Hotel Sogo Backs Caloocan Team in MPBL

Hotel Sogo, the largest hotel chain in the Philippines, is making itself an integral part in the community sports development, besides being widely known all over the country as a name synonymous to affordable quality accommodation. Its holistic support for the Caloocan Team in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) signals the company’s institutionalized commitment to contribute actively to various community sporting endeavors.

Hotel Sogo established its very first branch in Monumento, Caloocan in 1993. Over the past three decades, it has stood as a significant landmark in the city, providing locals and travelers with unmatched hotel services. It has also become an important part of Caloocan City by helping significantly to the locality’s economic growth and general welfare. This first partnership with a sports team is symbolic of the beginnings of Hotel Sogo and its strong ties with Caloocan City.

With this alliance, the company aims to raise the profile and visibility of the team in the professional league. It also serves as a platform to discover and nurture local talents to become world-class athletes. Hotel Sogo recognizes the strength and merits of this partnership in closing the gap between the needs and the athlete’s goals of a thriving career in the sports arena.

Ms. Sue Geminiano, Hotel Sogo’s Marketing Head, explains the hotel’s dedication to sports and community development.

“By supporting the Caloocan Team, we invest in the growth of local sports, foster unity and promote sportsmanship. Most important of all, we are able to highlight the values of teamwork, perseverance and dedication, all of which are inherent values of our organization”. ~Ms. Sue Geminiano, Hotel Sogo’s Marketing Head

Hotel Sogo has constantly strived to be significantly present in all areas of national development. By engaging in this new endeavor, the company demonstrates the importance of building relationships with the local communities and collaborating with organizations in finding ways to support the Filipino athletes to achieve their full potential.

MR.DIY Brigada Eskwela: Empowering Education with Acts of Kindness

In the spirit of fostering a brighter future and spreading Acts of Kindness (AOK), MR.DIY recently concluded its impactful 2-leg back-to-school outreach program, "Brigada Eskwela." The campaign, held on July 21 and July 22, 2023, exemplified MR.DIY's commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of young learners and their communities.

Transforming Concepcion Elementary School, Malabon City

The day started with a complete classroom refurbishment, involving a thorough general cleaning and a fresh coat of paint to breathe new life into the rooms. To create a more engaging and conducive space for learning, the volunteers thoughtfully furnished the classrooms with curtains and visual aids.

MR.DIYs Senior Marketing Manager (left of photo) Charles Salecina and Corporate Engagement Specialist (right of photo) Lorina Krish D. Atchico of World Vision turned-over donations to Melibeth Ruiz (middle of photo), Principal of Concepcion Elementary School, Malabon.

A heartwarming moment came during the turnover ceremony when MR.DIY proudly presented a range of essential donations, including children's books, toys, cleaning materials, school bags, steel racks, air conditioners, and PVC accordions. These contributions will undoubtedly provide invaluable support to the students and teachers of Concepcion Elementary School, enhancing their educational journey and fostering a love for learning.

Analiza Pelwa, the founder of Pagna’t iMontanosa, leading the "Pencil for a Smile" project with MR.DIY, driving change for 3 years.

In a remarkable display of support for education and community development, MR.DIY has been a longstanding partner of the "Pencil for a Smile" program, organized by Pagna’t iMontanosa and founded by Analiza Pelwa, along with their dedicated member volunteers, Maia Lein Balisong, Federico Murphy, and Adam Bahingawan for the past three years. On July 22, 2023, MR.DIY employees joined hands with the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company headed by Police Capt. Faustino Lang-Akhan, PNP  Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Canine group headed by PEMS - Norman Batoon, and the Bokod Municipal Police Office to extend a helping hand to Poodan Elementary School & Ekip Elementary School in Bokod, Benguet.

A beautiful display of Bokod, Benguet’s cultural heritage through a mesmerizing tribe dance by Poodan Elementary School & Ekip Elementary School students.

The event commenced with inspiring speeches from teachers, emphasizing the transformative power of education in shaping the future of the community. The gathering witnessed a beautiful display of cultural heritage through a mesmerizing tribe dance, bringing parents and students together in celebration of unity and togetherness. As part of this heartfelt outreach, the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, PNP  Explosive Ordinance Disposal and Canine, and the Bokod Municipal Police Office conducted a hair-cutting session for the students, symbolizing a fresh start and instilling confidence in their young minds.

"At MR.DIY, we firmly believe in the power of Acts of Kindness to create meaningful and lasting change in the communities we serve. The MR.DIY Brigada Eskwela's campaign is a testament to our dedication to empowering education and uplifting the lives of children. Through our overarching corporate social responsibility program, AoK, we are committed to enabling and empowering communities, making a positive impact on society. We are immensely proud of our employees and volunteers whose unwavering passion and compassion have made this campaign a tremendous success." ~Charles Salecina, MR.DIY’s Senior Marketing Manager

The MR.DIY Brigada Eskwela campaign is a shining example of the company's overarching corporate social responsibility program, Acts of Kindness (AOK). Rooted in the Good Bag Campaign, where proceeds from the purchase of MR.D.I.Y. Eco-bags are thoughtfully donated to NGO partners, AOK exemplifies MR.DIY's genuine commitment to enabling and empowering communities nationwide.

As the campaign concludes, the spirit of AOK continues to live on, inspiring hope, compassion, and unity within each community touched by MR.DIY. The company's dedication to creating a positive impact on society serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a better and brighter future for all.

MR.DIY Brigada Eskwela's campaign has left an indelible mark on the hearts of students, teachers, volunteers, and the entire MR.DIY family. Through the power of Acts of Kindness, MR.DIY has contributed to building a stronger and more resilient education system, nurturing young minds to reach their full potential. The company's unwavering commitment to making a difference stands as a shining example for others to follow, embodying the true essence of corporate social responsibility.

For more information about the Acts of Kindness Program, visit MR.DIY’s official website or follow /mrdiyPH on Facebook, and @mrdiy.philippines on Instagram and Tiktok.

About MR.DIY
MR.DIY is one of the largest home improvement retailers with more than 2,000 stores across Southeast Asia including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, Cambodia, India, and Europe in Turkey and Spain. The home improvement retailer has dedicated itself to making a positive difference in the lives of its valued customers by offering convenience at all its stores nationwide.

All MR.DIY stores are managed directly, and the company often works in collaboration with other mass merchandise retailers or owners of malls or shopfront properties. MR.DIY stores offer a wide selection of — approximately 18,000 SKUs — across 5 major categories, namely hardware; household and furnishing; electrical; stationery and sports equipment products; and others (comprising amongst other toys, car accessories, jewelry, and cosmetics).

The company strives to put customers first by operating an innovative business that is flexible when it comes to providing a wide variety of products, good quality, and value for money, holding true to the company’s motto of “ALWAYS LOW PRICES”. Visit www.mrdiy.com/ph/ for more details.

Enrichme Tutorial Center Building a Community of Believers

Last August 9, 2023, EnrichMe Tutorial Center officially opened its first Metro Manila branch located in Quezon City.

Enrichme Tutorial Center, a newcomer in the education landscape, is thrilled to share its remarkable journey of earning trust, fostering growth, and creating a positive impact in the lives of students and parents alike. In just a few months, Enrichme Tutorial Center has emerged as a beacon of quality education, winning the hearts of its students and their families.

The success of Enrichme Tutorial Center can be attributed to its student-centric approach, innovative teaching methodologies, and the unwavering dedication of its faculty and staff. The center's ability to create a nurturing and supportive community has fostered an environment where students feel valued, motivated, and empowered to reach their full potential.

As Enrichme Tutorial Center continues to grow and evolve, its journey serves as a testament to the power of a vision fueled by passion, commitment, and a genuine desire to make a difference. The center's remarkable achievements in just a few months are a promising sign of even greater things to come, as it continues to shine brightly in the education landscape and positively impact the lives of all those it touches.

A Journey of Trust and Excellence

While Enrichme Tutorial Center might be a recent addition to the educational sphere, its commitment to providing exceptional learning experiences has garnered rapid trust and recognition. The positive feedback and trust bestowed upon us by students and parents underscore our dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering academic success through innovative programs and personalized attention.

The Power of Personalized Learning

At Enrichme Tutorial Center, we firmly believe that the key to successful education lies in personalized learning. Our small class sizes and passionate educators ensure that each student receives individualized attention, enabling them to flourish academically and personally. The trust that parents have placed in us is a testament to our commitment to going beyond traditional teaching methods.

Building a Community of Believers

In just a short span, Enrichme Tutorial Center has not only become an educational institution but also a community of believers in the transformative power of education. Positive word-of-mouth, enthusiastic referrals, and the heartfelt appreciation we have received from parents highlight our success in creating a supportive and nurturing environment.

Celebrating Milestones Together

The journey of Enrichme Tutorial Center has been marked by milestones that reflect the collective effort of students, parents, and educators. We take pride in celebrating the successes of our students, whether it's a newfound love for learning, improved grades, or a boost in confidence. These achievements motivate us to continue our mission of providing exceptional education.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Enrichme Tutorial Center continues to make a mark in the education sector, we remain committed to fostering an environment where students can excel academically and personally. We are excited to welcome more students and parents into our community, sharing in our vision of holistic growth and empowered learning.

Join the EnrichMe Journey

Enrichme Tutorial Center invites students, parents, and all education enthusiasts to be a part of our story. Discover the joy of learning, the power of personalized education, and the promise of a brighter future. With Enrichme Tutorial Center, the possibilities are limitless.

Location:

174 Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Barangay Bagumbayan, Quezon City

(in front of the fire station and footbridge)

For enrollment, program details, and inquiries, please visit https://www.facebook.com/EnrichMeTutorialCenter or contact us at contact enrichmetutorialcenter@gmail.com.

About EnrichMe Tutorial Center

EnrichMe Tutorial Center is a budding educational institution that has swiftly earned a reputation for its commitment to personalized learning, holistic development, and exceptional education. Guided by a vision of nurturing lifelong learners, EnrichMe Tutorial Center aims to empower students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a dynamic world.

USANA Ignites Your Willpower In #iWill Launch

Active Nutrition line now available to promote over-all wellness

USANA Philippines kicked off its highly anticipated #iWill campaign that aim to inspire and motivate guests to embrace their commitment to wellness.

The launch, held at the USANA office at the Enterprise Center in Makati City was an afternoon filled with exciting activities and insightful discussions designed to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being through the #iWill campaign and Active Nutrition line. 

Introducing the #iWill campaign in high spirits is basketball player Vince Tolentino and pocket billiards (pool) player Bing Amit. They were joined by USANA's General Manager Cherry Ampig and Senior Sales and Marketing Manager Joyce Ramallosa, who shared their insights on the #iWill campaign, the Active Nutrition line, and how one’s willpower can help achieve optimal wellness.  

“We are excited to launch the #iWill campaign and inspire individuals to tap into their inner willpower. With our Active Nutrition line, we are providing the needed support for people to make lasting changes in their lives and unlock their true potential." ~Cherry Ampig, USANA's General Manager

USANA recognizes the challenges in kickstarting positive change and maintaining a healthy routine, knowing that achieving long term well-being requires commitment and the resilience to overcome obstacles and resist temptations. This understanding has inspired USANA to introduce the #iWill campaign, serving as a guiding force, encouraging individuals to tap into their inner determination and persevere through challenges. By highlighting the significance of commitment and the transformative power of willpower, USANA empowers participants to overcome barriers that may hinder their progress towards a healthier lifestyle.

USANA also launched the Active Nutrition line which provides individuals with a carefully curated, comprehensive range of products that support their lifestyles and overall well-being. The supplement line includes:

Active+ - metabolic support supplement including naringin and hesperidin supply antioxidants, platycodon grandifloras root extract, along with green tea extract for natural energy, priced at P2,220. 

USANA Fibergy Active

USANA Fibergy Active - with a hefty 9 grams of fiber, it helps maintain normal gut function, aids regularity, and feeds your gut microbiome—all while supporting your cardiovascular and metabolic function priced at P2,100.

USANA Nutrimeal+ Soy Protein Meal Replacement

Nutrimeal+ Soy Protein Meal Replacement – a shake for weight control, each serving offers a balanced gluten free and low-glycemic blend of macronutrients and micronutrients to help reach weight management goals, available in soy chocolate and soy vanilla priced at P3,180.

Electrolyte Replacement Drink

Electrolyte Replacement Drink – tasty watermelon-flavored drink mix formulated with minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium form electrolytes to support your body’s ability to stay hydrated priced at P2,640.

USANA DTX Tea Mix

USANA DTX Tea Mix – delicious flavor with botanical herbs for a soothing peppermint hot tea which helps maintain normal gut microbiome, natural ingredients, is gluten free, GM-Free, and caffeine and stimulant-free priced at P1,740.

The fun took on an exciting turn when USANA invited the guests to a Live HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) session with Coach Jason Jolloso to help them take that first step in igniting their willpower. 

In addition to the thrilling workout, guests had the opportunity to explore the Body Analytics Corner, where attendees learned to calculate their body analytics and gain insights into their muscle and fat ratio by simply using a weighing scale device, providing them with valuable information to guide their fitness journey. Those that participated brought home a special prize.

There was also the #iWill commitment wall which took center stage by encouraging guests to write down their commitments to love their bodies more, beginning their entries with the empowering hashtag #iWill.   

To learn more about USANA and their product offerings, visit their website at www.usana.com  or follow them on their official FB Page USANA Philippines for more information.

About USANA

USANA is an American multi-level company that develops and manufactures high-quality nutritional supplements, foods, and personal care products that are sold directly to Associates and Preferred Customers throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Mexico, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Thailand, France, Belgium, Colombia, Indonesia, Germany, Spain, Romania, and Italy.

PLDT, Smart help PBEd upskill almost 6,000 youth in digital skills, boosting employability

Leading telco network PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications joined Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) in preparing around 6,000 youth trainees for jobs of the future under the organization’s JobsNext program.  

“Together with PBEd, PLDT and Smart are working closely with local government units across the country to equip the youth with skills that will make them more attractive to potential employers.” ~Cathy Yang, FVP and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart

JobsNext is implemented in seven areas: Laguna, Quezon City and Sorsogon in Luzon; Eastern Samar, Samar province and Negros Occidental in the Visayas; and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao. To support local government units in conducting virtual trainings, PLDT has deployed 100 Home WiFi units while Smart has also dispatched 100 prepaid Pocket WiFi devices to these areas.  

“As workplaces become increasingly technology-driven, it is important to ensure that our young people have the right tools to adapt and succeed in their chosen careers. JobsNext is committed to providing our youth with the training and resources they need to be future-ready.” ~Justine Raagas, PBEd Executive Director

The training program highlights development of foundational skills that cover digital literacy and basic technology concepts, advanced Information Technology (Training) learning tracks, and specialized training on cloud and assistive technologies.  

A World Bank report on the Philippine Job Market released this year noted that the COVID-19 pandemic made it more challenging for the Filipino youth to enter the labor market. The multilateral lender urged the Philippine government to provide targeted support to young Filipinos by actively incorporating green and digital areas in skills development programs. The World Bank said that surveys indicate that the Philippine workforce lags its regional peers in foundational digital skills.  

Based on the Labor Department’s regional consultations, most of the emerging opportunities will come from the Green, I.T. and Platform, and Creative industries. The agency sees the IT-BPM sector growing into a USD 59-billion industry in the next three years, opening more than a million new direct jobs.  

Support for the JobsNext program aligns with PLDT and Smart’s aspiration to help produce industry-ready graduates to meet the increasingly digital demands of industries. This also underscores the PLDT group’s close collaboration with the national government, through the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the Private Sector Advisory Council or PSAC. As a PSAC founding member, PLDT’s initiatives that connect, digitize, and empower Filipinos and drive the country's economic ambitions are perfectly aligned with the government’s key digitalization efforts. 

EdgePoint Philippines Appoints William Walters as New Chief Executive Officer

William Walters, New Chief Executive Officer, EdgePoint Philippines

EdgePoint Philippines, a leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of William Walters as the new Chief Executive Officer. With over 24 years of experience in the telecoms sector, William brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record in delivering successful telecommunications infrastructure projects.

As Chief Executive Officer, William will continue to drive the company’s growth by leading EdgePoint Philippines’ expansion plans, further strengthening the company’s customer relationships and focusing on building a sustainable ecosystem of telecommunications partners and vendors.

“It is truly dynamic times for us here! In May 2020, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) published its first guidelines to an independent Common Tower Policy and it has enabled more foreign investments, eased local partnerships and improved the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure. A target of 50,000 towers for the next seven to ten years was set and we are steadily progressing towards this target, as of May 2023 there are approximately 22,650 cell towers in the country which is almost half. EdgePoint has a great team in country, and I am excited to continue supporting our customers’ connectivity expansion plans by identifying potential sites for new telecom towers as well as providing a network of suitable sites for co-location”. ~William Walters, New EdgePoint Philippines Chief Executive Officer

Before this, William served as the Vice President for Digitalization and Operations at EdgePoint Infrastructure, successfully leading the deployment of internal operational digital platforms, driving efficiency and innovation within the organisation.

William has worked across multiple countries in Asia, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, and the Philippines, gaining valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within each market. Over the years, he has held key roles in telecommunications companies, serving as Country Managing Director for Isoc-Edotco Philippines, VP APAC at Accuris Networks, Sales Director at Mbr Global, and Vice President of Customer Services and Regional Delivery (APAC) at Logica Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

"We are delighted to welcome William to the EdgePoint Philippines team as the new Chief Executive Officer. His extensive experience in the telecoms sector, coupled with his proven leadership capabilities, make him the ideal person to drive our business forward and strengthen our position as a trusted partner for telecommunications infrastructure solutions in the Philippines." ~Suresh Sidhu, Chief Executive Officer and Founder EdgePoint

To date, EdgePoint Philippines operates 2557 active sites in the country, with the number targeted to reach 3000 by the end of 2023. 

For more information on EdgePoint, please visit https://edgepointinfra.com/.

ABOUT EDGEPOINT INFRASTRUCTURE

EdgePoint Infrastructure is a telecommunications infrastructure company that aspires to power Digital ASEAN via Next Generation Infrastructure. Headquartered in Singapore with operations in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, through EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, PT Centratama Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk and EdgePoints Towers Inc. respectively, the company is focused on providing sharable and leading-edge telecom structures, small cells and in-building systems. EdgePoint aims to be an industry leader through scale and innovation, driving operational efficiencies through the adoption of analytics and digital technologies.

Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair DTI Region 2

Support. Engage. Invest in Region 2’s best!

Together, let us celebrate the BEAUTY, CULTURE, VAST RESOURCES, and INFINITE OPPORTUNITIES at Padday na Lima—now on its 17th year, and it is here—back to the metro!

At the 17th Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair, we celebrate Region 2’s festive, rich, vibrant, sophisticated, and quality-certified offerings in this all-in-one bonanza!

With its unceasing efforts in innovation and development, the platform now has an emerging position as the country’s major supplier of minimally processed goods for institutional use.

"Padday Na Lima", an Ybanag vernacular that means "made by hands" or "hand-crafted”, is the banner of the agency for the marketing and promotion of Region 2 products.

A bigger trade and industry community will definitely catch your scrutiny as we will be engaging retail and institutional buyers in the B2B matching!

Get mesmerized with Breathtaking Batanes, Endless Fun Cagayan, Majestic Isabela Naturally Vibrant Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino: Your Basket of Happiness and fill your shopping carts with their products at the Product Showcases all brought to the metro! These goods are also made available online at https://paddaynalima.com/ powered by DeliverE and Mayani!

The Department of Tourism Region 2 will also spotlight the islands and valley of fun for their rich culture and well-known tourist destinations, offering tourism packages through tour operators.

This year, Padday na Lima will also hold its first Media Experience Tour, inviting big and metropolitan dailies to generate buzz and network with the country’s top institutional buyers and local MSMEs.

Watch the pasarela of colors in the Padday na Lima Collection fashion show and the flavors of Cagayan Valley through food and wine tasting, the Wheel of Prizes and Padday na Lima Bingo Challenge, basic weaving, bag painting, and handcrafted paper beading demonstration, and series of training.

Come see and experience the flavors and colors of Cagayan Valley here at the 17th Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair at the Carousel Court, Upper Ground Floor, West Wing, Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, on August 7–13, 2023.