World Street Food Awards. These winners must possess characteristics of a true street food professional including perseverance, innovation, and the ability to identify possibilities that nurture the world’s comfort and street culinary heritage.
Indeed, by hosting an even bigger and better WSFC in the country, the Philippines is eventually becoming a global destination not only for events, travel, and lifestyle but also gaining recognition for being a premier destination for culinary adventure.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 13, 2017 | Business
Motherhood is a wonderful journey that is fulfilling as it is challenging. Every mom deserves a day to be celebrated for all the love they pour to each member of the family.
From working moms to dedicated housewives, all types of moms should feel the warmth on their special day — including the new generation moms. They are starting to prove that it is possible to juggle motherhood while being at the helms of their own business.
They always want what’s best for the family therefore willing to take motherhood to the next level. It might look simple, but this complicated life role can be as tiring and stressful as it can be.
Nariza Puno, Mompreneur

Nariza Puno
Balancing the roles of being a good mom and a successful entrepreneur is 44-year-old Nariza Puno who manages to run her own family and business at the same time.
Leaving her Human Resources career, Nariza has found triumph in being the boss of her own business. She started selling imported goods and Filipino products online, joined bazaars and eventually put up her own events agency.
With her drive to succeed, this mom of four took her love for online shopping to the next level by joining the online selling platform of Lazada Philippines, the country’s leading one-stop online shopping and selling destination, in 2014. Little did she know that this decision would be her gateway to success.
The road may not have been as smooth as she would have wanted it to be, but with a little patience and hard work, Nariza believes that this business made her achieve success without sacrificing her household needs and duties.
“I am happy with what I do. The time flexibility that Lazada Philippines gives me really fits my lifestyle, it fits my personality, it fits my goals in life,” shares Nariza.
To date, she maintains three seller accounts at Lazada which are Big Bash, One Tree Shop and Big Bash Shop.
Under these accounts, shoppers can enjoy browsing Lazada with great finds ranging from home appliance, bags, fragrances and bath supplies.
Being a woman is not at all easy, let alone being a mom and a wife. Lazada Philippines believes that women empowerment helps towards a successful motherhood and uplifts all our loving and caring moms in the best way they can.
After all, nothing is better than those made with love by a mom.
Like Nariza, you can be your own boss and grow your business with Lazada! The Lazada seller platform offers a straightforward start-up process for retailers who want to start their own online selling business. It is an effective program where several brands get signed up allowing their items to be sold online.
The platform is available through mobile application which allows sellers most especially moms to join, sell and connect with just three simple steps.
Aspiring to be a mompreneur? Visit http://www.lazada.com.ph/sell-on-lazada/ to find out more.
About Lazada
Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph) is Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment.
Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns. Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone and iPad provide additional convenience to its consumers’ allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime.
For more information, please visit http://www.lazada.com.ph. For updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests and promotions, connect with us via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines).
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 12, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Finding the perfect gift is tricky, and finding one for the woman behind the person we are today — the queen of our household, our mother is probably the trickiest of all.
We call her nanay, inay, ‘nay, mama, mommy or simply mom. Needless to say, she deserves more than that given the pivotal role she fulfills in rearing us from childhood to adulthood and possibly for the rest of our lives.
There may be opposing beliefs whether that greater maternal instinct is biologically predetermined or socially imposed, but everyone would agree that a mother is hardwired to love and care about the whole family, especially the children, all the time. For better or worse, it’s always the welfare of everyone at home on top of her priority.
No wonder she’s an epitome of a doting human being that touches everybody’s life. So, it’s but right to honor and return all the favors she has done for us. And what a better way to do this than this Mother’s Day.
Finding the perfect gift
Still drooling over the ways on how to spend this time of the year again with her? Well, you may opt for the basics of gift-giving from simple trinkets to expensive items. But take note, your appreciation of her is not equated by the tag price of your present. It’s the thought that counts, as an adage says.
You may consider a set of hankies that will bring back the memory of her wiping out her tears of happiness upon knowing that she’s conceiving a li’l creature inside her womb. That’s you, of course.
A loose yet comfy clothes shall make her remember that sort of a duster or preggy dress she wore in the laborious yet exciting “nine months” of gestation.
Why not a pillow that she could hug as tight as she embraced you after giving birth?
Or maybe a brassiere for protection of the very bosom she fed you with during infancy?
A bed will bring to her mind your tot years when you started to crawl and roll over it freely.
Shoes are a girl’s best friend, too, like your mom. Either sky-high heels or flattering flats, there’s a pair to match every bit of her fantasy.
For as long as it brings comfort to her feet, it’s more than enough to reciprocate the ease you had when you took your first walk with her guidance back then. If it isn’t her thing, though, a flip-flop will cause her to think that she also disciplined you through the proverbial “rule of slipper” hit on your buttocks while you were growing up.
Much to her delight, a bling ring will be worthy of your dear investment to show your deep appreciation of her just like when she never failed to recognize you with a pat on the back for simple good deeds or a job well done in your lifetime.
Novuhair is the perfect gift
Stuck for an idea yet? Here’s a simple but meaningful token of gratitude that for sure will make a big difference and, eventually, pull off a surprise for the celebrant herself: The NOVUHAIR 3-in-1 pack which includes the topical scalp lotion, herbal shampoo and conditioner. Yes, you read it right.
Still not convinced enough, why don’t you spray a liberal amount of NOVUHAIR topical scalp lotion onto your mom’s scalp and massage it for five to ten minutes.
You may not even know that with such a plain gesture of yours, it can melt her heart as it reminds her of the past when she used to do the same thing while you were still young, either as a trick to put you easily on a slumber or merely a relief every time you got sick. Those caressing hands of yours, likewise, imbibe your act of giving back the “natural care from mothers” like her.
Whatever impression it may have on her, what’s tangible she could gain is that you’re giving her nature’s gift of health. NOVUHAIR Topical Scalp Lotion is so unique that it combines 19 natural herbs, essential oils and co-factor nutrients––all working synergistically to help address hair problems from growth to vanishing.
This breakthrough product helps to rejuvenate, nourish and maintain the moist of her tress from root to tip, aids in stimulating the growth of her hair and helps prevent it from excessive falling, while improving the overall appearance.
More than anything else, NOVUHAIR 3-in-1 pack may be one of the most precious gifts that your mom could ever receive in her entire life. Well, she’s the most important woman in your life after all. Hence, she deserves to be treated like a queen with that vibrant, bouncy and shiny “crowning glory.”


NOVUHAIR 3-in-1 pack is beyond compare. So, don’t think twice to wrap it as your present for her this Mother’s Day and, if ever, for life. Head on to any Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores to get a dose of nature’s answer to hair loss.
For inquiries, call 413-6570 or 0922-8830575, and visit www.novuhair.com for more details. Follow us on Twitter @NovuhairNatural and Instagram @NovuhairOfficial for promo announcements and exciting updates.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 10, 2017 | Food & Beverage

Mama’s Basket Ice Cream Cake, Mother’s Day offering of Baskin-Robbins
Mother’s Day is the perfect day to show your love and appreciation for the woman who loves you unconditionally – your mom. Make this occasion extra special with an all-time favorite Baskin-Robbins ice cream cake!
Apart from a wide variety of sizes and flavors to choose from, you can also customize the design of your cake. Plus, make it even grander by getting Baskin-Robbins’ new two-layer cakes!
Wow! Double the pleasure. 🙂
Visit Baskin-Robbins shops at:
- Pasig
- SM East Ortigas
- Ayala 30th
- Bonifacio Global City
- Central Square
- Bonifacio High Street
- Uptown Place Mall
- SM Aura
- Makati
- Quezon City
- Fairview Terraces
- Trinoma Mall
- SM North (Main Building and The Block)
- SM Southmall in Las Pinas
- Solenad in Sta Rosa, Laguna
- SM Dasmariñas in Cavite
- SM Pampanga
For more information, log on to www.baskinrobbins.ph or check out their social media accounts: facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph, Twitter, and Instagram @baskinrobbinsph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 7, 2017 | Technology
It has been the norm for quite some time for people to use CDs whenever they need to distribute large quantities of information. But large is truly relative. I remember when anything that reached 1MB (we are talking filesize here) was big and now photos we take on our phone are even bigger than that.
For the people out there who may not know (hyuk!) CD is short for compact disc and does more than store music or videos, they can store just about any kind of digital information. There are two sides to a CD, the shiny side is where the information is stored and the dull side is where the sticker usually goes.
But I digress. The reason why I wrote this post is really more to ask this … why do some companies give their clients or partners CDs when most people do not even have a CD-rom drive anymore? How are they supposed to play it?
Are there still computers that can play CDs?
Ok, ok. It isn’t fair to make a blanket statement. Yes, there are still computers out there (in the wild) that have CD-rom drives. The big, bulky Windows machines, for example, still have them (upon request) but newer models normally do not have them anymore.

Intel Nuc
Intel’s NUC, for one does not have a CD-Rom drive. Instead it has four (4) USB ports – 2 in front and 2 at the back.
The latest iMac does not have a CD-Rom drive.
Netbooks don’t have CD-Rom drives. The user often needs to purchase an external CD-Rom drive if they really need one.
Slim laptops such as Macbook Air and current models released by Acer, Asus, Lenovo, etc. do not have CD-Rom drives. Just as with netbooks, users will often need to purchase an external CD-Rom drive if they will have regular need for one.
Tablets and tablet computers do not have a CD-Rom drive.
Smartphones do not have a CD-Rom drive.
Xray and laboratory results are digital now
I recenly got an xray for my ankle at a medical center in Megamall and when I came over to claim the results they gave me a CD instead of a film. According to the clinic everything is digital now. That’s ok, but here’s a dilemma … how do I view it to send to my doctor? I scrounged around in my gadget graveyard and found an old external CD-rom drive that still worked. Yey! I’m saved!

Acer external DVD-Rom drive
I attached the drive to my computer, pushed the button to open it, inserted the disk, pushed it in, and waited. Guess what? It had a program that only ran on Windows and my laptop is a Mac. Waaah! I had to go through all the files in search of the jpeg otherwise, off to find a Windows machine!
This does not make sense to me. Most likely their computer runs on Windows, hence the output. But could they not have used a software that was compatible with any operating system? Maybe that is asking too much after all, if statistics are correct, Windows still has the market share when it comes to desktops and laptops.

St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City
St. Luke’s Medical Center (Quezon City) is my hospital of choice. The last time I had any laboratory tests and xrays done there they just gave me a piece of paper then told me to register on their site (if I haven’t yet) as all my test results are on a database online in my name. This totally worked for me! My doctor and I got to see my results anytime and from any device. I am so glad they did not offer me a CD.
Press releases for media (traditional and online)
And other times I go to some media/blog events and the agency reps hand us the press kit at the end which includes a CD that often contains their official PR and their own photos that we could use. This is the norm but the then how do we access the information?

sample press kit
Usually I just ask the agency representative to email me the files or a link to the files where we can download them. After all, expecting them to give us thumb drives would certainly be too expensive, right? Also, what will be do with all the thumb drives we will end up accumulating?
At the end of the day, though, if no accomodation is made, that’s ok. I just wait until I have to go to my day job where I have access to a computer with a CD-Rom drive. 🙂
My conclusion
Let’s keep CDs for music, movies, storing data that that is more than 300MB. But when all we need is to send small files … beam it, email it, or send a link to it. It’s just more efficient.
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