by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 17, 2018 | Lifestyle
SM Supermalls and McDonald’s level up the Thanksgiving tradition among Filipino families with the online and on-ground celebration of “National Thank You Week” this November 19 to 25.
“On the second year of our partnership with McDonald’s, we continue to underscore the uniqueness of the emotional bond of Filipinos, especially when our customers make memories and redefine thanksgiving celebrations in our malls,” shares Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for marketing.
On digital, SM and McDonald’s encourage families to share their thank you moments and get chance to win P5,000 SM shopping money by simply taking a photo using the #NationalThankYouWeek Photo App that can be accessed via smsupermalls.com from Nov. 19 to 25. Meanwhile, as a simple way to say thank you to customers, all McDonald’s stores located in 48 SM malls nationwide will give a free Vanilla Sundae Cone for every purchase of a Happy Meal from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day itself (November 22) till Sunday, November 25.
A culminating activity is also in stored for families on the last day of the week-long celebration (November 25). Kids and kids-at-heart are invited to experience SM Supermalls and McDonald’s Thank You Town where everyone can enjoy an array of fun activities and fun technology games.
SM Supermalls and McDonald’s level up the Thanksgiving tradition among Filipino families.
At the Thank You Town, SM shoppers can also sign up for McDonald’s Stripes Run, avail discounts in booking McCelebrations, and get amazing deals at the Toy Bazaar.
On top of the exclusive McDonald’s treats, the Thanksgiving experience of SM shoppers will be made more meaningful with a Thanksgiving Blessing at select SM malls on November 18 or 22 plus special dining offers at SM Foodcourt and other participating restaurants from November 19 to 25.
SM Supermalls is the sole Philippine finalist in this year’s World Retail Awards, held last April 19 in Madrid, Spain. SM’s “National Thank You Day,” an integrated live brand experience campaign in partnership with McDonald’s Philippines, made it as a finalist in the ‘Best Customer Experience Initiative – Mall Owners’ category.
For more information, check out www.smsupermalls.com, and its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts: @smsupermalls.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 16, 2018 | Video reviews
Crimes of Grindelwald (pronounced grin-del-vald) is the latest installment in JK Rowling’s wizarding world. It continues where Fantastic Beasts (that appeared in 2016) left off. As many reviewers can tell you, it is difficult to write a review without spoilers but I will do my best to make as little spoilers as I can. 😀
The story begins with the audience seeing Grindelwald (played by Johnny Depp) imprisoned within the Ministry of Magic is America. We learn that he has been there for several months and is to be transferred to the London Ministry of Magic. We then get to witness his eventual escape which establishes the conflict in the story.
The story then shifts to Newt Scamander (the hero of our story, played by Eddie Redmayne) in the Ministry of Magic in London. It is here we are also introduced to two new characters to the story: Lita LeStrange and Theseus Scamander (he’s a hugger), Newt’s brother. These two new characters play an important part in the story.
Theseus Scamander, Lita LeStrange, and Newt Scamander; photo credit to eonline.com
We are also reunited with characters from the first Fantastic Beasts movie. Keep in mind that Fantastic Beasts was set in New York and, therefore, the primary characters are American.
Before watching the movie my daughter and I were speculating if George’s presence in this movie means his memory will be erased every time. And Queenie is not an Auror so how does she and George get involved in this installment of the story?
Tina (American auror), Newt, George (American muggle), and Queenie (American witch) photo from vitalthrills.com
We also discover that Credence is still alive and that he meets Nagini (who appeared in the Harry Potter series) in her human form. At the end of Fantastic Beasts, it was implied that Credence died, that his special ability as on Obscurial. I was glad to know for sure there was more to his story than that.
Nagini (played by Claudia Kim) and Credence (played by Ezra Miller) photo from eonline.com
Nagini’s participation in the story is more of a supporting role while Credence served as the person the story revolves around.
By the way, before this movie, I didn’t know that Nagini was a person, not a regular large snake! We only learned this in this movie (not a spoiler) which makes me think that she remained a snake much as Peter Pettigrew remained a rat (called Scabbers by the Weasley family) to hide in plain sight. Or maybe she got stuck in that form? I guess we will find out eventually.
In the story, Credence is on a quest to find out who he was. The importance of his character in the story is hinted at several times but does not fully reveal itself until you reach the end of the movie. We know he is a powerful wizard because he was an Obscurial (this was mentioned in Fantastic Beasts 1), so we presume he came from a powerful wizarding family, but which one? What is your guess?
What are the story plots of The Crimes of Grindelwald
Credence searches for his identity
- Who is he?
- Where did he come from?
- How did he end up being adopted and raised in America by that wicked woman?
Grindelwald’s mission and/or motivation
- Why is he such a big baddie in the stories?
- What did he really do?
- How is able to get so many followers?
- Why does he kill indiscriminately?
Dumbledore’s relationship with Grindelwald
- Since Albus Dumbledore is supposedly the only one who can defeat Grindelwald why doesn’t he just do it?
- Where Dumbledore and Grindelwald involved in some way?
Newt’s involvement
- Does he work for Dumbledore?
- Is he very powerful magically or is he powerful because of all the knowledge he has?
- Why does he have a travel ban?
- How does he end up working with
My thoughts as I watched the movie
New creatures, yey! Some lovable, some scary, and some are both. We’ve met some of them in the original movie series (Harry Potter).
Niffler
Old creatures, we loved from the first movie. I have to give Niffler a special mention because … well, he is just so darned cute! He’s an incorrigible thief (reminds me of Tasselhoff Burfoot) but it is hard to take offense since he does not do it out of malice. Tee hee, and the babies, aww, the babies!
Johnny Depp as Grindelwald – Reading other reviews online, some loved it and some hated it. I don’t care what anyone else says, I think he did great! The way he flicks his wand you’d think he’d been doing it all his life. 🙂
Jude Law as Dumbledore, perfect! I thought he nailed the part. I also thought it was good to see Professor Dumbledore in his youth. He displayed the gentleness, the sense of humor, and the power we have come to expect from watching and reading Harry Potter.
Possible spoilers:
- Lita LeStrange is engaged to Theseus, but why do I get the feeling that it is Newt she is in love with?
- When faced with a Bogart:
- Lita’s greatest fear is a white sheet? Is it a ghost?
- Newt’s greatest fear is inanimate?
The cast of Fantastic Beasts 2: The Crimes of Grindelwald
Fantastic Beasts 2: The Crimes of Gridelwald is fast-paced and exciting and, at times, can leave the audience breathless. It is a must-watch for Potterheads everywhere and family-movie kids of all ages can enjoy.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 15, 2018 | Health and Wellness
Over 25% of the world’s seafarers show signs of depression, according to the International Maritime Charity Sailor’s Society (IMCSS). Stress, harassment, bullying, fatigue, loneliness, and isolation from family can easily impact their mental health, which makes seafaring the second-most at risk profession worldwide when it comes to suicide.
To shine light on the issue, Gregorio Oca Leadership & Development (GOLD) Foundation, in partnership with SM Global Pinoy, the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), and International Seafarers Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN), held the “Kumusta, Kabaro?” Day at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.
“Kumusta, Kabaro?” is a comprehensive mental health program launched by GOLD Foundation to raise awareness of the maritime community and the general public about the struggles seafarers face during their repeated departures from home.
With the theme “The Seafarer Community for Global Mental Wellness,” the project aims to deliver hope and to promote mental wellness among Filipino Seafarers. The event was also held in celebration of World Mental Health Day and was attended by over 500 members from the maritime industry and their families.
“Ang issue ng mental health ay kailangan nating pag-tuunan. Hindi na ‘to isang bagay na kailangan natin i-deny,” (The issue on mental health needs attention and we can no longer ignore this) said Marissa Oca, chair of the Gregorio Oca Leadership & Development (GOLD) Foundation.
Atty. Noli Partido, AMOSUP Legal Department head, also pointed out that the issue on mental health is something we need to look at closely. “We need to act on the issue and come up with preventive and relevant steps to take care of our seafarers’ mental health,” Partido said.
The event consisted of various talks and inspirational messages from different maritime groups, the Department of Health (DOH), and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Psychotrauma Clinic. It also included Zumba exercises and other wellness activities.
“SM believes that the seafarers’ mental health is a serious concern that we need to focus on. We fully support the maritime industry’s advocacy in raising awareness about the issue,” said SM Global Pinoy program director Glenn Ang.
SM Global Pinoy is the program of SM Prime Holdings that supports the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers and their families. It aims to give back and honor OFWs and their families through exclusive services, perks and privileges in its 31 SM Global Pinoy Centers nationwide.
To know more about SM Global Pinoy, you may visit www.smglobalpinoy.com or www.facebook.com/smgpc. You may also e-mail in**@***********oy.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 15, 2018 | Stories
Liza takes on the TechnoMarine “What’s In A Box” Challenge
Ever so game, Liza Soberano takes on the TechnoMarine ‘What’s in the box’ challenge that has become a viral hit! See how Liza, sporting her favourite TechnoMarine watch, the perfect partner at work or play, takes on creepy and other freaky stuff without fear and hesitation. Click on the link to watch the vids that have taken social media by storm!
TechnoMarine timepieces encourage a change of attitude with their infusion of a carefree coastal resort spirit and water-inspired elements. A bright mix of colors and premium components let urban souls dream international destinations while sporting watches from innovative designers who are enthusiastic about every concept.
TechnoMarine can be found in Greenbelt 3, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza, SM City Cebu, SM Lanang Premier Davao, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, TriNoma, and Uptown Mall.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 14, 2018 | Events
Filinvest City, the premier lifestyle destination in the Metro South, spreads holiday cheer with “Christmas Comes Alive,” its extraordinary holiday celebration this 2018.
With “Christmas Comes Alive,” Filinvest City residents and employees, as well as guests from other parts of the metro, can catch a line-up of exciting activities and entertainment starting November 17, 7 p.m., at Spectrum Linear Park.
Taking this year’s festivities up a notch are weekend performances from local favorites:
Indie electro-pop artist BP Valenzuela on November 17
Solo folk project I Belong to the Zoo on November 24
Indie rock band December Avenue on December 1
Pop band Autotelic on December 8
Singer and rapper Quest on December 15
Rock legend Rivermaya on December 22
Indie folk band The Ransom Collective on December 29
Goers will also be treated to a special performance by rising DJ Wicked Adobo. Ending each performance on a high note is a grand fireworks display.
Also keeping the holiday mood extra-festive is Filinvest City’s Christmas Wonderland, which will allow city dwellers to experience the Christmas of their dreams with one-of-a-kind outdoor installations at the Spectrum Linear Park.
Open to everyone, near or far, are four themed sections:
- the 40-foot “Christmas Tree” in bright blues, reds, and yellows, featuring a giant holiday staple,
- the “Once Upon A Christmas Dream” that has life-sized Christmas displays,
- the “Aboard the Christmas Train” that will take you on a trip down memory lane with colorful lights and holiday music, and
- the “Up, Up, and Away” that lets you enjoy a large hot air balloon display, evoking a feeling of wonder and utmost excitement.
This Christmas spectacle can be enjoyed starting November 16 until December 31 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
What’s more, friends and families can bond over good food offered at the weekend bazaar.
This holiday season, Christmas truly comes alive at Filinvest City! For more information on its holiday activities and events, visit www.facebook.com/FilinvestCityOFFICIAL.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 12, 2018 | Yummy Reviews
Korean BBQ places have become popular for several years now here in the Philippines. Quite close to where I live I can already count at least 5 places, all just on one street!
Korean BBQ
Why do Filipinos love Korean BBQ?
There are many reasons to fall in love with Korean BBQ:
- the quantity – most Korean BBQ places offer unlimited servings of the main and side dishes
- the variety – choose from several types of raw meat to cook and many side dishes to eat!
- the speed of service – dishes are brought out quickly so hungry diners do not need to wait long for their food
- the experience – you cook your meat yourself at your table! While this is not a new concept, per se, it gives people who normally do not cook the opportunity to do so in a safe, judgment-free environment.
- the taste – if it tastes good, we’re interested!
- the price – if it won’t break the bank then we’re interested! 😀
Before I go further I feel the need to make a statement: I’m a home cook, I don’t pretend to be an expert in the kitchen. I am not a chef, I have not taken any course in culinary or baking. But I do know how I like food to look and taste and for my faves I look for a particular taste and, usually, I know how to prepare it as well. What this boils down to is I tend to really be critical when it comes to food – how they look, how they taste, and how they are served.
Just saying. 🙂
And now, without further ado …
What is samgyupsal?
According to Wikipedia, samgyupsal (or samgyeopsal as it is actually supposed to be spelled) is a Korean word referring to grilled pork belly. Despite that description, though, most Korean BBQ establishments serve more than just pork. Case in point is Samgyupsal King.
What is Samgyupsal King?
Samgyupsal King Unli Korean BBQ menu
Samgyupsal King is one of many restaurants that have jumped into the Samgyupsal trend.
Just like their contemporaries in the business, they, too serve unlimited Korean BBQ. But what makes them different?
They serve pork, beef, and chicken
Not all Korean BBQ places do this. Some serve just pork and beef.
Unli meals are less expensive than some
Unli meals at Samgyupsal King range from P350 (for pork and chicken) to P399 (for pork, chicken, and beef). This makes sense as beef is quite expensive.
Other Korean BBQ places charge the same or even more. One place I went to charged P500, and that was just for pork and chicken. They made up for it, though, with the sides.
They have set meals at affordable prices
In general, Unli Korean BBQ places keep it simple … just unli meals. Samgyupsal King has four ala carte offerings to choose from: beef bulgogi, pork, bulgogi, chicken bulgogi, and grilled salmon – all accompanied by side dishes.
How’s the meat?
Raymond Que, Chef and co-owner of Samgyupsal King
The meat is well prepared. Chef Raymond Que told us that they used prime meat and they are meticulous in their preparation.
The pork and beef are sliced thinly (sukiyaki cut) which makes them cook faster. Flavor-wise I thought they were flavored well. Of the pork cuts the one I enjoyed was the one that looked like bacon (I mean, who doesn’t love bacon, right? hehe)
If I had to complain it would probably be that there was a limited selection of meats as we were only presented with 6 options (that is for all pork, beef, and chicken combined) where other establishments offer as many as twelve or thirteen varieties combined.
Also, I like my spice so I was hoping that at least one of the beef cuts would be spicy. Maybe it was, but just wasn’t up to my spice level. 😀
As for the chicken, I am not a fan of white meat as it tends to become dry, especially when overcooked. My personal preference would have been chicken thigh fillet, and also cut thinly.
Are there many side dishes?
Samgyupsal King side dishes – missing from the photo are the egg roll and
There were six side dishes … that’s it. Six. There were some staples I find in other Korean BBQ places I go to that they did not serve such as the steamed egg, fish cake, and candied peanuts. The radish I felt was not cooked enough in the vinegar before it was served but was adequately crispy.
The marble potatoes and (I heard) the kimchi were good. The kimchi, in particular, is their own recipe. The egg roll is essentially the Japanese tamago without the sugar.
And that is all of it.
Do they serve beverages?
No, they don’t. But I think, perhaps, this was a decision of the concessionaires at the food park so that patrons would get their beverages only from the bevarage concessionaires such as Fruitas.
Is there adequate seating?
Le Village Food Park is located at the corner of Cordillera and E. Rodriguez Sts. in Quezon City
This is, perhaps, where Samgyupsal King has a distinct advantage over other Korean BBQ places. Since they are located in Le Village Food Park they have more than enough seating which is shared with the other food establishments in the food park. The only real question, I suppose, would be if they have enough gas burners to service everyone.
I therefore conclude …
Overall I would say that Samgyupsal King is probably not yet the king of Samgyupsal in Metro Manila but what they serve is well thought of and well-seasoned. I especially admire their openness to suggestions of improvement which means that their meals can only get better and better!
Bloggers with Mr. Willy Que as he tells us all about Samgyupsal King
One day soon I will surely bring my friends over to sample Samgyupsal King at Le Village Food Park. Someday, who knows, they may become the King they aspire to be.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 11, 2018 | Stories
Ayala Museum and Gallery of Prints, with the support of The International Map Collectors Society (IMCoS) and the Philippine Map Collectors Society (PHIMCOS), present the 36th International Map Collectors Society (IMCoS) Symposium on October 15-17, 2018 at the Ayala Museum, Makati City.
For the first time in Southeast Asia, foreign antique map collectors and collectors with their Philippine counterparts will gather in Manila to attend in a series of lectures centered on the role and importance of historical cartography of the Insulae Indiae Orientalis or the East Indies Islands, which reveal the European knowledge of the region as early as the 16th century.
Focused on historical issues and unexplored accounts reflected in the antique maps and prints, the symposium will present papers that will deepen appreciation for these significant documents.
International speakers include Mrs. Martine Chomel Harent, former curator of the Mexico National History Museum, who will talk about the galleon trade between Manila and Acapulco from the Mexican perspective, supported by antique maps that outline the historical trade route.
Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo will discuss the emergence of the Filipino Nation through displayed ancient and manuscript maps, while Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio will share his knowledge about the pivotal role of antique maps in the controversial South China and the West Philippine Sea dispute.
The symposium includes afternoon visits and special viewing of numerous collections of the Ortigas Foundation, Lopez Museum, and the University of Santo Tomas Heritage Library (curated for the Symposium).
Special Exhibit of Rare Philippine Maps
Finally, a special exhibit at the Ayala Museum will showcase antique originals of the maps presented in the lectures, some of which have never been seen in the Philippines. A significant feature of the exhibit is the “MURILLO ROOM”, which will display the largest number of Murillo maps, regarded as the Mother of all Philippine Maps, together in one room, including the famous acquisition of Filipino technology entrepreneur Mel Velasco Velarde.
The Murillo Velarde map of 1734 was drawn by the Jesuit Father Pedro Murillo Velarde with the help of two Filipinos: Francisco Suárez and engraver Nicolas de la Cruz Bagay.
The exhibit will be open to the public ahead of the event from October 9, 2018, until October 14, 2018. It will be temporarily closed during the symposium and will resume on the 18th until the 28thof October.
International Map Collectors’ Society (IMCoS) Philippine representative Rudolf J. H. Lietz, FRGS Curator, Gallery of Prints
IMCoS Philippine representative and 2018 symposium organiser, Mr. Rudolf J. H. Lietz of the Gallery of Prints, who is also the curator of the exhibit states that “I am very happy to present an exhibition of over 150 original maps and prints assembled from the collections lent by presenters from the Philippines and overseas, my personal collection, fellow members of PHIMCOS, the Gallery of Prints.”
The 36th IMCoS Symposium 2018 is a two-part event in Manila and Hong Kong. The Hong Kong part is organized by the Hong Kong Maritime Museum and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Library and runs on Oct 19 to 20.
For more information on The 36th IMCoS Symposium – Manila, please contact us via email: sy*******@*****om.ph or via telephone: (+632) 821-7181 | press 5 on the voice prompt.
You may also visit the website dedicated for this event at https://www.imcos-2018-manila.com, or the official website for IMCoS at https://www.imcos.org and PHIMCOS at https://www.phimcos.org.
Gold sponsors for this event are Aboitiz Foundation and Unionbank. Bronze Sponsors are Mapfre Insular and Alsons Insurance Brokers Corporations, with ANC as official media partner.
Located at the heart of the Makati Central Business District, Ayala Museum boasts a notable collection of archeological artifacts; an impressive selection of trade ceramics from Southeast Asia; and contemporary art. Ayala Museum also initiates partnerships with schools, government offices, malls, and cultural sites in Metro Manila and other regions for its traveling exhibition program on Philippine arts and history.
Established in 1996, The Gallery of Prints is the first and only remaining gallery in the Philippines exclusively dedicated to antique printed material. For more than two decades, GoP has become an internationally renowned specialist in the original historical printed material in the Philippines with emphasis on Filipiniana selections that would date back to the 16th century.
The International Map Collectors Society (IMCoS) with its headquarters in London, UK holds an annual symposium in major international cities on alternating continents, which serves as an opportunity for map collectors and enthusiasts across the globe to gather in one venue, further broadening their perspectives on the significance and impact of historic and important maps from all over the world.
Founded in 2007, the Philippine Map Collectors Society (PHIMCOS) is committed to educating the public about the importance of cartography. PHIMCOS also collaborates with museums, libraries, and universities in the Philippines to provide cartographic education along with information on proper restoration and storage of antique maps and prints.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 10, 2018 | Business
Rahul Hora, President and CEO of AXA Philippines
AXA Philippines president and CEO Rahul Hora (rightmost) with other members of the executive leadership team, senior managers, and digital specialists during the Reverse Mentoring Program launch.
The executive leadership team of AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance company, have teamed up with the organization’s digital specialists for a revolutionary Reverse Mentoring Program.
The program aims to create an exciting opportunity for members of the leadership team and the digital specialists to learn from one another and grow together in building AXA’s digital capabilities to help empower Filipinos to live better lives.
“At AXA, we believe learning never stops,” says AXA Philippines CEO Rahul Hora. “The Reverse Mentoring Program is a testament to our commitment to providing a better customer experience by keeping in step with the latest technologies available. The program also helps foster a collaborative working environment that AXA takes pride in.”
After the initial six-month program, the mentor-mentee pairs are expected to come up with digital strategies, campaigns, or prototypes that will help AXA customers live the life they choose. This is only the first phase of the program and will soon be rolled out to other AXA employees.
The Reverse Mentoring Program also aims to reinforce digital savviness and help foster closer ties among employees while strengthening the organization’s culture of innovation and collaboration.
For more information on AXA Philippines, visit www.axa.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 9, 2018 | Stories
November 11 is a special sale day for popular online stores in many countries all over the world. Dubbed 1111 this is the day when many items found on those stores here in the Philippines, drop their prices, some as low as 11 pesos! One such store that does this is Lazada.
Starting October 26 and all the way up to November 11, flash sales are held several times a day with premium items already selling at rock bottom prices! Simply click on flash sale link on the home page to see what is selling like pancakes at specified times of the day.
And there are also so many 1111 vouchers to collect! Just click on the link found at the top of the page.
Buy consumables like shampoo, conditioner, makeup, deodorant, laundry detergent, milk, facial cleanser, etc.
Or maybe you are looking for gadgets, appliances, jewelry, clothes, accessories, etc.
All set to buy but you want to wait until November 11? No problem. Just pick the items you want and put them in the cart. Then … check out on the 11th. Happy shopping!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 8, 2018 | Business
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. and Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed jointly announced the launch of the 16th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA) during the recently held annual conference of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI).
Since its inception in 2002, the CMA awards program, a partnership among BSP, Citi Philippines and MCPI, with funding support from Citi Foundation, has been steadfast in its commitment towards recognizing entrepreneurs who have beat the odds, lifting themselves and others out of poverty. The awards also recognize the strong support from microfinance institutions as key partners, underscoring the role these organizations play in financial inclusion and enterprise development.
Nestor Espenilla, Jr., BSP Governor
In his keynote speech, governor Espenilla took note of how digital technology has made an impact in the development of microfinance in the country. “The digital revolution is fundamentally reshaping the financial inclusion landscape and traditional financial value chains,” he said. “Rapid digital innovations in financial technologies have led to the emergence of more dynamic business models.”
“Amidst all the talk of technology and disruption, it is only appropriate that we continue to showcase inspiring stories through the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards, which has served as a vehicle for inspiring microentrepreneurs nationwide to achieve greater heights,” says Espenilla.
The event saw the introduction of the commemorative book “From Modest Dreams to Microentrepreneurial Triumphs,” which shares success stories of past CMA winners, inspiring tales of winning against adversity through hard work and perseverance.
Aftad Ahmed, Citi Philippines CEO
In his remarks, Citi’s Ahmed said: “The Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards are about the passion, energy, and commitment of microentrepreneurs who want to do better for themselves and their families. At Citi, we are proud to help people pursue their dreams because we are committed to making a difference in the communities where we live and work.”
Governor Espenilla and Aftab Ahmed serve as co-chairpersons of the CMA National Selection Committee. Other members include industry and community leaders such as:
- Ayala Corporation president Fernando Zobel de Ayala;
- RFM Corporation president and CEO Jose Ma. Concepcion III;
- GMA Network, Inc. chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon;
- former Philippine Daily Inquirer chairperson Marixi Rufino-Prieto;
- DTI secretary Ramon Lopez; SPARK! Philippines trustee Imelda Nicolas;
- SM Investments Corporation vice chair Teresita Sy-Coson;
- Voyager Innovations, Inc. president Orlando Vea;
- National MSME Development Council-Mindanao Private Sector representative Mary Ann Montemayor; and
- University of the Philippines Diliman chancellor Dr. Michael Tan.
The awards are open to microenterprises with business assets up to PhP3 million. The award categories are Microentrepreneur of the Year Award, regional awardees from the three major island groups (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao), Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year, and special awards for agri micro-business, community leadership, and green/sustainable business.
The national winner of the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards will receive PhP200,000 while the three regional awardees, the youth awardee, and special awardees will each get PhP100,000. The loan officers and MFI branches of each awardee are also given a cash incentive of PhP10,000. Semi-finalists will receive a cash incentive of PhP10,000.
In addition to cash prizes, long-term sustainability of the winning microenterprises is of vital importance, thus, entrepreneurship training and mentoring is also provided at the Citi Microenterprise Development Center.
About Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is the central bank of the Republic of the Philippines. It was established on July 3, 1993 pursuant to the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the New Central Bank Act of 1993.
The BSP took over from the Central Bank of Philippines, which was established on January 3, 1949, as the country’s central monetary authority.
The BSP is committed to promote and maintain price stability, a stable financial system, and efficient payment and settlement system, conducive to a balanced and sustainable growth of the economy.
Since 2000, the BSP has played a key role in increasing access to financial services to the entrepreneurial poor by mainstreaming microfinance in the banking sector. In 2007, the BSP embraced the goal of financial inclusion as a way of bringing the financial system closer to all Filipinos, especially to the financially underserved and unserved.
The overall vision is to build an inclusive financial system where there is effective access to a wide range of appropriate financial products and services for all filipinos. The Philippines is known for having one of the best regulatory frameworks for microfinance, and as a global leader in terms of having a conducive environment for financial inclusion.
About Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation.
About Citi
Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions.
Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.
Additional information may be found at:
About Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc.
The Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) is the national network of microfinance institutions (MFIs) and support organizations in the Philippines advocating sustainable, innovative, and client-responsive solutions to poverty in the country.
MCPI is currently comprised of 61 members (48 MFIs, 2 regional networks, and 11 support organisations) which account for 80 percent of the microfinance sector in the Philippines. Its key programs include advocacy, capacity building for MFIs, social performance management and client protection in microfinance, knowledge management, and network development.
For the first time in Southeast Asia, foreign antique map collectors and collectors with their Philippine counterparts will gather in Manila to attend in a series of lectures centered on the role and importance of historical cartography of the Insulae Indiae Orientalis or the East Indies Islands, which reveal the European knowledge of the region as early as the 16th century.
The 
Founded in 2007, the 
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is the central bank of the Republic of the Philippines. It was established on July 3, 1993 pursuant to the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the New Central Bank Act of 1993.
Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions.
The Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) is the national network of microfinance institutions (MFIs) and support organizations in the Philippines advocating sustainable, innovative, and client-responsive solutions to poverty in the country.
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