Business: MerNel's Sweetens Asia Leaders Awards with signature Cakes and a Flag inspired Masterpiece

MerNel's, renowned for its delectable confections, took center stage at the Asia Leaders Awards held at the Embassy of Indonesia in Makati, Philippines by sponsoring their signature chocolate heart-shaped cakes. 

In addition, they presented a ceremonial cake inspired by the Indonesian flag, masterfully crafted with an ala-fondant design and filled with rich yema to complement the overall taste and texture of the cake. 

Merle Balicao, founder of MerNel’s, led the cake-cutting and toasting event along with distinguished guests and honorees. The ambassador of Indonesia His Excellency Agus Widjojo who attended the event added a touch of diplomatic elegance to commemorate 75 years of Philippine – Indonesia Diplomatic Relations.

MerNel’s offered attendees delectable treats with its richly moist-textured chocolate heart-shaped cakes. The color red was dominantly visible in a ceremonial cake that had a white ala-fondant design just like the Indonesian flag and tasted very sweet due to its luscious yema filling.

The cake-cutting and toasting were all about unity and celebration, the spirit of Asia Leaders Awards. Merle Balicao thanked Asia Leaders Awards for the opportunity to be part of such a big event, community, and shared moments of happiness. MerNel’s added sweetness to the Asia Leaders Awards, which everyone who attended will never forget. The event was all about collaboration, inspiration, and celebration of excellence and MerNel’s cakes were one of the highlights of the night.

Business: MerNel's Sweetens Asia Leaders Awards with signature Cakes and a Flag inspired Masterpiece

8:03 AM

Men and Women of Power and Purpose: Asia Leaders Awards 2024 and 75th Philippines - Indonesia Diplomatic Relations

“Despite obstacles that come your way, you have not only achieved personal success but have also extended your hands to help the marginalized, embodying the true spirit of leadership with compassion.

Your efforts remind us that greatness is not measured by individual accomplishments alone, but by the positive impact we create in the lives of others.”- Enunina Mangio 

Tag Media Group, publisher of Rising Tigers Magazine and Producer of Asia Leaders Awards conceptualizes an activity, it must be different from the previous. The team who are composed of young and dynamic leaders will not settle for less. 

So for the Asia Leaders Awards this year with a theme “Men and Women of Power and Purpose” List, to showcase sustainability, peace and economic strength, the team partners with the Indonesia Embassy headed by His Excellency Indonesia Ambassador Agus Widjojo. 

The event last June 20 started with a pictorial for Rising Tigers Magazine and followed by a cocktails showcasing the Filipino delicacies. The honorees from the Diplomatic Corps arrived earlier and amazed with the transformation of the Embassy’s ballroom which serves as their lobby in their regular days. 

The event’s welcome address was delivered by the co owner of Rising Tigers Magazine, Dr. Brian Poe Llamanzares and mentioned that he is proud for the magazine’s frequent presentation of featured leaders, it means that more people can be reached to influence and to do more good for the country by being inspired by these leaders we have today. 

“These awarding ceremonies are important because they are meant to highlight the accomplishments of noteworthy individuals. These awards give people something to look forward to, to hope for, and to aspire towards. Thank you to our awardees for giving us hope and inspiration.”- Brian Poe Llamanzares.

The inspirational message came from the empowered National President of the biggest business organisation in the Philippines, PCCI or Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Consul Enunina Mangio. 

The young and dynamic, Andria Terese Nicolas was one of the speakers to share what Asia Leaders Awards is all about. 

“We at Asia Leaders Awards would like to encourage everyone, the Filipino People, to join us to take our stories of our inspiration everywhere. Together WE have DEMONSTRATED the BAYANIHAN spirit that sparks the Rising Tiger in every Filipino. Our organization would like call upon everyone to listen, you have proven to us that Filipinos are indeed brave entrepreneurs, political leaders, and citizens. At TAG Media Group, we foster a culture where every voice is heard, every contribution is valued, and give every individual an opportunity to thrive and be seen.”

The Keynote speaker of course was the Indonesia Ambassador, His Excellency Agus Widjojo who at 77 years old is the epitome of a successful leader and who is not tired yet to help his nation. 

For this year, The country’s top leaders, diplomatic corps and innovators attended once again for the exclusive “Asia Leaders Awards” with an objective to highlight the success of these leaders who in spite of challenges still have time to help the marginalized and rising not just in the Philippines but also beyond. 

Men and Women of Power and Purpose honorees are a combination of local and foreign awardees selected by the Asia Leaders Awards board, endorsed and presented last June 20, 2024. 

Here are the list:

Women 

1. H.E. Marcela Ordóñez - Ambassador of Colombia to the Philippines

2. Cory Navarro – Founder, Kings Group of Company 

3. Pia Marie Ortaliz-Yanson – Philanthropist and Entrepreneur

4. H.E. Megawati Manan – Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Philippines 

5. Nikki Tang - CEO, DMark Beauty and DermAsia

6. Glenda Dela Cruz – CEO, Brilliant Skin Essentials Inc.

Men

  1. H.E. Agus Widjojo- Ambassador of Indonesia to the Philippines

2. Rex Wallen Tan- Chief Technology Officer, Southville Global Education Network 

3. Sherwin Yap- Director, Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc & President at Kaizen Robotics International

4. Nicki Agcaoili- Chief Country Executive, Carelon Global Solutions Philippines

5. Robert Gerard L. Nazal, Jr. – Chairman of PERRC Construction and Development Corp. and HealthWellnessLifestyle Inc. 

6. Sanjiv Gupta - President & Country Head at IBM Solutions Delivery, Inc. & IBM Business Services, Inc.

7. H. E. Karel Hejč - Ambassador of Czech Republic to the Philippines

8. H.E. Luc Serge Gustave Eugène Véron - Ambassador of European Union to the Philippines

9. Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia – Chairperson, Commission on Elections

10. H.E. Niyazi Evren Akyol - Ambassador of Turkiye to the Philippines

Company: Philippine Airlines - Airline of the Year

According to Consul Enunina Mangio during his speech, the event, graced by the presence of top leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and innovators, reflects the shared commitment to uplift the lives of the people. She extended also her heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees and honorees selected by the Asia Leaders Awards Board. 

“Your achievements are indeed nothing short of inspiring. In a world filled with challenges, you have demonstrated resilience and determination.”- Consul Enunina Mangio

Men and Women of Power and Purpose: Asia Leaders Awards 2024 and 75th Philippines - Indonesia Diplomatic Relations 

10:21 PM Men and Women of Power and Purpose: Asia Leaders Awards 2024 and 75th Philippines - Indonesia Diplomatic Relations

3rd Profiles of Excellence Coffee Table Book by Grace Bondad Nicolas and Rising Tigers Magazine signing at National Book Store of SM Megamall

“To those who are not yet multi millionaire, grab a copy of the Coffee table book, I input there all Informations based on our Interviews of these ultra successful leaders on how they did it. Also the secret of success. You need to unlock your own process and I shared everything from My thoughts and in how being a champion.”- Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas 

Profiles of Excellence Coffee Table Book by Grace Bondad Nicolas and Rising Tigers Magazine signing, a huge success for the 3rd time this year and the organizers are humbled with the support of the featured leaders partners and readers. 

Headed by the Editor in chief of Rising Tigers (RT) Magazine, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas who over see all the time that all activities must be the first and if not, at par with the leading magazines abroad, the 3rd signing at National Book Store at SM Megamall was attended by some of the featured leaders that includes Robert Laurel Yupangco of Yupangco Group, Jade Riccio of RMA Academy, Sarah Deloraya Mateo of SPD Jobs, Atty. Arnel Mateo of PCCI Quezon City and ADM & Partners Data Privacy and Consulting Inc, Malou Prado of MPQ Travels, Actress & Entrepreneur Ara Mina and RT CMO Andria Terese Nicolas. Also attended by Dr. Elton See Tan (Board of RT). 

“Everyone here are exceptional, all inspiring and doing what is best not just for themselves but also for the Nation.”- Sarah Deloraya Mateo 

“We are grateful for all the support since we launched the magazine two years ago. To all the featured leaders and readers, we are thankful.”- Andria Terese Nicolas 

The activity is just one of so many planned event to be launched under Tag Media Group, publisher of the magazine and the coffee table book with the objective to promote the Philippines as the premier business hub in Asia through the stories of these leaders and Information dissemination. 

To order: 09778978877 or call National Book Store.

3rd Profiles of Excellence Coffee Table Book by Grace Bondad Nicolas and Rising Tigers Magazine signing at National Book Store of SM Megamall

12:12 AM

The International Council for Small Business Philippines is caling all MSMEs to be part of the 3-Day Sulong Negosyante Fiesta at Resorts World Manila from June 27-29, 2022.

The International Council for Small Business Philippines is caling all MSMEs to be part of the 3-Day Sulong Negosyante Fiesta at Resorts World Manila from June 27-29, 2022.

The event will gather MSMEs, service providers, suppliers, and digital enablers. What's more, there's will be a FREE mentoring sessions from successful entrepreneurs. It will be a venue not just for learning but networking as well. This is also the perfect time to rekindle relationships with business partners in a face-to-face event. There will be coaches, mentors who will also grace the event and every one is welcome to mingle and ask questions. 

ICSB PH is also marking another milestone as it play host to UN International MSMEs Day 2022 on June 27, 2022, from 8:00AM-12NN at the Sheraton Ballroom. This is the first time that the Philippines will host the said event. This year's theme: Unlocking the potentials of MSMEs will be attended by Philippine stakeholders and virtual representatives from the UN, WB, ILO, OECD, and ICSB Global Community. 

“What’s in it for the MSMEs? We could say we can do these things online, but then again, it’s better for them to see new partners face-to-face and learn new ideas from experts,” said ICSB Founder Eric Caeg during a recent press conference with partners such as UnionBank, Resorts World Manila at other sponsors. 

During the Sulong Negosyant Fiesta, several participating brands will be raffling away a number of exciting prizes to make the event even more exciting. SunLife Philippines will be giving away P50,000 worth of insurance policies to 300 lucky attendees; Mr. Freeze Purified Tube Ice will be giving away Yelo Negosyo packages; and other surprise prizes.

To make travel to the event site easier, Grab Philippines will be offering a voucher for its users, where they can enjoy P100 off on their fare with promo code UBMSME2022. 

Those traveling to the event via their own vehicles will also get the chance to take home gas vouchers. 

Just go to this link to register for FREE: bit.ly/sulongnegosyante.

The International Council for Small Business Philippines is caling all MSMEs to be part of the 3-Day Sulong Negosyante Fiesta at Resorts World Manila from June 27-29, 2022.

9:01 PM 3-Day Sulong Negosyante, International Council for Small Business Philippines

Visa Study Says that 8 in 10 Filipinos are Interested in Using Digital Banking Services

“As more digital-based solutions and trends emerge in the market, Filipinos are more open to new innovations that make payments and banking more convenient, accessible, and seamless. There is an opportunity in the country for traditional banks and new players to launch digital banking services in the country that will better serve the needs of underserved and underpenetrated segments. We believe this will transform the banking and payments landscape in the country and at Visa, we are keen to work with all our partners to help them create better user interface and experience when they create and enhance their digital banking solutions,” said Dan Wolbert, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam.

According to Visa Study says that Eight in 10 Filipinos Are Interested in Using Digital Banking Services. Top interest drivers for Filipinos to use digital banking services include access to banking services any time of the day (68%), time saved from not having to queue at bank branches (68%), and convenience (67%).

Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, today released new findings from its Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study[1], that shows over eight in 10 Filipinos (83%) are aware and interested (81%) in using digital banking services. However, only 32 percent of respondents are currently using services offered by a digital bank.

[1] Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study was conducted between August to September 2020 on 1,014 Filipinos aged 18-65 years old through an online questionnaire by CLEAR. This is part of a regional research project conducted in Southeast Asia on over 7,500 consumers across eight markets.

Filipinos interested in banking with digital banks are keen to use services such as paying bills (84%), transferring money locally (78%), making deposits and withdrawals (76%), and making payments for purchases at local retail locations (71%). However, the preference of using digital banking for traditional bank services such as investments (52%), international transfers (48%) and loans (46%) is lower.

The study also showed that Filipinos are most keen to work with a financial services brand for digital banking services (93%) and traditional banks (92%), followed by new start-ups with digital banking services (72%).

In addition, 86 percent of Filipino respondents would switch current banking services to digital banking services if the bank provided better rewards and 85 percent would do so if they can benefit from lower costs for their banking transactions. Filipinos’ interest to use digital banking services increased to 80 percent compared to 70 percent in the previous year when the same research was conducted.

Interest in Biometric Authenticated Payments

Awareness of digital solutions such as biometric authenticated payments grew to approximately 80 percent in 2020 from 60 percent in 2019. Almost eight in 10 Filipinos express high awareness and interest in using biometric authenticated payments, especially the Gen Z and affluent segments. Biometric payment is perceived as a quick (62%) and innovative (61%) way to pay. In addition five in 10 Filipinos (55%) think it is a more secure way to pay. However, usage is low at 23 percent since its accessibility depends on market availability.

Finger scan as one of the biometric authentication methods is most popular amongst Filipinos (59%) especially for making bill payments or purchases at the convenience stores. This is followed by facial recognition (31%) and retina scan (16%).

Visa Study Says that 8 in 10 Filipinos are Interested in Using Digital Banking Services

2:32 AM banking, Digital Banking Services, feature, Featured, Visa

Press Conference and the Official Launch of Asia Leaders Awards 2021

Today, May 20, 2021, at the Manila House Private Members Club, The Asia Leaders Awards launch their press conference for the upcoming Asia Leaders Awards 2021 attended with selected awards committee, honourees, media, and some bloggers. This year's theme is Hope and Optimism. Choosing leaders who are shining more in times of pandemic through their Corporate Social Responsibilities to reach out to those even beyond their communities.

Dr. Elton See Tan, Avin Ong, Harvey Ong, Grace Bondad Nicolas, Rick Sobreviñas, Tan Yu III

These are from the business sector and the committee chose some from the public officials who are also doing their job but making a difference. Those who are not afraid to fold their sleeves and help out. 

See the nation's greatest leaders in Business, Public Service, and Academe. Chairman Rick Sobreviñas of the American Association of the Philippines announced the two honourees from the academe; Historian Ambet Ocampo and Ron Mendoza of Ateneo De Manila University. 

“Ron Mendoza is the Head of the School of Government at the Ateneo, MPA from Harvard and PhD in Economics from Fordham University. Before this, he was the Head of the Development Department at AIM, responsible for 40% of all the research publications of all the Professors at AIM, truly exceptional educator.”- Rick Sobreviñas 

The Press Conference is attended by two young leaders of this generation; Avin Ong of Fredley Group of Companies with their famous Macao Imperial Tea and Harvey Ong of Alfamart. 

When asked how did Macao Imperial Tea manage to keep the business strong despite the pandemic:  

“You have to be creative, innovative, adaptable to change.” - Mr. Avin Ong, Fredley Group of Companies

What I loved most about Macao Imperial Tea and their management is their ability to coup up even this pandemic. Since no one is allowed to dine in or minimal capacity, their ability to do other strategies like ordering online, have their discounts coupons, and more so that customers will remain loyal to them. 

Harvey Ong, Chief Operations Officer shared an overwhelming story also. Going to work during the first days of the pandemic, Harvey chanced upon one of their Alfamart employees, walking on the streets, full of sweat. He has been walking for 3 hours already when he saw him. He asked the employee, why not just file a leave for that day, The employee answered: "our team needs me to be there." 

Awards committee in attendance; Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez, Makati Tourism Foundation Secretary-General Tan Yu III, BNI Premier President and Filipino Chinese Chamber of the Philippines Vice President Dr. Elton See Tan, Rick Sobreviñas, and Grace Bondad Nicolas of American Association of the Philippines. 

Major sponsors include:

• Grab
• J&T Express
• Asian Tigers Mobility
• AsiaPrime Corporation
• Jollibee Group
• Eastern Communication
• Bounty Agro Ventures Inc
• Alfamart
• Fredley Group of Companies
• Frontrow Enterprise

Asia Leaders Awards is the only acknowledgment and recognition-giving body with organizations and embassies as part of the awards committee is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Its purpose is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub in Asia and beyond. The event is considered a must-attend occasion for business and government leaders across the nation and beyond. 

For more details, visit www.asialeadersawards.asia.

Press Conference and the Official Launch of Asia Leaders Awards 2021

12:50 AM Asia Leaders Awards 2021, feature, Featured, Press Conference of Asia Leaders Awards 2021

AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company: Sagot Ko, Puhunan Mo

The Co-Founder and Brand Chief Executive Officer, Grace Bondad Nicolas reiterated that this is for those employees or workers displaced by this pandemic, a very specific group. 

According to her, “We already did some testing to different individuals from different backgrounds and we decided that those who were working before and lose their jobs has more will and determined to earn. It’s a circle, they need to reorder from the free resellers' package we provided in order for this program to be successful for themselves. Other sectors can apply but still need to be approved.” 

In order to help more those employees who are displaced by this global health crisis, AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company with brands; Immune CEE Vitamin C +Zinc, GlutaGlow Slimming Drinks, GlamHigh Cosmetics By Andria, and GracefulSkin Essentials came up with “Sagot Ko, Puhunan Mo or SKPM Project.

SKPM is to provide an initial FREE capital or investment in a form of the AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company Products Mix for the chosen or approved individual to sell. Since most doesn’t have an extra budget to invest, the Group Chairman, Andrew Troy Nicolas explained, “We like to help those workers displaced by this pandemic, they have the will to work and yet doesn’t have a choice since their companies were also affected and need to remove them. We like to help out and for them to continue to help their family.” 

Mechanics are as follows:

1. Apply via AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company Facebook Page to submit necessary proofs of work displacement 

2. Wait for approval within a week 

3. If approved, Orientation & receive the products to sell in SRP 

4. Reorder less profit 

This is the Corporate Social Responsibility and project of AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company. 

For more information; www.aaacosmetics.Asia or 09778978877/ 028 2193503, manila@aaacosmetics.Asia.

AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company: Sagot Ko, Puhunan Mo

5:49 PM feature, Featured, www.aaacosmetics.Asia