Manila Bridal Fair by Manila Prince Hotel: A Premier Wedding Showcase

Manila Bridal Fair by Manila Prince Hotel: A Premier Wedding Showcase

The much-anticipated Manila Bridal Fair by Manila Prince Hotel is set to grace the Grand Ballroom on July 26 and 27, 2024.  This prestigious event aims to bring together a curated selection of industry experts, offering soon-to-wed couples an unparalleled experience. Admission is free on both dates.

The line-up of over 20 exhibitors is set to impress, from Angeline Cakes, Audiolex Interactive Photobooth, Babaylan Coffee, Big Day by Charles and Co., Cakecologist, Cocktails Manila, Events by Thoffy, FYI Events, Flowers by Alvin, Lawrence Tapalla, MTC Events, Music Podium Entertainment, Myra Lorenzo, Myrtle Salvador, Paper Flowers Manila, Photoculture, Purple Mix Lights & Sounds, Sentimental Groove Music, The Artisan Cellar Door, and Winvih Mobile Bar – all dedicated to making each wedding truly memorable. Couples can consult with these professionals and book their services during the fair.

On July 26, the fair will open its doors at 12:00 noon and will run until 7:00 pm. In the evening, there will be a bridal fashion show putting the spotlight on ready-to-wear gowns and suits by partner designers Carina Canlas, Fatima Beltran, and Ryan ChrisBaylen, plus members of Designers Circle Philippines.

On the second day, July 27, the fair will be open to attendees from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Additionally, partner designers will hold a trunk show at the presidential suites of the Manila Prince Hotel. Couples can view the designers’ gown and suit ready-to-wear collection, try them on, and make purchases on the spot, ensuring a personalized and exclusive shopping experience. Moreover, Benz Co-Rana, the founder of Weddings at Work, will present a talk, offering her insights to couples and wedding suppliers.

During the 2-day bridal fair, Manila Prince Hotel will be transformed by the creative talents of none other than Amante Fleurs and Joyce Aguilar at both the hotel lobby and the Grand Ballroom. Manila Prince Hotel will also showcase its signature themes: Classic for a timeless elegance, Opulent for a luxurious feel, and Oriental for a unique and exotic touch, providing attendees with a glimpse of the stunning settings that can make their special day unforgettable.

For more information about the event, call +63285256228, email in**@**********ce.com, or visit www.manilaprince.com.

Special thanks to event partners: Manila Bulletin, Wedding Essentials, The Manila Times, Wheninmanila.com, Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila, Mixcraft Lights and Sounds, Weddings at Work, and SM Store Manila.

About Manila Prince

Manila Prince Hotel, a subsidiary of The Manila Hotel, is strategically located in the heart of Manila’s business district. Its proximity to the city’s historical tourist spots and main transportation hubs ensures a stress-free and convenient stay for our guests.

With its 300 well-appointed rooms, six function rooms and ballrooms, an elegant lobby with 24-hour reception, a business center, a swimming pool, and gym access, the Manila Prince Hotel offers not just stylish comfort, but also excellent value for money. Along with our commitment to excellent service and luxurious hospitality, the hotel boasts two (2) exciting dining outlets: Marcelino Street Café, the all-day dining restaurant, and Dragon Court, the Chinese restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine.

It also has a speakeasy bar called Hyde Manila. Hyde Manila is a hidden gem at Manila Prince Hotel that will transport its patrons into a realm where time stands still, and cocktails are crafted with artistry that transcends the ordinary.

The hotel is directly connected to the UN Square Mall, a popular shopping and dining destination in Manila. This convenient access to a variety of retail and dining options, along with our other amenities, makes Manila Prince Hotel a top choice for leisure travelers.

Simplyfi.co appoints Strategic Advisor in Vietnam

Simplyfi.co appoints Strategic Advisor in Vietnam

Simplyfi™, a pioneering force in financial management platform, is honored to welcome Mr. Shanmuga Retnam as the newest member of our advisory board. Mr. Retnam, a distinguished business leader with an illustrious career spanning both the private and public sectors across Asia, brings to Simplyfi™ a wealth of experience and an unparalleled depth of knowledge in smart city development, cross-border strategies, and economic city branding.

As the Executive Co-Chairman of the Vietnam Smart City Consortium (VSCC) and a Partner at MARA (Market Access & Regulatory Affairs) Vietnam, Shanmuga Retnam has been instrumental in promoting local economic development and facilitating trade exchanges within Vietnam and ASEAN. His previous roles include Vice President, Asia Pacific for G3 Worldwide and Chairman of the Data Driven Marketing Association of Singapore (DMAS), where his visionary leadership was recognized with a Minister’s Award by the Prime Minister’s Office (Singapore) in 2010, where he conceptualized the World Cities Summit in 2008.

Retnam’s expertise in fostering sustainable urban projects and his role as a special advisor to Fundacion Metropoli and the Good City Foundation highlight his commitment to enhancing city lives and environments through innovative strategies. His recent initiatives, such as the Vietnam Business Exchange (VBEx) series, underscore his dedication to connecting enterprises across Singapore and Vietnam, strengthening business ties and fostering economic growth.

“Simplyfi™ is privileged to have Shanmuga Retnam  join our advisory board,” said Wayne, CEO/Co-Founder of Simplyfi™. “His extensive network, strategic insights, and proven track record in transforming cities and businesses make him an invaluable asset to our team. With Retnam’s guidance, we are poised to navigate the complexities of the ASEAN market more effectively and to drive our mission of delivering innovative financial solutions that empower businesses and individuals across the region”

Retnam’s appointment is a testament to Simplyfi™’s commitment to excellence and our vision for a connected, sustainable future. We look forward to his contributions and are excited about the possibilities his involvement brings to our strategic direction and growth.

Mindfulness Academy Launches to Revolutionize Global Mindfulness Education

Mindfulness Academy Launches to Revolutionize Global Mindfulness Education

Who: The Mindfulness Academy, an initiative by the Centre for Mindfulness (Singapore)
Where: Singapore, with a global reach.
When: Launch announced on July 19, 2024.
What: Offering internationally accredited mindfulness training programs, including:

  • MTT – Mindfulness Teacher Training
  • MOCP – Mindfulness-Oriented Counselling & Psychotherapy Training
  • OMF – Organisational Mindfulness Facilitator Training
  • SMF – Schools Mindfulness Teacher Training

How: Provide flexible learning paths and interactive live classes accredited by the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA), integrate Eastern and Western practices, and focus on social intelligence through mindfulness.

Additional Information:

  • The flagship MTT program has trained many mindfulness teachers in the past nine years, benefiting various community sectors.
  • Courses are evidence-based and designed by experts with extensive experience in psychology, counseling, mindfulness, and Eastern philosophies.
  • Faculty members have over five years of mindfulness expertise and diverse specialized knowledge.
  • The Centre for Mindfulness is renowned in Singapore and Asia for its impactful mindfulness programs and research.

Singapore, July 19, 2024 – The Mindfulness Academy, an initiative by the Centre for Mindfulness (Singapore), proudly announces its launch, offering internationally accredited mindfulness training programs. Accredited by the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA), the Academy provides comprehensive certification and professional development courses, such as:

MTT – Mindfulness Teacher TrainingMOCP – Mindfulness-Oriented Counselling & Psychotherapy TrainingOMF – Organisational Mindfulness Facilitator TrainingSMF – Schools Mindfulness Teacher Training

The Academy offers flexible learning paths and interactive live classes to equip professionals to teach mindfulness to diverse populations, catering to the growing and varied demand for quality in the field of Mindfulness Teaching. The unique approach of the Academy seamlessly integrates Eastern and Western practices and focuses on creating social intelligence using mindfulness.

The flagship MTT program, which has been offered for nine years, has successfully trained over 50 compassionate and skilled mindfulness teachers in the East and West. These teachers have significantly enhanced community well-being through programs for schools, special needs students, employees, managers, leaders, seniors, and people with medical needs.

The Academy courses are evidence-based, reflecting the latest research, and designed by experts with 15-20 years of experience in psychology, counseling, mindfulness, Eastern philosophies, and other well-being disciplines. The faculty members, each with over five years of mindfulness expertise, bring diverse backgrounds and specialized knowledge.

The Centre for Mindfulness is renowned in Singapore and Southeast Asia for its impactful mindfulness programs and research. The visionary founder, Dr. Kathirasan K, says, ‘With the launch of the Academy, we are expanding our reach globally, committed to cultivating embodied, socially driven and skilled mindfulness teachers.’

Navigating the Information Ocean: Why Media and Information Literacy Important

Navigating the Information Ocean: Why Media and Information Literacy Important

Media and information literacy (MIL) has become a crucial ability for people of all ages in today’s fast-paced digital world. Imagine yourself standing at the shore of a vast ocean. News stories, social media posts, videos, and even chats with friends are all carried in waves that crash all around you. It may be both thrilling and overwhelming to wade through this ocean of knowledge. How do you decide which waves to surf and which ones to avoid?

This is where media and information literacy come in. It’s like a lifeguard, teaching you the skills you need to navigate the information ocean. A MIL gives you the skills necessary to be an informed producer and consumer in the modern digital world, as learning to swim keeps you safe in the sea.

So, what exactly is MIL? It’s a combination of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that help you:

Access: To do your due diligence about the sources of your information.

Analyze: Think about the information you encounter. Is it accurate? Biased? Does it make sense considering other sources?

Check: Decide how trustworthy the information is and how you can use it.

Create: Learn how to use diverse media types, such as presentations or posters to share your ideas.

Engage: Recognize the possible hazards and obligations associated with using technology and information.

Why is MIL so important?

We are exposed to information in today’s environment. Some of it is false, ineffective, or even dangerous. MIL gives you the tools to: sort through the clutter and locate the information that matters.

Make informed decisions: Whether it’s choosing a movie to watch, researching a school project, or forming an opinion on a current event, It helps you make wiser choices based on reliable information.

Become a responsible citizen: In a healthy democracy, citizens need to be able to think and engage in constructive dialogue. MIL facilitates communication, understanding of various viewpoints, and participation in both online and offline communities.

Learning MIL is a continuous journey, like learning to swim. As you explore the information ocean, you’ll encounter new challenges and opportunities. You can develop into an informed and capable information age navigator by using your MIL talents and maintaining your curiosity.

Remember, everyone can learn and enjoy MIL. Ask credible people about resources that can support the growth of your media and information literacy. By working together, we can create a world where everyone has the tools they need to thrive in the ever-changing ocean of information.

Coach Boost Gio

The Beauty Boom: Lipstick Sales Reach New Heights in Early 2024

The Beauty Boom: Lipstick Sales Reach New Heights in Early 2024

Lipstick sales surged in early 2024, driven by e-commerce growth and a preference for long-lasting products like Maybelline’s “Superstay Matte Ink.” Shopee dominated with a 77.3% market share, while local brands like Wardah also saw significant gains in Indonesia’s beauty market. Magpie E-commerce Intelligence provides insights for businesses to capitalize on these trends.

Jakarta, 19 July 2024 – The beauty category in e-commerce continues to show incredible growth. According to research by Magpie E-commerce Intelligence, there has been an 8% sales surge compared to the same period in 2023.

In 2024, the beauty industry is on the rise again. In the lip market alone, it is projected to reach USD 22.17 billion globally and USD 359.3 million in Indonesia. “This makes it a very attractive market for brands to keep improving their products to meet the demands of beauty enthusiasts,” said Wilhendra Akmam, CEO of Magpie.

In fact, e-commerce has become one of the most preferred platforms to purchase lip products. In Indonesia, 82% of beauty enthusiasts prefer e-commerce to buy their favorite products.

Lip Market Performance Overview

GMV in billion IDR

GMV growth of Lip Category

The Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of the lip market reached IDR 516.6 billion. With 16.7 million products sold on Shopee and Tokopedia, this surge explains why the lip market has been on fire lately. “However, there has been a 14.7% decrease compared to Q3 2023, which reached IDR 605.8 billion,” stated Wilhendra.

Market Share by E-commerce

e-commerce market share

E-commerce market share of the Lip category

The overall share shows that Shopee dominated the market from January to March 2024 with a 77.3% share, leaving Tokopedia with only 22.7%. Despite Shopee’s dominance as the preferred marketplace, Tokopedia showed more growth compared to Q4 2023. Tokopedia saw a 2.5% increase in GMV, while Shopee experienced an 18.7% decrease.

Market Share by Brand

Brand market share by e-commerce

Brand market share by e-commerce

Maybelline became the winner of this market, leading on both Shopee and Tokopedia in Q1 2024. Although Maybelline holds a larger market share on Tokopedia, they generated twice as much GMV on Shopee compared to Tokopedia.

Local brands like Wardah and Hanasui also showed incredible growth during this period, securing spots in the Top 5 on both marketplaces, showing that different segments on each platform could influence market preferences.

Top-Selling Lip Category and Products

Brand market share by category

Brand market share by category

The lipstick category dominated the lip products market on both e-commerce platforms, reaching a 91.5% share. Meanwhile, the shares of lip balm and lip treatment products were higher on Shopee than on Tokopedia, showing that more people preferred Shopee as their favorite.

The lip cream category became the favorite in Q1 2024. The top three products in this category were claimed to be “long-lasting” lip cream products. In fact, Maybelline’s long-lasting products, such as “Superstay Matte Ink” and “Superstay Vinyl Ink,” topped the list.

The top three products in the lip balm and lip care category were priced below IDR 100k, with the most affordable products coming from The Originote. “Interestingly, these affordable products contributed more to the market due to their popularity in bulk purchases,” added Wilhendra.

Thumbnail Picture by: phkorotkova on Canva

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