Coffee for Peace co-founder wins Business for Peace Award
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 16 Sep) – Felicitas “Joji” B. Pantoja, a Mindanawon social entrepreneur who uses coffee as a vehicle to achieve peace in conflict-torn areas, was the only Asian to win the prestigious 2020 Oslo Business for Peace Award organized by the United Nations Global Compact and the Business for Peace Foundation. Pantoja, […].....»»
Filipina Entrepreneur Wins Prestigious ‘Oslo Business for Peace’ Award
Davao City-based Coffee for Peace’s (CfP) chief executive officer is chosen as one of three recipients of this year’s Oslo Business for Peace Award. Felicitas “Joji” Bautista Pantoja co-founded CfP in 2008, which champions for fair trade with marginalized farming communities for their grown coffee, to either be exported or for its cafe. Aside from […].....»»
Philippines announces decisive measures amid tensions with China
Manila [Philippines], March 28 (ANI): Amid the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr has announced decisive measures to protect his country's sovereignty and maritime rights while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Marcos, known as Bongbong, said that the measures, aimed at addressing what he said is the "open, unabating, and illegal" actions by China's Coast.....»»
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......»»
His Peace
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3.....»»
Reflecting on Your Business Wins
We’ve taken a look at moments of setbacks before, now let’s have a look at moments of triumph that have served as beacons of further hope that your business will be successful and personal validation, reminding us that our efforts and sacrifices are not in vain. These hard-earned victories, whether they manifest as surpassed sales […].....»»
TikTok Shop Launches TikTok Shop Business School to Help Digitize Filipino Entrepreneurs
TikTok Shop launched TikTok Shop Business School, a comprehensive one-day program for Filipino entrepreneurs that aims to equip them with the skills to grow their businesses in the digital sphere. The full-day program, which 50 TikTok Shop entrepreneurs attended, was comprised of master classes on Corporate Strategy and Business Model with Kim Lato, Founder and […].....»»
Gela Atayde masaya sa kasalang Ria-Zanjoe: My heart is at peace
ISANG heartfelt message ang alay ng Kapamilya artist na si Gela Atayde para sa bagong kasal niyang kapatid na si Ria Atayde at sa asawa nitong si Zanjoe Marudo. Matatandaang nitong Sabado, March 23, kasabay ng kaarawan ni Ria ay ikinasal sila ni Zanjoe sa Quezon City na in-officiate ni Mayor Joy Belmonte. Sa latest.....»»
Singaporean embassy in India extends Holi wishes, shares images of celebrations in Barsana
New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): As Indians across the world geared up to ring in the festival of colours, the Singaporean embassy in the national capital extended its greetings for Holi, wishing that the festival would bring peace and joy to all. It also shared mesmerising pictures of Holi celebrations in one of India's oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites, Barsana, in Uttar Pradesh. A post on the official X handle.....»»
Singaporean embassy in India extends Holi wishes, shares images of celebrations in Barsana
New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): As Indians across the world geared up to ring in the festival of colours, the Singaporean embassy in the national capital extended its greetings for Holi, wishing that the festival would bring peace and joy to all. It also shared mesmerising pictures of Holi celebrations in one of India's oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites, Barsana, in Uttar Pradesh. A post on the official X handle.....»»
Belle Mariano wins Listeners Choice at 1st Billboard Philippines Women in Music
Belle Mariano said she hopes to inspire little girls to be singers, composers, or anything they would want to be as she received the fan-voted Listeners' Choice Award at last Friday's inaugural Billboard Philipines Women in Music......»»
Diffusing tension
In his 2024 State of the Union Address, President Joseph Biden doubled down on his rhetoric against China as he boasted revitalized partnerships in the Pacific. He rattled off India, Australia, Japan, South Korea and the Pacific Islands. He said the United States is standing up against China’s economic practices while standing up for peace across the Taiwan Strait......»»
How to Have a Sustainable Small Business
For some business owners, the satisfaction does not simply come from getting the bag. Some work hard for a journey toward success that extends beyond profit margins. Your local corner pastry shop or that small coffee shop down the street are a part of the backbone of a community, and more often than not, are […].....»»
ANFLO Group of Companies wins Nation Builders’ Award at 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo
ANFLO Group of Companies wins Nation Builders’ Award at 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo.....»»
2023 and beyond with the Figaro Coffee Group
The Figaro Coffee Group, one of the Philippines’ leading and beloved food and beverage conglomerates, hosted the “2023 Business Performance and Beyond” at the Edsa Shangri-La Mandaluyong......»»
Bea Alonzo ‘official resident’ na ng Spain, proud na ibinandera ang bagong business venture
ISA nang opisyal na residente ng Spain ang award-winning actress na si Bea Alonzo! ‘Yan ang excited na ibinalita mismo ni Bea sa kanyang YouTube vlog recently bago ang kanyang Europe trip kasama ang kanyang fiancé na si Dominic Roque. Chika ni Bea, three weeks silang magbabakasyon ni Dom kung saan lilibutin nila ang iba’t-ibang.....»»
Aboitiz Land gets Circle of Excellence Award for Diversity Company of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards
Aboitiz Land, the real estate arm of the Aboitiz group, is among those honored with the prestigious Circle of Excellence Award under the Diversity Company of the Year category at the Asia CEO Awards held at the Manila Marriott Hotel on 24 October 2023. This recognition highlights the company’s steadfast commitment to promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in every aspect of its culture. “Aboitiz Land’s dedication to diversity and inclusion extends far beyond our organization’s borders. We strive to create a positive influence not only within our team, but also among the vecinos we serve and the local communities surrounding our projects,” David Rafael, CEO and president of Aboitiz Land said. Fostering Inclusivity: A Closer Look at Aboitiz Land’s DE&I Program What sets Aboitiz Land’s DE&I program apart is its holistic approach, addressing each stage of the employee journey to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion. Here are some key features of Aboitiz Land’s DE&I program: The organization adopts flexible educational and geographical hiring requirements, prioritizing relevant professional experience over strict educational attainment. The consanguinity policy within the organization is relaxed, allowing relatives of employees to pursue careers within the company. A hybrid work setup is implemented, providing flexibility and saving time and resources for employees. Transparent communication is encouraged, fostering trust and openness within the organization. Employee feedback is collected regularly through channels like Amara, a virtual employee experience champion. Aboitiz Land promotes a multigenerational leadership approach and maintains a healthy gender balance with a 45:55 male-to-female employee ratio. They also ensure LGBTQIA+ representation across all levels of the company. The organization offers flexible benefits through the FlexBen program, allowing employees to customize their benefit packages based on individual needs. Expanded healthcare coverage includes provisions for child dependents, common-law and same-gender partners. Additionally, government benefits are extended to cover a wider range of family situations. Development opportunities are available to all team members, ensuring that individual growth is not limited to specific segments. Growth partnerships and curated learning solutions are provided to facilitate skill development. Aboitiz Land’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program has led to elevated levels of employee satisfaction and engagement. This, in turn, fosters a productive workforce that is driven to consistently enhance performance, ultimately delivering better products and services. The Asia CEO Awards honors business excellence in the Philippines and is the largest event of its kind in Southeast Asia. The post Aboitiz Land gets Circle of Excellence Award for Diversity Company of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Britain’s iconic red phone boxes get new lease of life
In a workshop packed with historic memorabilia, from rusty petrol pumps to vintage enamel signs, Carl Burge skillfully applied the finishing touches to the red British telephone box he was restoring. "They're iconic," said Burge, 54, who has been working on revitalising the tired, ageing phone kiosks for over 20 years. Emblematic of the UK worldwide, these sturdy red pillars first rolled out in the 1920s have endured everything from vandalism to the country's famously wet weather over the ensuing decades. "If you were to send a postcard with nothing written on there apart from a picture of a telephone box and send it anywhere in the world, chances are 95 percent of people will say: that's England," he added. The number of phone boxes in Britain peaked in the 1990s at around 100,000, though many were not the famous red designs. While less used now with the widespread use of mobile phones, around 20,000 working public payphones remain nationwide. Redundant red and other phone boxes are increasingly being adopted by local communities and converted into facilities such as mini libraries, visitor information stands and defibrillators. Some are even rented out by small businesses, like the tiramisu shop called "Walkmisu" in central London. Daniele Benedettini has set up shop inside two red boxes on the edge of Russell Square, selling the famous Italian dessert and coffee. "I think it was a really cool idea to use something really English traditional with something very Italian," Benedettini told AFP. 'Real gem' The cost of running a business from a phone box has also proved lower than opening a regular shop, he added. The 29-year-old, who rents the boxes from a private owner, said they were his first business before also opening a cafe nearby. The phone boxes have been renovated inside and fitted with shelves, a fridge and coffee machine but outside they remain largely the same, as they have stood for decades, apart from some posters on the windows. Burge said that restoring a telephone box takes an average of six weeks, starting with the "painstaking" process of stripping it down to the "bare bones". "You don't know what you are going to find under that paint. You might find a real gem," he added. Burge has seen many phone boxes come through his workshop in the town of King's Lynn, eastern England, and says they are often broken, missing glass from the window panes or their wooden doors are rotting. Once the box's cast-iron frame is stripped of all internal and external components, it is sandblasted to remove paint, rust and any other impurities. The next step is applying body filler and sanding out any imperfections in a laborious process that is done by hand and which can take several days to complete. Finally the telephone box is spray painted with the "Post Office Red" colour, laminated glass is installed and the door is fitted with a new hardwood outer frame. 'Enthusiasm' Burge, who worked in the motor trade for 20 years, turned his passion for collecting British memorabilia into a full-time business called "Remember When UK". He spotted his first phone box while driving past a property that was going on sale. He bought it off the owners, restored it and kept it in his front garden. Burge later sold the phone box but said he "missed it" and thought he would like to refurbish another one. One turned into many, and now Burge is working on restoring several telephone boxes at a time. Among them is an example of the famous K2, which was Britain's first red colour telephone box introduced in 1926 and designed by British architect Giles Gilbert Scott, who is also known for his work on London's Battersea Power Station and other public buildings. But even after two decades in the trade, Burge said he hasn't lost his passion for the work that he does. "I'm getting a little bit older now. Everything seems to be getting a little bit heavier. But I think my enthusiasm level is on par with where it was 22 years ago," he said. "If anything, it's probably more," he added. The post Britain’s iconic red phone boxes get new lease of life appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Who wants a ‘tindesal?’
There really is no stopping chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou. After opening four restaurants of different concepts with business partners — Chef Tatung’s Private Dining, Lore, Azadore, and New York Cubao — he is finally launching his very own on 26 October. It is called Tindeli, and you can find it at Gateway 2 mall, Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City. Glazed barbecue. Not exactly a restaurant, Tindeli is more of a deli shop and café with a Pinoy touch. It actually got its name from “neighborhood tindahan” and “upscale specialty deli.” It combines a dining area that can accommodate a maximum of 80 people and serves quick meals, salads, sandwiches, noodles, coffee, freshly baked breads and pastries, and a deli that sells homemade sausages, particularly his smoked hamon, wood smoked bacon, tapa, tocino, paté, local cheeses, chicken galantina, longganisa and other charcuterie. It also sells bottled products, such as salad dressings, sauces and drinks. The Galantina they sell in whole chicken form at P1,600. They also slice it and use it for a sandwich or rice meal. Chef Tatung shares that “the food we serve and sell at Tindeli is custom-made for the store, thus giving it a very personal touch. We bake our own breads and pastries, we make our own sausages, longganisa and other charcuterie.” Chori Quezo with salad. All these delicious goodies are, yes, familiar and homey, yet expertly cooked and prepared for the best dining experience ever. One of the highlights of the Tindeli menu is the Tindesal sandwich, which are oversized pandesals with different fillings that remind you of your childhood baon, the kind moms used to make, such as Chicken Salad Sandwich and our longganisa in bread. “Tindesal is our way of celebrating the pandesal as a great bread for delicious sandwiches. Our Chicken Salad Tindesal, for one, is made into an open-faced sandwich topped with a generous dollop of chunky chicken, béchamel sauce and melty cheese to create a delicious blend of flavors and textures that bring back memories and at the same time create new ones,” says Chef Tatung. Galantina. Tindeli, says Chef Tatung, is “not meant to be a fancy place but a cozy spot where one can relax and chill with good homemade food and good coffee or tea — alone or with friends and family.” Chef Tatung personally handpicked the colors and the design of Tindeli. He had modern Filipino interiors done, using traditional elements of Filipino design, such as an oversized solihiya, or thin rattan woven into sunburst patterns, to give the place a homey vibe. So, with the use of terra cotta tegula roofing as wall treatment. The lively hues and elements of modern art, on the other hand, gives the Filipino deli and café a contemporary and relaxed ambiance. Lechon Baka Tindesal. From this first store at Gateway 2 mall, Chef Tatung is looking to open more Tindeli outlets in key cities around the metro and provincial areas in the next two to three years. The post Who wants a ‘tindesal?’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Valuing Valuable Employees: The Cebuana Lhuillier Way
Cebuana Lhuillier has changed many people’s lives through the many products and services they offer. From a humble pawnshop to being one of the biggest microfinance companies in the Philippines, Cebuana Lhuillier has become synonymous with the words trust and reliability as it continues to financially empower Filipinos across the nation. But in no place has the impact of Cebuana Lhuillier been more felt than within the confines of the company, where many of their employees have stayed for years and, in some instances, decades. And throughout their decades of service, they are grateful to Cebuana Lhuillier, who inspired their growth by imparting new knowledge and skills, applauding and giving them recognition, and showing that they are valued and cared for like a true family. Recognition and Promotions Ricardo Cruz has been with the company for more than 35 years and has been a dedicated Area Head since 1998. Before his journey in Cebuana Lhuillier, Rey completed a degree in Business Administration with a Major in Management, and started his professional journey as a filing clerk. But fate led him to Cebuana Lhuillier, where his mother worked as a building caretaker for Agencia Cebuana. After passing the exams, Rey worked as a humble messenger and janitor at Agencia Cebuana Baclaran Branch. Among the many memories, Rey cherishes two significant milestones: he was appointed as an Area Head back in 1998 and won the highly coveted Best Area of the Year award. These moments of recognition and achievement fueled his motivation and inspired him to work hard for over three decades. "I am incredibly proud, grateful, and privileged to have been a part of this company for over 35 years. The most rewarding aspect of working at Cebuana has definitely been the continuous learning and personal growth I've experienced, which I've also had the privilege to share with my fellow Ka-Cebuanas. And I’m thankful to be part of this family. Because of Cebuana Lhuillier, I'm able to provide a comfortable life for my family," said Cruz. Marilyn Valencia, a dedicated member of the company for more than 35 years, holds a remarkable background. She is the Area Head for Region 1A, and her journey as a Ka-Cebuana has been filled with numerous achievements and significant milestones. During her tenure with Cebuana Lhuillier, she managed to earn 21 units in education and became a licensed teacher. Not stopping there, she also pursued and successfully completed her Master's in Business Administration at UE Manila, all while dedicating herself to the organization. In addition to her educational achievements, Marilyn's dedication has led her to be appointed as one of the first Area Heads in 1996. In this role, she took on the responsibility of overseeing branches in the entire Northern provinces, CAMANAVA, and parts of Manila and Pasay City. This included the rare opportunity to spearhead the opening of over 100 branches, a significant contribution to local employment and the training of new branch personnel. An Advocate for Continuous Learning Grace Ferolino, Business and Client Relations Manager of Region 4A, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. While she had various previous career opportunities, Ferolino eventually found a home in Cebuana Lhuillier and has been with the company for over 30 years. Among her countless experiences within Cebuana, Grace cherishes the memory of being selected for intensive diamond training at Gemlab and having the privilege to undergo Area Manager's training. For her fellow employees aspiring for longevity in the company, Grace emphasizes the importance of loving one's work and serving it with utmost honesty; treating the business as one's own; and mastering financial management to eliminate unnecessary debt. Aurora Genilo, Business and Client Relations Manager of Region 1A, is another exemplary employee who has dedicated over 30 years of her life to serving Cebuana Lhuillier. A graduate of BS Commerce Accounting, she holds her days as cluster leader and her involvement with the esteemed manning team closest to her heart. These roles, according to her, allowed her to nurture her leadership skills and actively contribute to the growth and success of the company. By working hard, she was able to ensure the education of her three children, one of whom has etched their own path within the company. "My journey of 30 years with Cebuana Lhuillier has been a transformative one. Not only did it enable me to provide for my own family, but it also provided me with numerous opportunities to develop my skills and advance in my career. I'm profoundly grateful for the continuous opportunities that Cebuana Lhuillier extends to all of its employees, including me," expressed Genilo. Region 5’s Business and Client Relations Manager, Imelda Quidato, has been with Cebuana Lhuillier for more than 30 years. With a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, she first ventured into the world of sales as a promodiser before becoming a part of the Cebuana Lhuillier family. When asked about the best part of working for Cebuana, Imelda cited the skills she acquired in appraising and attending enriching training programs, which played a pivotal role in molding her both personally and professionally. An Open and Compassionate Heart Armed with a degree in Aircraft Technology, Abelardo Aquino Jr. took a leap of faith and applied for a job at Cebuana Lhuillier over 30 years ago. As the Area Head of Region 3, he reveals that the best part about working for Cebuana is the opportunity to interact with diverse individuals and tackle challenging situations head-on. He emphasized the significance of maintaining a positive mindset and embracing a "can-do" attitude. With determination and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle and forge a lasting and fulfilling career at Cebuana Lhuillier. At Cebuana Lhuillier, employee appreciation is a top priority. The company demonstrates this commitment through comprehensive training programs, fostering a healthy company culture, and recognizing and celebrating exceptional employee contributions. This culture of appreciation, value, and nurturing is what sets Cebuana Lhuillier apart. The post Valuing Valuable Employees: The Cebuana Lhuillier Way appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meralco shines with int’l awards
The Manila Electric Company, or Meralco, the country’s largest distribution utility has emerged as a beacon of excellence on the global stage as it bagged multiple accolades at the recently concluded 2023 International Business Awards. At the prestigious awards ceremony held in Rome, Italy, on 13 October, Meralco was feted with a total of eight Stevies — four Gold and four Bronze awards, for its transformative programs centered on sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Embedding sustainability Recognizing the company’s dedication to embedding sustainability at the core of its strategy and operations, Meralco was the sole recipient of the Gold Stevie under the “Sustainability Leadership Award in Asia, Australia and New Zealand” category. Also taking home Gold Stevies were Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond B. Ravelo and Meralco vice president and chief corporate social responsibility officer Jeffrey O. Tarayao, who were named “Sustainability Hero of the Year in Asia, Australia and New Zealand” and “Thought Leader of the Year,” respectively. Ravelo was cited for his leadership of Meralco’s sustainability agenda. Tarayao, who is also president of One Meralco Foundation, was recognized for combining thought leadership with practical solutions. Compelling video Another Gold Stevie was awarded to “Meralco’s Spectrum on Solar Rooftop Installations: The Gift that Keeps on Giving,” a three-minute compelling video on sustainability and the environment underscoring the myriad benefits of investing in solar power. OMF’s community development endeavors also basked in the international spotlight after it earned for the company three Bronze Stevies for its corporate social responsibility initiatives. These were the community energization project “Electrification for Development: Improving the Lives of LastMile Filipinos” that highlighted the transformative power of electricity in unserved and underserved communities across the archipelago; the “One for Trees: Empowering People and Communities to Nurture Our Forest, a practical approach to addressing climate change; and the “Powering-Up Communities During the Pandemic” proactive communications campaign that braved the challenges of community electrification during the global crisis. Completing Meralco’s haul this year was the Bronze Stevie for #Mbrace, the company’s diversity and inclusion program advancing gender balance and inclusivity within the workplace. Also known as “the International Stevies,” the prestigious International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards honoring achievements and positive contributions of companies and working professionals worldwide. Since its launch in 2002, the Stevie has become one of the most coveted prizes globally. The post Meralco shines with int’l awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»