by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 8, 2021 | Awards and Competitions
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Citi Philippines, and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) have launched its annual Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA), which aims to recognize the achievements and contributions of microentrepreneurs all over the country. Now on its 18th edition, this year’s CMA has been modified to respond to community needs resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno
Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed
Through a virtual launch held via Zoom, BSP governor Benjamin Diokno and Citi Philippines chief executive officer Aftab Ahmed revealed that the 18th CMA will have two components: the COVID-19 rehabilitation support package and the recognition of outstanding microentrepreneurs amid the crisis.
“More than ever, it is vital to sustaining our microentrepreneurs, who provide essential products and services in the “last mile”. Predominant in low-income areas and serving as engines driving local economies, microentrepreneurs also nurture swathes of the Filipino population depending on them for post-pandemic recovery and rebuilding. Through CMA 2020, we highlight the creativity and internal fortitude of our microentrepreneurs to serve as a great inspiration,” said BSP governor Diokno.
“We are happy that through the CMA program, we can help microentrepreneurs overcome some of the financial challenges that they are facing and to improve their business proposition, their products, and their services. These businesses need to learn to adapt as well as implement new strategies. This will be particularly important in the coming months as we start moving towards normalization,” added Citi Philippines CEO, Aftab Ahmed.
2018 CMA Regional Awardee for Visayas Rosario Amoroto
2017 Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year Keith Varias
The first component focused on responding to the rehabilitation needs of previous CMA winners, with each winner getting a cash incentive of up to ₱50,000 each. Among the COVID-19 rehabilitation support package recipients are the 2017 Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year Keith Gonzales Varias and the 2018 CMA Regional Awardee for Visayas Rosario Amoroto.
On the other hand, the second component will highlight the important role of microentrepreneurs in rebuilding local economies during the COVID-19 crisis. The awards are open to microenterprises with assets less than ₱3 million. Three island group winners from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and two other special awardees, namely the Youth Entrepreneurship awardee and the COVID-19 response champion, will be recognized.
All five awardees should have successfully rebuilt their enterprise to a level that is now contributing to local economies during the COVID-19 crisis while maintaining a healthy repayment record on their loan even as they continue to rebuild their enterprise. Additionally, the COVID-19 response champion should have supported, innovated, or led pandemic response initiatives to help others.
The three-island group winners, the Youth Microentrepreneur, and the COVID-19 response champion will get ₱100,000 each, as well as one-year microinsurance coverage. A National Winner will be selected from the five winners who will be receiving an additional ₱100,000. All winners will be determined by the NSC and recognized in a simple awards ceremony in June 2021.
Through these efforts, the CMA will ultimately highlight role models for aspiring and hardworking entrepreneurs and generate greater awareness and appreciation of microfinance and microenterprise development as a tool for employment generation and poverty reduction.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 8, 2021 | Ponderings
Anyone who knows me will tell you I am not a religious person. I don’t do Bible studies or prayer meetings but I don’t shun them either.
But growing up Catholic, attending a Catholic school all my life, being part of a church choir, and our family being part of Worldwide Marriage Encounter means being told from the beginning how much God is a part of our life and how much He loves us.
Sometimes I forget and wallow in doubt and self-pity and at times I feel helpless and alone in a house filled with furbabies and people and I start to question my worth.
I wrack my brain, chat with my sisters or mom, and search online for answers or solutions. I fight to keep the demons of despair away.
Later at night I curl up in a ball on my bed with the furbabies snuggled against me and I close my eyes and pray. Oftentimes, I don’t even know what to say except … “help, please”. And I try not to cry myself to sleep.
The following day I woke up resolute and determined to get back up on my feet. I go about my day and then I feel a warmth envelope me … like a hug from my dad and next thing I know my phone pings. Some projects are coming in!
All of a sudden I felt as though a burden was lifted from my chest and the first words out of my mouth were, “Thank you, God!” My fervent prayer was heard!
And immediately the song Out of the Dark by Gary Valenciano played in my head like prayer and I found myself teary-eyed and singing, my faith restored and reinforced.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 4, 2021 | Art and Science
A LEGACY TO HONOR. David Medalla visited the BDO Corporate Center Ortigas during the inauguration of his sculpture, “Cloud Canyons No. 31,” on August 31, 2019
BDO Unibank honors Filipino artist David Medalla, who passed away on 28 December 2020.
It commemorates Medalla’s legacy with the continued display of his sculpture, “Cloud Canyons No. 31,” at the lobby of its Corporate Center in Ortigas (CCO).
“Cloud Canyons No. 31” found its way to CCO for bank employees, clients, and visitors to enjoy in 2019. Before coming home to the Philippines, it was exhibited in the Hepworth Wakefield Art Museum in England when Medalla was one of the shortlisted artists for the inaugural Hepworth Wakefield Prize for Sculpture in 2016. It is made of Plexiglas tubes, wood, fiberglass, water, soap, and oxygenators, and is part of a series often referred to as the “bubble machines.”
Mara Coson, who oversees the BDO Art Collection, said of Medalla’s passing:
“David Medalla was magnetic. He lived a life that drew people in while he himself could not be contained. He left the world with stories so wild and infinite they can never all be told.
Medalla was born in Manila in 1942, with literary and visual genius uniquely attributable only to his bright spirit. His biography is too vast for a short note and is kept alive by the many who encountered him on his life’s adventures, strangers and friends, periods from explorations of kinetic art in the 1960s and beyond to performances anywhere, and travel whether physical or otherwise. He spent his life around the world, at home everywhere, and still home was also the Philippines, where he died peacefully.
More than ever, we must make sure the bubbles of Cloud Canyons No. 31 continue endlessly and fully in our care—and most of all, welcome to the public to experience these clouds for always. We will do Medalla proud.
When you visit the bubble machine, I encourage you take a moment to wish David the best for his next life, as he dances with ease among the brightest galaxies.”
by Ginny Angeles | Jan 1, 2021 | Entertainment
So happy to see K and Taki will finally debut! I was sooooo shocked when K wasn’t included in the final 7 that has now become Enhypen.
As they say, good things come and so glad that BigHits listened to the fans and took care of K (and Taki.)
All 5 were participants in I-land but EJ, Kyungmin, and Nicholas got eliminated and didn’t make it to part 2. I hope that means that there will be more groups formed from the I-land participants.
Looking forward to their final group. #ilandk #ilandTaki #bighit
by Ginny Angeles | Dec 29, 2020 | Beauty, Product and Service Review
I love nail polish! I think it’s a great way to express yourself. It also adds color and helps accentuate one’s attire. However, it can be a chore to apply and dry. It is also horrible when it chips and you have no tools to fix the problem.
I am really happy to have discovered water-based, peel-off polish (thank you, Erika Rhane). You can easily achieve the same look as you would with regular polish but it dries completely in minutes. This makes it perfect for busy people who often use their hands. You really can get your nails done at the last minute and have a great manicure for the night.
Clean-up is also a breeze since you can just peel it off. You won’t need acetone. You just need to gently push the dried polish up from any edge and pull gently.
Is there a downside to it? It is more easily torn so expect that you’ll have to change sooner. I tried doing my usual chores with them on my nails and the maximum number of days it lasted intact was 4 days.
Water-based, peel-off polish is readily available. I bought some online at really affordable prices through Lazada and Shopee. My niece also got some really good ones from Mumuso (physical store).
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 26, 2020 | Gift Ideas
Not all gifts come in boxes and wrapped in a bow. If you’ve been busy all year and haven’t found time to finish your Christmas shopping, you are not alone! It’s definitely not too late to get your family and friends something special before the year ends and show them your love.
Since we’re all advised to stay home this holiday season, you don’t have to go out to get these items. Here are some gift ideas that are just a click away, and that you can order or make virtually and send to your loved ones before the year ends:
A special playlist
If you don’t want to spend money on a present but still want to make it extra special and personal, craft a special playlist for your friend that will make them remember the good times you’ve spent together.
You can also include newly discovered songs or videos that you think they’ll love, or add in a few that you know will crack them up! Don’t forget to label it with a playlist name that’s very specific, quirky, or witty and share it via YouTube or Spotify!
An iWantTFC premium subscription
The holiday break is the perfect time for binge-watching! If your loved one is on the hunt for new shows to follow or intends to catch up with their favorite ABS-CBN show, you should sign them up for a premium, ad-free access to the iWantTFC streaming service, the biggest library of Filipino content! With over 1,000 movies, live channels, full episodes of classic and currently airing ABS-CBN shows, Thai boys’ love shows, and originals, one will never run out of things to enjoy on iWantTFC! Plus, a premium subscription only costs P119 a month.
Tickets to concerts on KTX.ph
Treat your loved one and their family to a concert without them having to go out of the house! Let them enjoy great live music while helping others in need by buying them a ticket (P1,200) to the special benefit Christmas concert titled “Our Grown-Up Christmas List,” featuring musical theater royalties Gian Magdangal and Carla Guevarra-Laforteza who will sing songs about “home, love, family, and friendship.”
Access to the show is available for 48 hours from December 24 (8 PM) to December 26 (8 PM).
Your friend can also usher in the New Year on December 31 starting at 7 PM by watching Resorts World Manila’s “The Grand Countdown to 2021,” which will offer performances by Morissette, Jed Madela, Jona, and Jon Santos.
The general admission ticket costs P600 and gives the holder access to the show only, while the special ticket costs P1,200 and gives the holder access to the show and a chance to win exciting gifts.
Digital scrapbook
Instagram carousel posts are a good way to show your appreciation for someone, but why not make it more fun and unique by crafting a digital scrapbook of your favorite photos together? You can DIY your own design and layout using Photoshop or use free templates available online!
Cover of a song you want to dedicate to him/her
In the mood to sing your heart out? Pick up an instrument and give your loved one an intimate performance of their favorite song! If your group or family wants to surprise someone, you can also use a social karaoke singing app like Smule to let you all cover a song separately without sharing a microphone!
Unleash the performer in you and upload the video of your song cover on social media or just send it to your friend for their safekeeping.
Gaming skins or in-game goodies
Got a competitive friend who’s into Mobile Legends or League of Legends? The holiday season is the best time to spoil them by getting their gaming champions or their weapons a festive makeover, or by purchasing them event passes! If you’re not sure what to gift them, you can just send them over currencies in their favorite game.
A personalized video greeting from your loved one’s favorite Kapamilya star
If your goal is to make your loved one shocked or surprised by your gift, you should definitely go for a personalized video greeting from their favorites! Just head over to FanLove.ph, a new online video shoutout request platform that allows you to book a special video message or a song dedication from over 50 Kapamilya stars. You can also enjoy their special holiday promo if you book from 24 December 2020 to 07 January 2021.
Book a personalized video greeting from your favorite Kapamilya artists such as Elisse Joson, Belle Mariano, Loisa Andalio, LouDre, KiaNo, KarJon, FumiYam, and many more by visiting FanLove.ph! For updates, like www.facebook.com/fanlove.ph or follow @fanlove.ph on Instagram and @fanloveph on Twitter.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 22, 2020 | Gift Ideas
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without gift-giving. It’s one of the easiest ways to share the love and spark some joy among family and friends. However, with all the challenges we faced this 2020, our priorities have become clearer. So, this Yuletide season, instead of the usual toys or trinkets, you can give your loved ones something useful and significant during these times.
As you prepare for a socially distanced Christmas celebration, AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in the country, offers some perfect gift ideas for your upcoming monito-monita.
Hobbies and passion kits.
Hobbies can help ease anxiety, beat stress, and give joy while helping one spend time in a creative way.
With community quarantines in place, you may know several people who have discovered a hidden talent or hobby during the lockdown. You can cheer on your family or friends as they take on this new skill or hobby by giving them tools or appliances that they may need to pursue their newfound passion.
Some great options include pans, pots, spatulas, or small appliances for the new baker, garden tools for plantitas, or paint sets and brushes for the late-bloomer artist.
As indoor plants continue to be a growing trend, your plantitos and plantitas would highly appreciate these greeneries as many of them find comfort in taking care of them.
Self-care products.
Many people have become anxious about the unprecedented health crisis. Try giving them self-care kits that can lighten the mood and make your loved ones forget their worries. A few therapeutic items you can put in the self-care kit include mandala coloring books, essential oils, chocolate bars, and skincare products.
Home office gadgets.
The pandemic has forced a lot of employees to adapt to a new working environment. This Christmas, you can help them achieve a comfortable workspace at home by giving them essential supplies as gifts. Gadgets, such as a laptop, tablet, or phone, are terrific options. For more affordable budget options, you can also give them computer accessories, file storage, a planner, seat cushion, or other items for their desks. These gifts would surely relieve some stress and increase their productivity at home.
Financial protection.
The pandemic has emphasized the importance of being prepared for life’s unforeseeable circumstances. With all the unexpected situations this year, it would be a great relief to know that there is a way to ensure protection for your future or that of your family. Insurance, for one, can help with this and offer peace of mind.
AXA Philippines recently launched MyLifeChoice, an investment plan that can be personalized to your needs and budget.
With AXA MyLifeChoice, not only are you protected for life’s unexpected events, but you also receive an investment fund, which you can use for your long-term goals or for your family. It may seem unusual, but the gift of security for your family, especially during these times, is something that is valuable even beyond the holiday season.
To know more about AXA MyLifeChoice, visit http://bit.ly/MyLifeChoiceProtect1.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 21, 2020 | Advocacy
Casa de Memoria reached out to the victims of Typhoon Ulysses by helping raise funds for the #RisePH donation drive. The Lhuillier-managed auction house also continued its charity efforts for COVID-19 patients and frontliners by donating a part of the proceeds to the maintenance of the emergency quarantine facility in Sta. Ana Hospital.
To help Typhoon Ulysses victims, Casa de Memoria’s donation will be used to provide relief packs containing food, water, and hygiene essentials for affected families.
Camille Lhuillier
“Just when we thought we’ve already had enough challenges this year, another one comes along. However, this should not bring us down; rather, it should fuel our intention and dedication to lend a hand to those who need it. By helping each other, we can rise together without leaving anyone behind,” said Palacio de Memoria general manager Camille Lhuillier.
The Cuarto auction was Casa de Memoria’s fourth and final major auction event for the year. It featured exquisite Filipino and European art pieces that can be used as Holiday gifts and home décor.
For more information, visit www.casadememoria.com or follow @thecasadememoria on Facebook and @casadememoria on Instagram.
The #RisePH donation was done in partnership with One Mega Group.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 20, 2020 | Business
The biggest Popeyes restaurant in South East Asia has just opened its doors to Filipino diners!
Spacious dining
Located at Level 1, South Entertainment Mall of SM Mall of Asia, the newest Popeyes restaurant boasts an impressive 200 seating capacity. With such a spacious dining area, you don’t need to worry about social distancing when grabbing your favorite Louisiana-inspired treats at this branch.
Strategic location
It is easily accessible from the airport, major hotels, BPOs, and entertainment venues — makes it easier for diners to enjoy Popeyes’ irresistibly tasty menu items such as America’s Famous Fried Chicken, light, buttery, and flaky Honey Biscuits, the meaty and cheesy Popeyes Spaghetti, the crispy Cajun fries, and, of course, the must-try U.S. Spicy Chicken Sandwich! To ensure the wellbeing of the customers, health measures and safety protocols are strictly implemented in the store.
The inauguration of the new restaurant also marks Popeyes’ second store opening since the country implemented strict lockdown (the first being Popeyes in Eton Centris, Quezon City). This incredible milestone makes Popeyes one of the few fast-food restaurants in the Philippines to do so, effectively helping generate jobs and supporting the gradual reopening of the Philippine economy.
1. (L-R) Kuya J Group marketing director Ton Gatmaitan, Popeyes Philippines COO Rami Chahwan, Comisario Central Inc. COO Anton Dator
“The opening of this new store is an important milestone for us because, aside from being the biggest Popeyes branch in South East Asia, this new location will also allow us to generate employment at a time when our fellow Filipinos need it most,” said Ton Gatmaitan, the marketing director of Kuya J Group, the parent company of Popeyes Philippines.
At the opening
Popeyes welcomed the opening with a week-long celebration, complete with fun games, freebies, and countless surprises to all customers. The first three customers received one-year, six-month, and three-month supplies of Popeyes Chicken, respectively; while the first 100 customers were treated to free Chicken Tenders, Cajun Fries, and Box of 3 Biscuits.
The new Popeyes branch located at Level 1, South Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. For more information, visit www.popeyes.ph or follow @popeyesph on Facebook and Instagram.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 19, 2020 | Events
The on-going global pandemic did not stop Filinvest City from making the Christmas season more joyous and meaningful as it recently held its “Be the Light” virtual event, making the community still feel the wonderful holiday vibe even in the comforts of their own homes.
Kicking off the celebration by paying tribute to frontliners and modern-day heroes, Filinvest City’s Be the Light show highlights the true meaning of Christmas — giving thanks, sparking hope, and continuing to inspire possibilities as we all look back at the last few months of community quarantines and unprecedented changes.
Don Ubaldo, Filinvest City vice president for townships
“The year 2020 has made us focus on what is important—the people who matter to us and those who make a difference in the community,” noted Don Ubaldo, Filinvest City vice president for townships. “That is why, this year, we dedicate our Christmas celebration to the people in the frontlines. They are the people who made this celebration possible. With this gathering, we want to inspire everyone that all of us can be the light this Christmas season.”
Filinvest City further encouraged the community to be the light and always look at the brighter side as it hosted a Christmas video-making online contest dedicated to community frontliners. People from the community, who want to showcase their talents in video-making, storytelling, and production, joined the contest and shared stories of inspiring workers in Filinvest City.
Contest winners
During the event hosted by Sam YG, contest winners were announced … Angela Pangilinan, a Muntinlupa resident and professional digital marketer, won the top prize with her video which told the story of the determined, long-time security guard, Arnel Pastor. Her entry was also dubbed the People’s Choice Award for having the greatest number of shares on Facebook. Pangilinan took home a total of ₱25,000 in cash.
Meanwhile, finalist Justine Sarmiento, an HR Manager from Sucat, received ₱15,000 in cash with the inspiring quarantine story of John Christian Bantug, housekeeping personnel in a condo in Filinvest City. Lastly, receiving ₱10,000, Precious Joy Matorre, a frontliner herself from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), dedicated her entry to Queency Reyes, a medical technologist in RITM. The frontliners featured in the winning entries also received a ₱5,000 worth of Noche Buena package from Filinvest City.
Musical performances
The show also featured musical performances from some of the country’s biggest OPM bands. Fans were able to sing along from their own homes as Silent Sanctuary, Gracenote, and Sandwich performed Christmas songs and some of their respective hits including “Ikaw Lamang,” “It’s Okay to Not be Okay,” and “Betamax.”
Filinvest City is known to be the go-to Christmas destination in the metro south and it continues to light up the garden city this year amid the pandemic. Viewers of the show were able to catch glimpses of the holiday decorations all over the township, including the dazzling lights and the 30-foot Christmas tree at the Spectrum Linear Park. And in light of honoring today’s heroes for their courage and sacrifice to serve and protect the community, Filinvest City unveiled its official tribute video to frontliners featuring the song “Kaleidoscope World” by Francis Magalona.
Through the Be the Light virtual event, Filinvest City aims to not only spread even more joy and inspiration this season, but also to initiate a movement that will leave a significant impact on the community as the world navigates through these trying times.
Rewatch clips from the “Be the Light” Christmas event by liking and following @FilinvestCityOFFICIAL on Facebook. For more information, visit www.filinvestcity.com.
If you don’t want to spend money on a present but still want to make it extra special and personal, craft a special playlist for your friend that will make them remember the good times you’ve spent together.
Treat your loved one and their family to a concert without them having to go out of the house! Let them enjoy great live music while helping others in need by buying them a ticket (P1,200) to the special benefit Christmas concert titled “Our Grown-Up Christmas List,” featuring musical theater royalties Gian Magdangal and Carla Guevarra-Laforteza who will sing songs about “home, love, family, and friendship.”
Your friend can also usher in the New Year on December 31 starting at 7 PM by watching Resorts World Manila’s “The Grand Countdown to 2021,” which will offer performances by Morissette, Jed Madela, Jona, and Jon Santos.
If your goal is to make your loved one shocked or surprised by your gift, you should definitely go for a personalized video greeting from their favorites! Just head over to FanLove.ph, a new online video shoutout request platform that allows you to book a special video message or a song dedication from over 50 Kapamilya stars. You can also enjoy their special holiday promo if you book from 24 December 2020 to 07 January 2021.
Some great options include pans, pots, spatulas, or small appliances for the new baker, garden tools for plantitas, or paint sets and brushes for the late-bloomer artist.
AXA Philippines recently launched MyLifeChoice, an investment plan that can be personalized to your needs and budget.
You must be logged in to post a comment.