curlydianne
Mom, Entrepreneur, Barefoot Marathoner, Blogger and Food Enthusiast.
Sunday, October 1, 2023
#KayaMoNow: 7-day GFiber Prepaid Challenge in the Pamilya Kaya House
Monday, January 9, 2023
Hotel Sogo shines at Asian Business Excellence Awards
Friday, January 28, 2022
"Rising Tigers: Nation Builders” featuring Alfamart Philippines COO Harvey Ong
“Asia Leaders Awards Presents the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific to motivate us all that, in spite of the challenges, we will emerge triumphant. These are the top leaders with the very new vision of the world now,” shared ALA Board Member Robert Laurel Yupangco, grandson of former President Jose P. Laurel and owner of 36 businesses worldwide.
Harvey Ong, Chief Operations Officer of Alfamart Trading Philippines—the first and only Super Minimart in the Philippines—will be honored during the launch of business and lifestyle magazine Rising Tigers: Nation Builders as one of its Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific.
This latest publication will feature the best and the brightest in the Philippines and Southeast Asia who never fail to balance commitment to growth with corporate social responsibility, even during the most trying times.
Recognizing Good Work, Giving Customers Their Needs
Harvey Ong, the brains and brawn behind the operations of Alfamart Philippines’ amazing success and unprecedented growth, is the epitome of a leader emerging triumphant triumph from the restrictions of the pandemic, shaping the future of retail in the Philippines toward his vision of collaboration and appreciation.
“The most important thing about a company during times of crisis is its culture. If we take care of our people during good times, our people will take care of our company during bad times,” Ong shared, asked about the biggest lesson the pandemic taught him.
Thus, Alfamart Philippines—a joint venture between Alfamart Indonesia and SM Retail—continues to help uplift communities by giving Filipino families not only access and convenience to basic grocery but also employment for locals and business opportunities for MSMEs business by being Alfamart partners whether as a lessor, tenant, or contractor.
More than this, his brand of leadership is one that is focused on his people’s success, just as he is in his element doing his job making the rounds of Alfamart branches making sure each store upholds consistent standards of excellence.
“Before the pandemic, store staff are simply tinderos and tinderas, but now with all the effort that they put in braving the restrictions, they’re our economic frontliners. So, it’s important to appreciate them more, for being able to contribute more and having a bigger purpose,” Ong said.
His track record in building brands and organizations spans being Metro Retail Stores Group Inc.’s Chief Merchandising & Marketing Officer, Jollibee’s Vice-President for Marketing, Fonterra Brands Philippines’ Marketing Director, Diageo’s Marketing Director (Taiwan) and Scotch Portfolio Brands Director (Asia Pacific), to being Procter & Gamble’s Regional Marketing Director (ASEAN/Australia/India).
In all these, one thing remains constant: Customers will get what they want.
Raising Retail Standards, Uplifting Communities
Alfamart raised Philippine retail store standards by offering customers a wider assortment of necessities at great value in a convenient setting.
On top of basic groceries, Alfamart offers frozen meat and fish products, select SM Bonus products, fresh fruits and vegetables, ready-to-eat snacks, personal care products, over-the-counter medicines, and wellness products at affordable prices.
Bigger Alfamart branches even house prepaid loading stations, bills payment kiosks, ATMs, food kiosks, laundry shops, and other local businesses, offering not only products but services to shoppers.
“Our customers have come to rely on us for their daily and weekly essentials. As such, we felt the best way we could give back to the communities during this pandemic was to find ways to keep all our stores operating and to continue with our store expansion,” shared Ong, an Asia Leaders Awards 2021 honoree.
In 2000, his able leadership saw 250 new Alfamart branches—the most they were able to achieve in a year!—opening nationwide at the height of the pandemic.
For more about Alfamart Philippines, visit https://www.facebook.com/AlfamartPHOfficial/.
Recognizing the Leaders of Tomorrow
This milestone, another brainchild of the Asia Leaders Awards (ALA) Committee, will be held on March 22, 2022, at the Grand Hyatt Manila at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Asia Leaders Awards is only the recognition giving body whose awards committee is composed of respected leaders from different chambers, organizations, and embassies like the Embassy of Singapore, the Embassy of Poland, and the Korean Council among others.
ALA’s main objective is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub and destination in Asia.
For more information about Asia Leaders Awards, visit https://www.facebook.com/AsiaLeadersAwards.
Dynaquest Technology Services Inc (DQTSI) at the Asia Leaders Awards 2022
“I believe that the country has the capability to be the hub of Blockchain and other tech, not only in the Asia-Pacific but also be known globally.” says Ms. Gail Macapagal Cruz, Country Director of DynaQuest.
The digital economies of the future is being built through Blockchain where there is so much possibilities and we have just have to scratch the surface. Gone were the days of independent systems, it’s the connected world now, the period of Fintech and Blockchain.
Dynaquest Technology Services Inc (DQTSI), an award winning Blockchain Solutions Provider for Emerging and Frontier Markets through Impact Technology Application has been named as one of the honorees of the Asia Leaders Awards 2022.
Epitome of a Leader
Ms. Gail has been a BPO expert for 19 years, started as call center agent but through her skills and efficiency, rose from the ranks to eventually become one of the Top Women in Blockchain, receiving awards and citations, both local and international. She is the epitome of a leader who is brave, strong, motivational and reputable.
Curving the Roadmap
She has been active and hands-on when it comes to the digital transformation of DynaQuest and in the company’s reposition to the Blockchain solutions market. Under her leadership, the company has quickly become one of the Philippines’ top Blockchain solutions specialist – recognized for its leadership role in transforming enterprises in their journey to Blockchain adoption from the industries of commerce, fintech, healthcare and insurance.
DynaQuest has also been featured across publications as a leading solutions provider in Blockchain.
“Our immediate future is increasingly going digital and as early as today, businesses, startups and executives must envision a digital transformation strategy in order for them to move ahead with the times and discover new opportunity in the digital economy of the future”, she added.
Not forgetting the human factor
Typhoon Odette brought devastation to the lives of many Filipinos in Cebu and other areas in the Visayas region. Humanility Philippines, a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of children who were once abandoned and abused, were not spared from devastation.
The DynaQuest team worked together to raise the funds necessary to extend help and support to Humanility, by bringing in aid and support, as well as helping out in rebuilding their damaged structures.
Dynaquest Technology Services Inc excel not only in rebuilding businesses through Blockchain technology but also in rebuilding lives through charitable works in times of calamities and other needs.
For more information about DynaQuest, visit https://dqtsi.com.
Continuing the Asia Leaders Awards Legacy
Asia Leaders Awards continues to be an avenue where companies and business leaders are recognized for their outstanding achievements and efforts to make their companies shine not only by providing efficient and excellent services to the people but also through their corporate social responsibility.
ALA is the largest business awards giving body in the Philippines and Southeast Asia whose awards committee is composed of respected leaders from different organizations and embassies.
This year’s Asia Leaders Awards (ALA) Awarding Ceremony will be held on November 22, 2022. For nomination details and criteria, visit https://www.asialeadersawards.asia/
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Rising Tigers: Nation Builders” to recognize the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific featuring Board Member and Tag Media Group CEO Grace Bondad Nicolas
“Asia Leaders Awards presents the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific to motivate us all that in spite of the challenges, we will emerge triumphant. These are the top leaders with the very new vision of the world now,” shared billionaire Robert Laurel Yupangco, an esteemed member of the ALA Board.
Asia Leaders Awards Board Member Engineer Grace Bondad Nicolas—the woman behind successful shows, marketing adviser to billionaires, and serial entrepreneur—spearheads the launch of business and lifestyle magazine “Rising Tigers: Nation Builders” to recognize the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific.
This milestone, another brainchild of Asia Leaders Awards (ALA) Committee will be held on March 22, 2022, at the Grand Hyatt Manila at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Recognizing Inspiration through Action
Engineer Grace Bondad Nicolas has indeed emerged triumphant amidst the limitations of the lockdown, proving that no challenge is big enough to dampen her spirit of achievement, tireless action, and continuous inspiration to all her constituents as a civic leader and her partners as a business leader.
“We have so many challenges already. What we need right now, to acknowledge these people who are giving us inspirations and motivations. It’s like they are our mentors, who keeps on telling us to push upward and fight for the best. That also in Unity, we can do more,” shared Engineer Nicolas.
She has recently elected Vice President for External Affairs by the Los Baños Chamber of Commerce & Industries (LBCCI) as she concurrently holds the position of first woman President of the American Association of the Philippines (AAP), Lieutenant Governor Elect of Division 3A (Metro Manila) of the Kiwanis Philippine Luzon District, Vice President of the Makati Tourism Foundation, and certified mentor of Go Negosyo.
Even before all of these top posts, she is the co-founder as well as the face and energy behind her three flagship companies—AG Builders and Developer, TAG Media and Public Relations, and AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company.
TAG Media and Public Relations is the power behind the Philippines and Southeast Asia’s largest business awards event, the Asia Leaders Awards.
Producing Successful Shows, Balancing Success and Family
With her overflowing entrepreneurial mind, ALA isn’t the only blockbuster production that TAG Media Group has produced and launched.
She has produced the music industry’s ALIW@40 Concert and the Best of ALIW Concert in partnership with ALIW Awards, and recently launched Asia’s Best Singing Competition—Season 3 and Pandemic Heroes—CEOs Series online with The Manila Times, where she writes a regularly for business and lifestyle.
TAG Media’s signature event, however, remains the annual Asia Leaders Awards, whose fourth-year recognitions were held at the Embassy of Singapore. The recognition body acknowledges leaders who continue to make a difference in the Philippines and beyond.
Despite wearing multiple hats for multiple organizations, this empowered engineer remains grounded.
She has taken up her father’s legacy by founding and managing Laguna’s newest eco-tourism destination, Hidden Hills Farm by Josefino, named after her father who was also her inspiration and mentor.
“In this crisis, it’s your time to prove your worth and make a difference. Even while in lockdown, you can still do something productive and be of help to others by sharing your blessings,” she said, encouraging everyone to follow her lead.
Combining Brave Strength and New Happiness
Being the epitome of strength and positivity, Engineer Nicolas opens 2022—The Year of the Water Tiger, with Asia Leaders Awards’ take on the theme of Very Peri, “the happiest and warmest of all the blue hues,” Pantone’s Color of the Year.
“This combination of bravery, strength, newness, and happiness is what symbolizes the changes and the difference the world is experiencing as we look to move beyond the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic,” explained Engineer Nicolas, the moving force behind the ALA Board.
By taking on this “empowering mix of newness” with a “carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates the creative spirit that in result helps a bigger community or the world,” 2022 will be an auspicious year for both leaders and constituents, businesses and customers!
Recognizing the Leaders of Tomorrow with Rising Tiger: Nation Builders Magazine
This latest publication will feature the best and the brightest in the Philippines and Southeast Asia who never fail to balance commitment to growth with corporate social responsibility, even during the most trying times.
Continuing the Asia Leaders Awards Legacy
Asia Leaders Awards is only the recognition giving body whose awards committee is composed of respected leaders from different chambers, organizations, and embassies such as Embassy of Singapore, Embassy of Poland, and Korean Council among others.
Its main objective is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub and destination in Asia.
For more information about Asia Leaders Awards, visit https://www.facebook.com/AsiaLeadersAwards.
Friday, November 26, 2021
Ping Lacson Advocacy is to Reduce Poverty through Education
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson plans to solve the country’s serious poverty problem by providing more people the opportunity to get an education.
He will launch an innovative Edukasyon Plus program if elected President that will provide free education and institute a government internship program
In his latest video, the presidential aspirant, who has battled government corruption throughout his career in public service, points out that many young people are forced to drop out of school because of the need to help their families and because being in school is proving to be a heavy financial burden.
Thus, they remain mired in poverty because without a good education their prospects are limited so they often have to settle for jobs that do not pay much.
Each family will receive a P5,000 monthly allowance during their family members’ internship. Lacson believes that this arrangement will allow students to focus on their studies as they will not be under pressure to help their families.
“Even if education is free, young people cannot finish their studies because they have to help their families. If this vicious cycle continues, when will they be able to lift themselves from a life of poverty?” he says.
Studies show that among member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines have the highest school dropout rate.
Lacson is convinced that education is the only way to give people the chance of a better future and to improve the lives of Filipinos, many, if not most, of whom still live below the poverty line. People remain mired in poverty, unable to get better-paying jobs, for lack of education, he stresses.
With Edukasyon Plus, young people can avail of free education and participate in a government internship program that will pay their families a monthly allowance. “They won’t have to choose anymore between education and work to help their families,” Lacson says. He believes the program will help many people leave behind lives of poverty.
“Edukasyon Plus is the real solution to the problem of poverty,” Lacson adds.
Lacson and his running mate, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto, are running on the slogan “Aayusin ang gobierno, aayusin ang buhay mo.” (They will fix the government and put your life in order.)
For more info on Ping Lacson, follow https://www.facebook.com/PingLacsonOfficial.
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Panfilo Lacson Relies on "Mr. Clean" Image
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is leveraging his reputation as a crime-buster and anti-corruption champion in his bid to become the next President of the Philippines.
His video advertisement (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv_HZnGnsow) highlights some of his major accomplishments as a senator and former head of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Lacson plans to expand on his initiatives to prevent public money from being lost through corruption as president and bring the government closer to the people. His main advocacy is to give more power to local government units that are closest to the citizens and understand the people’s needs best and are in a better position to respond to their problems more effectively.
As highlighted in his TV ads, Lacson’s careful and detailed scrutiny of the national budget has saved the country P300 billion. He proved his strong opposition to the pork barrel that had become for legislators a major perk of their jobs, by refusing it.
Among the accomplishments Lacson has listed as proof of his qualification for the highest post in the country are the investigations of the P728 million fertilizer scam, the anomalous $329 million contract between the Philippines and China’s ZTE Company, and Payola or bribery in the Bureau of Customs by exposing the TARA list.
He also brought to the public’s attention the “Hello Garci” tapes, an attempt at cheating during the 2004 elections.
The former military officer and PNP chief exposed the chopper scam where tge government paid brand-new prices for second-hand helicopters.
Lacson’s initiatives as PNP chief earned him a trust rating of 78+ percent from the public, the highest rating ever recorded for the position.
Saturday, October 30, 2021
Lumina Homes: Spread Christmas spirit at GMA’s ‘Kapuso Bigay Premyo sa Pasko’ promo
Exciting treat from Lumina Homes this Christmas as Lumina Homes will give away one house-and-lot unit at GMA’s “Kapuso Bigay Premyo sa Pasko” Christmas promo.
Christmas is the season of hope, love, and family. However, it’s hard to feel the festive spirit in the middle of the pandemic. For months, we’ve witnessed losing our loved ones, being cooped up in our homes, and feeling uncertain about the future.
The Angelique Inner Unit Townhouse is part of Lumina Homes’ diverse catalog, which strengthens its goal to provide homes to every Filipino. The 35-square-meter townhouse, which sits on top of a 36-square-meter lot, is a place where families can celebrate the Christmas season together.
The Angelique Townhouse includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, one toilet and bath, one carport provision, and a service area. It’s a homey space that all families need to experience the hopeful and festive spirit of Christmas.
To join, participants must follow these three simple steps:
Wait for the “Kapuso Bigay Premyo sa Pasko” invite plug that will be broadcast during the commercial gaps at GMA and GTV. You can also learn about the mechanics at http://promos.gmanetwork.com/gmapromos/.
Before joining, make sure to have a proof of purchase of the following products:
BEAR BRAND® Fortified Powdered Milk Drink
One (1) empty pack of any of the following:
BEAR BRAND® Fortified Powdered Milk Drink 33g, 99g/114g, 150g/170g, 320g, 700g/770g, 900g/1kg, 1.2kg, 1.6kg, 2kg, 2.4kg
BEAR BRAND® Fortified Choco Milk Drink 29g, 150g, 300g, 900g
BEAR BRAND® Fortified Real Strawberry Milk Drink 300g
Only packaging with an expiration date of April 2022 onwards is accepted.
MILO®
(2) empty packs of MILO® 24g
One (1) empty pack of MILO® 48g, 300g, 600g, 624g, 1kg, 1.2kg
Only packaging with an expiration date of May 2022 onwards is accepted.
NESCAFÉ® Creamy White
Two (2) empty packs of NESCAFÉ® Creamy White 29g or
One (1) empty pack of NESCAFÉ® Creamy White Twin pack 58g
Only packaging with an expiration date of August 2022 onwards is accepted
AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning
Mix five (5) empty packs of AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix 7g or 8g
Remember, a combination of proof-of-purchase from different sponsors is not allowed.
Write the following details on a piece of paper:
Name
Age
Complete Home Address
Contact Number
Handwritten Signature
For more chances of winning, you can also include the name of the Sari-Sari store where you got your proof-of-purchase:
Name of a valid Sari-Sari Store
Complete address of the Sari-Sari Store
Contact number of the Sari-Sari Store owner
Here’s an example of a complete entry for participants:
Name: Antonio Encias
Age: 45 years old
Address: 1975 Zobel St. Singalong, Manila
Contact no.: 09171777777
Signature: Antonio Encias
Sari-Sari Store Name: Joy Sari-Sari Store
Address of Sari-Sari Store: 1980 Zobel St. Singalong, Manila
Tel No of Sari-Sari Store: 09077771777
Place the paper and a proof-of-purchase in a plain white envelope of any size (long o short envelope) and include the following details at the back:
Kapuso Bigay Premyo sa Pasko
Included brands
Area of residence (NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao)
Here’s an example for participants:
KAPUSO BIGAY PREMYO SA PASKO
(BRAND)
NCR
Drop your entry with the complete details and proof-of-purchase in the drop boxes located at chosen Mercury Drug branches or the GMA Network Annex Building, EDSA corner Timog Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103.
The 10-week “Kapuso Bigay Premyo sa Pasko” Christmas promo will give bigger, more exciting prizes to over 3,000 Kapuso winners in the daily, weekly, and grand draws!
There will be 1,400 cash winners of P1,000, 70 winners of P10,000 Pasko-buhayan cash packages, 50 winners of P100,000 Grand Aguinaldo cash packages, and a Grand Prize winner of a brand-new house and lot from Lumina Homes.
Lumina Homes remains committed to providing Filipino families an affordable home to call their own nine years since its launch, especially during the Christmas season.
For more information, visit https://www.lumina.com.ph/. Like and follow @luminahomesofficial on Facebook or contact 0917-629- 6523.
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Unifinity: New Remote Learning Platform powered by Blockchain Technology
The Unifinity system is entirely web-based without the need to buy expensive software or run costly application servers, enabling schools to deploy their customized Virtual Academy within minutes.
We are currently experiencing an unprecedented shift toward the virtualization of education. Catalyzed by the ongoing pandemic, educational institutions, teachers, students, and parents are forced to adapt to a new norm.
Unfortunately, this change poses a big challenge for everyone. Many schools simply do not have the existing systems, infrastructure, expertise, time, and budget to transition towards online learning. The same can be said with parents and students who are already struggling financially.
Unifinity seeks to ease this transition by offering a fully functional and integrated “Virtual Academy” for schools, universities, training centers, and any other learning institutions. It is the first education management system powered by blockchain and smart contracts, making it one of the most advanced educational apps out in the market today.
With its minimalistic cost-saving approach, Parents and students will be happy to know that no additional equipment is required to use Unifinity’s Virtual Academy. It is 100% mobile device friendly, allowing them to use their existing smartphone to participate in the virtual classes. Virtual classrooms were carefully designed to give the students a simple yet useful user interface, minimizing the time required to learn the platform. To help defray the cost of online learning of students and provide an alternative source of funding Unifinity integrated a blockchain-enhanced performance rewards mechanism.
Ms. Veronica Andrino, the founder, and CEO at Unifinity calls this mechanism EdTech 2.0— Tokenization and Gamification of the Education System©. It is one of the many features of the platform that utilizes blockchain technology and smart contracts making them secure, irreversible, and immutable. This provides teachers a more accurate and efficient way to monitor students’ performance and subsequently reward them, keeping them interested and engaged. The smart contract automates the recording of scores and activities and distributes rewards based on the criteria set by the teacher.
Additionally, Unifinity offers blockchain-based identity verification and certificate issuance. It also offers a direct payment gateway that supports fiat and virtual currency conversions. With all these powerful features, combined with ease of use and superb after-sales support, it is strongly positioned to take the lion’s share of the remote learning market. Without a doubt, it is one of the most sophisticated online learning systems that has graced our pages for a very long time.