by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 5, 2023 | Book Reviews
If you are looking for a story with a unique perspective, you should check out The Alpha’s Pen Pal by Allie Carstens, which tells the story of Wesley and Haven, who first meet via correspondence.
Wesley is 12 years old and his teacher tasked the class to write a letter to a pen pal (who is initially unassigned) in a class taught by her sister in a different state. He is the Alpha’s son and has 3 best friends, which includes his younger brother. Haven is 9 years old and an orphan.
Unlike Wesley, she has no friends and no stable home life as she has been moved from foster home to foster home since she was a baby. Despite their rocky start, over the next several months their friendship grew to the point where they both awaited each other’s reply letter with anticipation. And just as everything seems to be working out perfectly, something terrible happens that quickly changes the tenor of their lives.
Just my personal opinion … this story is SOOOOO GOOOOD! I’m on an emotional roller coaster and hanging on to the bars tightly! It starts off with me going “Aww, how cute!” then segues to me crying buckets. I’ve caught up to the latest chapter and now I’m in the giddy and kicking up my heels phase, or as we say in Filipino … nakakakilig!
I don’t want to give away too many details about the story but trust me, you won’t regret reading The Alpha’s Pen Pal by Allie Carstens. I am reading this on Goodnovel while my sister is reading it on Dreame. Both reading apps have free chapters for you to read so that you can decide for yourself if you want to keep on reading. Personally, I think you would want to keep reading.
I’m hoping that someday soon this beautiful story makes it to Kindle and paperback.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 4, 2023 | Business
The Jollibee Group continues to celebrate women by fostering an encouraging work environment that allows its female employees around the world to grow and develop.
The Jollibee Group was the only Philippine-based company to make Forbes’ inaugural list of the World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies in 2021, demonstrating its dedication to supporting and developing women to their full potential. In the Philippines, women make up the majority of Jollibee Group’s management positions.
As a testament to Jollibee Group’s unwavering support for women, several female employees have risen through the ranks and now leading their respective functions like Cynthia Castro.
Cynthia Castro (seated on the chair, middle) rose from being an entry-level accountant to now Vice President and Finance Head for Jollibee Group’s Philippine Business. With her in the photo is the Jollibee Philippines Finance Team, which she concurrently heads.
Castro began working for Jollibee in 1987 as an accountant. She was promoted to accounting supervisor for the company’s commissary and later to accounting manager for the company’s new businesses. Castro was the finance head of Jollibee Philippines’ Northern Luzon unit before being promoted to the position of Vice President and Finance Head.
“I can sum up my professional journey in two words: gratitude and pride,” she said. “Gratitude because they hired me as a fresh graduate in 1987 and saw my potential to grow in the company, and pride because I work for one of the World’s Best Employers and work with the best leaders in the industry. All of this motivated me to do more, be more, and become more.”
In 2022, Castro was among the finalists for the WeQual Awards, which recognizes female leaders in business. She was the sole Filipina cited in the Award’s Asia-Pacific Finance Category.
Thriving in a male-dominated profession
Yoly Chua thrives as a leader in a traditionally male-dominated field: information technology. She is the Vice President and Head of Business Technology for Jollibee Group’s business in the Philippines, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia (EMEAA).
Yoly Chua (seated in the middle) posted this photo on her LinkedIn account celebrating all the women who work with her in Jollibee Group’s Business Technology (BT) Division, where she is now Vice President and Head for Philippines and EMEAA Regions.
Chua was hired in 2016 to help stabilize SAP in the company and led the Information Management Enterprise Business Solutions team. After two years, she was promoted to Information Technology (IT) Head for the Philippine Region. In 2021, Chua was given the task of overseeing and governing EMEAA’s Business Technology function.
“I appreciate the growth opportunities I’ve had in my more than 6 years stay with the company. The values of the people I work with–their unwavering malasakit for the company, the trust of the management and our teams, and the stewardship of doing what is best for the company inspire me to work harder and continue doing better,” she said.
Chua strongly believes women can shine in any industry or position given the right opportunity. “Women are empathetic and good listeners. Our instinct to protect, care and support our people makes leading effectively easier,” she said.
Driving culture and engagement
Ruth Angeles began her career with the Jollibee Group as a human resources manager for Jollibee Worldwide Services. She later became the HR head for the company’s Red Ribbon and Jollibee business units.
Ruth Angeles (seated, 3rd from the left, front row) is shown with some members of the HR Team in one of their quarterly teaming activities. Ruth is now Vice President and leads the Regional HR Team in the Philippines.
Already in her 17th year with the company, Angeles is now Vice President, leading the Regional HR Team in the Philippines. She is concurrently the head of the Global Organization, Leadership, and Culture Team.
Aside from driving culture and engagement in the company, Ruth has also been instrumental in enabling the successful pivot of the HR function and was key in the organization’s transformation, resulting in a much stronger and more resilient workforce post-pandemic. She has likewise been vital in developing and building leaders in boosting organizational capabilities.
“JFC has been helpful in my development as a people manager and HR leader. The company’s devotion to providing career advancement opportunities and inclusive leadership training allows women leaders and employees to excel in their development,” she said.
Castro, Chua, and Angeles are part of a thriving community of female leaders in the Jollibee Group who are helping drive the company’s mission and its journey toward its vision of becoming one of the top five restaurant companies in the world.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 3, 2023 | Food & Beverage
MANILA, April 28, 2023 – Jack Daniel’s® and Coca-Cola are launching Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola alcoholic ready-to-drink (aRTD) in the Philippines. Made with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Coca-Cola, Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola aRTD premium cocktail is inspired by one of the most popular bar cocktails around the world.
Last year, Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola announced that they would be teaming up to provide adults in markets around the world with this new drink option to enjoy. The Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola pre-mixed cocktail is inspired by one of the world’s most popular branded “bar calls” – a cocktail ordered with specific brand names – in a convenient, ready-to-drink format. The premium cocktail from these two iconic brands is now hitting shelves nationwide in the Philippines.
“We are excited that Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola ready-to-drink cocktail is expanding to new markets, including the Philippines, allowing more fans of the classic cocktail to enjoy the taste that set the standard for bar calls around the world,” said Sally Goh, General Manager, Emerging Asia, Brown-Forman. “It’s incredibly special to share the product of this joint effort with Filipinos.”
Cheers to #jackandcoke
“While Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola have long been mixed at home and in bars around the world, today we’re officially introducing to the Philippines a premium drink that unites two iconic brands in a ready-to-drink cocktail blend with so many perks, including its can,” said Cesar Gangoso, Frontline Marketing Director, Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific East Region. “Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola aRTD is truly the beginning of something big.”
The packaging boldly integrates iconic qualities of both brands – the red Coca-Cola logo written in its classic Spencerian script coupled with the bold, black Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 design – emphasizing that the Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola aRTD is born ready to be the best because of its quality ingredients.
The can and packaging, which feature two of the world’s most recognizable and valuable trademarks in “Coca-Cola” and “Jack Daniel’s”, will include clear responsibility symbols stating that the beverage is to be enjoyed responsibly and only by consumers of legal drinking age. All marketing of the Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola aRTD product will adhere to alcohol-responsible marketing policies and practices held by Brown-Forman and The Coca-Cola Company.
Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola, available in 320 mL slim cans with an alcohol level of 7%, are now hitting shelves nationwide in the Philippines. The premium cocktail drink may also be ordered online soon via Boozy.ph, CokeBeverages.ph, Shopee, and Lazada as long as you are 18 years old and above.
Jack Daniel’s was established in 1866 in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The Coca-Cola brand was established in 1886 in Atlanta.
To know more, follow the Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola official Facebook page or visit http://www.coca-cola.com.ph.
About Jack Daniel’s
Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select, and Jack Daniel’s RTDs. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.
About Coca-Cola Philippines
Coca-Cola has been refreshing Filipinos for 109 years. The Philippines was Coca-Cola’s first market in Asia to begin local bottling operations. Today, the Coca-Cola system in the Philippines has evolved into a total beverage company, offering a diverse portfolio of beverage brands and employing over 15,000 Filipinos in over 19 manufacturing facilities and more than 60 distribution centers nationwide. As part of its long-standing commitment to the country, Coca-Cola continues to support safe water access programs in over 250 communities, has empowered around 250,000 women entrepreneurs through training and peer mentoring, and is accelerating packaging collection and recycling under its global World Without Waste initiative.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 3, 2023 | Food & Beverage
Fashion designer Happy Andrada-Gras and former Sofitel and MGallery F&B executive Tanguy Gras have unveiled their latest creation in style. But unlike most of Happy’s couture work, this one is rather epicurean than vogue.
Their marriage has conceived the fulfillment of a long-time dream: H&T Wine Gallery, a gourmet deli and wine bar in Kamuning, Quezon City. Located on the first level below Happy’s atelier, H&T Wine Gallery is not your typical bar and retail store. With only a seating capacity of 18, this hole-in-the-wall is a dream world for Happy and Tanguy, transporting guests from barong to baguette within the confines of their quirky imaginations.
A bar with personality
Tanguy Gras and Happy Andrada-Gras
At the launch of H&T Wine Gallery, Happy brought in 15 new designs that showcase Filipino and French styles, paying homage to the couple’s heritage and how everything all began.
“We began H&T as an online shop at the start of the pandemic and with great success. This has become a personal project for both of us, and we were very happy with how the business was received. Now, Happy and I are delighted to launch a brick-and-mortar space for everyone to enjoy our selections in-house,” says Tanguy Gras, Co-Founder & General Manager, whom you will see clad in a long waiter’s vest and a funky mustache-shaped bowtie.
“We designed H&T as a gallery where each part of the space is unique. As a whole, H&T Wine Gallery gives you a tight and at-home feeling. This is a place where friends and family can enjoy their favorite wine and deli items after meals in a neighborhood that is not so busy. You can also reserve the space for private events,” says Happy Andrada-Gras, Co-Founder & President.
Each part of the H&T space projects its own distinct personality. The counter sports a retro vibe complete with framed scenes of Manila and Nice (from where Tanguy hailed), neon light signages, and Funko Pops, while the parallel area is a vibrant splash of hot pink, from the wall and decors down to the couches. This goes in chromatic contrast against a section whose furniture is dipped in yellow, an illusion of a 2D spotlight on a wall casting its light from above. It can look like a cacophony of ideas. Even the restroom has disco lights.
At H&T Wine Gallery, art and hospitality co-exist. Particularly, H&T Wine Gallery reflects Tanguy’s vision of hospitality. A French hotelier who bartended in London and waited tables in Monaco, Tanguy is bringing all his 15 years of professional hospitality and natural sommelier experience to this unpretentious bar in Quezon City.
Wines Selection
Quality wines from all over the world
Inside H&T, Tanguy likes to take guests on a tour of vineyards around the world.
The Old-World wine selections begin at Tanguy’s homeland. In the red wine section, Bordeaux and Burgundy wines banner the top shelf among other French wines and Rhone Valley labels, followed by Italian selections, including Chianti; an extensive lineup of Tempranillo and other Spanish wines; and a special area for Malbec made in the Old World. The white wine shelf is equally impressive, with the best selection from Bordeaux and Burgundy, Portuguese, and Spanish.
The New World red and white wine selections include many representative varieties from key countries of origin, including Carmenere from Chile, Riesling from Columbia Valley (U.S.), Shiraz and Chenin Blanc from South Africa, and Cabernet Sauvignon from California and Australia, among others.
Among the sparkling wine selections is Champagne Pol Roger, a personal favorite of Second World War hero Winston Churchill, and Cava from Spain. A fine list of rosés from Provence, Bordeaux, and Southwestern France is available, too.
Deli & Dine
All these bottles sit on shelves personally designed by Tanguy and Happy, displaying not just wines but also ciders, sangria, escargot, pate, olive oil, sardines, and other food items. In the chillers are assortments of jamon from Spain (from Jamon Serrano Bodega to the finest Jamon Iberico de Cebo Campo), preserved truffles, and cheese from Europe.
Guests can buy the items off the shelf or have them prepared. The menu includes a selection of charcuterie, sandwiches, cheese, hot tapas, and sweets, and guests wanting a taste of the best deli items can order any of the samplers available.
Cheese Trio to enjoy with our wine
Every bottle and food item has been personally selected by Tanguy and Happy to be part of H&T Wine Gallery, and true to H&T Wine Gallery’s promise of personal service – chances are high you would be welcomed by Tanguy or Happy themselves.
H&T Wine Gallery is open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and until 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays (Closed on Sundays). Address: 24 K-D corner K-1st Kamuning, Quezon City.
Book a table or private events through 09171752779 or co*****@***********ry.com. Deliveries are available in Metro Manila. Follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ht_winegallery.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 2, 2023 | Book Reviews
I have such mixed feelings about It All Started with a Dare by Seunpeace. For starters, let me say right now that I really want to like it. It is a young adult/teen romance, which usually means that it is fairly innocent. So far, the sexual undertones are very low, phew!
As I am reading this I can’t help but think about popular teen movies that may have served as inspiration for this story. Top of mind was 10 Things I Hate About You, a retelling of William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew which starred Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger. There are more, I am sure, but that was the first to get stuck in my head. 🙂
Jade transferred to this school just to finish high school. She is described as nerdy, boyish, and quiet. From day 1 she gets harassed by this cheerleader, Athena. To be honest I can’t remember how it started but for most of the book, it is to warn her off Kayden, Athena’s boyfriend … which was weird since she didn’t even know who he was.
Kayden is the hot, popular boy and Athena’s boyfriend. Early in the book he starts to show interest in Jade and seeks out ways to be close to her. This annoyed me because he didn’t even have the delicadeza to break things off with Athena first, but whatever. My question is … what’s the catch?
So much teen drama, it’s cliche, but I did derive some enjoyment from reading it (the story is still ongoing), and while my tolerance for bad grammar and spelling is better now I must admit that it still makes me flinch … especially when it hits me in the face at just about every page. sigh
I think it is safe to assume that English is not the author’s first language but that excuse can only go so far because there are apps and websites that can already help with that.
To date, there are 66 chapters to It All Started with a Dare by Seunpeace on Goodnovel and I’m only on chapter 34 and the status is still “ongoing”. I’m trying to stay optimistic as I read this as it isn’t all that bad (if you can get past the grammar issues). If you are in the mood for some teen drama, check it out on Goodnovel.
I have such mixed feelings about It All Started with a Dare by Seunpeace. For starters, let me say right now that I really want to like it. It is a young adult/teen romance, which usually means that it is fairly innocent. So far, the sexual undertones are very low, phew!
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