Sanicare’s Paraben-free Products are the Filipino Family’s Partner in Health

To parents with babies and little kids, please make sure you use products that comply with FDA regulation like SCPA does. Read here, why … 

Press Release:

Moms always have the best intentions for their children. From the clothes their babies wear, to the products they use, mommies aim to provide only the best for their kids. It’s vital for them to know that every product that they use for their loved ones are rated 100 percent safe.

To keep up with the latest local and global health standards, Sanitary Care Products Asia, Inc. (SCPA), makers of Sanicare products, a leading company in the hygiene ​industry, has proven to be fully ­compliant with regulations banning the use of parabens and other harmful chemicals in cosmetic products. Some studies reveal that parabens can cause various ailments ranging from skin rashes to breast cancer. It has also been reported that in excessive quantities, they may have adverse effects on babies and women.

SCPA has conducted extensive studies on their wet tissue products, Sanicare Cleansing Wipes and Sanicare Baby Wipes, to ensure that it is safe for use for the entire family. It has been certified that the two products are free from parabens and other substances such as methylisothiazolinone (Ml) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCl) which can cause different types of skin allergies that are common among babies.

Parabens are commonly used as preservatives and antimicrobial agents in most cosmetic products today. When used in excessive amounts, it can penetrate the skin and may disrupt the endocrine system. With prolonged exposure, one could potentially contract metabolic and neurodevelopmental disorders, and even hormone­related cancers.

“We must be mindful of the products we use especially on babies and school-­aged children because their skin is more sensitive. Chemicals can easily penetrate the epidermis of the skin, causing rashes and other skin lesions,” said Adrian Begonia, SCPA’s in­house chemist.

Both brands of Sanicare wipes were subjected to High Performance Liquid Chromatography, an analytical method that is used to measure various chemical contents. The amount of estrogenic paraben that is allowed in wet wipes is lower than 1.4 ppt (part per thousand). Sanicare products are 100 ­percent paraben free – eliminating the worry of mothers when using wipes on their babies.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a circular introducing amendments to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive which directs manufacturers and distributors in the cosmetic industry to identify products that contain hazardous chemicals. The directive mandates companies to reformulate or to recall products that contain banned substances by June of this year. In 2014, the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and the ASEAN Cosmetic Scientific Body spearheaded the regulation of cosmetic products which limits the amounts of certain chemicals.

“We want the public to be informed about how these substances can affect us. People should be careful about the products they use on their skin,” added Begonia.

“I am a mother, so I understand the thought process of every parent as they endeavor to choose products that are safe for their infants and children (of any age). At SCPA, we remain true to our advocacy of providing nothing but the best products for the Filipino people. We prioritize the wellbeing of our consumers, and one of the ways we do this is by regularly conducting chemical analysis and quality checks on our products to make sure that it complies with all the local and international health and safety regulations,” said Lea S. Pacis, SCPA Marketing Director.

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About Sanitary Care Products Asia

Sanitary Care Products Asia (SCPA) is a local manufacturer of hygienic tissue products made from 100% virgin pulp. Pulp fibers used in SCPA products come from reforestated trees from different parts of the world, making it an environment­friendly brand. SCPA’s wide range of paper products includes bathroom tissue, facial tissue, table napkins, and paper towels. Over the years, its product line has expanded into various hygienic items such as cotton balls and cotton rolls. Established in 1996, SCPA continues to serve over 5000 stores with its innovative paper and hygienic products distributed nationwide.

Derek Dee Takes Action Against Hepatitis C

This is an advocacy that would be very helpful for Hepatitis C sufferers. Please spread the word and possibly save lives. Thank you! 

Press Release:

Derek Dee started out as a photographer before he ventured into acting and movie production. His name is attached to titles such as Inay (1993), Sa Bingit ng Kamatayan (1996), and Rumble Boy (2007). But a lot of people associate him with ex-wife Melanie Marquez. Their short marriage was blessed with two daughters -  Maxine (22) who is a teacher based in Utah and Michelle (21) who recently began her modeling career for Bench and is steadily gaining ground in the industry. 

Derek and daughter, Michelle with pet Cass

These days, Derek busies himself with business and a new-found advocacy, which is the fight against Hepatitis C.  

“One of the most common causes of liver-based sicknesses is Hepatitis C. According the World Hepatitis Alliance, about 80 to 150 million people are dealing daily with Hepatitis C but there is not much information about it available. The main reason people die from Hepatitis C is because symptoms don’t show up until it is too late so you don’t know that you are sick,” he reveals. 

His own discovery of the illness was by accident. A routine blood test four years ago revealed that he had the dreaded disease. Doctors and his own research suggested that he may have contracted it through the use of contaminated needles in his younger days, around 30 years ago.

Hep C used to be a death sentence. Not anymore!

“Four years ago, having Hepatitis C was a death sentence because there was no cure yet.” His search for a solution to his illness brought him many heartaches and disappointments. The only option he found were drugs which had deadly side effects and low cure rates. So he decided not to seek treatment.

Then two years ago, a medicine with a cure rate of 94%-97% was discovered but it was prohibitively priced. So he went into the digital realm to research his chances of getting the medicine outside the US where the drug was priced cheaper. This led him to Singapore General Hospital Pharmacy which was willing to order the miracle drug for him at a slightly lower cost.

After getting the treatment, he is now free of the virus and is officially cured. But he realized that these drugs are not affordable and accessible to many. This started him on a journey looking for generic medicines from India which cost so much less (USD1,000) than the original price of USD90,000. And now, with the new generic treatments that are very affordable and just as effective as the originals, the cure is available to all.  

there are now Hep C drugs with high cure rates 

Armed with this knowledge Derek would like everyone to know that Hepatitis C is just a word, not a sentence. He now shares his experiences and insights and communicate these findings to other Hepatitis C patients and the public in general through his Facebook page, @hepcured and his website, hepcured.net. 

It is through constant updating and sharing of knowledge that the disease can be identified, battled, and defeated. Through HepCured, Hepatitis C patients can be part of a community of seekers for the cure, called The Cure Club. The Cure Club endeavors to search for treatments and remedies that are more accessibly priced and can be found in non-traditional sources.

“I had so much doubt getting into this because of the stigma. I didn’t really want to come out, I just wanted to keep quiet. But the mission came up when a friend I haven’t talked with in many years suddenly showed up and the first thing he told me was that he has Hep C and he didn’t know anything about it, he was not aware that there is a cure. Shortly after that incident, another friend got in touch with me, with the same story. That’s when I decided to speak up. It doesn’t matter what people will think of me, if my advocacy can save the lives of even a few, then it would have been worth it,” he explains. 

let us help Derek help more people through his advocacy

For more information, please log in to www.hepcured.net or visit their Facebook page, @hepcured.

Jolly Sets a New World Record for ‘Largest Serving of Sautéed Mushrooms’ at HistoryCon 2016

My family loves dishes cooked with Jolly mushrooms. So it's really nice to know it made history during History Con! More details below ... 

Press Release:

Throughout history, mushrooms have been part of the human diet and are renowned for their healing and nutritional attributes. Today, this versatile “vegetable” has recorded a historic culinary feat for the Philippines. Jolly, the country’s no. 1 mushroom brand, has made history for the largest serving of sautéed mushrooms at 335 kilos.  This was recorded during History Con last August 27 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

(from left) Jacquem Ruby of A E networks 
with Jolly associate product manager Ralph Rebulanan, 
senior product manager Marilou Acuna, 
Fly Ace director Elliz Conchanco, and BAG assistant Peter Geronimo

In partnership with History Channel, the stage was set for Jolly’s first world-record bid to cook the largest serving of sautéed mushrooms.   The largest serving of the dish used more than 300 kilos of Jolly Mushroom and fired up 10 cooking stations manned by 70 students chef from the Center for Culinary Arts Manila, Far Eastern University, and La Consolacion Tanauan and Manila campuses. The tedious process took two hours of non-stop cooking; and after all the hard work of the young chefs, the cheering crowd went wild as the final mushroom dish output was poured into the weighing device and showed a total of 335 kilos, exceeding the minimum requirement of only 280 kilograms. The Jolly team, led by Executive Chef Winston Luna of Chefwix Catering Services, was applauded for their hard-earned victory.

Chef Winston Luna (center in black) with Jolly senior product manager Marilou Acuna 
and associate product manager Ralph Rebulan 
with the participating students from CCA, Manila, La Consolacion College and FEU

“We’ve been cooking a large number for banquets but for this endeavor it’s different. Using the recipe designed by Chef Mitchie Sison, we used mushroom as main ingredient, which is very versatile and is also a wonderful substitute to the usual meat that we usually have. We used sauté because it is the best-tasting way to present the mushroom. We really want the mushrooms to be the superstar for this particular dish,” said Chef Winston.  

As one of History Con’s headliner event, Jolly’s record-setting attempt was just one of the reasons that emphasizes the brand’s mission to elevate and promote mushrooms’ versatility and nutritional benefits on a national and global scale.  

taste tests

“History-making has never tasted this healthy and delicious. Jolly and Fly Ace Corporation, together with our event partners, are extremely honored to initiate this ground-breaking attempt. We are hoping to set a first world record, and of course to successfully spread the news of mushrooms’ health benefits all over the Philippines and the world,” said Fly Ace Corporation President, Jun Cochanco. 

The giant tub of sautéed mushrooms was later presented at the main stage and was served as a mushroom wrap, which is another way of presenting the mushroom, or served as rice to go with each mushroom serving to the delight of thousands of event participants who queued to taste.

Culinary students cooked over 300 kg of mushrooms to make the world record

Healthy advocacy

Recent studies by scientists around the globe underscored the importance of antioxidants as these protect the cells from within, thus boosting one’s immune system and helping prevent future diseases such as cancers. And per tests of SGS, a leading inspection, verification, testing and Certification Company, Jolly Mushrooms contain an impressive 14 mg of L-ergothioneine per 400g can.  

"Mushrooms is known as the world’s 'superfood' [and] we want more people to know about the many amazing health-boosting benefits of mushrooms. One such outstanding nutritional highlight is having the highest content of L-ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant,” commented Marilou Acuña, Fly Ace Corporation Senior Product Manager for Jolly Food line.

CCA, Manila students happily serving sauteed mushroom to the crowd

Apart from promoting mushroom’s health benefits, the history-making activity also puts into limelight fresh Filipino culinary talents and the virtue of bayanihan. “This event offers the challenge as well as opportunity for Filipinos, especially our youth, to show support and commitment in making history. To make this Guinness bid successful, everyone in the Jolly team must work closely together to bring that goal into fruition,” Acuña added.

The Jolly Mushroom world record attempt was made possible by the following partners: Gomeco, Petron, Masflex, Fuji Kitchen Scales, and participating students.

the recipe (although I'm a bit skeptical about the amounts of salt and pepper
so I just put a pinch each when I cook this dish)

Fly Ace Corporation is one of the leading food and beverage consumer goods companies in the country today. Propelling limitless multiple-category growth by bringing the best of the world closer to Filipino consumers, Fly Ace Corporation’s portfolio of food and beverage products includes house brands and exclusively distributed brands. To learn more about Fly Ace, visit www.flyacecorp.com.

JOLLY is a canned fruits and vegetable line marketed and exclusively distributed by Fly Ace Corp., one of the leading food and beverage consumer goods companies in the country today. Propelling limitless multiple-category growth by bringing the best of the world closer to Filipino homes, Fly Ace Corp.’s portfolio of food and beverage products includes house brands and exclusively distributed brands.  For more updates, visit jolly.com.ph or like its official Facebook fanpage or follow via Twitter and Instagram (@jollyeatsph).

#LOVEPINOY at Second HOOQ Hangouts Featuring Piolo Pascual & Angelica Panganiban's Movie "Every Breath U Take"

Want to experience watching a free movie outdoors? Then join HOOQ Hangouts this coming September 23, 2016! More details below ... 

Press Release:

HOOQ HANGOUTS, the biggest outdoor cinema event series from HOOQ, returns this Friday, September 23, 2016 to give its loyal subscribers another unique and memorable viewing experience and spread some Pinoy love.

This time, HOOQ showcases its massive catalogue of local movies with a screening of the Every Breath You Take, starring Piolo Pascual and Angelica Panganiban.  

Majoy (Angelica Panganiban) is a romantic who desperately waits for her true love to finally come while Leo (Piolo Pascual), a bigtime sales executive in the real-estate business, is a career-driven playboy who does not believe in love at all. The two meet by accident on a Valentine’s Day, after Majoy’s failed date. She deems Leo as her destiny, she has never been surer that Leo is the one for her. 

Leo thinks otherwise. But as they find themselves growing closer to each other, the crazy and seemingly accidental events surrounding them seem to put their lives in danger! Unbeknownst to them, people are after them, determined to ruin their budding relationship, and will stop at nothing to get what they want! Will Leo and Majoy’s magnetic feelings for each other surpass the deeper dangers that face them? It all began as a fairy tale – but will the outrageous circumstances ever allow them to achieve their happily ever after?

“We are excited to continue HOOQ Hangouts with a Pinoy movie offering – and a story that’s close to our viewers heart,” says Jane Cruz-Walker, Country Manager of HOOQ Philippines.

“HOOQ is the prime destination for Filipino entertainment on demand with the largest library of local movies among any of the video-on-demand services in the country with over 4,000 hours of local television content which includes the best teleseryes, sitcoms and TV shows,” adds Cruz-Walker.

HOOQ Hangouts in cooperation with Samsung will regularly showcase blockbusters and all-time favorites through several massive LED screens at the Globe Iconic Entertainment Zone, transforming the BGC Amphitheater into a free outdoor cinema venue.  Viewers can use beanbags, blankets and cushions to enjoy the featured shows, participate in on-ground games and entertainment and munch on snacks from partner food concessionaires.  

As an added treat, the acoustic duo and YouTube sensations Migs and Maya (member of the Pan-Asian vocal group, BLUSH) will help set the mood as they serenade the crowd with their repertoire of love songs and chart topping hits.

HOOQ is Asia’s largest video-on-demand service hosting over 10,000 movies and TV shows available for streaming or download.  Globe customers can get free access to HOOQ with selected GoSURF mobile data plans and as well as Broadband Plan 1299 and up.   Visit www.hooq.tv to sign up for a 7-day free trial. 

How to get HOOQ

It’s easy to get HOOQ!  Sign up today for a 7-day free trial on www.HOOQ.tv.  Globe mobile customers can up to 90 days free HOOQ on selected GoSURF plans.  Broadband customers also get HOOQ for free on Globe Home Broadband.  Once the trial period expires, Globe customers can continue enjoying HOOQ at P149 subscription fee monthly charged to your Globe bill.  Simply text HOOQ149 to 8888.

HOOQ. Love Movies. Love Stories. Love Pinoy.

Boho in a Solo: An Exhibit Featuring Hippie Chic as Art

There are certain artworks that attract me more than others. Some of these include colorful paintings depicting what's chic and cool. If you are also an art enthusiast, like me, here's an exhibit you will not want to miss! It's ongoing until September 24, 2016 ...

Press Release:

Ginny Guanco’s figures for her painting exhibit at the Galerie Y in SM Megamall are what can be described as a Bohemian’s rhapsody. The art show, which features all-female subjects, opens on September 15. Of the 32 colorful paintings of women, 26 of these are clad in classic boho chic designs in a bow to the artist’s roots as a full-bloomed flower child in the 70s.

Ginny with the centerpiece of her art exhibit, the biggest one, 
done in Acrylic on a 36 x 36 canvas

Even in her growing up years, Ginny’s inclination to art was already very evident. In school, she participated in art contests. It was no surprise that after graduating high school from the College of the Holy Spirit in Mendiola, Fine Arts was the course she chose at  the University of Sto. Tomas.  As an artist immersed in her era, she believed in the message of peace, love, joy, and happiness against a backdrop of rock music and hippie art. “I was also really into bohemian fashion then as much as I am now. I did not outgrow my fashion taste, because I feel that it fits my personality and represents who I really am.”

more of Ginny's beautiful muses

Her 26 muses are clad in similar fashion, in flowy and flowery creations and are labeled, alphabetically, after hippie names that derive inspiration from the elements. Among the collection, exhibit guests would meet Aura, Freedom, Lilac, Seagull, Meadow, and Ocean, all hand-drawn in acrylic, in a style which Ginny describes as a fusion of fashion and art illustration. This effect is a direct result of her training as an artist both in the UST and in the Corcoran School of Art in Washington D.C., along with fashion illustration lessons from no less than the doyenne of Slim’s Fashion and Arts School, the late Salvacion “Slim” Lim Higgins. “I would describe my drawings as a mix of the two drawing disciplines where one features elongated figures for fashion and the other shows a more sinewy effect as in the fine arts,” she describes.

Artwork title: Blaze

Paintings number 27 to 32 is her homage to the strong women in the comicverse, featuring pop culture heroines from Marvel and DC franchises – Black Widow, Elektra, and the two main incarnations of Wonder Woman. “I have always been attracted to strong female characters, as I was also very much into women’s rights in the 70s. I have always believed that women should be empowered, that regardless whether you are a career woman, a CEO, a homemaker, you should know how you are as a person, knowing your worth, a human being to be respected and not looked down upon. And one who is secure in who she is.” 

This artwork, done in 2012, marks the beginning 
of Ginny's return to art after a hiatus of 15 years

The solo exhibit took a long time in coming, as Ginny took a 15-year hiatus from painting, pursuing a career, first in the media, and later on as a public relations professional. It took the passing of her favorite ginger cat, Simba and a few art materials lying around to get her back to art. A post of her finished figure on social media garnered a lot of interest from friends to convince her to take up the brush again. A chance meeting with Galerie Y owner Rollie Yusi, who viewed her works with interest, set the exhibit in motion. Ginny’s boho-inspired pieces join the gallery’s carefully-curated works by established and emerging Filipino artists as it works toward the enrichment of contemporary Philippine art. 

ribbon cutting ceremony during the exhibit's opening

Ginny Guanco’s Boho Chic exhibit will be on view at Galerie Y from September 15 to 24. Opening cocktails are provided by; Chef Jojo Javier’s SWEETIELICIOUS, Chef Greggie Mercado of AGING’S FOOD DELIGHT,  WINE DEPOT, NESTEA AND KITKAT Strategic Works, Inc. and Ginny Guanco. The gallery is located at the 4th floor of the SM Megamall, Bldg A. For more information, contact Galerie Y, open from Mondays to Sundays, 10 AM – 10 PM, or call 634- 2704. Visit also the artist’s website, artbyginny.net or FB page Art by Ginny.

Cozy Up with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®'s Honey Apple Chai Tea Latte

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®'s newest Tea Latte is described to be like apple pie in a glass. I want to try this, soon!

Press Release:

Cold, wet, and rainy are a few words to describe the weather at this time of the year. While this may be cumbersome to others, some may see it as the perfect opportunity to stay indoors and cozy up next to their loved ones. This is the reason the country's authority on premium coffee and tea, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, has introduced a new sweet and spiced beverage to warm the hearts and bellies of its customers, the Honey Apple Chai Tea Latte. 

Imagine all the flavors and the aroma of the exotic Chai Tea perfectly blended with the tartness of a spiced apple and topped with a drizzle of honey. That is what the Honey Apple Chai Tea Latte is all about. Everybody's favorite dessert takes the form of an irresistibly addictive drink described by many as a slice of apple pie in a glass. 

To be enjoyed as a Hot Tea Latte, the Honey Apple Chai Tea Latte is available in all The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® stores starting September 12, 2016 at Php 150 for the small size, Php 165 for the regular size, and Php 180 for the large size, with prices varying at all The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® airport stores.

Experience comfort in a cup and try the Honey Apple Chai Tea Latte at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® store nearest you. For more information, LIKE The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf® (Philippines) on Facebook, FOLLOW @CBTLPH @BREWPH on Instagram and Twitter, and SUBSCRIBE to brewyourbestyear.com.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Paves the Way for a Brighter Philippines Through Solar Saturdays

I had the pleasure of experiencing this activity for Earth Day last April and it was a heartwarming one. You can read my post, here. Now, you are also given a chance to build solar powered lamps and make a difference :) Mark the dates and join CBTL's advocacy one Saturday this September!

Press Release:

To have a home that nurtures growth and development, and is safe, is the inherent right of every individual. And yet, with majority of the Philippine population living below the poverty line, this is a fundamental right that is not obtained by many. A great number of Filipinos struggle without a permanent roof under their heads to call their home, or do have a home yet is lacking in the basic amenities that would provide them an adequate standard of living, such as electricity. Without light in every Filipino family’s home, numerous facets of their lives are affected. That is why, when we give them light, in many ways, we believe we give them back their lives.

                                                                     

                                  

Recognizing the contribution of light in every individual’s quality of life, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® celebrated Earth Day by partnering with Liter of Light, a global, grassroots movement committed to providing affordable, sustainable light to people with limited or no access to electricity. Customers of all ages acted as solar engineers by building their own solar-powered lamps for a day, in the hopes of giving the precious gift of light to those in need.

After the workshop, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®’s own Team Members hiked to bring the newly-built solar powered lamps to the Dumagat tribe’s village in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. Their visit gave them the opportunity to witness first-hand the life-altering impact their initiative made on the community. “Light is so valuable. Without it, it is impossible for us to do anything at night. Since we don't have electricity, we sleep early. We can't work and the children cannot study,” Councilor Michael Fernando shared. The community was overcome with gratitude for the solar powered lamps they received. “We are so grateful for the lights you have given us. This will always serve as a symbol of light in our hearts and minds,” expressed the community's Chieftain, Rodolfo Bendebel. 

Seeing the difference a light can make in the lives of others, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® was moved to launch #SolarSaturdays, a series of events that gives customers the opportunity to build their own solar powered lamps for only Php 1,000 at select stores every Saturday. Each lamp will provide a renewable source of light for an impoverished Filipino family’s home, changing the way they will see and live for years to come. At the end of the campaign, all lamps collected will be delivered by The Philippine Roadtrip and Liter of Light to communities in far-flung and off-grid areas around the Philippines.

Be the light by giving the gift of light. Email the caringcup@coffeebean.com.ph to reserve a slot. Join us for the following upcoming schedules for Solar Saturdays this September 10 at Kidzania in Bonifacio Global City; September 17 at Convergys on Ayala Avevue, and; September 24 at the U.P. Ayala Land Techno Hub.

For more information, LIKE The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf® (Philippines) on Facebook, FOLLOW @CBTLPH @BREWPH on Instagram and Twitter, and SUBSCRIBE to brewyourbestyear.com.

Gatorade Ups the Intensity with Fierce

FYI, sports enthusiasts! Check out the latest Gatorade flavor and Gatorade Philippines' latest endorser! 

Press Release:

Manila, Philippines – Intensity has taken on a new look. 

The world’s number one sports drink recently unleashed Gatorade Fierce—its latest product line-up composed of an exciting new flavor, Green Apple, bundled with the popular Tropical Fruit and Grape flavors.  

“Fierce continues to pack the scientifically proven hydration benefits of Gatorade,” Pepsico Philippines Marketing Manager for Hydration Tony Atayde said. “The Fierce range is specially designed for intense athletes who know and love Gatorade but are looking for a bold, more intense flavor.”

Gatorade Fierce was earlier launched in the US with NBA star Paul George. For its local debut, PBA’s very own The Beast, Alaska Aces’ Calvin Abueva joins Gatorade’s growing roster of top caliber athletes and sports superstars. The former San Sebastian Stag and PBA Rookie of the Year is known for his all-around intensity on court which helped Alaska finish with the best cumulative record during the 2012-2013 season. 

Atayde added, “Proper hydration is a fundamental part of winning and staying on top of your game. Our Gatorade Fierce line is an integral part of bringing a wide variety of flavor options to athletes all over the country that know, to rehydrate, replenish and refuel, NOTHING beats Gatorade.”

Visit the official Gatorade Facebook page for updates and information. 

Going Beyond with Manila's Comic Royalty

Beyond the Box collaborates with Manila’s most popular comic book artists Harvey Tolibao, Manix Abrera, and Mervin Malonzo. Watch the videos and learn very interesting trivia about these talented Filipinos. I did!

Press Release:

In recent years, the remarkable talent of comic artists Harvey Tolibao, Manuel “Manix” Abrera, and Mervin Malonzo has put the Philippines on the international comic landscape. As an advocate of all things innovative and creative, Apple Premium Reseller Beyond the Box aspires to celebrate their illustrations and storytelling prowess through a unique comic book compilation that was created only through the use of an iPad Pro. With each of these artists’ unique style and personality, the brand aims to inspire others by sharing a glimpse of their individual creative stories.

Harvey Tolibao was the son of the proverbial “starving artist” who refused to allow his children to fall into the same fate. Fortunately, for the rest of the world, Tolibao inherited his father’s love for art and pursued it with enviable passion. After working several jobs for many years, Tolibao knew that his heart belonged to the comic world. “I would draw on tissue, on the backs of paper plates and McDonalds, Jollibee… I drew on everything,” he shared.

He finally started his career in 2006, by pencilling and inking the 12th issue of Dark Horse Comics’ Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. He has also penciled and inked Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Annual for Marvel in 2008. Today, Tolibao is a cover artist at Zenescope Entertainment, a comic book artist at IDW Publishing, an artist at Nautilus Comics, and a cover artist for DC Comics with covers for Green Arrow DC 52, Green Lantern Movie Prequen Sinestro, and Green Lantern New Guardians.

Filipinos have the uncanny ability to find humor in even the hardest of times, and Manuel “Manix” Abrera gets that. Best known for Kikomachine, a strip found on the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Abrera’s work tells the stories of Filipinos’ everyday adventures in a comical way. Published from Monday to Saturday, the comic is dedicated to encouraging readers to laugh off life’s problems. His life motto sings a similar tune. “When you really love what you are doing, no matter what challenges life throws at you, you pursue it,” he says emphatically. His work has appeared in ten compilations published by Visprint and his webcomic News Hardcore! appears weekly on GMA News Online. He also has silent comic/graphic novels titled “12” and “14”.

Mervin Malonzo is jack-of-all trades, master of all. He is a freelance designer and cartoonist who dabbles in illustration, video & animation, print, and comics. But comic art has a special place in his heart. “Comics are different from other art forms—they have their own unique language that you can play around with,” he confides. Malonzo is known for writing and drawing the National Book Award-winning comic TABI PO, a graphic novel about Filipino horror culture and folkore. He has also collaborated with writer Adam David on another title called ANG SUBERSIBO, a comic adaptation of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

BEYOND is available in all Beyond the Box stores nationwide starting September 15, 2016 and will retail for Php 350. For more information, you may visit www.beyondthebox.ph or LIKE Beyond the Box on Facebook and FOLLOW @beyondtheboxph on Instagram.