by | Apr 28, 2025 | Business
Manila, Philippines — The first-ever 555 Sardines Foodie Awards just concluded, celebrating the creativity and passion of food enthusiasts through an online content creation competition.
For many years, 555 Sardines has been a Filipino household staple because of its rich flavors, versatility, and ability to bring back fond memories. The 555 Foodie Awards was more than just a cooking competition—it was an initiative that prompted passionate Filipino cooks to push the limits of creativity, transforming 555 Sardines into a catalyst for innovative recipes.
The 555 Foodie Awards, which kicked off in November 2024, is not just an endorsement of the 555 Sardines brand–it serves as a platform for food lovers to share their culinary explorations.
No less than Abi Marquez, one of today’s top-tier food content creators, kicked off the contest with her own exciting 555 Sardines recipe. Abi inspired home cooks from around the country to throw their hat in the ring, leading to entries that showcased diverse and inventive ways to incorporate 555 Sardines into unique culinary creations.
The competition drew more than 130 entries, with participants sharing short videos of their original dishes, ranging from traditional Filipino classics to bold, fusion-inspired creations, with one dish coming out on top.
Hoy Ember’s Nacho Ala Bomba was an outstanding example of creativity and skill, earning the content creator from Cabuyao, Laguna the first-ever 555 Foodie Awards Superstar crown. His creation embodied the very essence of the 555 Foodie Awards—transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary, impressing both the judges and the online audience with its fresh culinary take and unique presentation.
“It was an exciting journey joining the 555 Foodie Awards!” shared Hoy Ember. “I first saw the call to join in our Food Group on Facebook and immediately shared it with my fellow food creators. We decided to take a leap of faith and join together, eager to showcase our culinary creativity. I approached the competition with a ‘make the most of what I have’ mindset. Working with limited ingredients and equipment pushed me to rely on creativity to craft dishes that followed the given mechanics. I focused on the process, enjoyed the journey, and left the outcome to chance. Winning was a bonus, but the real prize was the experience itself.”
Beyond the excitement of the competition, the 555 Foodie Awards fostered a strong sense of community, bringing together home cooks who were determined to create new and delicious dishes with 555 Sardines. Their ingenuity proves that simple ingredients, paired with passion and imagination, can transform into something truly extraordinary.
“We are overjoyed by the enthusiasm and support shown by the Filipino community,” said Tam Salonga – Patiño, Senior Product Manager of 555 Sardines. “The overwhelming number of entries and the incredible engagement we received online reaffirmed that 555 Sardines is not only a trusted kitchen staple but also a source of inspiration and innovation for Filipino families.
With the 555 Foodie Awards’ successfully concluded, 555 continues its role in celebrating culinary creativity and providing affordable, delicious, and nutritious meal options for every Filipino household.
To check out the winning recipe and other standout entries, visit 555 Isdalicious on Facebook and be inspired to create your own 555 Sardines masterpiece!
by | Apr 28, 2025 | Business
Discover how Pingubuy, a rising cross-border shopping agent, is reshaping international e-commerce amid the China-US trade war. Learn how it works, user experiences, and how it compares to Pingu Exchange.
The ongoing tariff war between the United States and China has reshaped the global economic landscape, giving rise to unforeseen trends and new market players.
As both countries vie for global economic dominance, their clash has opened new paths for international e-commerce, and among the most interesting outcomes is the emergence of platforms like Pingubuy, a Chinese-based purchasing agent service making waves in Southeast Asia and beyond.
This article dives deep into what Pingubuy is, how it works, user experiences, how it compares to other platforms like Pingu Exchange, and what this all means for global consumers and traders in 2025.
What Is Pingubuy?
Pingubuy is an international shopping agent platform that allows users outside China—particularly from Southeast Asia—to purchase products from popular Chinese marketplaces such as Taobao, JD.com, 1688, and Tmall. The platform was launched in 2024 by Borui E-commerce Co., Ltd., with the goal of making Chinese e-commerce accessible to the global market, even when these platforms don’t natively support international transactions.
Pingubuy doesn’t sell products directly. Instead, it acts as a proxy buyer, helping customers overcome common cross-border e-commerce challenges like language barriers, complex logistics, payment method limitations, and lack of international shipping.
How Pingubuy Works: Step-by-Step
- Find Your Product: Users search for items on Chinese platforms like Taobao or 1688.
- Copy & Paste the Link: The product URL is pasted into Pingubuy’s interface.
- Place the Order: Pingubuy translates the product page, calculates prices, and lets the buyer confirm.
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First Payment: Users pay for the item and local shipping in China.
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Warehouse Processing: The item arrives at Pingubuy’s warehouse, where it’s temporarily stored.
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Second Payment: Buyers pay for international shipping and choose shipping options.
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Receive Your Package: The consolidated package is delivered to the international address with real-time tracking.
Core Features and Services
Pingubuy offers a comprehensive set of services that cater to international shoppers:
- Purchasing Agent: Pingubuy handles the entire ordering process, including communication with sellers and product translation.
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Warehousing & Consolidation: Products from multiple orders are held at a Chinese warehouse and consolidated into one shipment, reducing costs.
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Basic Quality Check: Each item undergoes a basic inspection to verify quantity and visible condition.
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International Shipping: Multiple shipping methods are offered to over 200 countries, with real-time tracking and flexible pricing.
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Language & Currency Support: Supports English, Indonesian, and other languages, with payments accepted in various local currencies.
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Customer Support: Pingubuy offers live chat, an active Discord community, and a knowledge base of guides and FAQs.
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Expert Buy Concierge: For those needing help choosing products or placing bulk orders, Pingubuy offers personalized assistance through “Expert Buy.”
Pingubuy Reviews: What Do Users Say?
- Positive Feedback
- Fast International Shipping: Many users report receiving large packages within a week, even across continents.
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Affordability: Pingubuy’s shipping rates and service fees are often praised as lower than competitors.
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User Interface: Clean design, language options, and smooth navigation make the platform beginner-friendly.
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Customer Engagement: A responsive Discord community and support team help users with order issues or advice.
- Criticism & Concerns
- Sizing Issues: Some users report inaccurate sizing, especially for footwear and clothing.
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Service Coverage Gaps: Limited availability in certain regions like Canada frustrates some users.
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Trust & Legitimacy Questions: Low trust scores on third-party verification sites raise concerns about transparency.
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No Crypto Payments: Currently, Pingubuy does not support payments via cryptocurrency.
Pingubuy vs. Pingu Exchange: Different Tools for Different Goals
While Pingubuy is focused on cross-border product purchases, Pingu Exchange operates in the crypto and forex trading space. Despite sharing the “Pingu” name, they serve entirely different user bases.
Pingu Exchange and the PENGU Ecosystem
Pingu Exchange, built on the Arbitrum blockchain, is a decentralized, non-custodial platform for trading perpetual contracts in crypto and forex markets.
It supports:
- Up to 100× leverage
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Web3 wallet integration
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Advanced trading tools (limit/market/stop orders)
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Real yield for liquidity providers
Its meme coin, PENGU, launched on Solana, has attracted fans from the NFT and DeFi communities, building a tight-knit ecosystem that combines humor, utility, and speculative trading.
Which One Should You Use?
The answer depends on what you’re trying to do:
- Use Pingubuy if:
2. Use Pingu Exchange if:
Conclusion
Both Pingubuy and Pingu Exchange are products of a rapidly shifting global economy where decentralized finance, borderless commerce, and tech-savvy consumers are rewriting the rules. While Pingubuy democratizes access to Chinese products, Pingu Exchange pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in decentralized finance.
In the wake of the China-US trade war and the changing digital economy, platforms like these aren’t just alternatives—they represent the future of commerce and trade.
Whether you’re shopping for a panda plushie or trading ETH at 50× leverage, the tools are now in your hands. Choose wisely.
by | Apr 27, 2025 | Business
April 27, 2025 —
As cryptocurrency adoption accelerates, more investors are shifting from traditional mining operations to cloud-based solutions. In 2025, JAMining is redefining the industry standard by offering AI-powered cloud mining programs, allowing users to earn up to $9,500 daily without the need for expensive hardware or complex technical skills.
With minimal starting requirements—investment options beginning at just $100—and a platform built for both beginners and experienced miners, JAMining delivers a secure, flexible, and profitable alternative to conventional mining methods. The company’s latest initiative includes a $100 sign-up bonus for new users, further lowering the barriers to entry.
Cloud Mining: A New Era for Digital Asset Investors
Cloud mining has rapidly gained traction as a cost-effective and scalable solution for mining cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Litecoin (LTC). JAMining is leading this evolution by offering:
AI-Optimized Mining Operations: JAMining’s advanced artificial intelligence algorithms continuously optimize mining performance, ensuring higher efficiency, maximizing profitability, and reducing energy consumption. This technology enables users to stay competitive in an increasingly demanding mining market.
Guaranteed Principal Return: Every JAMining investment plan ensures that the initial capital is returned to users upon contract completion, providing an added layer of financial security compared to traditional speculative investments.
Instant Withdrawal Capabilities: Users can access their mining profits immediately, enhancing liquidity and flexibility without delays or withdrawal restrictions.
Comprehensive Security Infrastructure: JAMining utilizes cutting-edge security measures, including encryption protocols and two-factor authentication (2FA), to safeguard user assets and sensitive data against cyber threats.
Flexible Investment Plans: JAMining offers a wide range of packages, from entry-level low-risk options to advanced high-yield mining contracts tailored for seasoned investors.
24/7 Customer Support: A dedicated support team is available around the clock to assist with any questions or technical issues, ensuring an uninterrupted and efficient mining experience.
High-Performance Mining Packages
For users seeking predictable returns,JAMiningprovides structured investment opportunities:
Why Investors Are Choosing JAMining in 2025
JAMining’s combination of regulated operations (licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority – FCA), technology-driven mining optimization, capital security, and instant access to profits offers a compelling solution for modern investors.
In an environment where cryptocurrency mining is becoming increasingly competitive and resource-intensive, JAMining’s model offers simplicity, profitability, and scalability—qualities that are crucial for both small-scale and institutional participants.
As more XRP holders and cryptocurrency enthusiasts look for safer and more profitable ways to grow their portfolios, JAMining stands at the forefront of the cloud mining revolution.
For more information or to start your mining journey today:
Company: JAMining
Website: https://jamining.com
Contact: in**@******ng.com
Sign up today to claim your $100 bonus and begin mining smarter with JAMining.
by | Apr 26, 2025 | Business
Teampageone Web Portal Services launches two website directories to find service providers according to specialty, location, and availability
Teampageone Web Portal Services, a Filipino-owned digital marketing company, has recently launched two online directories to help service providers promote their services while helping customers find these service specialists all over the Philippines: ServicePros PH and SalonPros PH.
As a company with team members specializing in digital/Google marketing, Teampageone has a mission to provide the Filipino service specialist with an organized and efficient means to find customers, and for the customer to conveniently find qualified service providers. Service providers, whether freelance or enterprises, can list for free.
A more efficient way for qualified professionals to offer their services
The first directory, ServicePros PH (https://servicepros.ph), aims to provide a more efficient, more organized directory to connect service providers (freelancers or enterprises) of different specialties with customers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. These include the most in-demand service providers, such as electricians, plumbers, construction contractors, auto mechanics and shops, cleaning contractors, appliance/electronic repair specialists, and more.
The second directory, SalonPros PH (https://salonpros.ph), was created to conveniently connect service providers in the beauty and wellness industry with customers seeking qualified professionals. These include hair and makeup professionals, brows, lashes and nail technicians, specialized beauty treatment specialists, and massage therapists all over the Philippines.
Aside from the opportunity to be discovered on these directories, each service provider has a webpage within the directory that is Google-optimized. They can use their exclusive webpage to promote their services via social media and e-mail. The webpage of a service provider also gives them additional exposure on search engines such as Google, where buyer intent is high.
The individual pages of service providers can be indexed on Google, the biggest market of ready-to-hire customers, for more online visibility.
The webpage of each service professional serves as an online portfolio with all the important details of the services they offer: their experience, certifications and awards, images of their work, contact details, services with pricing, and availability. After browsing service providers and choosing according to the profile of the service provider, customers can book services directly through the webpage. Confirmed/completed bookings are recorded in the service provider’s private dashboard, which can be a means to reach out to customers again for repeat business.
According to Teampageone founder Hazel Christine V. Herber, these two service directories came about after observing the service providers’ means of acquiring customers via social media, especially in Facebook groups. “A customer joins or posts in a group looking for a particular service, and as many as 400+ service providers will comment on the post or send a private message, hoping to acquire that one customer. That is both frustrating and tiring for the service specialists, and overwhelming for that single customer to be inundated with dozens or even hundreds of messages.”
“Other options that service providers use include posting consistently on their Facebook page even without post engagements, joining dozens—if not hundreds—of Facebook groups to share posts from their business page, or sending direct messages via Messenger, which at times, causes the service provider to be restricted by Facebook or the customer. Thus, we thought of coming up with a more organized and efficient means for these service professionals to get the word out about their services and connect them with the searching customer, not only through the directory but also through Google and other search engines.”
“Most service providers promote on Facebook, but what they are not aware of is that Google is a way bigger market of ready-to-buy customers, and that is what we want the Filipino service provider to be able to tap.”
Early into the launch of the directories, customers began discovering these directories through Google and sending requests for quotes to the listed service providers.
Finding the best service providers for any customer’s needs
ServicePros PH and SalonPros PH are useful directories for individual and corporate customers.
Individual customers can find qualified service providers according to specialty, location, and availability. They can browse the service providers’ profiles, check their credentials, services, projects completed, customer reviews, and book their preferred service specialist according to the specialist’s availability.
Alternatively, customers can post a job on ServicePros PH or SalonPros PH and wait for quotes from service providers, or invite their preferred service specialists to their job post. That way, customers have a more organized means of getting quotes and make an informed decision.
ServicePros PH and SalonPros PH will also help corporate customers seeking on-call freelance service professionals, hiring more staff members, or expanding their services. This allows companies to manage their manpower with flexibility and ease, especially during peak business hours, employees’ leaves, and unexpected surges. Companies can view a service specialist’s complete profile and add them as Favorites when they create their customer account.
Ultimately, the vision of Teampageone is a more robust Philippine economy by providing more efficient channels to connect service specialists with private and corporate customers through ServicePros PH and SalonPros PH. Herber adds: “Filipino service professionals are among the best, the most hardworking, and resilient professionals. They just need a better medium to get discovered online, where 97% of customers search before availing of a service.”
by | Apr 25, 2025 | Business
Indonesia’s toner and mists category saw strong growth in 2024, peaking in Q4 with $39.4M GMV and 11.4M units sold. Shopee led the market with nearly 90% share, while brands like Skintific, Skin1004, and Avoskin drove competition. Avoskin’s Miraculous Refining Toner emerged as the top-selling product of the year.
Jakarta, April 25, 2024 – The Indonesian beauty and personal care market continues its upward trajectory, with the toner and mists segment emerging as a key growth driver. According to Statista, the market grew from $1.31 billion in 2021 to $1.94 billion in 2024—a 48% increase. Skincare, which represents around 30% of this market, has benefited significantly from the self-care boom among Indonesia’s youth. Toners and mists have particularly thrived, with 73% of users aged under 40 and heavily influenced by social media beauty trends.
Toners and Mists Market Overview
<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-165" alt="Picture: E-commerce market growth of toners and mists” />
Magpie data reveals that in 2024, the toner & mists category held 5.6% of the total beauty category in e-commerce. Market performance soared in Q4 2024 with GMV reaching $39.4 million (+166.22% YoY) and 11.4 million units sold (+159.09% YoY), marking it as the strongest quarter of the year. This growth was driven by year-end promotions and increasing product demand. Despite slight declines in Q1–Q3 compared to prior quarters, the category maintained a consistent year-over-year upward trend.
Shopee Leads the Charge in Online Market Share
<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-167" alt="Picture: E-commerce market share of toners and mists” />
Shopee dominated the e-commerce landscape with an 89.33% share of toner & mists sales in 2024, followed distantly by Lazada (6.28%), Tokopedia (4.34%), and Blibli (0.05%).
<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-169" alt="Picture: E-commerce market share over time of toners and mists” />
Shopee’s lead remained steady throughout the year, reinforcing its role as the primary platform for skincare brands seeking scale and visibility.
Brand Dynamics Show Fierce Competition and Shifting Leadership
<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-170" alt="Picture: Brand market share of toners and mists” />
The top five brands—Skintific, Skin1004, NPure, Wardah, and Avoskin—captured 38.3% of the total market.
<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-171" alt="Picture: Brand market share over time of toners and mists” />
While Skintific led overall with a 16.1% share, its dominance was challenged mid-year by Skin1004, which overtook the lead in June. Wardah saw strong momentum in Q4, ending the year at 8.1% share. The competitive shifts reflect evolving consumer preferences and the impact of promotional strategies.
Performance by E-commerce Platform
Shopee
<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-172" alt="Picture: Top brands of toners and mists on Shopee” />
Skintific led with 17.0% share and $11.8M in revenue. Skin1004, NPure, Wardah, and Avoskin trailed with shares between 7% and 3.9%.
Lazada
<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-173" alt="Picture: Top brands of toners and mists on Lazada” />
Clariderm led early but was later overtaken by Avoskin and a surge from unbranded products. At year’s end, Clariderm claimed 17.2% share.
Tokopedia
<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-174" alt="Picture: Top brands of toners and mists on Tokopedia” />
Skintific remained strong but faced competition from Avoskin and NPure in key months. Skintific ended the year as the top brand with a 9.4% share.
Blibli
<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-175" alt="Picture: Top brands of toners and mists on Blibli” />
Cetaphil emerged as a surprise leader, peaking at 72% market share in November due to aggressive promotions. It closed the year at 23.3% share, ahead of Skintific, Laneige, and SK-II.
Top-Selling Products Reinforce Brand Momentum
<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-176" alt="Picture: Product market share of toners and mists” />
The category’s best-performing product was Avoskin’s Miraculous Refining Toner, which generated $727K in revenue and sold 73.6K units. Other top products included Skin1004’s Madagascar Centella Toning Toner and Pyunkang Yul’s Essence Toner, reinforcing consumer demand for effective, exfoliating, and soothing skincare solutions.
About the Data
Data was gathered from top e-commerce platforms in Indonesia between January 1 and December 31, 2024. With over 23.1 million products tracked, GMV was estimated using daily product quantity and price tracking. The analysis specifically focused on products within the “Beauty Group > Skin Care > Toner & Mists” subcategory.
Picture on Thumbnail from: freepik.com
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