An Indian Love Affair Gives Birth to Swaadisht Cuisine & Bar

 Get to know the newest authentic Indian restaurant in town, meant to experience Indian culture in a whole new level

Indian national Manjinder “James” Kumar and his wife Bianca open an exciting Indian restaurant at the heart of the metro in Eastwood City—part of their commitment to help promote Indian culture in the Philippines. And what best way to do it best than through food, and the many traditions that come with it.

Swaadisht, which translates to “delicious” in Hindi, is youngish at only over a year old, but it’s easy to understand why it immediately got a good following. Surprisingly, the crowd it’s attracted are a balance mix of Indian nationals, expats, and Filipinos. 

Here’s a rundown on why Swaadisht Cuisine & Bar is the place to be if you want to be transported to India even for a couple of hours. 

Indian touches

Swaadisht’s maiden branch in Eastwood is a two-storey edifice with an easy breezy al fresco area and an alluring skyline on the second floor offering a view of the neighboring towers at day, and a dramatic starry sky at night. These are complemented by the restaurant’s predominant brown and earthen tones, Indian-inspired accents like swirls on walls, framed Indian-theme prints and sculptures, and a façade with curvy lintel.

Occasional events showcase bangra and belly dancing performances; cricket matches are aired live in cricket season; and on weekends, Indian pop music vis-à-vis famous continental music play in the background.

Authentic Indian cuisine at heart

Authentic Indian cuisine is the piece ‘de resistance of Swaadisht. Aside from having an Indian-trained kitchen crew led by Nepalese chef Bishnu Khatri, the food served to guests are made using traditional cooking methods and ingredients flown in from India. 

A bestseller at Swaadisht is the Tandoori—meat and vegetable skewers cooked using a tandoor, India’s brick oven counterpart. It brings forth some nuant smokiness in the Indian spice-marinated chicken or prawn, which is easily enjoyed with basmati rice, Indian bread (try garlic naan, also cooked in a tandoor), and beer or red wine.

Curries are another favored main. If there’s one thing to understand about Indian cooking, it’s the consistent generous presence of key ingredients tomato, onion, garlic, ginger and gram masala. The stars of Swaadisht’s curry category are rogan josh, a Kashmiri cuisine of slow cooked mutton; and murg makhani (buttered chicken), chicken slowly cooked in spiced tomato, butter and cream. The homemade chicken curry is like what you’re served if you’re invited in an Indian household: curried chicken in spices with lots of ginger—hearty and filling at once. Most of Swaadisht’s curries have fish, prawn and vegetarian varieties.

Swaadisht also prides itself for its topnotch vegetarian—perfecting the category is brought forth by the main market’s demand, since many Indians adhere to plant-based diet because of their beliefs and culture. Swaadisht bestsellers are adas soup (adas is lentil), dal tadka (lentil curry), rajma (kidney beans in tomato and spice sauce), aloo gobhi (potatoes and cauliflower in Indian spices), and paneer or Indian cottage cheese, which can be serve curried, grilled, or batter-fried.

An Indian lunch or dinner is not complete without eating it with traditional Indian bread (naans, chapatti); biryani rice (meat- and spice-infused basmati rice); lassi (yoghurt drink, which at Swaadisht is made from scratch); and masala tea.

Indian festivals and festivities at center stage

A handful of important Indian festivals are celebrated at Swaadisht. This year, forthcoming festivals to take center stage are Karwa Chauth (November 4), a romantic festival that celebrates the life of husbands through the wives’ sacrifice and prayer. This is followed by the Diwali Festival on November 14. Diwali, which is pretty much like Filipino Christmas and New Year’s Day combined, is also called Festival of Lights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. In March this year, Swaadisht celebrated the Holi Festival, a Hindu fun festivity centered on love, and embodied through colorful executions.

Watch out for the opening of Swaadisht at Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. 

Visit here www.facebook.com/SwaadishtManila. 

For All your Immune Booster Needs I-Immune Cee mo na!

To CEE is to believe! 

Eto na! Ang super in demand na Vitamin C to boost our immune system na panlaban sa virus! IMMUNE CEE! 

Super daming na order at Naka line up, so we are looking for leaders in your area to be distributors! What’s nice, protected yung area mo. Ikaw mag handle, lahat Ng papasok na downline, Sayo ang pasok. Let’s help everyone to fight this virus and at the same time kumikita pa Kahit nasa bahay lang. 

All packages may katapat na products so what you paid for, may kapalit and discounted pa. 

Ang daming pasabog in the coming days! 

Kami bahala sa marketing. What you need to do is to post all. 

SECURE MO NA YUNG AREA MO! Ikaw na mag distributor. 

Facebook: Immune Cee 

Cellphone: 09778978877

Landline: 022193503

#boostyourimmuneceestem

#immunecee

Acculab MNL Swab Testing Center Now Open in Manila!

Its good to know that there are new swab testing center that opened, to accomodate as many. With Acculab MNL, we can now have our test taken for an affordable price and for faster result accurately.

The global COVID 19 pandemic continues its onslaught worldwide as infections have spread rapidly over the vast population, leaving a trail of devastation in both social and commercial fronts. 

Due to the increase in COVID cases in the Philippines, the lack of medical and testing capacity, and as the period of uncertainty lingers while we wait for the development of a working vaccine, AccuLab MNL, a privately-owned swabbing facility for personal and occupational COVID-19 testing and certification officially opened last Thursday.

Hon. Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso graced the Grand Launch and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony last Oct 22, 2020. In support of Manila government’s action plan dubbed as CODE-COVID-19 (Contain and Delay), 200 Antigen Rapid Testing Kits were donated to the Hon. Mayor that same day. Mayor Isko, who’s celebrating his birthday personally received the gift vouchers.

AccuLab MNL is a team of professional and highly-trained swabbers consisting of medical technologists and nurses operating at the highest standards and is committed to providing efficient and accurate testing with fast and reliable turnaround times.

AccuLab MNL’s swab test ranges from 4500 to 11500 depending on the turnaround time for results. AccuLab MNL’s also offers Antigen Rapid Testing at a very low price of P1,400. We accept walk-in, drive-through and remote collection.

AccuLab MNL mainly offers the gold standard in coronavirus testing, the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). This is a highly technical process that not only involves having the right machine and kits, but also the proper safety infrastructure, like a biosafety level 2 (BSL2) laboratory. That is why, AccuLab MNL partnered with PHILIPPINE AIRPORT DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY, a duly licensed and DOH-accredited molecular diagnostic testing facilities, also considered as one of the early responders to the government’s call for unity in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

At AccuLab MNL, we are committed to delivering your COVID-19 test report and certification with Accuracy, Consistency and Efficiency. We at AccuLab MNL, we ACE in the trace.

For more details, Contact Anne Chico-Vicente and/or visit their Facebook page:

 https://www.facebook.com/acculabmnl/

580 P. Ocampo St. 1004 Malate, Philippines

0995 654 2223

World Pandesal Day on Oct. 16, free breads for orphans & 3 public schools donations

Pres. Duterte, Sen. Grace Poe, Sen. Sonny Angara, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte send support

 Despite the pandemic crisis, #WorldPandesalDay is again being celebrated on October 16 as a civic and cultural event by 81-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café of Judge Jimenez Street corner K-1st Street, Brgy. Kamuning, Quezon City. Instead of its annual tradition of giving away 70,000 pandesal, cheese, sardines and other foods the whole day to the urban poor at the bakery, plus free medical/dental/optical missions, owner Wilson Lee Flores said Kamuning Bakery Cafe on Oct. 16 shall be donating breads and foods to orphanages and diverse children’s shelters all over Metro Manila. Among these children’s shelters include the 242-year-old Hospicio de San Jose, White Cross, Child Haus, Asilo de San Vicente de Paul, House of Refuge Foundation, etc. World Pandesal Day seeks to honor the humble yet great Filipino bread pandesal, also to highlight the need to address socio-economic problems of hunger and poverty.

Messages of support for the #WorldPandesalDay came from various leaders led by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, Senator Grace Poe, Senator Sonny Angara, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and others. Among Kamuning Bakery Café’s partners in this annual philanthropic and cultural project include Philippine Foremost Milling, San Miguel Mills, Mondelez Philippines, Pagcor, Mega Sardines and Caltex Iba Malhacan Road in Meycauayan Exit.

Despite the economic crisis, Kamuning Bakery Café is now renovating a beautiful, old house at No. 434 El Grande Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City as its new branch and commissary to serve its many customers in south of Metro Manila. During the lockdown crisis, Kamuning Bakery Café has also donated a new public schoolbuilding to Barangay Dinalaoan Elementary School in Calasiao, Pangasinan in cooperation with Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).  Kamuning Bakery Café has also donated public schoolbuildings to other economically-disadvantaged rural regions, like to Sta. Rosa Elementary School in historic seaside Balangiga, Eastern Samar province and to Villa Bacolor Elementary School in Tarlac, Tarlac province.

Kamuning Bakery Café also sponsors unique cultural projects such as the annual World Poetry Day on March 21, the non-partisan “Pandesal Forum” where newsmakers dialogue with media and intellectuals, poetry readings, book launchings, art exhibits and the March 7 poetry & music night fundraising event for medical needs of award-winning writer Jose “Pete” F. Lacaba which was attended by national artists Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera and Bencab, many top musicians Noel Cabangon, Cookie Chua, Hazel Faith, etc.

From Restaurateur to NGO President, Get to Know the Many Roles Played by the Affable Indian National, Manjinder “James” Kumar

Non-resident Indian Manjinder “James” Kumar has been living in the Philippines for almost his whole life, with only a few childhood years spent in his provincial hometown Jalajandar in India’s Punjab region where he was born. Marrying a Filipina with whom he bore five children with was like punctuating his almost being a Filipino.

 

But who is this guy doing so many things to help the Filipinos in this life-changing times of the Covid-19 pandemic?

 

Meet Manjinder “James” Kumar, whose hats he wears are as varied as his fiery spirit. He’s a businessman but he’s also founder of an NGO, a crime-abhorring expat, and was once a church leader.

 

The entrepreneur

Kumar’s street smartness got him meeting and connecting with people in his latter teen years. His stint mostly had to do with assisting fellow Indians so they could live, conduct business and thrive with ease in the Philippines. He’s mastered the art of brokerage and later on started his own consultancy firm, which assisted expats in documentation, and offered legal assistance, among many things.

 

One venture came after the other. Soon he found himself opening up a business process outsourcing company, a security agency, and an authentic Indian cuisine restaurant.

 

The opening of a restaurant, aptly called Swaadisht Indian Cuisine and Bar [Swaadisht translates to delicious], sprung from Kumar’s passion to boost the promotion of Indian culture and love for food. Kumar formerly co-owned another Indian restaurant but decided to put up one which he and his wife could solely call their own and pass on to their children someday.

 

Swaadisht specializes in authentic Indian cuisines with some Asian fare.

 

“We celebrate important Indian occasions like Diwali (Festival of Lights) and Holi (Festival of Colors) at Swaadisht. We would air live cricket shows, occasionally stage bangra and belly dancing performances, and play Indian pop music on weekends. When Swaadisht launched its maiden branch in May 2019, former India Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Jaideep Mazumdar and his wife honored us with their presence and participated in our ribbon cutting ceremony. Swaadisht’s been the official food provider in the series of special flights organized by the Government of India, implemented by the Embassy of India in Manila. The special flights recovered back to India Indian nationals who had been stranded in the Philippines because of the pandemic’s border lockdown directive. We’re honored that our restaurant’s been well-received by the Embassy of India in Manila,” shares Kumar.

 

Follow Swaadisht on www.facebook.com/SwaadishtManila.

 

Kumar’s most recent portfolio add ons included a build and sell company, and a soon-to-launch micro financing firm.

 

The church leader

Kumar was president of the Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple in the Philippines for eight year. He said “leading our church was no easy feat because we were not only a house of worship, but also a place where we were expected to help anyone in need. You could call our church a one-stop-shop. Every day, people came to pray and share a free meal with us. Our missionary works were steadfast. A lot of my fellowmen faced different sorts of abuse-related problems and the only recourse was to help them.”

Socio-civic activities and cultural promotions were also at the core of Kumar’s leadership of the Khalsa Diwan Temple. Kumar would incorporate many important Indian celebrations and milestones with their church activities. One of the his most important efforts for the church was the construction of the Guru Nanak Dev Ji Multipurpose Hall in Porac, Pampanga for the local Aetas (indigenous Filipinos)—Khalsa Diwan Temple’s way of paying tribute to Guru Nanak Dev Ji who was then celebrating his 500th birthday. The late guru’s an important pillar of the Sikhism faith.

 

The Indian-Filipino NGO founding president

In 2015, Kumar founded the Filipino Indian Commerce and Welfare Society Inc. (FICWSI) aimed at bringing together Indian and Filipino businessmen and stakeholders under one umbrella organization to look after their needs, welfare and interests. But FICWSI shone best in 2020 when its aids-giving machinery was put to full, nonstop use when the pandemic hit the Philippines in early 2020 causing the main economic region and the country itself to shut down its borders.

 

Action man Kumar, leading FICWSI, has been out and about in the fields even before day one of the lockdown, foreseeing the need to offer aid—connecting with his pool of networks across all industries, buying goods from gathered cash or collecting donations in kind; packing the items, and delivering them right away to various beneficiaries. So many forms of much needed help are given fast and efficiently. Soon the Covid-19-centered outreach program has been officially branded #filindihelpline, a play on words that can connote “Filipino Indian helpline” or “fill-in-the-help line.” “I believe in collaborations,” Kumar says, when asked what his secret was in enabling a proficient donation drive.

 

To date, Kumar’s NGO is as active as ever, never slowing down in its aids giving activities.

 

Follow FICWSI on www.facebook.com/FICWSI.

 

The Rotary Club president

2020 marks Kumar’s second year of being at the helm of Rotary Club of Makati Nielsen under District 3830, made official when he took the oath as the socio-civic organization’s perfect vision president for 2020 to 2021 on September 4, 2020. Kumar has been an active Rotarian for 13 years now.

 

Kumar’s leadership aims at focusing the organization’s efforts in addressing the needs of the “new normal.” Specifically, it’s to empower an individual or a group so that the latter may be able to go on with life with some sort of ease—a gentle shift from mere relief giving activities. “Collaborative efforts” is also the new pvp’s growing signature, which means through his network, he pulls together various forms of resources—tangibles like financials and products and intangibles such as logistics capability and beneficiary verification capability—for a faster and more efficient help-giving.

 

An important empowerment-geared program Kumar has started is Helpline On Wheels where persons with disability (PWDs) are granted wheelchairs, and workers, particularly front liners, are granted bicycles.

 

Follow Rotary Club of Makati Nielsen on www.facebook.com/RotaryClubOfMakatiNielsen.

 

The VACC general secretary

Kumar found comfort and confidence in the non-profit organization Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) following his brother’s violent death (VACC’s formed by members who’ve been victimized by heinous crimes). He joined the group in 2015 and became its secretary general. As general secretary, he would ensure the organizations’ meeting processes and records were in order, but he’s also one officer to be seen at the foreground all the time—supporting VACC president Arsenio “Boy” Evangelista in forwarding cases on behalf of the victims of corruption and violence.

 

The proactive citizen who abhors crimes

He may not be a Filipino by birth but Kumar’s love for the country and the Filipinos are as much as he loves his motherland and co-nationals, and his many life experiences have taught him one important lesson: help the oppressed, no matter what their race or status is, at all cost. These led to Kumar’s becoming director of the Anti-Trafficking OFW Movement (ATOM), and adoption by the PNPA Sandigan Class 1994 and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Batch 32-5 Knights.

 

Know more about Kumar on www.facebook.com/KumarManjinderJames.

NOVUHAIR Petite Conversations with Cory Quirino

Love yourself just a little bit better. Be more aware. Be more diligent in choosing products that you will embrace as part of your health and beauty care. That’s the first step. But how? 

NOVUHAIR®, nature’s answer to hair loss, partners with the country’s Health, Beauty & Wellness Icon Ms. Cory Quirino in spreading the brand’s advocacy campaign and reaching out to more Filipinos around the world in celebration of its 10th successful year in the market.

Look good, feel good! https://youtu.be/iZCOLcB9wBM

“With little acts of loving kindness towards the self, you can achieve the perfect 10,” she emphasizes. “In order to look good, you have to feel good. And in order to feel good, you’ve got to look good. Start with self-love. Begin with self-care. Start with your hair.”

“There are hair treatment products in the market today that claim to be effective but their ingredients could contain chemicals that may prove harmful with long-term use,” she enthuses. “Choose natural. You deserve more. Go for the PERFECT 10!” she emphasizes.

Read more: https://bit.ly/37pJcgb

Visit NOVUHAIR’s Facebook page @NovuhairOfficial and learn more practical ways on how to start loving yourself a little bit more - video episodes of Petite Conversations.

#NovuhairxCoryQ #Perfect10Novuhair #NovuhairCares

NOVUHAIR & Master Hanz:Attuned with Nature’s Energy!

Cliché as it may sound, life has to go on but be it not forgotten that we can’t continue ignoring our body’s natural rhythm. Our individual uniqueness has equipped us with varied energy set up. While others may need more sleep than the normal, some are designed with more sensitivity to asymmetries in daily routine. Ignoring our bodily-sent warning signals to slow down may cause health problems later on. 

Fortunately, the prowess of the universe works in different mysterious ways and more often than not, destiny is one of the words that the brain can essentially define. NOVUHAIR®, 2019 leading natural hair loss treatment (Euromonitor Passport Data October 2019), partnered with one of the country’s top Feng Shui Experts Master Hanz Cua. 

Backed up by 15 years of practice, Master Hanz is the 9th expert to join the brand’s roster of VIP Coaches this year, working closely with the NOVUHAIR® Team in spreading the brand’s advocacy campaign in celebration of its 10th successful year in the market. 

Dubbed as NOVUHAIR’s Feng Shui VIP Coach, Master Hanz supported the launch of its “10.10 NOVUHAIR® LUCKY DEALS” at Lazada which runs from October 10-18, 2020. Avail up to 20% discount on NOVUHAIR® products.  

Read more: https://bit.ly/3diTZtw

From Nurse to Entrepreneur: Trust and Confidence is the Secret to Success

Leo Ortiz, a registered nurse graduated Cum Laude, became a successful entrepreneur distributing FDA approved products such as slimming coffee, health juice, milk tea, chocolate drinks, skin rejuvenating set and a lot more in the pipeline. 

According to Leo, shifting career is not easy since in all his life, he thought that nursing was his path to success. His decision to be an entrepreneur is not easy either, specially if you are coming from a medical field, the training and mind setting is just so different. As entrepreneurs handle all parts of the business, while a medical field are more on specialization.

When Leo finished all his medical trainings, the hospital did not absorbed him so he ventured into Multi Level Marketing to make ends meet and to survive. Simultaneously, he would tirelessly sell multiple products for multiple markets to make sure that he can also help his family. 

As time goes by, profits from those businesses didn’t flourished, he made an observation that Filipinos likes to be healthy, wants fair and clear skin. He then decided to venture into health and beauty products even with high risk since many are already doing it. 

Fast forward to 3 years, Leo is not only a successful entrepreneur, but also an inspiration to many who fought the real battle away from unemployment and now a boss of his own company. His brands; Glutalipo and Beauty Vault are the talk of the town now with more than 500 thousands combined followers on Facebook. 

An influencer himself now with thousands of viewers every time he does a personal live video on Facebook, Leo now is focused on giving back to the community with lots of projects for those who are in need especially in this time of pandemic. According to him, “We can’t have this success without the trust to our products, since we abide in all government permits that’s required by the law, we are making sure that our products are FDA Approved so that our distributors and resellers are confident and because of this trust, we’re successful and we like to share the blessings not just for our distributors and resellers but also to those who are in need the most, frontliners and indigents.” 

To know more about the products; 

https://www.facebook.com/glutalipoofficial/

https://www.facebook.com/beautyvaultphilippines/

ORBITX, NOW PLAYING IN THE GLOBAL SPACE INDUSTRY; WILL BEOPEN FOR LAUNCH BOOKINGS

QUEZON CITY – Orbital Exploration Technologies, Inc. or known as OrbitX is now officially recognized globally as one of the players in the small satellite launch provider industry together with SpaceX. After being listed in NewSpace, featured in Careers in Space and being affiliated with Space4Impact, OrbitX is slowly raising the Philippine flag in the lucrative global commercial spaceflight stage.

According to OrbitX Founder and Chairman Dexter Baño, the vision of OrbitX is to become the most sustainable, most accessible and cheapest space launch provider in the world. “People are always saying that we must solve the issue of climate change and not spend billions in space but why not do both? At the end of the day, the real benefit of space is here on earth especially that we prone to calamities and we must improve our technological capabilities and that includes data gathering for combating climate change that can be possible only through space”, he said. Baño also said that OrbitX is the most confusing venture to be ever built considering that they have a vertical in clean technology especially waste to energy. “What we are doing here is to propel mankind’s future by solving climate, waste and energy concerns and space access. We have industries that cannot be powered by solar cells or batteries and that includes manufacturing, mining and space travel. We will achieve that but not that soon so we at OrbitX is already making sure that we are sustaining earth and accessing space especially that our technologies here can be used for both earth and space applications so why not do them at the same time?”

OrbitX is now done with the initial specifications and design of its Haribon 1 Space Launch System that can carry 200 kilograms of payload to orbit and will be powered by RP-2, a renewable form of rocket grade kerosene also known as RP-1. The company will be open to launch bookings for satellites very soon after they finalize their cost per launch. The team is also raising capital.

Support Local, Support OWTO, Your transpo Friendly App, Download Now!

 Its always good to know that Filipinos can come up with an app that can help us in our everyday need, one that is safe and fair too,  especially transportation thats really vital, since we are in a pandemic situation, where public transportation is very limited due to General  Community Quarantine implementation.

Now here's OwtoPhl, an app, for commuter's safe transpo need.

Visit here to download app  https://owtoph.com/

Their OwtoPhl page https://www.facebook.com/owtophl/ a platform wherein drivers/partners sent in their concerns and inquiries wishing for a swift response that will help sustain their livelihood in this time of Pandemic. It is a venue wherein we give jobs through announcements and that is also widely used for customer service to the riders, got blocked. Let us help them send an appeal to Facebook for it to be  restored

Phil-Asian Gaming Expo (PAGE) postponed until July 2021

 Manila 12 October 2020 The Phil-Asian Gaming Expo (PAGE) has made the difficult decision to postpone its upcoming exhibition, previously scheduled to take place in January 2021, until 29 to 31 July 2021.

The decision follows careful consideration by PAGE and its various stakeholders given ongoing disruptions to global travel routes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. PAGE places the health and safety of our visitors and exhibitors first and foremost.

While the dates of the exhibition have now changed to 29 to 31 July 2021, the venue remains the same with Manila’s SMX Convention Centre to host PAGE 2021 for all three days.

“The global COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses around the world to reconsider their short-term plans and make the adjustments needed to ensure the health and safety of their employees and customers,” said PAGE organizers.

“Due to such concerns regarding the impact of the virus on the health and safety of our attendees, presenters, exhibiting partners, PAGE staff and the community, we decided it was in the best interests of all to hold next year’s show at a later date.”

“Despite the change in schedule, we are still planning to host a memorable show in July 2021 that will allow participants to come together once again.”

First held in 2019, PAGE is a comprehensive trade show and conference for both the online and land-based Asian gaming industries, aiming to provide a one-stop center for learning, establishing new connections and discovering the latest products and solutions for individuals and businesses.

It features a trade show, conference streams, business social networking events and other business development activities aimed at providing support for companies across the entire supply chain in procuring new connections, new business and trending products and solutions to drive business opportunities.

In 2019 PAGE attracted more than 46,000 attendees over three days from all over the world, including almost 500 VIPs and targeted buyers.

To book your place and if any questions about PAGE event, please  contact inquiry@phil-asiangamingexpo.com.

Updated information on PAGE can be found on the PAGE Website at www.phil-asiangamingexpo.com/

Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines Hosts Special 3-Day Virtual Summit Focusing on EVs As The New Normal

On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (eVAP), the voice of the electric vehicle industry is hosting a special three (3)-day Philippine Electric Vehicle Virtual Summit (PEVVS) with the theme: “MOVING FORWARD TO AN ELECTRIFIED MOBILITY IN THE NEW NORMAL”.

The PEVVS will run from today, September 24 until September 26, 2020 focusing on electric vehicle adoption and the challenges and opportunities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic on both the supply and demand side of the EV market. eVAP has partnered with Olern, a leading training and consulting company specializing in eLearning platforms, in staging the event.

“This event is made possible through the support of our key partners Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation and Nissan Philippines Inc. as well as PMFTC Unsmoke, Department of Transportation, United Nations Development Programme, Department of Energy, and eSakay. eVAP is also celebrating a decade of partnership with Manila Electric Company (Meralco) since the staging of the first Philippine EV Summit inside the Meralco compound in 2010,” eVAP president Edmund Araga said.

“This year is very special because we have the most number of government leaders joining our event. No less than Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi and Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade will address our participants. Energy Committee Chairperson Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian will be delivering the Keynote Message. Leaders of EV Associations from Europe and United States will be joining their Asian counterparts from China, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand in the conversation on promoting electric vehicles in the new normal,” Mr. Araga emphasized.

Mr. Araga unveiled this year’s line-up of highly relevant virtual sessions.

• 2020 Long-Term Electric Vehicle Outlook

• Developing Public Charging Infrastructure in Response to the New Normal

• Challenges to EV Charging in Southeast Asia

• Recovery, Reopening and Role of EVs under the New Normal

• Policy Measures to See More EVs on the Ground Post Pandemic

• Promotion of Low Carbon Urban Transport in the Philippines

• Policy Dialogue with LTO: Revisiting EV Guidelines

The PEVVS brings together stakeholders across the EV value chain as well as policymakers, regulators, academe, consultants, transport companies, utilities and end users to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure. It also provides an online platform to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the area of electrified mobility.

“As we recover safely from Covid-19 and gradually reopen our businesses along the way, the pandemic is shedding light on questions and concerns about road infrastructure, urban transport, and mobility in general. Our collective over-dependence on fossil fuels has been a major challenge to carving out more public policy space for transportation options and ultimately to improving and cleaning up our urban air. But now, as we have all been forced to change our behaviors so radically, we have a distinctive opportunity to adopt new behaviors as we slowly get back to what will hopefully be a better normal”, Meralco Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond Ravelo said.

“Instead of writing off this year and postponing the summit due to the pandemic, we decided to push forward and continue the conversation on electrified mobility with industry stakeholders, policy makers, regulators, the academe, and consumers so we can collectively shape our better normal,” Mr. Ravelo added.

DepEd, partners launch RADaR app to ensure learning continuity after disasters

The Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with Save the Children Philippines and Prudence Foundation, launched the Rapid Assessment of Damages Report (RADaR) mobile and web applications nationwide last September 22 and 24 to ensure immediate response interventions and learning continuity in the event of disasters and other emergencies.

Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, DepEd had been working on enhancing the safety for all learners and DepEd personnel through the development of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Information System (DRRMIS).

“The RADaR mobile and web applications will support our regional, division, and school-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Coordinators in reporting and rapidly assessing the impacts of disasters,” said Undersecretary for Administration Alain del B. Pascua.

Usec. Pascua also noted that the reports from the RADaR app will provide estimates of the damages caused by disasters and will serve as the basis for response interventions to these schools.

Save the Children Philippines Chief Executive Officer Atty. Alberto Muyot emphasized that the mobile and web application will be vital in ensuring the safety of learners and personnel once the safe resumption of face-to-face classes will be allowed.

“Children will bear the greatest impact if a disaster takes place in a school environment, and we must guarantee their safety during emergencies while they are away from their parents and guardians,” said Atty. Muyot.

According to the Department’s partner organizations, the accurate and timely data provided by the RADaR app will be vital in ensuring a strategic flow of information for response and life-saving decisions and actions by schools, communities, local governments, and concerned national organizations.

“Working hand in hand with the Philippine government, we are improving national systems for risk assessment, guidance, planning and reporting to support schools to build safe facilities, put appropriate emergency procedures in place, and to recover quickly when disasters take place,” said Marc Fancy, Executive Director of Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of PruLife UK’s parent company Prudential.

Due to its vulnerability to typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and droughts, the Philippines ranks ninth among the most disaster-prone countries worldwide according to the 2019 World Risk Index.

The RADaR app is one part of the DRRMIS, being established within the DepEd through the Education Safe from Disasters Project, which aims to improve the knowledge and capacity of education personnel and learners on safety from disasters. It will include other applications and tools, such as the Comprehensive School Safety (CSS) Monitoring Application and the School Watching App (SWApp), that will be pilot tested in selected schools across 20 divisions of Region III the upcoming school year. The expansion of the project may transform disaster risk reduction systems in the Philippines and beyond, helping many more children stay safe in emergencies.

Embassy of Singapore, Korea and Malaysia for Asia Leaders Awards 2020

Asia Leaders Awards 2020 according to the organisers must be bigger and bolder since in these trying times, we still need to acknowledge the leaders who are shining more brightly to be emulated and to inspire others. 

The ambassadors from Singapore, Korea and Malaysia are part of the awards committees and  already selected their awardees. Ambassador Dong Man Han of Korea are always in full support as he was with Asia Leaders Awards 2019 also. 

Ambassador Gerard Ho of Singapore and Ambassador Norman Muhamad of Malaysia joins the credible awards commitee for the first time though the former Malaysian Ambassador Rizany Irwan was part of the committee last year. 

This years award ceremony will be in two venues;  November 20, 2020 at Makati Shangrila and November 23, 2020 at Embassy of Singapore in the Philippines and streamed live on the Asia Leaders Awards Facebook page and in 30 more accounts of the partner organisations.

Asia Leaders Awards main objective is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub and destination in Asia, is one of the largest and respected award event in the Philippines with awardees from Asia Pacific. Mission is to acknowledge those leaders who inspire others to do better and be the best in their industry.

Awards committee members come from different embassies, organisations and repected industry leaders. To know more about Asia Leaders Awards, please visit our Facebook page and website 

www.asialeadersawards.asia.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña Opisyal na Pahayag ukol sa Vaccine Clinical Trials

Magandang araw po sa ating lahat. Ito ay may kaugnayan sa mga katanungang patungkol sa COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. Bago po ang lahat, muli po naming nililinaw sa publiko na ang pangunahing layunin ng DOST, sa gitna ng pagsisikap na magbigay ng solusyon sa COVID-19 gamit ang siyensya, ay protektahan ang kaligtasan ng mga Pilipino laban sa sakit na ito.

Patungkol sa usaping bakuna at clinical trials, nais ko pong bigyang diin na bago pa man maaprubahan ang anumang clinical trial sa Pilipinas, ito ay dadaan sa mabusising pag-aaral upang siguruhin na ang bakunang gagamitin sa trials ay nakapagpakita na ng ebidensya na ito ay ligtas at mabisa sa mga naunang bahagi ng human clinical trials, o ating tinatawag na Phase I at Phase II clinical trials.

Sino ang pangunahing tututok sa Vaccine Clinical Trials na gaganapin sa Pilipinas? 

Matatandaang noong ika-22 ng Mayo 2020, binuo ang Sub-Technical Working Group (Sub-TWG) on COVID-19 Vaccine Development sa pamamagitan ng IATF Resolution No. 39. Ang Sub-TWG on COVID-19 Vaccine Development ay pinangungunahan ng Department of Science and Technology (DOST) kasama ang mga sumusunod na ahensiya: Department of Health (DOH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at National Development Company (NDC).

Tungkulin ng ating Sub-TWG na:

Pag-aralan ang mga rekomendasyon ng Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) na binuo ng DOST para suriin ang clinical trials ng iba’t ibang COVID-19 vaccine candidates na maaaring isagawa sa bansa, at tukuyin ang mga rekomendasyon na maaaring isakatuparan o italaga ng IATF for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Siguraduhing makabubuti para sa Pilipinas ang mga papasukin nitong pakikipag-ugnayan at tiyakin na magpapahintulot ng lokal na pagmamanufacture ng bakuna para sa COVID-19 sa pamamagitan ng pagtatakda ng mga pamantayan. 

Pag-aralan at siguraduhin ang maayos at mabilis na pagproseso ng mga requirements para sa pagsasagawa ng clinical trials ng iba’t ibang COVID-19 vaccine candidates sa bansa. 

Pangasiwaan ang pakikipagtulungan sa ibang bansa, at ang lahat ng clinical trials na maaaprubahang isagawa sa bansa.

Ano ang plano ng Sub-TWG para sa nalalapit na pagsasagawa ng vaccine clinical trial sa bansa?

Isa sa hakbangin gagawin sa paghanap ng bakuna laban sa COVID-19 ay ang paglahok sa WHO Solidarity Vaccine Trials. Ito po ay pangungunahan ng Philippine General Hospital. Sa kasalukuyan, nakapili ng labindalawang ospital sa NCR, Cavite, Cebu City, at Davao City para maging trial sites. Upang siguraduhin ang kaligtasan ng lahat ng bakuna na gagamitin sa isasagawang WHO ST, ang DOST ay bubuo ng Data and Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC).

Bukod sa WHO Solidarity Vaccine Trials, patuloy rin ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng Sub-TWG sa mga bilateral partners na interesadong magsagawa ng clinical trials sa bansa. Sa kasalukuyan, mayroon ng anim na pharmaceutical companies ang pumirma ng Confidentiality Data Agreement (CDA) na pahihintulutan ang ating VEP na mapag-aralan ang resulta ng kanilang Phase I at II clinical trials. Tatlo rito ay mula sa China: (Sinovac, Sinopharm, and Anhui Zhifei); isa ang mula sa Russia (Gamaleya); isa mula sa Australia (University of Queensland, CSL, and Seqirus); at isa rin mula sa Chinese Taipei (Adimmune Corporation).

Gayunpaman, kinakailangan pa ring magsumite ng kumpletong requirements ang mga kumpanyang ito sa Sub-TWG upang mapag-aralan at masigurado ang kaligtasan ng mga taong maaaring lumahok sa clinical trials.  

Noong ika-3 ng Setyembre, inaprubahan rin ng IATF ang resolution No. 68 o ang Zoning Guidelines para sa COVID-19 Vaccine clinical trials. Upang masiguro na ang implementasyon ng clinical trials ay ayon sa pamantayang ito, magkakaroon ng kasunduan o Memorandum of Agreement  sa pagitan ng DOST at ng DILG. Layunin ng MOA na ito na siguruhin ang partisipasyon ng local government units (LGUs) sa implementasyon ng maayos at sistematikong clinical trials sa iba’t ibang lugar sa bansa, partikular na sa Metro Manila. 

Totoo ba na magkakaiba ang pahayag ng DOST, DOH, at FDA ukol sa vaccine clinical trials?

Upang maiwasan ang pagkalito ng publiko, ang mga ahensyang nabanggit, ang DOST, DOH at FDA, bilang miyembro ng Sub-TWG on Vaccine Development, ay may kani-kaniyang tungkulin at mandato para masiguro na ligtas at sumusunod sa pamantayan ang pagsasagawa ng clinical trials sa bansa. 

Ang DOST, DOH, at FDA, bagama’t may kanya-kanyang adhikaing makahanap ng bakuna laban sa COVID19, ay aktibong nagpupulong-pulong upang pag-usapan at ayusin ang plano hinggil sa vaccine trials.

Ang DOST at DOH ay patuloy na nagbibigay ng mga pahayag ukol sa mga nakatakdang clinical trials na gaganapin sa bansa, at palagi pa ring nagpapaalala na papayagan lamang isagawa ang mga clinical trials sa bansa kapag aprubado na ito ng FDA. Kaya’t mapapansin ninyo na hanggang sa ngayon ay wala pang kahit anong clinical trial na sinisimulang gawin sa bansa sapagkat ang FDA, ay wala pang anumang aplikasyon na inaapbrubahan sa kadahilanang patuloy pa rin sinusuri ang mga aplikasyon na isinumite.

Muli ay ipinaalam sa publiko na lahat ng hakbang na ginagawa ng DOST patungkol sa vaccine clinical trials ay alinsunod sa FDA guidelines. Patuloy pa rin ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng DOST sa FDA, ukol sa requirements at mga hakbang na kinakailangang sundin ng international partners bago makapagsagawa ng vaccine trials sa bansa. 

Ano ang malinaw na responsibilidad ng bawat ahensya sa nalalapit na clinical trials?

Bagamat marami na ang multilateral at bilateral partners na nakakausap ng DOST, lahat ng COVID-19 vaccine clinical application ay susunod sa proseso na inaprubahan ng Sub-TWG for Vaccine Development, kung saan kinakailangan ipasa sa Sub-TWG ang intensiyon para magsagawa ng clinical trial at ang kaukulang requirements, matapos nito ay irereview ng Vaccine Expert Panel at Ethics Review Comittees   at sa  panghuli  ng FDA na sya ding gagawad ng desisyon kung papayagang isagawa ang clinical trial: 

DOST - Ang DOST ang tumatayong Chair ng Sub-TWG for Vaccine Development. Dahil nasa mandato din ng ahensya ang mga mga usapin ukol sa research, DOST din ang pangunahing ahensya, katuwang ang DFA, na nakikipag-ugnayan ukol sa bilateral partnerships na may kinalaman sa clinical trials. Nakikipag-usap din ang DOST sa mga lokal na pharmaceutical companies upang hikayatin silang mag-manufacture ng Covid-19 vaccines sa pamamagitan ng partnership sa mga foreign vaccine developers.

DOH - Ang DOH ay vice-chair ng Sub-TWG for Vaccine Development. Sa kabuaang aspeto ng health research, mag co-member ang DOH at DOST sa tinatawag na Philippine National Health Research System na itinalaga sa pamamagitan ng RA 10532 na may oversight sa direksyon ng health research sa bansa. Dahil dito, magkatuwang ang DOH at DOST sa mga bagay na may kinalaman sa clinical trials. Nasa ilalim din ng pangangasiwa ng DOH ang ilang mga ospital na maaring pagganapan ng trials at mga opisina na maaring may papel sa tinatawag na operational at logistics management ng clinical trials.  

FDA - Ang Philippine FDA ay ang ahensya na nangunguna sa pagsusuri at pagaapruba ng aplikasyon ng pagsasagawa ng mga Clinical Trials sa bansa. Bilang isang regulatory agency, ang FDA rin ang pangunahing susubaybay o magmomonitor sa pagsasagawa ng mga clinical trial na kanilang bibigyan ng approval. May clinical trial man o wala na gagawin sa Pilipinas, ang FDA pa rin ang mangangasiwa sa mga aplikasyon ng mga kumpanya na nais magrehistro ng bakuna sa ating bansa para maibenta. 

Ano ang pahayag ng DOST  sa mga nauulat na COVID-19 vaccines sa black market? 

Muli’t muli pong pinaaalalahanan ang publiko na wala pang aprubadong bakuna laban sa COVID-19. Bagamat ang DOST ay nakikipag-ugnayan sa iba’t-ibang bilateral partners sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagkasundo na makita ang datos ng pag-aaral sa kanilang dinidevelop na bakuna, ang paglagda sa Confidentiality Data Agreement o CDA, ay hindi  nangangahulugan ng pagpayag o pagbibigay ng pahintulot na bumili sa anumang bakunang ilalabas o ipagbibili sa publiko ng hindi ito matagumpay na dumaan sa Phase III clinical trial sa Pilipinas at naaprubahan na ng FDA.

Ang DOST, kasama ang Sub-TWG on Vaccine Development, ay patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan sa DOH at FDA upang makatulong sa paghahanap ng bakuna laban sa COVID-19. Sa tulong ng Sub-TWG, sinisigurado ng DOST na lahat nang clinical trials na isasagawa sa bansa ay daraan sa tamang proseso at masusing pag-aaral upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng lahat ng lalahok rito. 

Pinaaalala sa publiko, para sa kaligtasan ng lahat, na ipaalam sa mga kinauukulan gaya ng Philippine FDA, Philippine National Police o National Bureau of Investigation kung may mapag-alamang impormasyon ukol sa mga napapabalitang kontrabandong bakuna na ipinagbibili. 

Para sa tunay at tamang balita, pinapayuhan po ang lahat na sumangguni lamang sa mga mapagkakatiwalaang mapagkukuhanan ng impormasyon. Lahat ng kaalaman tungkol sa COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trials ay maaaring mabasa sa website ng DOST-PCHRD, DOH at sa https://covid19.gov.ph/. Maaari din po kayong mag-email sa covid19vaccinetrialsph@gmail.com.

Bounty Agro Captain: Ang Manok Ng Bayan at Asia Leaders Awards

Chooks2Go and Bounty Fresh might be the brand that’s very popular these days. Imagine Lea Salonga as brand ambassador and those stars in the hard court as endorsers not to mention Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso smiling in the camera with the roasted chicken on hand, side by side with the brains of this successful company. 

Everything  started by this man who accepted to be the President and General Manager many years ago, Ronald Daniel Mascariñas establishes now the leading poultry company and distribution in the Philippines, Bounty Agro Venture Incorporated (BAVI), the holding company of the brands; Bounty Fresh, Chooks2Go, Uling Roasters, Reyal and Adobo Connection. 

Last year, he accepted the Mentor of the year award at Makati Shangrila Hotel under Asia Leaders Awards 2019 and for this year, he is one of the finalists under Man of the Year together with 4 leading Mayors who are making a difference right now with the Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion, Kevin Tan of Alliance Global Group which is the holding company of Megaworld and 3M Philippines General Manager Reggie Pulumbarit.   

Man of the Year is an award given to an individual by any type of organization. He is making a difference especially during this Pandemic helping out not just the organisation he belongs to but also helping out the indigents and Frontliners via the company he is with. The company or organisation he belongs to is making a significant impact in the lives of those who are in need. 

This years award ceremony will be on November 20, 2020 at Makati Shangrila. And streamed live on the Asia Leaders Awards Facebook page and in 30 more accounts of partner organisations.

Asia Leaders Awards main objective is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub and destination in Asia, is one of the largest and respected award event in the Philippines with awardees from Asia Pacific. Mission is to acknowledge those leaders who inspire others to do better and be the best in their industry.

Awards committee members come from different embassies, organisations and repected industry leaders. To know more about Asia Leaders Awards, please visit our Facebook page and website 

www.asialeadersawards.asia.

MOBILE NETWORK OPERATORS TO HIRE AND RESKILL 1,000 PROFESSIONALS IN 5G

Singapore, 29 September 2020 – The Infocomm Media Development Authority ("IMDA") has partnered with Singapore's Mobile Network Operators ("MNOs") to hire and reskill 1,000 professionals to support Singapore's 5G rollout. Of these, 30% are new roles, while the remaining are telecom professionals who will be upskilled in the areas of 5G network, cyber security and solution engineering to futureproof their jobs. The demand for 5G professionals is expected to grow as Singapore's 5G rollout gathers momentum and more enterprises participate in the ecosystem.

Mr Lew Chuen Hong, Chief Executive, IMDA, said, "Talent development is the next critical phase of our investment in 5G. This effort extends Singapore's momentum in 5G following our investment in building infrastructure capabilities. We have worked with the local MNOs to unlock the potential of 5G for these 1,000 professionals and will continue to do so to create good jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans. At the same time, to ensure we have a strong pipeline of 5G talent who are skilled and ready, IMDA is leading efforts to appoint credible training partners to develop 5G skills across the ecosystem. The first wave of training will begin at the end of 2020 with the MNOs' 5G professionals."

Under the TechSkills Accelerator initiative, IMDA has set up 5G Workforce Transformation Committees ("WTCs") with the MNOs to oversee the planning and development of their 5G workforce capabilities. In addition, IMDA will be appointing a consortium comprising National University of Singapore ("NUS") and Singapore Polytechnic ("SP") as the 5G and Telecoms Programme Manager ("PM"). They will be a strategic partner to aggregate hiring and training requirements from the WTCs and the wider 5G ecosystem players, so as to co-develop quality training to meet demand, and enable Singaporeans to take on 5G jobs. The plan is to work with the industry and equip a total of 5,000 professionals over the next 3 years to develop a strong, 5G skilled workforce.

About Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore's digital transformation with infocomm media. This is in line with IMDA's sectoral transformation efforts to use technology to drive productivity and innovation, unlock new opportunities and fuel growth in the digital economy, both locally and internationally. To do this, IMDA will develop a dynamic digital economy and a cohesive digital society, driven by an exceptional infocomm media (ICM) ecosystem – by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICM infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment, and enhances Singapore's data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission.

Visit here: https://www.imda.gov.sg/

A beautiful story: Beauche International for Asia Leaders Awards 2020

When we’re talking about the pioneer in beauty products manufacturing and distribution in the Philippines that targeted the mass population, you’ll think about Beauche International headed by its Founder, President and CEO, Conchita “Che”Toribio De Los Reyes. 

For 14 years, Beauche International already has footprints globally and counting more in the coming years. Neither a chemist nor a pharmacist, Che developed her formula based on a generic formulation, and then partnered with a toll manufacturer for the soap’s production. Her formula turned out to be so good and effective, and now, Beauche International offers not just soaps but a variety of beauty products. 

Hailed in Bohol but with residence in Cavite, Mommy Che or Madam Che to her distributors and resellers was also a former Mayor with an inspiring story in tow. From living in a squatter area to owning luxury cars, a sprawling estate plus about two dozen prime properties and an international business, Ms.Conchita Toribio, Che to family and friends, shares the secrets behind her success which started with a dream and a beauty soap.

Madam Che now is one of the finalists under Asia Leaders Awards. An inspiration to many, from grassroots selling, Beauché products are now sold in almost 200 company-owned and over 300 distributor-owned branches nationwide.

This years award ceremony will be on November 20, 2020 at Makati Shangrila. And streamed live on the Asia Leaders Awards Facebook page and in 30 more accounts of partner organisations.

Asia Leaders Awards main objective is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub and destination in Asia, is one of the largest and respected award event in the Philippines with awardees from Asia Pacific. Mission is to acknowledge those leaders who inspire others to do better and be the best in their industry.

Awards committee members come from different embassies, organisations and repected industry leaders. To know more about Asia Leaders Awards, please visit our Facebook page and website 

www.asialeadersawards.asia.

The young and mighty Mayor Dino Reyes Chua for Asia Leaders Awards 2020

Noveleta—A former barrio in Kawit, Cavite, this municipality was the home of so many Philippine heroes and martyrs during the Spanish era. Stories mentioned that the revolution against the Spanish colonialism produced five brave and able military generals and tacticians from Noveleta in the persons of Gen. Mariano Alvarez with his son Gen. Santiago Alvarez and Gen. Mariano's cousin Gen. Pascual Alvarez and Gen. Luciano San Miguel. He was the Last President of the Philippine Revolutionary Government after the capture of General Mariano Trias, the first Vice President of the Philippines and General Miguel Malvar of Batangas. Another hero is Gen. Ariston Villanueva who together with Gen. Santiago Alvarez emerged as the hero of the Battle of Calero.

For this generation, another young and brave public servant is rising. Already a successful businessman (He is the president of Skyjet Airlines,  owner of El Palacio Resort in Coastal Bay, Noveleta, Cavite, owner of One Greenbelt Hotel in Ayala Center, Makati City and president of World Trade Hotels international6, the incumbent Mayor, Dino Reyes Chua is the epitome of success. 

Now nominated for Man of the year under Asia Leaders Awards, Mayor Dino Reyes Chua is not stopping to help his constituents in his hometown of Noveleta especially during this Covid 19 pandemic. 

His presence for his community is unbelievable as his heart really is to help his community which started at an early age. The trust of his peers to this young public servant proves when he became the youngest Vice Mayor of Cavite City at the age of 23. In 2010, he also served as No. 1 Provincial Board Member representing the 1st Congressional District of Cavite (Cavite City, Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario). He also became one of the youngest majority leaders of Cavite Province at the age of 29. He often assumes the position of Acting Vice Governor whenever the Governor or Vice Governor is on-leave. In 2016, he became the youngest elected Mayor of Noveleta, Cavite at the age of 35.

Mayor Dino Reyes Chua proves that age is but a number only if one really is into helping and sharing the blessings. Everyone can do it as long as with focus, authentic with a heart and with a vision for the betterment of his own organisations and community. 

Awarding ceremony will be on November 20, 2020 and live streaming in the Asia Leaders Awards Facebook page and in 30 more accounts of the partner organisations to reach more audience. 

Asia Leaders Awards for years with the main objective to promote the Philippines as the business hub and destination in Asia is one of the largest and respected award giving body from the Philippines with awardees from all around Asia Pacific. Mission is to acknowledge these leaders so that they can inspire others more to do better, to help others and be the best in their industries and communities. 

Awards committees came from different organisations such as embassies, high government officers and senior leaders from different associations. To know more about ALA, visit here:

www.asialeadersawards.asia.

3M Asia Pacific joins Asia Leaders Awards 2020

In this pandemic, the one that stands tall for the need of their products is no other than, 3M— with  corporate operations in 70 countries and sales in 200, 3M is  committed to creating the technology and products that advance every company, enhance every home and improve every life

According to their website; 

“During this global crisis, demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) continues to far exceed supply for the entire industry. We continue working with governments, health agencies, distributors and others to prioritize supplies to the most critical customer and public health needs.

We are grateful for the work 3Mers are doing to support the public health response and are taking actions to help protect and support them, including offering remote work when possible and providing robust safety protocols in our facilities. The safety of our employees and the public, including health care workers and first responders fighting COVID-19, is our highest priority.”

Reggie Pulumbarit, Country Business Leader of 3M will be joining Asia Leaders Awards (ALA2020) as 3M is one of the finalists under Company of the year. This is the first time that 3M has been nominated at ALA2020 that will makes the event more successful. Highly credible with international platforms and respective companies confirmed too with the roster of organisations supporting and as partners of the event such as Embassy of Singapore, Embassy of Korea, Embassy of Malaysia, American Association of the Philippines, Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Department of Trade and Industries and Philippine Korean Council among others. 

Awarding ceremony will be on November 20, 2020 and live streaming in the Asia Leaders Awards Facebook page and in 30 more accounts of the partner organisations to reach more audience. 

Asia Leaders Awards for years with the main objective to promote the Philippines as the business hub and destination in Asia is one of the largest and respected award giving body from the Philippines with awardees from Asia Pacific. Mission is to acknowledge these leaders so that they can inspire others more to do better, to help others and be the best in their industries. 

Awards committees came from different organisations such as embassies, high government officers and senior leaders from different associations. To know more about ALA, please visit www.asialeadersawards.asia.

Asia Leaders Awards 2020 this November

Are you excited to know the awardees of the “ASIA LEADERS AWARDS: Real Leaders are shining more in this Pandemic?”

Then tune in to awarding ceremonies on 11-20-20, streaming live via Asia Leaders Awards Facebook Page and in the 30 more accounts under Asia Leaders Awards partners. 

Quick message from one of the awards committee, the grandson of our former President of the Philippines Jose P. Laurel. Let’s all welcome, Robert Laurel Yupangco of Yupangco Group of Companies and Vice President of Philippine Korean Association. 

“In this crisis we have right now, real leaders are shining more. They are still here to help their own organisations and at the same time sharing their blessings to the indigents and Frontliners. These are the real leaders.” 

#AsiaLeadersAwards #ALA2020

An Award Winning Young Entrepreneur, Architect and Restaurant Owner for Green Architecture

To make a difference, one must have the passion and determination to not just achieve business goals, but also contribute to society through service that influences the lives of those around. This is what drove Architect Kaydee Velasco, CEO of Vi Group of Companies, to grow a family that serves and helps.

The Vi Group of Companies consists of subsidiaries that share the mission and vision of envisioning a world of innovation through the creation of a sustainable and resilient business ecosystem that goes beyond its own interests. The Group aims to empower the future through its world-class endeavors and corporate social responsibility.

This 2020, Velasco placed prime importance in contributing and supporting the cause for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the frontliners. Donation drives and other efforts are done by the Group to aid those in need. The Group also aligned early during the quarantine their goals and strategies to keep its employees motivated and on track. Budget reallocation was also done to support employees as well as more CSR projects. “This pandemic has hit the industries, more so families and individuals within and outside companies. This is an opportunity for us to rise up to what’s happening and help each other out in any way that we can. No effort is too small to alleviate the lives of others at this time.”

Velasco also continues to do start-up company support through mentorship, collaborations with SMEs, and utilization and promotion of local products. The Group also collaborates with foundations and schools for donation drives.

 

“Through our efforts, we want to inspire others – not just the leaders. It’s a collective effort among us Filipinos. It is our responsibility to look out for one another, as a nation,” added Velasco.

Velasco likewise encourages everyone, through her projects, to be involved in the creation and support of various Sustainability programs and developments that would benefit the economy and environment. Throughout the years, her efforts and work earned her numerous awards including the prestigious “Young CEO Awards from the Asia Leaders Awards.