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Books, greens & unfinished business
I recently had lunch with very busy insurance executives and since the topic was about insurance, I raised the question on how prepared were they for retirement or even semi-retirement. Of course, NO ONE, not a single one, had really entertained the thought or been working on the inevitable......»»
Biggest franchise expo rides on growth
Franchising is expected to earn an unprecedented P30 billion by the end of the year, based on industry projections. During the Franchise Asia Philippines 2023 International Expo briefing on Monday, Philippine Franchise Association chairperson Sherill Quintana said that franchising revenues has reached P27 billion in the year to date, already surpassing the pre-pandemic 2019 revenues of P25 billion. With the growing local market, Quintana said global franchise brands should consider the Philippines as their “launching pad” in Asia. “The future is Asia, and the Philippines will be the launch pad for what the Asian economy will be able to seize for the global market,” Quintana said in a press conference in Quezon City. In the next five years, she said her group is expecting to reap 10 to 13 percent revenues for the industry over the next five years. PFA president Chris Lim said the exposition will be the biggest franchise show that the country hosted in the past 10 years. Franchise Asia Philippines 2023 International Franchise Expo will run from 27 to 29 October and the meetings of the World Franchise Council and the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation from 24 to 30 October 2023. “More than a decade ago was the last time that a similar event was held in the Philippines, so it is really a very momentous occasion. And what a great way to really celebrate and to really show that we’re back in business, that the franchise industry in the Philippines is as vibrant as ever,” Lim added. SMX Convention Center taken up Franchise Asia Philippines 2023 overall co-chair Richard Sanz said this will be the first time for a franchise event to occupy the entire SMX Convention Center in Pasay City to showcase 1,000 local and global franchise brands from 26 countries. Further, he said 39 percent of the expo participants are new exhibitors with new concepts such as breastfeeding center, agriculture supplies, automated retail and convenience store, vape store and kickboxing gym. “This speaks of the vibrancy of the franchise sector with new players joining the market,” he said. Sanz mentioned that also 20 percent of the participants are international brands from Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Sinapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States. More than 50,000 exhibitors are expected to attend the expo. “This highlights the continued interest among Filipinos in franchising as an investment option,” Sanz said. The post Biggest franchise expo rides on growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A night for ‘Men Who Matter’
The Bellevue Manila witnessed another iconic night with this year’s celebration of the “Men Who Matter” honorees. PeopleAsia welcomes another roster of extraordinary gentlemen from various fields from entertainment, law, politics, religion, art, business and more. Of course, my thanks to my Daily Tribune bosses who gave me the go-signal to attend this momentous event. After all, they said that we are in the same publishing industry and we should be supporting one another. The inclement weather couldn’t stop us — the rain never bothered us anyway! All guests arrived looking chic in sneaks. The dress code called for cocktail attire paired with their comfy yet stylish sneakers — a first in the history of this event. PeopleAsia sure loves keeping us on our toes with something fresh every year. Of course, I happily take on any dress code! [caption id="attachment_189995" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Photographs by Agile Zamora for the Daily TribuneFrom left: Quezon City Councilor Alfred Vargas, NexGenAsia CEO Fred Hui, Grab Philippines director of deliveries Greg Camacho, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., actor-director Coco Martin, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. director of government and public relations Atty. Michael Toledo, artist Leeroy New, Volvo Philippines executive marketing director Chris Yu and Sto. Niño de Paz Chapel chaplain Fr. Dave Concepcion, with PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez (center).[/caption] One very memorable outfit belonged to PeopleAsia’s editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez who welcomed us with a speech, who happily wore sneakers — dress code or not — with her fab fuchsia Noel Crisostomo suit dress. [caption id="attachment_190006" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Jose Paolo dela Cruz, Mayenne Carmona and Janette Velasco of People Asia.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_190002" align="aligncenter" width="1199"] Joy and Joel Rustia.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_190004" align="aligncenter" width="1199"] Norwegian Consul Frank Johansen and his wife Julie.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_189998" align="aligncenter" width="1199"] Best Dressed lady of the night Amelia Ablaza and Dulce Sy.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_189997" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Tina Cuevas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_190003" align="aligncenter" width="1199"] Linda Ley, Nympha Javier, Ann and Rene Puno.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_189996" align="aligncenter" width="828"] Suzette Ayson[/caption] [caption id="attachment_190005" align="aligncenter" width="1199"] People Asia's Alex Vergara and BumTenorio[/caption] [caption id="attachment_189999" align="aligncenter" width="1199"] Gerry Sy and Jinky Antonio.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_190000" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Grace Glory Go and General Consul of Monaco Fortune Ledesma.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_190001" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Showing our sneakers: the author, Jun Jun Ablaza and Czarina Ablaza Syquia in trendy sneakers.[/caption] Of course, the ‘Men Who Matter’ followed suit… in suits and sneakers. These impressive gentlemen are really shaping society through their work in their respective fields. I’ve had the wonderful chance to get a photo op with a few, including the dashing “King of Primetime TV,” Coco Martin! But I have to say that all the honorees were all handsome inside and out, with good looks and their great accomplishments. They really deserve to be in the spotlight. The night wouldn’t be complete without our sumptuous feast, live performances and memories captured. Another PeopleAsia event for the books! Kudos to the team for this unforgettable night. I look forward to your future events… always! Cheers! The post A night for ‘Men Who Matter’ 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......»»
DTI, EU-ASEAN Business Council meet on Phl-EU investments
At the sidelines of the 19th ASEAN Economic Ministers–European Union Consultation on 20 August 2023, Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual met with the delegation of the EU-ASEAN Business Council led by Gustaaf Reerink, Chris Humphrey and Rino Donosepoetro. Both delegations welcomed the positive developments on the EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus and the commencement of the scoping process for a possible PH-EU Free Trade Agreement, which are expected to support and sustain the continued growth of trade and investment between the Philippines and EU. Pascual acknowledged the strong support from the EU-ABC for the resumption of negotiations of the PH-EU FTA. He likewise highlighted the successful meeting of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Manila last July 2023. [caption id="attachment_173793" align="aligncenter" width="1208"] PTIC Jakarta Commercial Attaché Jeremiah Reyes, DTI Secretary Fred Pascual, DTI Assistant Secretary Allan Gepty[/caption] Recognizing the mutual interests in the areas of renewable energy and sustainable financing, the trade and industry chief highlighted to the members of the EU-ABC that the country has a strong economic potential for solar, wind and geothermal energy. He also stressed that in considering investments, companies should take into account the full renewable energy supply chain, thus, opportunities in research and development and manufacturing should also be considered. The post DTI, EU-ASEAN Business Council meet on Phl-EU investments appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
British Chamber pleased with Marcos’ 2nd SONA
The British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines or BCCP expressed satisfaction satisfied with the measures that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. included in second State of the Nation Address Monday. In his speech, which lasted an hour and 20 minutes, the President made mention of the BCCP’s conveyed requests of the organization which BCCP executive director Chris Nelson said his organization had long submitted to the Chief Executive. “We are pleased by the second SoNA of the President because he discussed Ease of Doing Business, which the British Chamber has been advocating for,” Nelson said. In his speech, Marcos said his government will ensure that an enabling business environment will be in place to create investment opportunities, banking on the Ease of Doing Business Law. Country’s reputation “We must ensure that there is peace and order and that the rule of law governs. We will solidify our country’s reputation as an attractive and reliable investment destination,” he said. Further, Nelson also lauded Marcos Jr. for mentioning green lanes to strategic investments, “as well as the need to invest in digital infrastructure, ease in paying taxes, and the anti-agricultural smuggling act that we also support.” Marcos stressed that the implementation of recent economic reforms is underway. “BoI-approved investment projects have reached P1.2 trillion pesos during our first year, while other strategic investments approved for processing through the newly established ‘green lanes’ amount now to P230 billion,” he said. Kept up the momentum With this, the BCCP chief said the President has kept up the momentum on the focus on the economy from the first SoNA when he specifically vowed to exert effort in making the Philippines an investment destination. “He clearly outlined the key needs that he must deal with in the economy, and he also put forward some key legislations. It’s good to see that there is overall progress from the first SoNA even as the President laid out his plans for the forthcoming year,” according to Nelson. As of December 2022, A total of 93 UK companies have been registered in PEZA as of December 2022. These companies generate a total of P185.947 billion in investments, $137.430 million in exports, and have created 88,108 jobs. The post British Chamber pleased with Marcos’ 2nd SONA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mandatory SSS premium
Dear Atty. Chris, Do I need to be updated with my Social Security System payments even if I am not employed and I have my own business? I have a small business and I was told that I still have to pay my SSS? How did this happen when I don’t have a salary? Rey ***** Dear Rey, Most people think that only those who have an employer-employee relationship in the private sector should be covered by social security programs. However, other members of the association may also purchase insurance. This includes you, the self-employed. Specifically, Republic Act 11199, also known as the Social Security Act of 2018, provides that: “SEC. 9-A. Compulsory Coverage of the Self-Employed. — Coverage in the SSS shall also be compulsory upon such self-employed persons as may be determined by the Commission under such rules and regulations as it may prescribe, including but not limited to the following: (a) All self-employed professionals; (b) Partners and single proprietors of businesses; (c) Actors and actresses, directors, scriptwriters and news correspondents who do not fall within the definition of the term ‘employee’ in Section 8 (d) of this Act; (d) Professional athletes, coaches, trainers and jockeys; and (e) Individual farmers and fishermen. Unless otherwise specified herein, all provisions of this Act applicable to covered employees shall also be applicable to the covered self-employed persons.” So, this person may be right in saying that if you are the above type of self-employed person, you should be a member of the SSS and pay a corresponding premium. Nevertheless, you may be exempt from paying contribution in a given month if you have no income. Although you may opt to voluntarily pay contributions for such a given month despite having no income. Section 11-A of RA 11199 explicitly states: “SEC. 11-A. Effect of Interruption of Business or Professional Income. — If the self-employed member realizes no income in any given month, he shall not be required to pay contributions for that month. He may, however, be allowed to continue paying contributions under the same rules and regulations applicable to a separated employee member: Provided, that no retroactive payment of contributions shall be allowed other than as prescribed under Section (22)-A hereof.” Hope this helps. Atty. Chris Liquigan The post Mandatory SSS premium appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Reinforcing business interest in the Philippines at the Global Annual Conference 2023
British Chamber of Commerce Philippines Executive Director/Trustee Chris Nelson participated at the Global Annual Conference 2023 with the theme “Building British Business” on May 17......»»
Superhero fatigue? Not for the third ‘Guardians’ film
Despite talk of growing superhero fatigue among moviegoers, Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" opened to a solid $114 million in ticket sales in North American theaters, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday. That estimated total, while well below last year's opening of Marvel's "Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness" -- which launched to the tune of $187 million -- was still "an excellent opening for a Marvel episode 3 sequel," said analyst David A. Gross, adding, "This is strong business." The latest tale of oddball intergalactic mercenaries, human and otherwise, again stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel -- this time on a mission to save comrade Rocket Raccoon from a scientist intent on removing his brain. The "Guardians" finally unseated Universal's "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" from the top spot in its fifth week out. The video game-based film, which has earned more than a billion dollars globally, took in $18.6 million for the Friday-through-Sunday period. Warner Bros.' blood-soaked horror film "Evil Dead Rise" dropped one spot to third, taking in $5.7 million. It has two sisters (Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland) battling the demonic Deadites crew. In fourth place, also down one spot, was Lionsgate comedy-drama "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," at $3.4 million. Abby Ryder Fortson plays sixth-grader Margaret Simon as she navigates the challenges of that awkward age. And in the fifth spot was the new Sony rom-com "Love Again," at $2.4 million. Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays a young woman trying to cope with the death of her fiance. Trying to help her do so is a journalist and -- spoiler alert: eventual love interest -- Rob Burns, played by Sam Heughan. Celine Dion plays herself. The film has a paltry 17 percent positive rating on website Rotten Tomatoes, with one critic calling it "lazy, misguided, and uninspired." Rounding out the top 10 were "John Wick: Chapter 4" ($2.4 million), "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" ($1.5 million), "Air" ($1.4 million), "Guy Ritchie's The Covenant" ($1.2 million), and "Sisu" ($1.1 million). The post Superhero fatigue? Not for the third ‘Guardians’ film appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘We are more than enough’: KaladKaren dedicates historic win to LGBTQ+ community
Comedian, television host and actress KaladKaren, whose real name is Jervi Li, was declared the winner in the Best Supporting Actress category of the first Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) during the Gabi ng Parangal, held on 11 April at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City. She bested co-nominees Ana Abad Santos of Love You Long Time and Maris Racal of Here Comes the Groom. She made history by becoming the first transgender person to win an acting award at the MMFF for her role in Here Comes the Groom, which won Third Best Picture. She is the second trans person to win an acting award in Philippine cinema. “Alam niyo po, itong parangal na ito ay hindi lamang recognition ng aking trabaho kundi pati na rin po ng aking pagkatao (You know, this award is not just a recognition of my work but also of my identity) When I entered show business, I never thought na makakakuha po ako ng award kasi (that I would receive an award because) as transgender woman, I thought I will never be enough,” she said in her emotional acceptance speech. KaladKaren continued: “Kaya napakahalaga po nitong award na ito para sa akin (That’s why this award is very important to me), and I want to share this to all transgender people, drag artists, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, whose lives and existence are being threatened in the world right now, para sa inyong lahat po ‘to (this is for all of you). And I want to remind all of you that we are more than enough.” The actress expressed her gratitude to the Summer MMFF board of jurors, which was headed by Golden Globe- and BAFTA-nominated actress Dolly de Leon, and included filmmaker Jose Javier Reyes, saying that “it only goes to show that there is diversity, inclusion, and equity in Philippine cinema.” She also thanked the film’s writer and director Chris Martinez and Quantum Films producer Joji Alonso for “this chance and thank you for hiring a transgender actress to play a transgender character. Thank you for being truthful.” [caption id="attachment_119814" align="aligncenter" width="525"] KaladKaren wins Best Supporting Actress for ‘Here Comes the Groom’ at the first summer MMFF Awards.[/caption] In Philippine showbusiness, LGBTQ+ characters are often played by straight actors. This practice has taken away opportunities from LGBTQ+ actors, who have been relegated to sidekick roles and providing comedic reliefs. KaladKaren also thanked her co-actors including Iyah Mina, the first trans person to win an acting award, when she won Best Actress at the 2018 Cinema One Originals Film Festival for her work in Mamu; And a Mother Too. Mina was nominated at the Gawad Urian in the Best Actress category in 2019. “Thank you rin po sa mga role models ko sa (to my role models in the) industry — Ma’am Karen Davila, if not because of your support I don’t think KaladKaren would fly,” she further said. “And to Meme Vice Ganda, thank you for opening so many doors for us so we can enter. You’re one of the reasons why I’m here tonight.” KaladKaren also acknowledged her fiancé, British seafarer Luke Wrightson: “And to the love of my life, Luke, kung nasaan ka man (wherever you are), for 11 years, you have showed me and you have made me feel that I am more than enough. I love you from the bottom of my heart. He’s my husband-to-be. Ang suwerte niya, noh? (He’s so lucky, right?)” The last part of her speech addressed the children and the youth: “Lahat ng mga batang nangangarap, sa mga LGBTQIA+ na kids, mga batang beki, ‘wag kayong matakot maging kayo at ‘wag kayong matakot mangarap because one day, hindi niyo alam, kayo rin ang nandirito. At sana ‘wag po nating kalimutan ang mensahe ng aming pelikula: Hindi po ang itsura at kasarian ang mahalaga kundi ang inyong puso at kaluluwa (To the kids who are dreaming, to the LGBTQIA+ kids, do not be afraid to be yourselves and to dream because one day, who knows, you would also be the one standing here. And I hope we also remember the message of our film: What’s important is not your appearance or your gender, but your heart and soul).” The LGBTQ+ community also celebrated KaladKaren’s win. Trans activist Mela Franco Habijan wrote on her social media accounts: “Our dearest KaladKaren winning Best Supporting Actress is a beautiful exclamation point for the trans community! It is a huge win for the LGBTQIA+ community! You are power, mars! Congratulations and we are proud of you!” Trans filmmaker Rod Singh, the director of Mamu; And a Mother Too, expressed delight when KaladKaren was nominated, writing on Twitter (@iamrodafrog), “This is a feat! Regardless if Jervi wins or not, this is already a win for the community! A step to the right direction. Magiging precedent din ito (This will be a precendent) for future MMFF! Which means we also have to stand our ground.” The University of the Philippines’ College of Mass Communication also congratulated KaladKaren on its official Facebook page. The actress studied at the university and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Broadcast Communication in 2009. KaladKaren rose to prominence by impersonating broadcast journalist Karen Davila Her screen name is a portmanteau of Karen and the Filipino word “kaladkarin,” meaning “easy to get tagged along,” which can imply being “loose.” She has hosted several television shows such as Umagang Kay Ganda, I Can See Your Voice and The Voice of the Philippines. Last year, she was a regular judge in the first season of Drag Race Philippines. KaladKaren played Wilhemina in Here Comes the Groom, the sequel of the 2010 film Here Comes the Bride, with a plot of souls being “swapped” in an accident during a solar eclipse. It stars Enchong Dee, Racal, Best Supporting Actor winner Keempee de Leon, Awra Briguela, Gladys Reyes, Miles Ocampo, and Xilhouete. The Summer MMFF ran from 8 to 18 April. The post ‘We are more than enough’: KaladKaren dedicates historic win to LGBTQ+ community appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UK sees Philippines as an important investment area — British Chamber
In an interview with One News’ BusinessWorld Live program on December 13, Chris Nelson, Executive Director and Trustee of the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines shared that various industries from the UK companies are looking at potential business opportunities in the country......»»
British Chamber s Chris Nelson speaks at online healthcare info management event
The online event carried the theme "Global Business Opportunities in Healthcare Information Management (A Chamber's Perspective)" held on May 14......»»
Kaspersky Announces Appointment of New Managing Director
Kaspersky announced the appointment of Chris Connell as Managing Director for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Chris will spearhead the global cybersecurity company’s APAC business expansion efforts in addition to continuing his role as the Deputy Vice President of Global Sales for the company. Originally from the United Kingdom, he is set to be based in […].....»»
TNT s Chris Javier starts new business
The 27-year-old Javier opened the “Top Boss Auto Garage” — an auto shop that specializes in repair and upgrade of suspension for Sports Utility Vehicles or SUV cars in Biñan, Laguna......»»
BATCH CLASH: Season 76 Bulldogs vs Season 81 Bulldogs
Seven years ago, National University made history by claiming its breakthrough UAAP men’s volleyball title. The following season, the Bulldogs blasted their way to back-to-back titles. It took NU four years to return on top after snapping Ateneo de Manila’s three-season reign before duplicating a repeat championship the following year. Two different breeds of Bulldogs will take center stage in this week’s edition of Batch Clash as we pit the back-to-back NU champion teams of Season 76 and Season 81. Just like in the past showdowns, we’ll see which team will shine brighter based on offense, net defense, floor defense, level of competition and playoff performances. Then, we'll let you decide which batch is better. OFFENSE Height, speed and power. That’s the name of the game for the Bulldogs. Both teams took advantage of these strengths to extend their respective reigns. Batch 76 had Reuben Inaudito, Edwin Tolentino, Peter Torres and Berlin Paglinawan while Batch 81 featured the high-flying Bryan Bagunas, Nico Almendras and James Natividad. With the departure of Ateneo’s Marck Espejo, Bagunas dominated the scoring category in Season 81. The 6-foot-5 open spiker averaged 20.3 points per game in his swan song. Bagunas was also hitting with precision, nailing 53.49% success rate in attacks while landing an average of 0.47 ace per frame. Bagunas had a steady back-up with Almendras averaging 10.2 points per game while Natividad normed with nine markers per outing. Natividad had a 42.92% spike success rate and averaged 0.24 ace per set while Almendras had a 38.93% attacking rate. Compared to Batch 81, the Bulldogs of Season 76 had more balanced scoring. Inaudito averaged 12.1 points per game with a 40.18% success rate in kills and an average of 0.23 ace per frame. Paglinawan averaged 11.5 points per game, Torres had 10.3 markers per outing while Tolentino normed 9.8 points. Tolentino was hitting 36.14% with a 0.31 average ace per set. In the setters’ head-to-head match-up, Vince Mangulabnan was dishing out an average of 6.75 excellent sets per frame while Owa Retamar had 7.40 assists per set. Incidentally, both NU playmakers finished second in the category to Ateneo setters Ish Polvorosa and Lawrence Magadia, in their respective seasons. As a team, Batch 76 had a 41.96% success rate in spikes and landed an average of 1.17 aces per set. Batch 81 recorded a 45.82% success rate in attacks with 1.27 aces per frame. In setting, Batch 76 tallied 6.98 average excellent sets per frame compared to Batch 81’s 7.84. NET DEFENSE In the battle of defensive walls, Batch 76 had three players in the top 10. Torres averaged 0.69 kill blocks per set, Reyson Fuentes had 0.62 while Inaudito posted 0.54. Batch 76 normed 3.10 kills blocks per frame. Taking care of business at the net for Batch 81 were Francis Saura (0.62), Kim Malabunga (0.49) and Almendras (0.47). Batch 81 averaged 2.80 kill blocks per set. FLOOR DEFENSE Floor defense wasn’t really the strong suit of NU ever since. Both batches did struggle when their net defense didn't work the way they wanted it to. Batch 76 was dead last in digs as a team with just 3.87 digs per set and its reception wasn’t impressive either with just a 21.29% efficiency. Libero Mark Dizon of Batch 76 averaged 1.27 digs per set and a 29.74% efficiency in reception. Batch 81 averaged 11.24 digs per set with a decent 55.61% efficiency rate in reception. However, unlike Batch 76, the Season 81 Bulldogs didn’t rely too much in their libero for digs. Ricky Marcos had 3.51 digs per set and was backed by Natividad’s 2.42. Marcos had a 62.20% reception efficiency. LEVEL OF COMPETITION Batch 76 saw the rise of what would become one of the most explosive and well-rounded players in the UAAP in years. Ateneo’s then rookie Espejo made an immediate impact in his first year together with Blue Eagles Rex Intal and Ysay Marasigan. University of Sto. Tomas had that season’s top scorer Mark Alfafara, Romnick Rico and Anthony Arbast. Bannering Adamson University were Michael Sudaria and Bryan Saraza while Red Christensen and Raymark Woo led De La Salle University. Far Eastern University had Ian Dela Calzada, Greg Dolor and Alexis Faytaren. University of the Philippines was spearheaded by Evan Raymundo and Jeffrey Lansangan; while University of the East had Angelone Soria and Ace Mandani. Batch 81 also battled against a strong field with FEU’s Jude Garcia and JP Bugaoan; Ateneo’s Tony Koyfman and Ron Medalla; Paolo Pablico and George Labang of Adamson; Chris Dumago and Billie Anima of DLSU; UST’s Joshua Umandal and Wewe Mendina; Mark Millete and Jerry San Pedro of UP and the pair of Cliffor Inoferio and Lloyd Josafat of UE. PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE Batch 76 finished the elimination round with a 12-2 win-loss record for the top seed. The Season 76 Bulldogs swept Adamson, which had to defeat DLSU in the playoff for no. 4, in the Final Four to face a young Ateneo side. In the Finals, the seasoned NU squad bullied its way to series sweep of the Blue Eagles as the Bulldogs won their second title. Batch 81 started off on the wrong foot, dropping their first game against the Tamaraws. The Bulldogs bounced back from a bad start to win their next 13 games to take the top seed in the Final Four. They ran over Adamson in straight sets in the semis before crushing the Tams in two games in the Finals rematch of the two proud teams six years the making. VERDICT Who do you think is the better Bulldogs squad? --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
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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......»»
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? […].....»»