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13 December 2023

The Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Award 2023

On December 8, a stellar lineup of distinguished guests at the Winford Resort & Casino Manila in Manila gathered for the illustrious Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Award 2023 ceremony. The guests represented a wide range of industries.

La Visual Corporation and Sirbisu Channel organized the event, which was elegant, inspiring, and full of memorable moments. It was attended by all the recipients, distinguished visitors, and representatives of the media.

The event, according to Nirro de Leon-Marcelo, Chairman of the Awards Committee, is devoted to paying tribute to those who have consistently shown dedication, creativity, and brilliance in a variety of fields, as well as those who have helped advance the nation and its neighbors.

After the successful run of the Outstanding Achievers and Philippine Finest Business Awards, the top Southeast Asian gala continued to honor exceptional local entrepreneurs and individuals from all professions.

A remarkable number of exceptional performers in many fields were honored at the ceremony. Among the notable recipients are:

Presented with the Premier Business and Achiever Awards for 2023 are the following Southeast Asian companies:

Salvacion Paparon, Trailblazing Female Entrepreneur and Premier Achiever

Top Performer, Reliable Financial Counselor Shirley B. Belangel (CPA, MBA)

Premier Achiever and Empowered Entrepreneur Gabriel John Rimando

Premier Achiever and inventive judge Tarcelo A. Sabarre has won multiple awards for his work as presiding judge.

Outstanding Gaming Industry Consultant and Top Performer, Dr. Edward Q. Perez

The Year’s Top Male Broadcaster, Wej Cudiamat, Premier Achiever

Premier Achiever Lino DG. Mallari, Who Presents Whatta Whatta Eurotv with Great Flair

Outstanding Photographer, Premier Achiever, and Remarkable Event Director: Miller Daniolco

Premier Achiever: Best Female Broadcaster of the Year—Annabelle D. Surara

Best Pop Rock Performer of the Year: Lae Manego, Premier Achiever Inspiring Women Award Winner.

This year’s most outstanding and inspiring public servant is Atty. Persida V. Rueda Acosta, a Premier Achiever.

Premier Achiever: Best FM Radio Personality, Braggart Braganza, and Outstanding PTV Professional Network Voice-Over Announcer

No. 1 Radio Newscaster: Dennis Antenor Jr.

Award for Best News Anchor Won by Audrey Gorriceta, Premier Achiever

Fifi delos Santos, Alfonso, Premier Achiever Outstanding Man, and Year’s Most Valuable Television Host

Maria Catalina Cabral of USEC, Salutations for Outstanding Public Service and Premier Achiever

Distinguished Vice Mayor of Ayungon, Negros Oriental, Hon. Nelda A. Favillaran, Premier Achiever

Distinguished Leader in Hair, Makeup, and Choreography: Jeffrey Dy

Outstanding Photographer of the Year: Jamin Lim, Premier Achiever

Keyrol Cabuso, Superb Entrepreneur, and Extraordinary Filmmaker

Outstanding, Highly-Sought-After Photographer of the Year: Bon Jheo Exconde

Marroth Nava, Trusted Professional Hair and Makeup Artist of the Year and Premier Achiever

Distinguished Premier Achiever, Outstanding Fashion Designer, and Chief Executive Officer of Neals Ensembles—Neliza Cua Neal

Outstanding Property Dispute Attorney of the Year, Premier Achiever, Atty. Glynis Lynn R. Cabansag

The year’s most accomplished female entrepreneur, Nodalyn Casaljay—Premier Achiever, Outstanding Business Leader

Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, Revolutionary Filipino Motivational Speaker and Premier Achiever

This year’s Premier Achiever Outstanding iFM Male DJ/Entertainer is none other than Conrado Cagas Tacgos Jr., better known as DJ Bukol.

Sarah Medina, the Reliable Chief Executive Officer of Premier Achiever’s Credit Collection Services

Outstanding Radio DJ Raqi Terra—Premier Achiever and Inspirational Content Creator

Excellent Male DJ, Premier Achiever, and Outstanding Radio Drama Director Diego Bandido

Respected Business Leader, Premier Achiever, and Outstanding Male Entrepreneur, Mr. Ravve Jay Prevendido

Remarkable Female Entrepreneur, Premier Achiever, and Trusted Business Leader Mherie Vic Palomo Prevendido

Caesar Vallejos, Exceptional Business Leader at Eagle Broadcasting Corporation and Premier Achiever

An Inspirational Filmmaker, Premier Achiever, and Top Travel Vlogger—Marvin G. Leyson

Dinagat Islands’ Premier Achiever, Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr.: An Inspirational and Dynamic Leader

The Year’s Most Outstanding Woman and Premier Achiever, Dianne Medina, in Television

Sam Coloso: Best Female Host, Model, Premier Achiever, and Inspiring Fast-Rising Actress

Outstanding celebrity, premier achiever, and remarkable host, Janeena Chan

Chris Tsuper, a multi-award-winning radio disc jockey and premier achiever

Outstanding Queen of Philippine Radio, Premier Achiever Nicole Hyala, and Outstanding Events Host of the Year

Singer of the Year, Daiana Menezes, Premier Achiever, and Outstanding Female TV Host

Edward T. Tajanlangit, better known as Jed Madela, is a multi-talented artist who has achieved great success as a vocal coach, composer, and performer.

Outstanding Performance by Jillian Ward, Premier Achiever

Premier Achiever Julie Anne San Jose named Most Inspirational Female Singer

The Most Outstanding Entrepreneur, Premier Achiever, and Inspirational Male Celebrity Actor, Alden Richards

CNN Philippines, the Philippines’ Go-To News and Entertainment Network

Sparkle Winner of the Premier Business Award for Best Talent Management Agency: GMA Artist Center

GMA Network, named the Best Broadcasting Network in the Philippines and Premier Business Network of the Year

Gabbi Garcia, Premier Achiever, Most Inspirational Actress and Recording Artist

and The Metropolista, Premier Business Outstanding Online Trend Blogger of the Year.

Through Tahanang Balik Alay, a nonprofit that assists the elderly and homeless, the event will give back to the Taytay, Rizal community in honor of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.”

“This Christmas, we aim to spread joy to the elderly at our aged-care facility, sharing our blessings to make their season merrier,” elaborated de Leon-Marcelo, reinforcing the event’s important purpose.

Email contact@lavisualcorporation.com or contact@southeastasianpremierawards.com, or call 0917 1372316 or (+63) 721 91823 to reach La Visual Corp.

#SEAPremierBusinessAwards #RecognitionForExcellence #EmphasizingDiversity

3 December 20233 December 2023

7th World Travel Expo Holds The Dynamic Metro Manila Show from December 8 to 10

One of the country’s biggest and most anticipated annual travel and tourism trade shows is set to hold its much-awaited expo in Metro Manila this December.

In its 7^th year, the World Travel Expo is holding its annual event in Metro Manila for the first time in One Ayala, the newest retail, dining, and shopping landmark and hub at the gateway of Ayala Center in Makati City. The annual show will occupy the second-level concourse of the building from December 8 to 10, 2023.

Around 80 booths will showcase the latest and most enticing travel and tourism offers from various exhibitors coming from hotels, airlines, cruises, travel booking, and other related industries. The 7^th World Travel Expo is committed to remaining the ultimate event for local and international travel, catering to jetsetters and travelers in the country and nearby regions.

The World Travel Expo 2023 also marks the first time the signature event is rolled out in five key cities nationwide on various occasions. The upcoming Metro Manila leg will serve as the culminating event of the World Travel Expo series held in Clark (June), Bacolod (July), Cebu (August), Davao (September), and Zamboanga (October).

“The World Travel Expo is keeping up with its tradition of bringing a better lineup each year of amazing travel promos, deals, and packages that will fulfil the aspirations of our guests to have their well-deserved travels and vacations minus the usual hassles,” said Mildred ‘Miles’ Caballero, Managing Director of Ad Asia Events Group OPC (Ad Asia Events), the organizer of the yearly World Travel Expo.

On its 7^th annual edition, the World Trade Expo has also partnered with RCBC Credit Cards to make it easier for travelers who use credit cards to fund their travel goals. As an event co-presenter, RCBC Credit Cards will be more visible at the expo and will offer privileges and deals, including free and unlimited access to the Marhaba Lounge in Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 as well as free Priority Pass membership to allow premium credit cardholders to access various airport lounges across the globe.

The annual World Travel Expo has established itself as a reliable platform for promoting domestic tourism to local and international travelers. It has been serving as a one-stop shop for promoting sales and increasing brand awareness of participating exhibitors. Thus, it is backed by the Department of Tourism.

The 7^th World Travel Expo will run from December 8 to 10, 2023 at the 2^nd Level of One Ayala, the premier transport and commercial hub along EDSA and Ayala Avenue in Makati City. Gates will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. To know more about the 3-day event, visit its website (https://worldtravelxpo.com) or its official Facebook page (@World Travel Expo PH).

5 October 20235 October 2023

SM STORE TURNS OVER MORE THAN 93,000 NOTEBOOKS TO THOUSANDS OF UNDERPRIVILEGED STUDENTS THROUGH SHOP AND SHARE FOR EDUCATION

“Education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world – Nelson Mandela“

SM Store Corporate Social Responsibility through SM Store Bacolod donated hundreds of school kits to Illuminado Nessia Elementary School in Bacolod City.
From left, Mr. Willie Gamboa-Branch Manager of SM Store Bacolod, Ms. Corazon Alfiscar-Principal of Illuminado Nessia Elementary School, (center) Mr. Aries Pineda-Sr. Manager of SM Store Corporate Social Responsibility, Mr. Pete Galimba-Asst Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Bacolod and Mr. Celestino Nifras Jr-Sr. Education Specialist of DepEd Bacolod.

Recognizing the need of many Filipino children towards having adequate school resources, SM Store launched a program called Shop & Share to Bridge Access to Education, which aims to help many underprivileged students in their learning journey.

During the entire month of August, several SM Stores across the country participated in the initiative that allowed their loyal customers to take part in helping a student in need through donating a school kit. Originally retailing for P149 per bundle, the school kits were made available for customer purchase and donation at a reasonable amount of P99. Last September 1, 2023, SM Store started to turn over more than 13,000 notebooks to thousands of underprivileged pupils in different parts of the Philippines.

In partnership with SM Foundation, SM Stationery and some local government units, a total of twenty (20) public schools received school kits through the program, namely: Capatan Elementary School in Tuguegarao City; Balanga Elementary School in Balanga, Bataan; Federated PTA Division in San Fernando, Pampanga; Osorio Elementary School in Trece Martires, Cavite; Lemery Pilot Elementary School in Batangas; Pateros Elementary School in Metro, Manila; Sampaloc Site II Elementary School in Paranaque City; Tungkong Mangga Elementary School in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan; Universidad de Manila Annex in Manila; Efraim Santibanez National High School in Passi, Iloilo; Jugan Elementary School in Consolacion, Cebu; Mabolo Elementary School in Cebu, Barrio Luz Elementary School in Cebu, Carreta Elementary School in Cebu, F. Ubay Elementary School in Puerto Princesa; Nessia Elementary School in Bacolod; Macasandig Elementary School in Cagayan De Oro; Banisil National High School in General Santos, Zamboanga Central School SPED in Zamboanga City and City Government of Basilan.

Mr. Peter Galimba, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent at DepEd – Division of Bacolod City, expressed how this initiative will help and impact the students of their school – “These notebooks are the keystones to their academic success, providing a solid foundation for their educational pursuits.”

In accepting the notebook bundles donated by SM Store, Dr. Ramonit Belascuain, Principal of Efraim M. Santibañez National High School in Municipality of Passi, Province of Iloilo, conveyed the symbolism and significance of notebooks in the lives of the students – “These are not just ordinary school supplies; they serve as inspiration for children who are studying and valuing education.”

SM Store considers education as one of the foundations of a progressive society. This initiative holds a huge importance in the company’s advocacy not only to give back to the community but to uplift the lives of every individual, especially the children.

The collective efforts of SM’s loyal patrons, partners, and stakeholders embody that great things are done by a series of small things. Through their commitment to help, almost one hundred thousand notebooks were provided to fourteen thousand students, which means giving them support, encouragement, a chance to learn, and an opportunity to dream beyond limits.

The undying compassion and generosity of SM Store’s customers continue to inspire to create more programs that exhibit collaboration and involvement within the community, which in the end, aims to benefit those who are the most in need.

21 September 202321 September 2023

#PWDeSaSM Creating Inclusive Spaces Through SM’s Sensitivity Training

When people are accepted, they become empowered and feel appreciated and recognized.

In celebration of the International Day of Sign Language, SM Cares of the SM Group continues its mission to provide inclusive spaces as a mall for all through its yearly sensitivity training for its frontline employees. The training equips them with skills to better serve customers with different needs or persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Engr. Bien Mateo, Senior Vice President for Mall Operations and Program Director of SM Cares Disability Affairs noted the company’s dedication to creating positive impacts within its communities.

“Genuine inclusion starts with us,” he said. “One of the integral steps in line with this effort is by conducting sensitivity training for our employees.”

A PWD-friendly mall for all

Apart from SM Supermalls’ facilities, SM Prime Holdings, Inc.’s shopping malls promote inclusive spaces through features such as ramps, handlebars in comfort rooms, and Braille-labeled elevator buttons. The efforts to promote inclusivity within the malls also rely on equipping its workers with the knowledge and best practices for assisting PWDs.

Jay Jess Aquino, a security personnel in SM Mall of Asia for 15 years shared how helpful the annual sensitivity training is in learning how to respectfully assist customers who have different needs.

With daily interactions from different PWD communities, he shared how a simple act of acknowledging guests on the autism spectrum or persons with Down syndrome every time they playfully salute them goes a long way.

SM Mall of Asia (MOA) security personnel Jay Jess Aquino and Rebecca Flores pose with their sensitivity training manuals on how to care for patrons with different needs.

“Pagpasok po nila sa mall, sumalaudo po sila sa amin mga guards, he said. “Natutuwa rin po kami kasi kahit sa simpleng pag-acknowledge po namin, eh napapangiti na po namin sila.”

(They salute us guards as they enter the mall. We are also pleased because even with simple acknowledgement, we can make them smile.)

As SM front liners, they must be quick to recognize guests with mobility issues to provide alternative solutions such as wheelchairs and even drive them via golf karts when available. The mall’s administration office is also open to serve as a safe and quiet space for guests who may be sensitive to several sensory inputs.

His colleague and fellow security staff Rebecca Flores in Mall of Asia expressed how the sensitivity training has made her more confident to assist patrons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over her nine-year experience in SM.

She emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication and building rapport with customers on the spectrum before they enter. This approach helps dismiss any notion that security guards are intimidating.

“Opo. Sa entrance pa lang talaga hina-hi (saying hi/hello) na namin sila,” Ms Flores said. “Nagrerespond sila. Bumati ka sa kanila para di sila matakot sa guard. Para kahit mawala sila, di sila matatakot lumapit sa guard. Kasi maalala nila ay ito yung bumati sa akin.”

(We see to it that we give them a lively greeting as they enter the mall because they remember you. Even in the unfortunate event of being lost in the mall, they won’t hesitate to approach you to find their way since they will recall the friendly face who said hi to them.)

Ms. Flores even recalled to her initial experience when a child on the autism spectrum playfully kicked her. She remembered how shocked she was during the exchange. And although the child’s parent immediately explained the situation, Ms. Flores recalled in jest how the child tried to get her again on the way out.

“Di ako nagalit. Mas nagpasalamat ako sa training kasi may kaalaman kami,” she said.

(I didn’t get mad. I’m thankful because the training imparted learnings on this.)

SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls and a division of SM Foundation, Inc. ensures a barrier-free and disability-inclusive environment for PWDs in all of its malls nationwide.

21 September 202321 September 2023

OPAPRU Honors Dedicated Peace Workers, As Agency Celebrates 30 Years Of Peacebuilding

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) celebrated its 30th founding anniversary on Tuesday, September 19 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasasy City, Philippines.

The occasion marked three decades of peacebuilding, peacekeeping, and peacemaking for the agency.

Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. led the celebration and awarding ceremony, together with OPAPRU officials and personnel.

“Over the past three decades, the agency has led the government’s efforts to bring harmony, mutual understanding, and solidarity among Filipinos. It has navigated the turbulent waters of conflict and division, working tirelessly with peace stakeholders to bridge gaps and heal wounds amidst socio-political, religious and cultural differences,” Galvez said in his message to the employees,” Galvez said in his keynote address.

“To our OPAPRU Service and Loyalty awardees, I have only one request, and that is, to keep the fire in your bellies burning as brightly as ever. You have become an integral member of our organization because you have chosen to champion the cause of peace, reconciliation and unity. It is truly an honor and a pleasure to be working with all of you,” he added.

Presidential Assistant Arnulfo R. Pajarillo of the agency’s Office for Finance and Administrative Services, Plans and Programs also lauded OPAPRU staff, saying, “In our organization, loyalty and hard work never go unnoticed. And today, we proudly shine the spotlight on 37 dedicated employees — 15 loyalty awardees and 22 service awardees.”

“It is not only these awardees we are recognizing on this occasion, but all of you who are present here at the PICC and those joining us from the field,” Pajarillo added. “Being at the forefront of building a culture of peace, mutual understanding and solidarity in the country, you have not only effectively carried out your crucial mandate; you have gone over and beyond what is expected of you.”

Peace milestones

With Galvez at the helm of the OPAPRU, it helped reunite the Misuari and Sema groups of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) after decades of separation, which is considered a landmark development under the Bangsamoro peace process.

The agency also played a key role in establishing an inclusive Bangsamoro Transition Authority. Together with its peace partners, it also assisted in the rebuilding of Marawi and implemented social healing interventions for the victims of the siege.

Currently, the OPAPRU is implementing the political and normalization tracks of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which is a testament to the strong partnership between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Under the Normalization Program, around 65% of the 40,000 MILF combatants have already been decommissioned.

The agency is also implementing Transformation Programs for the MNLF, RPMP-RPA-ABB-TPG also known as KAPATIRAN, the CBA-CPLA and former rebels.

The dividends of peace are now being felt nationwide, as communities situated in once conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable communities are becoming show windows of peace and development.

During the opening of the National Peace Consciousness Month this September, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared the province of Palawan as insurgency free.

Historic peace agreements

Over the past three decades, OPAPRU has led the government’s efforts in forging landmark peace agreements with revolutionary organizations in the country.

These include the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the CAB signed between the Government of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The agency also played a crucial role in the passage and ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which gave birth to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

It is also leading the implementation of the 1986 SIPAT Agreement with the Cordillera Bodong Administration/Cordillera People’s Liberation Army.

Empowering communities

The agency continues to roll out projects under its PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program which aims, among others, to improve the access of residents to much-needed socio-economic interventions, and empower communities and strengthen their capacities to address issues of conflict and peace.

The PAMANA Program has completed a total of 21,914 projects which cover agricultural productivity support, agri-fishery, capacity building, natural resource management, community infrastructure, electrification, water system, flood control, and health centers.

The program, which is anchored on conflict-sensitive and peacebuilding (CSPP) approaches, has 2,585 ongoing projects nationwide.

With all of these peace gains, the OPAPRU has been instrumental in pushing forward the Philippine peace process over the past 30 years.

Today, OPAPRU’s 600-strong peace workers throughout the country stand as solid proof of the national government’s commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace across the country.