by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 25, 2019 | Events
If you are currently enrolled in Architecture or Interior Design and in your 3rd year or higher you are probably looking for a good internship right about now. Expand your options and join The Nippon Paint Asia Young Designer Award Philippines 2019 (AYDAPH2019).
Nippon Paint AYDAPH2019 is a national design competition where Architecture and Interior Design students are challenged to design living spaces, buildings, recreation areas, etc. based on the theme for the current year. This year’s theme is FORWARD: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.
AYDAPH2019 Theme

With the theme Forward: A Sustainable Future, participants are expected to come up with a design that embraces the concept of sustainability in an ever-changing world that would have a positive impact on an individual and in society. To guide all participants on what they are supposed to do the entry kit and color chips are provided on the official website, http://www.youngdesigneraward.ph. You may also click on the images below to download them.
Last year’s theme also centered on sustainability and innovation and the winners all received amazing prizes. This year promises more of the same with trophies, cash prizes, and internship opportunities up for grabs with some of their industry partners.
The Media Launch
The media launch of Nippon Paint AYDAPH2019 was held on July 24, 2019 at the Hotel Jen by Shangri-La on Roxas Boulevard with Cara Eriguel as host.

Cara Eriguel – actress, TV and events host, radio DJ
Cara warmly welcomed all attendees to this event, Nippon Paint AYDAPH2019, which officially kickstarted the competition. Attendees were composed of college/university deans and program chairs, representatives of partner organizations and companies, and members of the press (bloggers and traditional media).
Some of the judges for this national competition were present at the event and were invited onstage and introduced. They also took some time to answer questions from the audience.

From left to right: Ar. Rene Richie Corcuera (Executive Director, UAP), IDr. Wilfrid Nicholo Magcase (Principal Designer, WM Magcase Design), Ar. Ana Mangalino-Ling (JSLA Architects Partner and Associate), and Michael Francisco (Nippon Paint General Manager)

From left to right: IDr. Ivy Almario (Founder, Atelier Almario), Cynthia Almario (Founder, Atelier Almario), IDr. Wilfrid Nicholo Magcase (Principal Designer, WM Magcase Design), and IDr. Cara Marcelo (Founder, CMM Interior Design and Consultancy)
My personal thoughts
I am neither a student nor a graduate of Architecture or Interior Design but I find myself quite excited about this event. Since this competition is primarily sponsored by Nippon Paint I am definitely expecting designs that are colorful, yet tasteful.
With the problems of climate change and overpopulation and the depletion of natural resources I couldn’t help but turn to our bright, young minds to see if maybe they can come up with a feasible, innovative solution that is sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and an acceptable change that people will not have any issues adapting the design into their own living spaces, places of work, etc.

Project Noah, winning design of Ma. Rebecca Plaza, AYDAPH2017 gold award winner
As I dug through archives on the internet I came upon this article on The Philippine Star about Ma. Rebecca Plaza, AYDAPH2017 gold award winner in the Architecture category and I was in awe. Change for the better is possible, change is here. Her idea to use engineered bamboo for the exterior of the building is just innovative! According to her, bamboo has the tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete. With that in mind I can’t help but wonder why aren’t all modern local structures not made of this material?
And that is just ONE example of the ideas these kids come up with. Every year, 10 finalists per category are chosen out of the thousands who join. This means that every year, the judges are able to identify 20 incredibly talented students with the potential to change the world one establishment at a time. Amazing!
What can the winners and finalists expect?
Getting a good education nowadays is anything but cheap. From tuition to books and materials, to uniforms, etc. the list just goes on. As the enrollment for the new term approaches, students and parents alike often stress about whether they would have enough money.

Michael Francisco, Nippon Paint General Manager
Winning this competition or even just making it into the finals is one possible way of providing a solution to that ongoing worry. According to Mr. Michael Francisco, General Manager of Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, winners and finalists can expect to receive the following:
- Gold award (1st place) winners will receive P50,000 cash plus an internship opportunity and will compete in the International Competition of the Asia Young Designer Award in 2020.
- Silver award (2nd place) winners will receive P30,000 cash plus an internship opportunity
- 3rd to 10th place winners will each receive P10,000 cash
Special awards are also given to the finalists in addition to the above:
- P5,000 cash for Best Green Innovation
- P5,000 cash for Best Color Choice
- P10,000 cash for People’s Choice Award
The mentor and the college/university of the winner will also receive an award. In my opinion, this serves as an incentive for them to be more involved in the progress of their students that decided to enter the competition.
- P10,000 cash will go to the mentor of the gold award recipient
- P10,000 cash plus P10,000 in paint vouchers will go to the Best College/University
- P10,000 cash plus P10,000 in paint vouchers will go to the Best Supporting College/University
Design pointers for the competition
According to the official Facebook page of Nippon Paint AYDAPH2019, the designs submitted are expected to do the following:
- Bring positive impact on environmental issues
- Infuse new values into the social and cultural context
- Enhance better community living and lifestyle
- Encourage progressive growth and development in a city
How they will do that is something that, I guess we will discover in the coming months and I, for one, am excited to see what they can come up with.
Will it be something for the home? Maybe a community center of some sort? Or will it be something for our pets and rescue animals? As someone who has grown up with dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, fish, and turtles I can tell you right now that I would be very interested in something designed for pets, such as a community play area, for example. 🙂

Here is an overview of Nippon Paint AYDAPH2019 in an AVP that was shown at the media launch.
And with that the Nippon Paint Asia Young Designer Award Philippines 2019 commences! For more information about this AYDAPH2019 please visit the official website at http://www.youngdesigneraward.ph and follow these social media accounts:
Social media followers that join the bi-monthly trivia contest will get a chance to receive a special gift prize from Nippon Paint so do follow those accounts and join the trivia contest, too!
Don’t forget, when posting or reposting anything about this competition/event please use the official hashtags #nipponpaintph and #aydaph2019
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 24, 2019 | Awards and Competitions
Roberto Roldan Jr. from Palawan emerged as the winner of the fourth regional leg of the Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition, a nationwide cooking competition which aims to recognize a new generation of local talented chefs.
Roldan bested five (5) other contestants for his winning dish, Herbs and Cashew nut-crusted Beef Tenderloin in Bistek Sauce. He will have the chance to qualify for the national competition round with a grand prize of P100,000 and a culinary trip to Japan.
The Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition is sponsored by Midea, Jolly Heartmate, Dona Elena Al Dente Pasta, Masflex Cookware, King Sue, Anvil Publishing, Ajinomoto, Philtranco, Fastcat, and Chef Plus.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 18, 2019 | Real Estate

Location, financial advantages, and investment potentials are but some of the factors business owners and entrepreneurs consider when finding the ideal corporate headquarters in the metro.
This is why start-ups, growing companies, and even established firms have moved to or are considering the 32-story Parkway Corporate Center in Filinvest City, Alabang. Owning the property gives business owners the freedom to tailor fit their office space to their needs and spending plans, resulting in cost-efficiency and savings over time.
And with Parkway Corporate Center’s strategic location in the booming Metro South, handsome returns on investment is also guaranteed.
The state-of-the-art, green-oriented office tower offers investors units in a most dynamic environment, while helping address the growing demand for office spaces in the metro. As such, companies and businesses that demand par excellence such as architectural offices, financial houses, and law firms are turning to Parkway Corporate Center.
One such enterprise is the dynamic abaca pulp and paper concern TYC Trading & Manufacturing Philippines, which is now establishing its new corporate headquarters at the future-ready office tower. It is one of the companies that appreciate style, quality, and location and understands how an office space is a reflection of one’s brand, identity, and reputation.
“At first, we were wondering if it was a good move to uproot our operations in Makati and move to the South,” says TYC Trading President Anna Marie de Chavez. “But after considering the congestion, traffic, and even incidents of flooding in Makati, we thought it best to seek greener pastures in Alabang.”
TYC and several other locators have started fitting out their intelligent office units ranging from a flexible 36 square meters to a full floor, and expect to enjoy soon the features and amenities that make Parkway Corporate Center truly world-class.
Parkway Corporate Center is at a prime, strategic, and prestigious setting, Filinvest City, where a full spectrum of offerings from premium lifestyle and retail facilities, to one-of-a-kind residential concepts are within easy reach for a genuine live-work-play environment.
Even better, land values at Filinvest City have reached P230,000 per square meter, representing a 300 percent growth since 2012. And since land values are constantly on the rise, there is also a remarkable upsurge in office space rent, making it more advisable to invest in your own space at this point. Coupled with its ready and growing labor pool, more and more companies both local and international have been opting for Filinvest City, the economic center in the Metro South.
Similarly, Parkway Corporate Center buyers are enjoying a 24 percent increase in property values since they bought spaces in 2014. It is projected to rise even further as Filinvest City continuously boosts its growth with the deliberate execution of its enhanced masterplan and as demand for office space increases as well.
Parkway Corporate Center, being located at the so-called Millionaire’s Row of Filinvest City, enjoys a thriving, fully-integrated and self-contained 244-hectare metropolis that harmonizes modern conveniences and nature for a refreshingly different atmosphere.
It is extremely accessible, being close to the efficient public transportation hub South Station. Going to the North and to CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas Rizal and Quezon) area where factories are situated is quick through the South Luzon Expressway and Daang Hari Road. Even the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is just 10 kilometers away.

This office tower is the result of intelligent space planning. Modern building facilities are standard such as six high-speed elevators, 24-hour security with CCTV cameras in strategic areas, 100 percent back-up power and advanced fiber optic backbone. The VRF air-conditioning system provides consistent cooling comfort, quiet operation, and utmost energy efficiency. Double-glazed low-e glass helps protect against the harmful ultra-violet radiation while reflecting heat back to ensure that the interior temperature remains constant and helps in energy efficiency.
“Though we’re located in a business zone, there’s still a feeling of balance and nature. What we particularly like about this development is that our office faces Laguna de Bay, which is very energizing,” says Chavez.



An elegant main lobby, retail plaza on the ground floor, fully-equipped business center at the 7th level, podium deck garden, pocket gardens at every five levels, plus eight levels of secured parking are among Parkway Corporate Center’s impressive amenities.
Indeed, businesses thinking of transferring their headquarters to Metro South should set their sights on Parkway Corporate Center and make the smart move now. With its features and amenities and the investment potentials it offers, it is the most ideal office development in the Metro South bar none.
For more information, call (02) 8096517 or visit www.parkwaycorporate.com or their Facebook Page.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 11, 2019 | Awards and Competitions
Jan Daryl Doculan from Nueva Vizcaya emerged as the winner of the Region II leg of Solane Kitchen Chefs’ Edition, a nationwide cooking competition that aims to recognize a new generation of local talented chefs.
Doculan bested seven (7) other contestants from all over Region II with his winning dish, Dinakdakan. He garnished it with assorted atchara, ensalada, toasted shallot, and candied calamansi. He will have the chance to qualify for the national competition round with a grand prize of P100,000 and a culinary trip to Japan.
The Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition is sponsored by Midea, Jolly Heartmate, Dona Elena Al Dente Pasta, Masflex Cookware, King Sue, Anvil Publishing, Ajinomoto, King Sue, Philtranco, Fastcat, and Chef Plus.
The photo shows Doculan (fourth from left) with Solane marketing manager Valeri Villano and (L-R) Solane Kitchen Hero ambassador chef Sau del Rosario, Solane Kitchen Hero director Nancy Reyes-Lumen, and Region II judges Herminia Baby Reyes, and Lilibeth Rillera.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 10, 2019 | Health and Wellness
Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, the country’s leading healthcare provider, recently established its newest health pod in Startek Philippines, Inc., a call center and BPO in Iloilo, to ensure better access to healthcare services for its employees.
The latest health pod is a fully automated system that manages patient-queuing and makes the gathering of initial vital signs quick, accurate, and hassle-free. It offers a convenient and time-saving way for employees to get their LOA (letter of authorization). The latest Maxicare health pod is located at Two Global Center, Megaworld Blvd, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
In the photo (L-R): Maxicare senior assistant vice president and group head of corporate sales Fiona Lava-Victoria, chief operating officer Nelissa Badal, president and CEO Christian Argos, Startek global COO Peter Martino, Startek Philippines COO Parikshat Nagpal, and Startek Philippines human resource vice president Ana Maria Magsaysay.
For more information, visit www.maxicare.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 7, 2019 | Business

In this age of sharing and social media, lifestyle aspirations are driving consumer preferences in the real estate industry.
This is according to Tina Bautista, head of Property24, one of the most powerful online enablers for property buyers and sellers. Bautista cites, in particular, upper mid and luxury properties expected to be in high demand in 2019.
The Philippines continues to lead the world in social media usage, spending the most amount of time online, about four hours and 12 minutes a day. The number of social media users in the country grew by 13 percent, with more than 9 million users added since January 2018. Social media penetration is at 71 percent, which is above the worldwide average of 45 percent. As for mobile phone social media use, 67 percent of online Filipinos access social media on their phone, making social media an influential force. This is according to the latest digital report released by We Are Social and Hootsuite.
Property24, with Bautista at the helm, keeps a close tab on consumer digital behavior and trends in the real estate industry. Bautista has many years of experience working in the e-commerce industry. Before joining Property24, she led the overall online product strategy and channel expansion of Samsung, as online business demand management lead; served as vice president for the regional head of commercial planning for Ensogo Inc.; regional assistant brand manager for the low tier laundry detergent of Procter & Gamble Int’l Operations Pte Ltd, Singapore, and lead broadband planner for the product design and creation division of Globe Telecom.
Bautista, who has 12 years of experience in successfully creating strategies for online products and studying online consumer consumption, foresees a shift in buyer preferences, especially in the real estate industry, over the next five years.
“The major shift that may happen over the next five years is that technology will enable more than just searching and communication between property buyers and sellers. Technology will be able to change even how properties are bought and rented or financed by banks. We see this happening in more advanced markets. Generally as well, because of consumer preferences, we can also expect property developers to cater to emerging technology needs, such as high speed internet connectivity, online delivery and receiving hubs and smart home technologies,” Bautista says.
In the real estate industry, the speed of transactions and the expectations of potential property buyers are increasing rapidly, as the amount of information and influence that they receive online also grows. That is why Bautista advises companies to adapt swiftly to these developments.
“In our case, we are constantly working with our Product and Engineering teams, including enhancing our chat and contact form features, to make communication easier and faster between buyers and sellers. We also fine tune our search algorithms and filters to be able to reflect better user behavior and preferences,” she says.
Property24’s willingness to adapt has paved the way for it to become one of the strongest and most influential online platforms in the country today.
“Buyers today have many options and resources at their fingertips,” says Bautista. “It’s best for them to compare across all of these to be able to make the best decision. At the same time, they also have to exercise caution and judgment to ensure they are transacting with trusted brokers and agents.”
The influence of social media and online marketing has made a significant impact on the real estate market. Brand identity is the most effective way to gain a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Image and perception on social media and branding of property developers are the key factors for property buyers and investors.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 6, 2019 | Travel
Corregidor Island holds historical narratives of war that represents the fight for the country’s freedom. Known as the “Isle of Valor” or “The Rock”, the 358-kilometer island holds more treasures apart from the history carefully preserved in the island.
The Corregidor Foundation (CFI), the Department of Tourism (DOT) through its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), and the Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA), unveils the new brand of Corregidor … Corregidor Now.
Corregidor Now
Corregidor Now seeks to entice tourists to live and experience Corregidor Island in more ways than one! It invites guests to learn the unique story of Corregidor Island and explore spots around the island that are waiting to be experienced, making it a unique and exciting tourism destination.

With the campaign, they seek to actively promote the island’s various attractions, such as:
- middle-side barracks
- battery grubs
- Pacific war memorial complex
- Cine Corregidor
- Spanish lighthouse
- Japanese garden of peace
- Filipino heroes memorial
- Malinta tunnel, and
- Lorcha dock
Beyond historical relics, the island boasts of a multitude of opportunities for every type of traveler to enjoy biking, bird watching, camping, fishing, hiking, island runabout, and kayaking are just some of the fun activities in the island.
President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Corregidor Foundation Inc. Chairperson and CEO Cynthia Carrion in spearheading the new strategic campaign, dubbed “Corregidor Now,” which aims to deliver a stronger and unified voice for the whole island, bringing it to greater heights as a tourist attraction.
“For years, Corregidor Island seemed to be perceived solely as a popular historical site, with its idyllic features unknown to many,” Carrion said. “With our campaign, we hope that it will usher in a new era for this eco-historical location, making it known as a place of sanctuary where one can enjoy a relaxing opportunity to revel in the past.”
This initiative, according to TPB Chief Operating Officer Marie Venus Tan aims to attract more domestic and international tourists to visit Corregidor Island.
In support of this endeavor. TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Pocholo Paragas said they greatly recognize the island’s historical value and strong tourism potential, which can make it a flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ).
TIEZA is developing a comprehensive master plan for the redevelopment of Corregidor and the proposed rehabilitation of the Corregidor South Dock Pier. Under the marketing campaign, they will implement more proactive promotional efforts in various forms of media to inform the public and entice target markets to visit the island.
With all the tourist destinations in the Philippines, Corregidor Island is the only one where you can truly dive deep into history while enjoying the best of tropical Philippines. it is the picture-perfect showcase of the variety of fun and adventure offered on its land, sea, and air. Carrion invites Filipinos to come together, enjoy, and explore the historical paradise that is the ultimate relaxation and fun adventure sanctuary.
To book a tour or know more about Corregidor, please email in**@******************om.ph or visit www.corregidorisland.com.ph or call +6328233281.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 5, 2019 | Awards and Competitions, Travel
AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurers, in partnership with The SM Store, awarded an all-expense paid trip for two to Hong Kong Disneyland to lucky e-raffle winners of the recent Shop and Fly Promo. The winners, including Jeremy Albert Na Diego (in photo), also received AXA Philippines Personal Accident Insurance coverage worth P50,000.
Among the stores that participated in the Shop and Fly promo, which was exclusive to SM Advantage Card holders, were The SM Store Pampanga, Clark (Pampanga), Baguio, Megacenter Cabanatuan (Nueva Ecija), Cauayan (Isabela), Rosales and Urdaneta (Pangasinan), Tarlac, Olongapo (Zambales), Marilao and Baliwag (Bulacan), Telabastagan, San Fernando (Pampanga), and Valenzuela.
With Diego and his companion in the photo are (L-R) The SM Store Megacenter assistant branch manager Nelson D. Lutero, Jr., AXA Philippines financial partner Jessel Ladrillono, and AXA Philippines financial partner Michael Alamag.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 3, 2019 | Business
Liverpool FC has announced that AXA, the world’s leading insurance brand, has been appointed Principal Partner and the club’s new Official Training Kit Partner for the 2019/20 season.
To launch the new partnership, Liverpool FC and New Balance have revealed the new collection of training apparel, which will feature AXA branding throughout the range.
The New Balance collection includes warm up jackets, hoodies and sweatshirts, amongst other products, and is available in both adult and children’s sizes. Designed in grey and red pepper and just like the 2019/20 home kit, each product has been inscribed with Bob Paisley’s iconic signature on the inside, paying homage to the Reds’ most successful manager in the year in which he would have turned 100.
The Reds will begin training in the new AXA training kit this summer ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Billy Hogan, Liverpool Football Club Managing Director
Billy Hogan, Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer, Liverpool FC, said: “We’re delighted to be expanding our partnership with AXA to see them become a Principal Partner and new Official Training Kit Partner.”
“As a world-leader in its industry, AXA shares our ambitions and values, and we’ve already shared a lot of success since our partnership began in 2018. We look forward to building on our special relationship and continuing to bring to life fantastic experiences for our fans around the world.”
AXA will also continue working closely with the club’s men’s and women’s teams, managers, coaches and health professionals to support the shared goal of promoting healthy well-being and lifestyle. This is in line with AXA’s global tagline ‘Know You Can’ which symbolize AXA’s new promise to its customers, being an encouraging partner to help them feel more confident in achieving their goals and go further.

Thomas Buberl, AXA CEO
Thomas Buberl, Chief Executive Officer at AXA added: “We’re excited by this new important step in our partnership with Liverpool Football Club that started in 2018. Featuring the AXA logo on the Liverpool FC training kit is a great symbol of our strong ambition to strengthen the AXA brand consideration globally.”
“By building on our similar values and vision with Liverpool FC, we will also be able to bring to life our new brand promise to our customers on self-belief with the tagline: ‘Know You Can’.”
The training kit range is available to purchase in store and online at http://store.liverpoolfc.com/.

In the photo are: AXA Asia CEO Gordon Watson (center) with (L-R) CEO of Liverpool Football Club Peter Moore, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, AXA brand director Paul Bennett and Liverpool chief commercial director Billy Hogan
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 27, 2019 | Advocacy
SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., will be conducting the 5th Emergency Preparedness Forum, in its continuing thrust to make persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens more resilient and better prepared in times of disasters. From what was an annual event held in a single venue, SM Cares now brings the forum across five SM malls nationwide from June 21 to July 12, 2019, in observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month.
Participating malls include:
- SM City Clark (June 21)
- SM City Marikina (July 2)
- SM City Dasmariñas (July 5)
- SM City Batangas (July 9)
- SM Center Muntinlupa (July 12)
all happening from 10 AM to 12 Noon.
Facilitating the forum are DOST Undersecretary, PHIVOLCS director, and leading expert in geology and seismology, Dr. Renato Solidum Jr., joined by Dr. Ted Esguerra, who is an active member of numerous emergency preparedness and disaster response units around the globe. Both highly-regarded experts will impart knowledge about natural disasters and how to properly respond to them.

Bien Mateo, SM SVP for Operations
“We believe that there is a strong need to reach out to the communities that include persons with disabilities. They may either be out of reach from proper information, or they may have misconceptions on how to react to emergencies. And we are very fortunate to have Dr. Solidum and Dr. Esguerra, to help us understand and develop a more disaster-resilient way of living for PWDs,” said Bien Mateo, SM Cares program director for persons with disabilities.
“For our elderly, we have our undeniable limitations such as mobility and sensory capacities. They may know that there is an emergency but are unable to act upon it. We want to enlighten them that there are responses that they can do that best fits their situation. This is one way we want to strengthen the communities of our senior citizens,” added Danilo Chavez, SM Cares program director for senior citizens.
The project is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Goal No. 11: to make cities and human settlements sustainable. It is projected that by 2050, 70% of the world’s population will be living in cities, making sustainability a critical priority. SM, together with national government agencies and community members, are collectively engaged in pursuing objectives to make cities safer, resource-efficient, resilient and inclusive.
SM continues to promote a barrier-free and disability-inclusive environment to ensure that SM becomes a place for all, and where everyone is cared for. More than these sectors of the community, this series of events also encourages everyone to make emergency preparedness more than just a vital piece of knowledge, but a way of life.

SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Its advocacies include Environment Sustainability, Programs on Persons with Disabilities, Children and Youth, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Senior Citizens, and Overseas Filipino Workers (SM Global Pinoy).
As a responsible member of the community, SM Supermalls, through the CSR programs of SM Cares, aims to serves as a catalyst for positive change in society. To know more about SM Cares, you may visit www.smcares.com.ph, www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares or email sm*****@**********ls.com.
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