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ERRAMON Aboitiz: Renaissance man
The Aboitiz family is a big player in Philippine business for over a century. With businesses covering a wide range of industries, including power, banking, food, and infrastructure, the clan’s Aboitiz Group has been creating jobs and opportunities for Filipinos. Founded by Paulino Aboitiz, son of a Spanish farmer who migrated to the Philippines in the late 1800s, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., or AEV, has grown from being an abaca-trading and general-merchandise business to a conglomerate with interests in power, banking, food, property, biofuel and construction. The group is undergoing its Great Transformation to establish itself as the Philippines’ pioneering techglomerate. This innovative growth strategy, powered by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset, empowers the entire group to advance businesses and uplift communities. Among the driving forces propelling the Group’s business revolution is Erramon “Montxu” Aboitiz. Montxu previously served as the president and chief executive at Aboitiz Equity Ventures for 10 years from 2009 to 2019. He also briefly held the role of CEO at Aboitiz Power Corp. in 2018. Presently, he serves as a director at AEV and Endeavor Philippines and as chairman of the Board of Directors at Union Bank of the Philippines. Likewise, he serves as a board observer of the Aboitiz & Company. The Asian Institute of Management named Montxu as the new chairman of its Board of Trustees, effective from 1 September 2023. Montxu joined a respected group of successful business leaders who are dedicated to advancing the progress and welfare of Asia and its inhabitants. He was the 7th chairman of AIM, taking over from Peter Garrucho who held the position since 2017. Montxu graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, USA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and Finance. In 2011, he was awarded the Management Man of the Year by the Management Association of the Philippines and recognized as the Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. Seven years after that, AIM awarded Montxu with an honorary doctorate in management. Social responsibility runs in Aboitiz blood The Aboitiz Foundation, the social responsibility arm of the Aboitiz Group, donated $10 million to AIM in 2019 — known as the Aboitiz 100th Anniversary Commitment Fund. The fund aims to bridge the local and regional gap in data science and innovation. As a result of this generous donation, AIM’s Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship is now able to provide top-notch education and research opportunities in data science, with a focus on practical applications. This is made possible by collaborating with data science professionals and leaders from around the world. Recently, Montxu was elected chairperson of the AIM board of trustees. He is widely recognized for his strong commitment to social responsibility and philanthropy. Regarding the endowment to AIM, Montxu said it targeted assisting AIM in its efforts “to expand its curriculum and facilities towards the direction of a bold future, and the skills and education it will require.” Through his leadership in the Aboitiz Group and the Aboitiz Foundation, he has spearheaded numerous projects that have made a positive impact on local communities. As chairman of the Aboitiz Foundation, Montxu has played a key role in shaping its initiatives. The foundation focuses on three key areas which are education, enterprise development, and environmental conservation. “As businessmen, there is no doubt we seek profits and a return on our capital. But as Filipinos, we are equally guided by a sense of purpose to find meaningful ways of contributing to our communities across the country. This symbiotic relationship of profit and contributing to society is our secret sauce to true sustainability, allowing the Aboitiz Group to drive change for a better world by advancing business and communities,” Montxu added. The foundation implemented various programs and scholarships to improve access to quality education, foster entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities, and promote sustainability. Aboitiz Foundation has been heavily involved in rehabilitating and improving schools in underprivileged areas. They have renovated classrooms, libraries and other facilities, providing students with better learning environments. The foundation has also donated learning materials and equipment to enhance the educational experience of students. Aboitiz Foundation supports community-based programs that aim to uplift marginalized communities. These programs focus on various aspects such as health, nutrition, livelihood, and disaster resilience. The foundation works closely with local organizations and stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions and empower communities to become self-sufficient. Aboitiz Foundation places significant emphasis on environmental conservation and sustainability. They have initiated projects to protect and restore ecosystems, promote renewable energy, and reduce carbon footprint. The foundation actively supports reforestation efforts, marine conservation, and waste management initiatives. The foundation also has a strong focus on disaster response and preparedness. They have been at the forefront of providing immediate relief and support during natural disasters, such as typhoons, earthquakes and floods. The foundation also works towards building resilient communities by conducting disaster risk reduction and management training programs. Montxu Aboitiz encourages and supports employee volunteerism within the Aboitiz Group. The company promotes a culture of giving back by providing employees with opportunities to engage in community service and volunteer activities. This not only benefits the communities they serve but also fosters a sense of social responsibility among the employees. It also collaborates with various non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to maximize the impact of their social responsibility initiatives. They work together to address complex social issues and implement sustainable solutions that create lasting change. Aligned with the United Nations Global Compact, AEV drives policies, advocacies, and initiatives to make a lasting impact. The post ERRAMON Aboitiz: Renaissance man appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Artefino: Empowering Women Artisans in the Countryside
All it took to start the trailblazing Artefino were five ladies of passion and commitment, three of whom, joined us in a special episode of PairFect, the online show of the DAILY TRIBUNE. [gallery columns="4" size="full" ids="176285,176284,176283,176282"] These ladies are achievers in their own right and have been at the forefront of causes that have continuously benefited the society. Mita Rufino has been the top honcho of the Filipino Heritage Festival which has been going on for 20 years. Maritess Pineda was president of the number one Zonta chapter in this part of the country and region, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs. For the longest time, she was engaged in the export business and was active with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotion arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry. Cedie Vargas heads the Lopez Group Foundation and is the executive director of the Lopez Museum and Library. [caption id="attachment_176287" align="aligncenter" width="789"] Fiesta throw blankets. | Photograph Courtesy of Ig/abel Philippines[/caption] Our interview article with the three ladies, which we started yesterday, continues in this issue. Here follows our interesting exchange. DAILY TRIBUNE (DT): Tell us about your personal passions outside of Artefino. What else keeps you occupied. Mita: I’m with the Filipino Heritage Festival. We work with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. We have our programs and events throughout the Philippines. Our main objective is to bring awareness of our cultural heritage to the whole country if we can. One of our major projects is the Youth Forum participated in by around 60 young students. Last May, we had it in Negros Occidental and we had six cities that joined in. We are trying to make them aware about the different heritage and all forms of cultural heritage, tangible or intangible, in their own areas. We get reports now from them and we discuss how we are going to help them out. This is something which I feel is going to be quite interesting for the youth. We will be 20 years old next year. We’re hoping to go to Ilocos. We would also like to work with Artefino because Artefino is part of our heritage. For next year, another project will focus on our local trees, indigenous hardwood and local. We’re working with the Metropolitan Museum for that one. And, of course, I am active in church and with the Zonta. My time is really full from morning to evening. Sometimes I just ask myself, “Wow, what will I do now? I have to report this, I have to report that.” That’s what’s keeping me quite busy. Maritess: I think what has helped me a lot in doing my share in Artefino is the fact that I was 20 years with CITEM. In the beginning when we were starting in my export business, I would ask the support of CITEM. It gave me a very good perspective of how it is to come up with fairs like this. We used to do it here and abroad. I was 20 years in export and I was part of the board of CITEM for quite a number of years. I was among the pioneers during the time of Mina Gabor, who was the one who trained me. She was the one who trained me how to give a talk to 3,000 women and producers from Bacolod. I refused at first but they said, “No, you will just talk to a few people in a small room.” So, I agree but, at the CCP, I found out there were 3,000 women. Sabi ko doon sa asawa ko, “You stay at the back. Then you will be the only one I will look at and no one else.” I really picked up a lot of things from Mina. She really made our handicraft industry very strong. And because of that, I was able to bring that know-how into this fair. Other than that, I’m very active in the arts. I have been a collector since 1972. That’s my passion. Also, being the granddaughter of Amang Rodriguez, serving the community is really part of my DNA. It is really second nature for us, we in the Artefino, to do anything we could to empower women and their communities so that they could be self-sufficient by putting up their own social enterprises. Something that would inspire their children to follow suit and not leave their parents’ and grandparents’ crafts for another profession or livelihood. Cedie: I think the best way to describe me is just like an arts and culture advocate. And that sort of ties everything that I do whether it’s in the media or the Lopez group foundation including the Lopez Museum and Library and other foundations outside of the Lopez Group. But what excites me is when I can tie all these together into a few projects. One of the bigger advocacies of the Lopez Group is environmentalism. Whether you’re saving the marine reefs or mangroves or saving the trees. They intertwine and it’s exciting when you are able to create a project that will marry all your different advocacies. You know, you have passion, you have commitment in what you are doing. DT: Tell us about your family lives. Are you mothers? Are you grandmothers? Are you single? Mita: I am single now. I just lost my husband two and a half years ago. I have four kids. Three girls, two of them in London, and one boy. My daughter, Maritoni, is a ballerina and she teaches ballet. My son, Chino, anchors a sport show and he promotes motorcycles. Maritess: I have four children. One is abroad working in hotels. And three of them are here. I already have three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Now that they’re all grown up. I have time for all these things. I’m free to do what I want. Cedie: I’m a mother. I’m a grandmother. I have four children and four grandchildren. By the end of the year, I will have six grandchildren. I think what I’m trying to define now is my role as a grandmother. I involve my children and even my grandchildren in this advocacy that I have. Whatever it is that I strongly believe in, I try to expose them to that. Two of my children are with the Lopez group. DT: Can you tell us about someone, a craftswoman, you have empowered? Maritess: We can tell you that we started our first grantee, Sarah Juan, for our Artefino Foundation. Mita: We helped this one designer because she is really good. Cedie: And enterprising. Mita: She works with the community in Davao. Mita: She was our first beneficiary. They were able to come up with a line-up of jackets that were beaded and that sold very well in Artefino. She has two stores now — one in Rockwell and the other in Greenbelt. Cedie: A lot of our brand partners have amazing stories. That’s what interested us in them. That’s why we put up Artefino and the Artefino Foundation because of their amazing stories. DT: It turned out there are a lot of creative Filipinos. Cedie: Yeah. They just need that extra push. Yeah. DT: This year, who will Artefino benefit? Maritess: Well, like we have Anya Lim. She’s from Cebu. Actually, we visited the place. We visited the area, her community and we saw how the ladies, mostly elders, work and help one another. Mita: That particular lady, said to me, “Ma’am, now I can buy a TV because I have already sent my apos to school. Now it’s for me naman to have a television.” Cedie: They are trying to teach us how to weave. We tried. It’s so hard. Mita: It’s a great workout, though. Maritess: Kailangan ng great coordination, eh. Kamay at paa. Mita: You have to move with the rhythm of the loom. Maritess: It was very nice talking with them because they were really telling us their whole stories. Cedie: They were sharing as mothers. They invited us to go back. Maritess: Kasi they were able to send their children and grandchildren to school. So, malaking bagay, 'di ba? Now that the children know that they could earn on weaving, they are willing to learn the trade. Mita: What we’re hearing in different places is that even the men, when they come home in the evening, help out also. Cedie: You know, the men have actually strong hands. The weaves are tighter. DT: What makes this edition of Artefino special? Mita: We are into reused, recycled and repurposed products. Actually, the original person who did all these years ago was Patis Tesoro. She was the epitome of all this without calling it repurpose or recycle. Basta she would pick up any kind of material. Puwedeng kurtina, puwedeng mantel. She would put it together, buburdahan niya. And because of that, we decided to feature her here as the Ms. Patis Tesoro. DT: Thank you very much. It has been our pleasure. We are happy that you have helped a lot of women and at the same time are paying tribute to trailblazing women like Patis Tesoro. With you, ladies, there is indeed hope for our countrymen, especially our creative industry workers in the mountains and seashores of our country. Mabuhay kayong lahat! The post Artefino: Empowering Women Artisans in the Countryside appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
This writers’ workshop loves Filipino literature
The Palihang Rogelio Sicat discussion on 21 June held in UP Diliman looked and sounded like an art class session. Manolo Sicat, the well-known artist and sculptor, was delivering a demo-lecture on printmaking. He said figures and words can go together in a work of art. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="175634,175632"] He had a PowerPoint presentation of print images. A pair of prints of a couple of dancers were passed around. One was in black and white, the other in color. Texture and motion were their immediate charm. “But what has printmaking to do with us?,” said Christian Balagoza, a boyish writer. “We’ll know when we get the printmaking session,” said sir Reuel Aguila, director PRS 16 (2023). Art collab This is the latest PRS innovation. When the session was held a few days later, Sicat conducted an honest-to-goodness printmaking workshop at the UP College of Fine Arts. A colleague, Prof. Ambie Abano, welcomed the group and opened her atelier to show mural-sized prints made from wooden originals. It is the artist’s impressive collection of prints featuring landscapes of lush trees in dark, brooding background. Fellows from the previous online batch joined the art activity. During the three-hour session, everyone polished her rubber board, chiseled images and texts, and finally print the works on paper. They were amazed to pick up the skill fast and admire the results in no time. Thumbs and nails got smudged with sticky ink yet everyone was smiling at the wet and black artworks clipped on wires that crossed the studio. 16 years of PRS This is one of the activities that make PRS unique. Thanks to its founders -- dramatist Reuel Aguila, retired professor now a lecturer at the UP, and fictionist Jimmuel Naval, dean of the UP College of Arts and Letters. The partner is always on the lookout for ingenious ways to improve the workshop, all for the good of young writers. PRS began as an informal workshop of a number of young writers held in the mansion of Ligaya Tiamson Rubin in Angono, Rizal, in 2008. Today, fellows accepted in the workshop are pegged at 15. Fellows like the idea that they are the main commentators of the manuscripts. During workshops, they get to be the lead discussant. “They learn to be critical and not rely too much on the opinion of the panelists,” said Aguila. The PRS is the only writers’ workshop that aspires to be mobile, going around the country to make its appellation ‘national’ true. It literally brings the creative writing life closer to practitioners. PRS collaborates with local governments, and with their support the workshop had been to Palayan City, Nueva Ecija (2009); Baler, Aurora (2010); Alfonso, Cavite (2011); Sta. Cruz, Marinduque (2012); Angeles City, Pampanga (2014); and Makati City (2015). It also cooperates with the academe as in UP Visayas-Tacloban (2017), UP Baguio (2018) and UP Los Baños (2019). There were times PRS stayed at its home base UP Diliman like during the 50th anniversary of the UP Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature (UP-DFPL) in 2017. It went online as Zoom conference twice during the pandemic. With the renowned writer Rogelio Sicat as PRS idol, the workshop chooses Filipino language as its medium of writing literature. It also accepts works from the region’s translated into Filipino. Institutional support PRS is the official outreach program of the UP-DFPL whose incumbent chair Schedar DT Jocson said that from the beginning, it has supported PRS and its objectives. Many of its panelists are from the department, including alumna Dr. Lulu Torres-Reyes, the PRS 16 guest of honor. Other PRS supporters include the UP Sentro ng Wikang Filipino (UP-SWF). “We are honored to be part of a movement that brings Philippine literature closer to the common people. PRS writers enrich the catalog of our website,” said director Jayson Petras. Friends and business people also support PRS, like Palawan Pawnshop / Palawan Express Padala company. Lively discussion about literature An hour of PRS discussion on a story or poem does not exhaust its reading or interpretation. To address the gap, sessions are set beyond the allotted time and well into almost midnight. Fellows do not seem to mind as they are very eager to huddle with seniors who are just as willing to forego of an early bedtime. PRS goes one more step. In 2022, it created post-workshop online sessions. Here, senior and beginning writers discuss new works. Everyone is excited to have these disquisitions that aim to improve writing skills. Dedication is demanded from both sides. The recent PRS workshop had the Sicat siblings Luna and Manolo beaming with pride. They were quite surprised to know that almost 300 young writers had already experienced the workshop. PRS is also proud that esteemed writers served as its panelists, including Bienvenido Lumbera, Edgardo Reyes, Ricardo Lee, Rogelio Ordoñez, Lualhati Bautista, Rosario Lucero, Elmer Ordoñez, Jose Dalisay, Marne Kilates, Jess Santiago, Fidel Rillo, Edgardo Maranan, Lilia Quindoza Santiago, Delfin Tolentino, Bonifacio Ilagan, Frank Cimatu, Joi Barrios-Le Blanc, Chris Millado, Jerry Gracio, Richard Gappi, Eros Atalia, Joselito delos Reyes, Choi Pangilinan and Junley Lorenzana Lazaga. PRS connects the lives of senior and beginning writers. Rogelio Sicat would be proud of this long -running project named after him. The post This writers’ workshop loves Filipino literature appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Larone Crafts’ trendy Filipino handbags make waves in Europe
Jennifer Lo is living proof that an eye for aesthetics can be inherited. Based in Makati City, Metro Manila, the third-generation entrepreneur has carried on her family’s business of handicrafts—Larone Crafts, registered in 1984. Growing up, she helped her mother during trade shows, observing how business was conducted with foreign buyers and taking minutes of business meetings. After completing a short course on Manufacturing Management at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles in 2006, she worked with various fashion companies before coming back to the Philippines to help in her mother’s handbag business. “I’m the steward of my parents’ and grandparents’ hard work. My goal is to make the business sustainable for another 20 years,” said Jennifer, who operates out of a compact 500-square-meter office that includes a production area and warehouse on the top floor. Larone Crafts’ designs are modern but remain true to Pinoy traditions by incorporating Tinalak weaves and the woven fabric Inabel. Natural plant fibers such as abaca, raffia and seagrass sourced from all around the Philippines add an indigenous charm to the products. The results are timeless accessories that buyers can keep in their wardrobe season after season. “The bags are meant to be used all year round. We do not make items that are just for a certain season to be thrown away the next. We manufacture them to last," said Jennifer. Among Larone Crafts’ handbags, the signature hand-embroidered clutch bags are a particular hit with buyers. Larone Crafts' agility to keep abreast with technological advancements and design trends has kept it exporting successfully over the years. The company’s first exports were made in 1984 to the USA. Back then, Jennifer was only three years old. “I can see how conducting international business at a time when the Internet was not yet existing must have been quite a challenge,” she said. In 2009, when Jennifer joined the company, she continued to step up to evolving market trends. “Smaller niche brands were coming into the field. Rather than large containers of orders with thousands of pieces of the same style, orders of several styles and colors in a few hundred pieces were preferred,” she recalled. In 2022, following the pandemic, 3 percent of Larone’s customers were from the European Union, 90 percent from the USA and the rest a mix from other countries. For a long time, the only way to start an international business was through participation in trade fairs, which is not an easy thing to do alone. The company has been part of the Manila FAME almost every year since the 1980s. Showing at Maison et Objet, NY Now and Ambiente over the last 10 years has also been fruitful. “We received support from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotion arm of the Philippine government’s Department of Trade and Industry, to participate in international trade shows in the EU and in the USA. Before the internet and emails, this was the only way of gaining new overseas customers.” Jennifer feels that her company’s participation in these trade shows has been instrumental in reaching customers, particularly in the EU. Trade shows boost market research, linkages, design aesthetics and competitiveness. She emphasized that CITEM’s support in terms of product design, booth design and implementation, and pre-show marketing has been invaluable in upgrading her business. “These are all high costs that would be difficult for our small business to absorb when initially trying to enter into a new market.” Jennifer sees many benefits from the EU Generalized System of Preference Plus (GSP+). “The EU GSP + makes our products more competitive in the EU market by reducing the cost of importing our goods into the country for our buyers. It improves access to the 27 countries in the EU.” Larone Crafts is already exporting to Spain and the Netherlands, with samples sent recently to Italy which are expected to generate more orders. “The EU is an attractive export market for our company because of the ease of doing business with their bilingual teams, the market’s love for sustainable, handmade and natural products, and the favorable trade policies such as the GSP+.” As Jennifer works towards expanding her product assortment in home and lifestyle products, she is cognizant of those who work for her. Depending upon the volume of orders, in any given season, she employs approximately 100 workers. She not only retained artisan families from her mother’s time, but also sources from small businesses that employ women. “We work with weavers and artisans in their communities from all over the Philippines, giving them a reliable livelihood and helping to preserve the region’s traditional crafts.” The ARISE Plus Philippines project is enabling Philippine exporters to take advantage of European Union market access and the trade privileges granted under the GSP+. It supports the overall EU-Philippines trade relationship and trade-related policies. ARISE Plus Philippines is a project of the Government of the Philippines, with the Department of Trade and Industry as lead partner together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Bureau of Customs, the Department of Science and Technology, as well as the private sector. It is funded by the EU, with the International Trade Centre as the technical agency for the project. The post Larone Crafts’ trendy Filipino handbags make waves in Europe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
GBP subsidiary collaborates with GTFI for school building donation in Cebu
Cebu Energy Development Corporation (CEDC), a subsidiary of Global Business Power Corporation (GBP), partnered with GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI) for the donation of a two-classroom building at North City Central School (NCCS) in Toledo City, Cebu for the benefit of grade 1 students. Present during the inauguration of the school building were representatives from the […] The post GBP subsidiary collaborates with GTFI for school building donation in Cebu appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
PH eyes modest $31-M export deals at China expo participation
The Philippine delegation is targeting to attract over 1,300 buyers and generate a modest $31 million worth export deals at the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE), significantly lower than the $300 million the Philippines realized during last year’s China International Import Exposition (CIIE). Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said the apparently lower sales target this year may mean on the spot deals only and may not include post CIIE sales attributed to said expo. “Factoring also that this year is Pandemic year. This is a hybrid show this year, where the goods are displayed but negotiations are done via the online B2B facility. The target is also based on the reduced pavilion size this year, as well as the projected decrease in the number of buyers attending CIIE this year,” said Lopez. Philippine mango and pili nuts are among the products that will be showcased under the FOODPhilippines Pavilion. Already, DTI’s Export Marketing Board and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) facilitated initial talks with the Philippine delegation and 40 Chinese buyers in a video conferencing. These Chinese buyers are importers, distributors, and retailers. During last year’s CIIE, Philippine exhibitors booked around $300 million in sales at the second CIIE, more than double the $124 million recorded sales in 2018. This year’s third CIIE will be held on Nov. 5-10 in Shanghai. In the B2B session, Chinese buyers expressed interest in working together with Philippine companies that produce fresh fruits and vegetables, chocolates, healthy snacks, seafood, beverages, and condiments. For this hybrid participation, there will be a mix of physical product presentation in the pavilion that will be facilitated by onsite officers from the DTI trade posts in China and online B2B matching activities between our companies in Manila and the Chinese buyers who will visit the Philippine booth in Shanghai, according to CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan. With the theme “Healthy and Natural,” 40 Philippine companies will exhibit and sample the country’s wide range of tropical fruits and vegetables, processed fruits and nuts, healthy snacks, seafood and marine products, and other premium food selections. The FOODPhilippines pavilion will feature interactive conference pods for the first time in CIIE to enable virtual business-to-business (B2B) activities and video conferencing. In place of actual Philippine exhibitors manning the booths, Philippine Commercial Counsellors will represent the government and exhibitors, promote exhibitor brands and products onsite, and relay all business leads and contacts generated during the show. The participation in CIIE is organized in partnership with the Foreign Trade Services Corps (FTSC) through the Philippine Trade & Investment Centers (PTICs) in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, and the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB). Government partners are the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Office of the Agricultural Counsellor in Beijing (DA-OAC-Beijing) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The Philippine mango and pili nuts are among the products that will be showcased under the FOODPhilippines Pavilion.project is likewise supported by business associations such as the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII). Leading the FOODPhilippines’ opening in CIIE are representatives from the Philippines and China, namely the Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana, Philippines’ DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, FFCCCII President Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong, and Deputy Director General Yang Weiqun from the Department of Asian Affairs of China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). Under the FOODPhilippines delegation, 40 companies that will highlight tropical fruits and vegetables will be Hilas Marketing Corporation, Agrinurture, Inc., Mancoco Food Processing, Inc., Excellent Quality Goods Supply Company, Castillo Import Export Ventures Inc., Doxo International Trading, Magsasakang Progresibo Marketing Cooperative, See’s International Food Mfg, Corp., Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures, Inc., Team Asia Corporation, Eau de Coco, Inc., Eng Seng Food Products, Greenlife Coconut Products Philippines, Inc., Tongsan Industrial Development Corporation, Islandfun Inc., Limketkai Manufacturing Corporation (LMC), KLT Fruits, Inc., Zigmund Enterprise, Business Innovations Gateway, Inc., Sangkutsa Food Products, Inc., AG Grays Farm, Marigold Manufacturing Corporation, and the Federation of People’s Sustainable Development Cooperative. To show its goodwill to the Chinese market, the Philippine delegation will donate healthy products to Food Bank China as part of the launch of the Shanghai Food Bank Project with Liwayway China on November 5. The donation will include 200 packs of banana chips from Excellent Quality Goods Supply Company, 50 tuna packs of premium handline tuna from Century Pacific Food Inc., and bundles of virgin coconut oil (VCO) and various coconut products from Team Asia Corporation. The food donation to the Food Bank China serves as a way of giving back and a token of appreciation to the Chinese community for its continued support towards the Filipino representatives and communities in China, according to Commercial Vice Consul Mario Tani of the PTIC in Shanghai. Meanwhile, healthy snack varieties will be showcased by Magic Melt Foods Inc., Sandria’s Delicious Concept, Vegetari Vegetarian Products, Market Reach International Resources, SL Agritech Corporation, and the Philippine Franchise Association. Tuna and other seafood selections will be presented by Century Pacific Food Inc., Universal Canning, Inc., Fisher Farms, Incorporated, Jam Seafoods, Inc., Phil. Union Frozen Foods, Inc., and Gerabuenas Trading. Likewise, premium food selections will be offered by Global Basic Co., Ltd, Subic Superfood Incorporated, Chocoloco, Inc., Filipinas de Oro de Cacao, Inc., and Seabeth Food Processing......»»
Creamline still team to beat
Creamline’s dramatic, come-from-behind 26-28, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21, 16-14 win over Cignal Tuesday night at the PhilSports Arena showed that it’s still the superpower in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.....»»
Jollibee invests $28 million in beverage tech firm
Filipino-owned Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. is investing $28 million for a 10 percent stake in beverage technology company Botrista Inc. to support the growth of its coffee and tea business......»»
Unlock business success at Franchise Asia Philippines Expo
The Franchise Asia Philippines Expo 2024 is set to hold a series of dynamic seminars designed to empower entrepreneurs, investors and business enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of franchising. Slated from April 12 to 14 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, these seminars offer invaluable insights into key aspects of franchising and business growth......»»
WWDC 2024 Will Include In-Person Special Event at Apple Park
Apple Shakes Things Up with Virtual WWDC Event In a surprising move, Apple announced that it will not be holding its traditional in-person Worldwide Developers.....»»
EDITORIAL - Finally, plastic license cards
It says a lot about the quality of governance and ease of doing business in this country that it takes forever just to obtain a plastic driver’s license card......»»
Reflecting on Your Business Setbacks
Challenges are an inevitable part of any endeavor, especially a business one. From unforeseen economic shifts to internal operational hurdles, every business owner will inevitably face obstacles that test their resolve. As we live in a fast-paced world, we sometimes forget about looking back, and what better time to do it than the Holy Week? […].....»»
Rest of PVL catching up to perenially dominant Cool Smashers?
Creamline’s dramatic come-from-behind 26-28, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21, 16-14 win over Cignal Tuesday night at the PhilSports Arena showed it remained the team-to-beat in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference......»»
RCBC to surrender trust license
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) is looking to surrender its license to engage in trust and other fiduciary business as part of its efforts to make RCBC Trust Corp. a stand-alone trust entity......»»
Lalamove empowers aspiring women entrepreneurs to start their small businesses in PangNegosyo program
Lalamove, a leading on-demand delivery platform, has launched the Panalong PangNegosyo program for its thousands of women partner drivers to give out a business-starter package to three lady riders or drivers......»»
Ministry helping improve BARMM’s business climate names 10 new officials
The Bangsamoro chief minister has filled out ten regional positions in one of the ministries under him to boost its operation as requested by business blocs enticing foreign investors to venture into viable businesses in the region......»»
Spy Wednesday
What significant event took place on the Wednesday of the Holy Week? If Maundy Thursday was all about the Last Supper, the betrayal of Jesus, etc. and Good Friday was all about the kangaroo trial, torture and crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ and Easter Sunday was the glorious resurrection of our Lord, what, I wondered, happened on the Wednesday before......»»
Van Sickle, Petro Gazz pummel Capital1
Petro Gazz used hammer, Brooke Van Sickle and sword as it overpowered Capital1 Solar Energy, 25-11, 25-19, 25-14, Tuesday to revive its semifinal hopes in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.....»»
Red carpet to be rolled out for FIVB world meet
The Philippines will leave no stone unturned for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships 2025 – in terms of hosting the event for the first time ever and competing anew after 50 long years......»»
Angels rebound, Crossovers roll on
Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo carved out contrasting wins over Capital1 Solar Energy and Nxled, respectively, and stayed in the thick of the fight for the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena last night......»»