by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 3, 2023 | Events
Baguio City will witness a momentous event that blends history and sportsmanship. The inaugural Victory Day Ride, spearheaded by the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), slated on September 3, 2023, will take cycling enthusiasts and history aficionados on a journey to honor the sacrifices of World War II veterans and raise awareness about Baguio Victory Day.
Mike Villa-Real, PVB First Vice President for Marketing and Communications, said, “The enactment of R.A. 11216 in 2018 marks September 3rd of each year as a special working holiday, marking Yamashita’s surrender and Victory Day in the Philippines. This day in 1945 is clearly a significant historical event marking the success and the toil and sacrifices of the soldiers of both the United States and the Philippines. However, it is not as well-known as the “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) commemorated on April 9 each year.”
Organized in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), City Government of Baguio, Wartime Heritage Guild Philippines (WHG), Without Limits, Salgado PR, this ride aims to foster a deeper understanding of the city’s significant role during WWII while encouraging active participation in the sport of cyclists of all ages and backgrounds.
Inspired by the annual Ride for Valor that retraces the infamous Death March, the Victory Day Bike Ride takes a different route, focusing on the historical sites and landmarks associated with Baguio City’s role in World War II. Cyclists and participants will embark on a 44.5-kilometer route that meanders through the city’s picturesque landscapes and historical spots, providing a unique opportunity to relive the past and honor the heroes who fought valiantly for freedom.
While the Ride for Valor primarily focuses on the Death March, the Victory Day Bike Ride aims to balance the narrative by shedding light on the broader scope of World War II history in the Philippines. The Victory Day Bike Ride seeks to increase awareness about Baguio City’s role during the war. The event intends to give due recognition to the countless Filipino and American soldiers who fought for the country’s liberation
The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) invites sports and cycling enthusiasts to join the Ride for Victory Day, a bike-for-a-cause event that aims to raise funds for the maintenance of the country’s historical markers and other World War 2 heritage sites.
The ride is open to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes. Villa-Real said participants may ride at their own pace and will also implement a “No Helmet, No Ride” policy to ensure the safety of the participants.
Villa-Real also said a mechanic would be available to help those who encounter mechanical difficulties while roving marshals will be present to keep track of the riders’ progress. Support vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride in the vehicle if they choose to drop out of the event.
The non-competitive bike ride will have five pitstops: Start at Baguio City Hall. First Stop, Camp Allen. Second Stop, USAFIP-NL Marker. Third Stop, Sablan View Deck. Fourth Stop, Fort Del Pilar (Philippine Military Academy). Fifth and Final Stop, U.S. Embassy in Camp John Hay.
The registration fee for the Ride for Victory Day is P600, which includes an official event shirt, a race bib and passport, a loot bag, a post-ride meal, and a commemorative medal.
Interested individuals may register online at https://bit.ly/victorydayride-regform, while groups may email ri**********@***il.com until September 1. Participants may also register onsite at INSERT BIKE SHOP PARTNERS HERE Baguio City branch.
PVB is a private, commercial bank owned by World War 2 veterans and their families. With its new Charter signed into law, the Bank’s ownership now includes Post War Veterans and AFP Retirees.
For more information about the event, follow Victory Day Ride on Facebook.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 3, 2023 | Business
Federal Land, Inc. celebrates another milestone with the topping-off ceremony of Four Season Riviera Peony Tower. The event marks the structural completion of the third tower of the development — a testament to Federal Land’s commitment to providing well-built living spaces, wellness amenities, and an auspicious address that brings good opportunities to more homeowners in Binondo, Manila.
Four Season Riviera is a prime riverfront home designed to allow good feng shui to flow directly inside the home and welcome good fortune and prosperity. Its strategic location within Binondo, Manila, provides residents convenient access to thriving business centers, dining hotspots, lifestyle destinations, and nearby historic locations, such as Intramuros. The completion of its third tower offers residents a tranquil life without being fully detached from the main roads and the booming commercial center in Manila.

Captured in the photo is a prosperity ceremony, serving as the culmination of the topping off milestone, to invite good fortune for future residents of the Four Season Riviera Peony Tower led by Federal Land’s executives and partners (from left to right): Federal Land Sales Group Head, Margarita Saenz-Resurreccion; Federal Land Brand Marketing Department Head, Jose Eliseo Bringas; Federal Land Sales Channel Head, Allen Gafar Mindalano; EEI Corporation President and CEO, Henry Antonio; Federal Land Technical Execution Group Head Alvin Ty; Federal Land Product Planning Department Head, Robie M. Belgica; Federal Land Urban Planning and Design Group Head, Ar. Gilbert Berba; and EEI Corporation Senior Vice President for Building Andres Tumbokon III.
To know more about Four Season Riviera Peony Tower, visit www.federalland.ph or e-mail in****@*********nd.ph to book a private viewing at GF Four Seasons Riviera, Muelle De La Industria corner Prensa Street and, Numancia St, Binondo, Manila.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 1, 2023 | Food & Beverage
Western Visayas, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, is set to captivate the taste buds of food enthusiasts as The Manila Hotel celebrates the region’s diverse culinary delights at Café Ilang-Ilang this August.
For its latest dining offer, Café Ilang-Ilang has teamed up with Chef Rafael “Tibong” Jardeleza, Jr. — a culinary virtuoso and passionate Western Visayas heritage cuisine advocate.
A Tapestry of Flavors
Through this exciting collaboration, Café Ilang-Ilang brings the essence of Western Visayas directly to its dining tables. Acknowledged as the Food Haven of the Philippines, Western Visayas boasts a vibrant food culture that reflects its history, geography, and cultural influences. The partnership showcases diverse dishes, highlighting the region’s local recipes, distinct ingredients, and time-honored cooking techniques.
A Champion of Heritage Cuisine
Chef Tibong, hailing from Western Visayas himself, has his culinary journey deeply rooted in his love for preserving and promoting the region’s culinary heritage. Drawing inspiration from his upbringing and family traditions, his creations offer a contemporary twist to classic dishes, presenting an elevated experience that resonates with both locals and global food enthusiasts.
Embark on a Gastronomic Adventure
At Café Ilang-Ilang, guests can embark on a gastronomic adventure that celebrates the flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques unique to Western Visayas. Throughout the whole month of August, Café Ilang-Ilang patrons can enjoy selected dishes for lunch and dinner buffet. The weekly cycle of featured dishes includes Guimaras Mango with Ginamos sa Tulapo, KBL (Kadios, Baboy, Langka), Laswa, Pancit Molo, Pancit Efuven, Beef Morcon, Chicken Binakol, Lengua Estofado, Bitchuelas, Sopa de Ajo, Fabada, Kinilaw na Tanguigue, Paella Negra with Chiperones, Canonigo, and Lapaz Batchoy Ice Cream.

Experience the “Flavors of Western Visayas” at Café Ilang-Ilang until August 31. For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500 or email re************@************el.com.
About The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel is situated in the heart of the City of Manila. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, The Manila Hotel continuously provides the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience. It has more than 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms, including three (3) ballrooms.
The hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa, adult and children’s pools, and Manila Hotel Health Club. The hotel is home to the Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of priceless memories that narrate its illustrious past. It also has an Art Gallery which offers a window into a contemporary world, captured by different artists’ objective points of view.
It has six (6) dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary adventure: Café Ilang-Ilang which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of International buffet delights; Champagne Room with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila — it features European cuisine in a posh, fine-dining setting; Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired outlet where one can enjoy an evening of live music; Lobby Lounge which is ideal for casual dining, aperitif, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings; Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine; and Delicatessens that offers the hotel’s signature pastries, bread, chocolates, and pralines.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 31, 2023 | Awards and Competitions
Luciano Armand Copok recently made headlines by winning Bronze in the 4th Copernicus Math Olympiad and 2 Championships for Golf in the US Kids Hudson Valley Tour and the Oceanside Invitational by SCJGT, all held in the USA.
Luciano Armand, 14 Years old and a Grade 8 Student from British School Manila, has remarkable success in both fields as he juggles his studies and training simultaneously.

Luciano Armand Copok and Francis Deinmel Legaspi
In the recently concluded 4th Copernicus Math Olympiad Global Round, He won Bronze in the “Grade 7 – 8” division out of over 100 finalists from 22 countries, demonstrating his intelligence and dedication to the subject. Fellow Filipino Math Wizard Francis Deinmel Legaspi also won in his category.
The Copernicus Olympiad is an international competition joined by students from Grades 3 to Grade 12, which aims to enhance and develop their potential by honing their logical deduction abilities and connecting with a like-minded group of people from around the globe.

Luciano Armand Copok at Thunderhart
Luciano Armand was also named Champion for two separate US golf tournaments. He first competed in the US Kids Hudson Valley Tour for Boys 13-14 Years Old Category last July 8 in Freehold, New York. Then moved and claimed another Championship in Oceanside Invitational by SCJGT last July 18 in Ormond Beach, Florida.
His success is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. He has proven that it is possible to excel at two seemingly unrelated activities and that it is possible to achieve success even when it requires juggling two different pursuits.
Armand’s Mom, Ms. Tiffany Chua Copok, is thankful for the support they received for their son’s competition journey.

Tiffany Chua Copok, proud mom of Luciano. Cheers!
The success of Luciano Armand in both the Math Olympiad and the Golf Tournaments is a reminder of the power of hard work and dedication and a testament that it is possible to succeed in multiple fields.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 29, 2023 | Business
It was a success!
After three years of running the business, Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center can finally scream the continuous success of the brand. Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, Dear Self was able to run the company through their relentless willpower and unceasing trust in the process and in our Lord Almighty.
To celebrate this and thank everyone who has been part of the sweet success, they mounted a mini-Thanksgiving concert titled Love Above All: Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Clinic Anniversary Concert at the Elements, Centris, Quezon City, July 24.

“This event is not just to celebrate Dear Self’s success, but more of us giving thanks to everyone who has been an instrument to this success- our employees, our investors, our partners, family, and close friends,” Madam Krystal Tecson-Garalde, CEO of Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Clinic said in an after-event interview.
Moreover, the event also celebrated International Self-Care Day. An annual opportunity to spotlight self-care and the benefits that effective self-care can bring to individuals and healthcare systems as a vital foundation of health has been Dear Self’s advocacy since day 1.
“Self, you must remember the importance of loving yourself, embracing your imperfections, accepting your flaws, and turning them into opportunities to be a better version of yourself are the greatest gift you can give not only to yourself but to a hundred more people around you,” Madam Tecson-Garalde stated in her heart-warming opening message.
“Dear Self Family with you I am truly LOVED,” she ended.
The Concert Event

Showtime’s Boom Boom Neri, Gace Abina, and Amina Magat brought the house down with their sizzling hot opening number. This was followed by Tawag ng Tanghalan Season 1’s grand finalist and Star Music Artist, Lucky Robles, who serenaded the crowd while having their sumptuous dinner.
Brand Ambassador Ric Abasola and Theatre Actor and Director Allan Dale Alojipan, event hosts, introduced power women of the music industry: Ms. Pinky Marquez, TV and movie actress, singer, and theatre Idol, amazed the crowd with her rendition of Broadway favorites while Ms. Bituin Escalante, left the audience in awe with her interpretation of Aretha Franklin’s classic, Respect, and Natural Woman.
The audience went wild when Ebe Dancel went up to the stage to perform his band’s classic, Hari ng Sablay, Prom, and Wag Ka Nang Umiyak and his very own single Bawat Daan, which lasted for an hour.
“All these songs are meant to promote self-importance and self-love, kaya mas meaningful sa buong team namin. And our guest artists are all the best, we want to thank them from the bottom of our hearts, for responding to our invite, kahit hindi kami one of the top companies,” Mr. Christian Tecson, Dear Self’s Chief Financial Officer said.
Other Event Highlights
The company also awarded loyal employees for Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center.

“Thank you to our very loving EMPLOYEES, such as staff, branch managers, customer service team, HR team, OM team & marketing team. They are too many to mention, but I swear they are the best,” Ms. Vivien Tecson-Cadivida mentioned in her parting speech.
Moreover, Manufast CEO Clarence Cadivida introduces a new product line that will surely contribute to Dear Self’s business landscape in the next coming years.
On the other hand, the all pink-themed concert event, aside from it as the brand’s official color, was derived from Japan’s Hanami Festival where people enjoy flower viewing. An event that denotes renewal and new beginnings.
“We chose to have this theme because just like the meaning of Japan’s Hanami Festival, Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center is now on another milestone where it can already stand on its own, operate well with all the trainings and the constant education, unti-unti rin nakikilala na sa aesthetic and wellness industry, so indeed a new beginning for the brand,” Mr. Ric Abasola, Dear Self’s Brand Ambassador, Marketing Consultant and one of the event’s hosts, mentioned.
Lastly, madam Tecson-Garalde sent her message of thanks to everyone who supported the company in many different ways, “Mama, papa Dennis, mga anak, Christian, Kenneth, Clarice, Michelle, Clarence, Mhean. Tecson and Garalde family, sir Ric, ma’am Amy, ma’am Jhezel, sir Wayne, our influencers at sa lahat ng kasama namin sa buhay at hanapbuhay Salamat.”
Visit their social media pages to know more!
- https://www.tiktok.com/@dearselfaesthetic.center
- https://www.instagram.com/dearselfaesthetic/
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_PjtJko9-eXk1stBnEpX7g
- https://www.facebook.com/dearselfaestheticandwellness
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