5 Crucial Business Lessons from Ellana’s Ex-COO and Pont Consultancy Founder

5 Crucial Business Lessons from Ellana’s Ex-COO and Pont Consultancy Founder

In the world of business, the line between sanity and insanity can get pretty blurry. As Jay Buenaflor, the former COO of Ellana Mineral Cosmetics and founder of Pont Consultancy, observes, the most successful entrepreneurs exhibit traits that may seem unconventional or even “crazy” to some. Yet, it’s this very craziness that sets them apart and propels them to the top.

Jay has spent 26 years mentoring entrepreneurs globally, acting more as a psychiatrist than a traditional mentor. He has identified key traits that contribute to their success and has distilled these observations into five valuable lessons.

1. The Power of Focus!

Successful entrepreneurs display an almost frightening level of focus. When they lock onto a goal, everything else fades into the background. They can tune out distractions and zero in on what truly matters, often leading to groundbreaking innovations and business growth. This level of dedication can be intimidating to witness, but it’s also a clear indicator of their potential for success.

2. Use Past Experiences as Fuel.

Many accomplished entrepreneurs are driven by something deeply personal. For some, it’s overcoming poverty; for others, it’s proving doubters wrong. This chip on their shoulder pushes them to prove themselves and to achieve what others deemed impossible. This internal drive often translates into a relentless pursuit of excellence and a refusal to settle for mediocrity.

3. Stay Humble and Inquisitive.

Despite their intense drive and focus, great entrepreneurs maintain a sense of humility. They recognize that they don’t know everything and are always eager to learn. This humility manifests in their willingness to ask questions, seek advice, and continually improve. It’s not uncommon for these entrepreneurs to reach out for guidance, and they often value mentorship relationships.

4. You Need Others!

No entrepreneur can succeed entirely on their own. The most successful ones understand the importance of building and leveraging a strong network. As Theresa Buenaflor, founder of Ellana Mineral Cosmetics, wisely advises, “You can’t do it alone.” Whether it’s through partnerships, collaborations, or simply seeking support from friends and family, exceptional entrepreneurs know how to surround themselves with the right people.

5. Cultivate Unyielding Positivity.

High-achieving entrepreneurs possess an immense belief in their ability to figure things out, even when the odds are against them. This near-delusional optimism creates a reality distortion field where they see opportunities where others see obstacles. Their positive outlook allows them to persevere through challenges and maintain the energy needed to drive their ventures forward.

Delve into these principles deeply and gain practical insights for your business at Jay’s upcoming seminar, “Ellana Cosmetics Untold: 0 to 9-Figure Journey,” set on July 27-28, 2024, at Renaissance Tower in Ortigas, Pasig.

For entrepreneurs based in Davao and Cebu, similar seminars will be held in August and September 2024, promising invaluable growth opportunities.

For more details and to secure your spot, visit https://jaybuenaflor.com/

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

PNP-ACG Gives Tips on How to Avoid Lottery Scams

PNP-ACG Gives Tips on How to Avoid Lottery Scams

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the country, remind the public to be careful against so-called lottery scams.

“The modus operandi of these scams begins with victims receiving notices of winning a grand prize for a competition, lottery, or sweepstakes. Scammers will send these announcements through email, phone calls, text messages, or social media. To claim the prize, victims are asked to pay for insurance, taxes, bank fees, and courier charges. As if that wasn’t enough, the scammers also request personal financial information to verify the victim’s identity, which they exploit to initiate an account takeover,” said PNP-ACG Spokesperson, PCapt Michelle Sabino.

To avoid these scams, the PNP-ACG and GCash are providing valuable tips to the public.

  1. It is important to carefully inspect any envelopes received from sweepstakes mailers, paying close attention to the details.
  2. Never divulge personal information to individuals who solicit it through email, SMS, or phone calls claiming that you have won a prize.
  3. Always take the time to read and understand the fine print in lottery or sweepstakes forms, ensuring you are aware of important information such as the start and end dates, methods of participation, and any legal disclaimers.

“By following these precautions, you can safeguard yourself against potential scammers and cybercriminals,” Sabino explained.

GCash reiterates its warning to users to never share their MPIN or OTP with anyone and to avoid clicking unknown links from websites, emails, or messaging apps.

For assistance, users can contact the PNP-ACG through their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or via email at

ac*@pn*.ph











.

To report scams and other fraudulent activities, users can also visit the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com, message Gigi, and type “I want to report a scam.” Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.ph.

About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines which is a part of the country’s leading digital solutions platform, Globe Group.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.

Beware of gambling apps used for phishing

Beware of gambling apps used for phishing

A recent investigation by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) and the leading mobile wallet GCash, has led to the discovery of certain gambling sites and apps which were used for account takeovers in the recent surge of phishing scams.

Additionally, some influencers may have unknowingly promoted these gaming apps without being aware of their fraudulent nature. GCash is now cautioning its users to be extremely careful when accessing online gambling sites and apps and to avoid them altogether if possible.

In this latest scheme, perpetrators created gambling apps while falsely claiming to be accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). These apps deceive users with a verification process, redirecting them to a fake GCash website or payment page to top up betting credits. From there, fraudsters were able to access sensitive information such as credit card details, passwords, GCash numbers, MPINs, OTPs, and other personal data that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to user accounts.

Pebbles Sy

Pebbles Sy, GCash CTO

“The trust and safety of our customers remain our top priority which is why we are relentless in ensuring the public is made aware of phishing scams related to online gambling. This goes hand-in-hand with our world-class security features and innovations that give our users additional layers of protection against evolving threats,” emphasizes GCash Chief Technology and Operations Officer, Pebbles Sy.

Last month, the leading mobile wallet announced its collaboration with various law enforcement agencies to further investigate a thwarted phishing attempt which was rectified by the GCash cybersecurity team on the same day they monitored the incident. GCash’s internal investigation traced the phishing link to fraudulent messages masquerading as SIM card registration.

“Our intensified collaboration with law enforcement authorities will continue to expose these scams, but we encourage everyone to join this crusade by staying informed about phishing,” adds Sy.

GCash continues to be in close cooperation with law enforcement authorities, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).

GCash reiterates its warning to users never to share their MPIN or OTP with anyone and to avoid clicking on unknown links from websites, emails, or messaging apps.

For assistance, users can contact the PNP-ACG through their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or via email at

ac*@pn*.ph











. To report scams and other fraudulent activities, users can also visit the official GCash Help Center in the app or at help.gcash.com, message Gigi and type “I want to report a scam.” Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.

About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines which is a part of the country’s leading digital solutions platform, Globe Group.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.

5 Benefits of Going Green With Resealable and Recyclable Pouch Packaging

5 Benefits of Going Green With Resealable and Recyclable Pouch Packaging

If you are interested in packaging for your product that is recyclable and resealable, you probably have many questions. Are plastic pouches recyclable? Some are and some aren’t, so you should do some research on the manufacturer before making a purchasing decision. Once you find a packaging company that offers recyclable pouches, you can take advantage of many benefits. Here are the top five.

1. Providing Added Convenience

Custom stand-up pouches are convenient for you. They’re versatile enough to be used in almost any industry, and they don’t take up much space, so you can store your inventory more efficiently and save on storage costs.

Resealable pouches are also convenient for your customers, who can seal up your product and carry it around in a pocket, handbag, or briefcase without having to worry about it spilling or leaking. Recycling the pouches is fairly easy as well, and becoming easier all the time.

2. Preventing Waste

Obviously, using recyclable packaging is going to cut down on the waste that ends up in landfills if consumers do their part and dispose of the packaging properly. However, resealable packaging also prevents perishable products from going bad by sealing out oxygen and moisture, keeping the contents fresh longer. As a result, consumers don’t have to dispose of unused portions that went bad before they had a chance to use them. This saves consumers money and gives them good value for their money.

3. Reducing Packaging Cost

Custom sachet packaging made from recycled materials doesn’t require as much processing as those made from virgin materials. Therefore, they do not cost as much to produce. This translates to savings on your part because you can package your materials for less. You can also pass the savings along to your customers, who are likely to appreciate it.

Using flexible, eco-friendly packaging can also reduce your transportation costs because the packaging is more lightweight and you don’t have to use as much of it. This can mean additional savings for your company.

4. Conserving Resources

Flexible packaging and packaging made of recycled materials use less water and fossil fuels to manufacture because they require less processing and they don’t use virgin materials that have to be extracted from the ground. This helps to conserve limited resources.

Flexible packaging made of recyclable materials also emits fewer carbon compounds than rigid plastic packaging made of virgin materials. Fewer greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere help to reduce global warming and climate change.

5. Connecting With Customers

As awareness about the need for sustainability increases, more consumers are making buying decisions based on the environmental friendliness of the company. Recyclable flexible packaging communicates to potential customers that you share their values and their concerns about the environment. It demonstrates that your company is deserving of their trust. Once consumers find a company that they can trust, they keep coming back to purchase from them, developing brand loyalty in the process.

While it’s not always easy going green at first, the long-term benefits to you and your customers make the extra effort worth it.

Sustainable Practices Begin at Home

Sustainable Practices Begin at Home

Even the simplest of household decisions impact how communities safeguard the environment. In line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) encourages Filipinos to make more mindful choices on how valuable resources like water, energy, and oil are consumed and managed.

The exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, PCPPI reaffirms its sustainability commitments ahead of Earth Day, which is observed worldwide on April 22. According to Frederick D. Ong, PCPPI President & CEO, adopting sustainable lifestyle habits affects people and the planet for the better. “The daily decisions we make can help reduce household waste, save expenses, and improve our well-being. Living ‘sustainably’ does not have to be complex, as we can all start with the choices we make at home,” he said.

Re-use and repurpose

plastic bottle planters photo credit to supersimple.com

It often takes a fresh perspective to see our everyday tasks differently. One of the ways to reduce household waste is through repurposing old items, like plastic water bottles which may be transformed into plant holders or vases. Used boxes can also be turned into organizers, while brown paper bags can be used as craft paper for school projects.

Meal planning

Apart from selecting healthier food options from the market or grocery, meal planning has the added benefit of consuming just the right amount of food—thereby cutting down on excess and food waste. Planning meals ahead of time also helps manage one’s budget, as well as electricity costs.

Unplug when not in use

Turning off that are not in use, using enough water to wash hands, or unplugging fully charged devices are some good practices to manage resource consumption at home. These also help maintain the health of electrical appliances, helping them run properly for longer.

Go digital, go paperless

One of the shifts accelerated during the community lockdowns was the move towards paperless transactions. Mail and bills are now accessed electronically, minimizing the need to consume paper. With further advances in technology, the possibilities are endless for how the world can help preserve and protect trees.

As PCPPI supports the practice of these sustainable practices, the organization continues to work on its own sustainability initiatives that demonstrate its long-term commitment to care and respect for the environment.

PCPPI aims to reduce the use of virgin plastic and reach 100% recyclable packaging. The company continues to expand its efforts in lightweighting and exploring alternative packaging sources. Since early 2021, PCPPI has also transitioned to renewable energy use to supply the energy requirements of its plants. Solar panels are installed in its Batangas, Cebu, and Davao manufacturing facilities.

In line with the Adopt-an-Estero Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), PCPPI has organized clean-up drives near bodies of water in the communities where it operates. PCPPI has adopted key waterways across the country, including those in San Fernando, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, Cebu, and Zamboanga. Partnerships with agencies like the Laguna Lake Development Authority allow PCPPI to regularly meet with other community stakeholders on how to best address environmental concerns and develop innovative ways to protect local ecosystems.

PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country. It distributes well-loved brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum Soonhari, and Premier. For more information about PCPPI and its products, please visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.

Luster: The Secret to a Healthy and Confident Smile

Luster: The Secret to a Healthy and Confident Smile

Oral care is an essential aspect of overall health and well-being. Maintaining healthy oral hygiene not only ensures fresh breath and a beautiful smile, but also plays a critical role in preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. This is where Luster, the leading teeth whitening kit brand in the Philippines, comes in.

Luster’s teeth whitening kit consists of 4 gel pens that contain carbamide peroxide, which helps produce the chemical that makes teeth whitening possible. The LED mouthpiece further enhances the process by speeding up the whitening process, so you can achieve the best results in as early as 7 days. While teeth whitening is an excellent way to enhance the appearance of your teeth, maintaining healthy oral hygiene is just as important.

Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping your teeth and gums clean to prevent dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Here are some tips to maintain healthy oral hygiene:

 

Brush Twice a Day using Luster Foam Toothpaste

Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is crucial for removing plaque and preventing tooth decay. Brush for at least two minutes and use a circular motion to reach all surfaces of your teeth.

Floss Daily using Luster Charcoal Floss

Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Floss daily to prevent gum disease and keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Use Luster PAP+ Mouthwash

Mouthwash can help kill bacteria that cause bad breath and prevent gum disease. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash and use it after brushing and flossing.

Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods

Sugary and acidic foods can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities. Limit your consumption of these foods and drink plenty of water to rinse away any harmful acids.

 

By incorporating these oral hygiene practices into your daily routine, you can prevent dental problems and maintain a healthy and confident smile. Luster’s teeth whitening kit is an excellent addition to your oral care routine, giving you the extra boost you need for a brighter and more confident smile.

In conclusion, oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Incorporating Luster’s teeth whitening kit into your oral care routine can enhance the appearance of your smile, giving you the confidence to take on the world. Remember to brush, floss, use mouthwash, and limit sugary and acidic foods to maintain healthy oral hygiene. Try Luster’s teeth whitening kit today and achieve a healthy and confident smile!

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