Linggo, Setyembre 30, 2018

Loop in Agribusiness: Discovering the Wonders of Farm Tourism


Ever wonder how vast agriculture can be? Well, let’s take a look into the wonderful world of agriculture.

To give an introduction to the most challenged sector here in the Philippines and in the other countries, the agriculture industry offers myriads of possibilities. One of which is the rise of farm tourism. It also plays a vital role in economic development especially in rural areas. With world-class beaches, diving sites and agricultural destinations, the Philippines, through the years has transformed into a wonderful tourist hotspot that is patronized by local and foreign tourist across the world!

As Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said, “It’s more fun and profitable with farm tourism.”

DOT has shifted direction to a more comprehensive plan in prioritizing farm tourism. Farm tourism is the business of attracting more local and foreign tourist to farms and rural areas generally for educational and recreational purposes while creating environment friendly image and encouraging economic activities that can give farms and communities additional income.

If you love to go around and whiff fresh of farm air, feed animals, collect, produce, and eat fresh-cooked farm meals, pick fruits and harvest vegetables and other activities, then farm tourism might be the one you are looking for. Those are just few of the many things you can do and enjoy in these farms. Now, buckle up as we tour you to some of the farm tourism spots in the Philippines.

COSTALES NATURE FARM. Established in 2005 and nestled at the foothills of Mt. Banahaw in Majayjay Laguna. Costales Nature Farm provides workshops for those who wish to learn about sustainable organic farming and farm tourism. They are also accredited as a private extension service provider for the Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Tourism (DOT) and awarded as the first farm tourism destination in the Philippines.

[Photo courtesy] http://www.costalesnaturefarms.com/

Tapped as one of the major single producers of organic high value vegetables and herbs for the Bistro Group, Moment Group, Solaire Resort & Casino, Cibo, Dizon Organics, Dalcielo, Shangri-La Hotel among others, Costales Nature Farms is identified as one of the premiere agri-tourism destinations in the Philippines. Their farm tour packages cater visitors who opt to relax and experience farm life for a day or two.

[Photo courtesy] http://www.costalesnaturefarms.com/

EPHRATHAH FARMS. Located at Brgy. Sariri, Badiangan Iloilo, Ephrathah Farms practices organic farming. They are committed to natural food production. Aside from their usual farm production and other tourist accommodation activities, they also offer their place as a venue for events like weddings, celebrations and many more. Having thousands of visitors per month, Ephrathah Farms ensure sustainability in their enterprising activities as it utilizes vermi-composting, a process where food and animal wastes are fed to worms which generates fertilizers. They assure that the harvest served at their farm’s restaurant and produce sold at their supermarket are grown organically.

TERRA VERDE ECO FARM. Terra Verde Ecofarm is an Extension Service Provider (ESP) of Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) which practices integrated diversified farming system. The farm is located in Maragondon, Cavite. Aside from sustaining their farm, they also aim to entertain, educate, and develop enterprises through agri-tourism activities such as accommodations and other farm activities like vegetable picking and feeding and personal encounter with animals in the farm. The Atanacio family who owns Terra Verde Eco Farm offers training to farmers on organic farming practices and help raise awareness for consumers on the do’s and dont’s in farming.

[Photo courtsy] https://www.facebook.com/pg/TerraVerdeEcofarmandResort/photos/?tab=album&album_id=379280635610700

KAHARIAM FARMS. Located at Barangay Adya, Lipa City, Kahariam Farms promote eco-friendly ways of producing their own food with minimal cost. They also take time on educating students on the importance and benefits of having clean, pesticide free vegetables, and a healthy lifestyle. The farm is advocating Biyaya ng Kalikasan Vermicast, a zero waste technology they use in the benefits of urban farming.

The farm offers activities such as exploration of greenhouses that store tons of valuable worm compost, a tour through their 200-meter covered pathway farms which produced the first organic rice seeds in Asia, feed tilapia & koi fishes at the pond and many more!

MILEA BEE FARM. Accredited by the Department of Tourism, the farm offers more unique experiences to visitors by bringing bees closer to people. They are giving a learning experience not only for the visitors, but also to farmers who want to delve more about the culture of bee keeping and growing different crops organically. Their farm is located in Balagtasin, San Jose, Batangas.

[Photo courtesy] https://mileabeefarm.com/gallery/

Following the Republic Act 10816 or the “Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016,” Milea Bee Farm decided to transform their bee farm into a tourism spot by embodying the importance of agriculture in making available food and other products necessary to sustain and enhance human life, and by providing livelihood to a major portion of the population in their community. Apart from their advocacy to promote environment-friendly and efficient and sustainable farm practices, they also provide agricultural services such as bee colony relocation and bee keeping workshop.

Tosca Puno first Album Launch "Full of Love" at Aliw@40 Anniversary Concert!




On October 4, 2018, 6:30PM at Aliw Theater Lobby, the media launch of Tosca Puno for her first album which she wrote and dedicated to all the parents will be held. The Inspirational OPM Album is entitled “Full Of Love” and streaming on Spotify, iTunes and Apple Music already. All songs are original and written by Tosca Puno and arranged by Direk Adonis Tabanda with a Bonus Track of  a duet of “Kapalaran” with the legend, Rico J. Puno, her Dad. 

Tosca is truly grateful to her Dad, the catalyst in making the Inspirational OPM Album possible. Rico J. Puno, is a popular Filipino pop singing artist, comedian, and television host who is credited as a pioneer-promoter of original Filipino music with hit songs like “May Bukas Pa and Magkasuyo Buong Gabi among others.

Tosca and Rico will perform at Aliw@40 Anniversary Concert on October 4, 2018 at 8PM at Aliw Theater. In 1976, Puno won the Aliw Award for Most Promising Entertainer. Two years later, he became Aliw's Entertainer of the Year.

Lunes, Setyembre 17, 2018

Zoomanity Group: Teachers Month Promo


For more than 15 years, Zoomanity Group through its managed theme parks; Zoobic Safari in Subic, Paradizoo in Cavite, Zoocobia in Clark, Zoocolate Hills in Bohol and Residence Inn in Tagaytay has been actively participating in the month-long series of activities in support of the annual worldwide celebration of Teachers Month led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Teachers’ Day – celebrated on 4th of October which aims to mobilize support for teachers, and ensure that their needs are met to carry out their important role of molding the minds of the country’s youth.

For this year, Zoomanity Group made a promo to ensure that our teachers can visit the parks that are continuously helping the kids understand the animal kingdom. For every 3 companions paid, the teacher will be free of charge for the entrance to any theme parks under Zoomanity Group from September 5, 2018 till October 5, 2018.

Here’s another perks also for the rest of the year; Zoolit Booklet: What you need for every vacation.

For only Php 399 per booklet, If you're planning a vacation soon. Get ZOOLIT BOOKLET with Php 10K in Savings.

You can use it to any theme parks;
Zoobic Safari (SBMA)
Zoocolate Thrills (Bohol)
Residence Inn (Tagaytay)
Paradizoo (Cavite)
Zoocobia (Clark) .

Hotels;
Residence Inn Tagaytay
Tiara Hotel Subic Azotea
Bel Air Makati

Inclusion;
6- 50% off entrance tickets
6- Buy 1 take 1 entrance tickets
2- 50% off hotel accommodation
1- Free Zing Zipline ride
1- Free Photo (Worth Php295)
1- Free Zooc Rid
1- 30% off discount (Restaurant)
1- 40% off Souvenir shop
And more freebies.
Total savings, more than Php 10K.

For inquiries; 09778978877/ 9170213 or send email to grace@tagmedia.asia and for more promo please log on to zoomanity.com.ph

Linggo, Setyembre 16, 2018

Blockchain for Real Estate

On September 8, 2018 in Makati Shangrila Hotel from 6PM-10PM, more than 30 CEOs came to attend the “CEOs Blockchain Night” courtesy of Light House Global Holdings Inc. (LHGI).
Ty
Danny Lim, CEO of LHGI together with her VP Jem Castro attended the event and discussed the basics and advantage of Blockchain  in Real Estate and Properties.

Danny Lim explained; The alignment of interest and expertise gels well as we are combining technology; both sharing economy and blockchain technology, with real estate development. This is totally new and disruptive to the traditional development business model.

Imagine what a developer can do, without buying land and taking loans from banks? We eliminate those obstacles. Now, with our new Platform, developers all over the world no longer needs to buy land and borrow money to develop!

“We hope to change the world of project development, globally. I strongly believe we can and we will. This will greatly benefit all shareholders, both existing and new, and hopefully, spiral LHGI share value to new heights.”

About Lighthouse Global Holdings Inc

Lighthouse Global Holdings Inc. operates as a holdings company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, acquires and focuses on blockchain technology, bitcoin-mining, and project development industries. Lighthouse Global Holdings serves customers worldwide.

More details here www.lhgincorp.com

Sabado, Setyembre 15, 2018

The Grand Concert “Aliw@40” with two Young and Top Directors




To celebrate the 40th Year Anniversary of Aliw Awards Foundation, a benefit concert is set and dubbed as “Aliw@40 Concert” ‪on October 4, 2018‬ at Aliw Theater with more than 10 performers to make the celebration grand and in full force to give you a night that you will never forget,  here are the performers in this one night concert:

•    Pilita Corales
•    Hajji Alejandro
•    Jun Pulistico
•    Rico J. Puno
•    Imelda Papin
•    Liza Macuja Elizalde
•    Ballet Manila
•    LA Santos 
•    Kuh Ledesma
•    Keith Martin
•    Val John 
•    The Infinite 
•    3rd Avenue
•    Asia’s Best Singing Competition Winners 

What makes the event interesting is the combination of two young, amazing and top directors who are making a difference in their own ways both locally and abroad. The musical director is no other than Direk Adonis Tabanda who just arrived from Dubai for the sold out concert of Morrisette Amon. Concert Director Direk Frank Lloyd Mamaril on the other hand directed the 2016 Concert of Lani Misalucha, the Star Awards Concert of the Year. Both directors are in their early 30s and we’re excited for this collaboration. For them, they will make this event another showcase and a masterpiece for their careers.

Produced by Tag Media Group headed by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas and Co presented by Ballet Manila, Manila Broadcasting Company and Star City under Liza Macuja Elizalde, the event is a fundraising event for Aliw Awards Foundation to help entertainers who are in need. The Aliw Awards Foundation also was created to give due recognition to entertainers who perform live in the Philippines and abroad by the renowned journalist, Alice Hernandez Reyes. 

For tickets and inquiries, please call ‪09778978877‬ or buy it directly via Ticketworld.  The event is still accepting sponsors and exhibitors.

Lunes, Setyembre 10, 2018

Top container operator is a Go Negosyo Big Brother


Ricky Razon at the infrastructure forum Build Build Build during the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit held last November 2017. The forum was moderated by Maria Ressa

International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) is the undisputed top container operation in the country, with port projects and terminal concessions located in different regions across the globe. It maintains its position as a powerful economic player, further expanding its reach and influence to other parts of the world.

ICTSI has been a Big Brother of Go Negosyo for the past two years now, ever since we hosted ASEAN’s 50th anniversary. Ricky Razon, ICTSI’s chairman and president, has been an ally in promoting inclusive growth and prosperity for all.  Last year, he even joined our infrastructure forum entitled “Build, Build, Build” during the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, together with Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala of the Ayala Corporation, Tony Fernandes  of AirAsia and other panelists.

Ricky Razon joined the discussion on infrastructure together with Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, CEO of Ayala Corporation and Shinya Ejima, Senior Vice- President of Japan International Cooperation Agency.

ICTSI goes beyond adopting a more inclusive business model that enables them to ensure that as the organization grows, the people grow along with them — allowing them to be part of the success and progress of the company. Since 1987, it has managed and operated container ports and terminals worldwide, which has enabled more active trade and commerce globally.

I commend corporations like ICTSI that have shown that an inclusive business model is not only possible, but has proven how it is, indeed, the better approach to achieve sustainable business. The efforts of our Big Brother advocate the same inclusive economic principle that I have always adhered to.

I’ve always believed that helping our fellow Filipinos should go beyond mere charity. As a nation, we must strive to build institutions that promote and ensure inclusive growth, where all stakeholders — from the executive levels to the rank-and-file employees, from suppliers to partners — can benefit.

Together, we must push for inclusive growth as this is the means to ensure prosperity for all.



Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), ICTSI’s flagship operations at the Port of Manila.

ICTSI's Makar Wharf in General Santos City.
ICTSI's New Container Terminal-2 in Subic, Zambales
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A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH PM MAHATHIR

It is not every day that you get to listen to wisdom and insights from an ASEAN leader like Malaysia’s Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. At his age of 93, he is still as sharp as he was when he was first sworn in as prime minister in 1981.
READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL MENTORSHIP

It has been an eventful week as we have brought mentorship not only here in our country, but also to the international field. Mentorship is an asset to growth and acceleration of a country’s economy and the advancement of its MSMEs’ budding industry.
READ MORE
Catch Mr. Joey Concepcion's column on The Philippine Star every Monday and Thursday.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2018
Kapatid Mentor Me Program 2018 - Surigao Del Sur
SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
Kapatid Mentor Me Program 2018 - Surigao Del Norte

Looking back on last year's successful ASEAN Agriculture Summit



ASEAN Business Advisory Council Chair in the Philippines Joey Concepcion

Part of the Philippine chairmanship of ASEAN last year, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines hosted the first-ever ASEAN Agriculture Summit in SMX Convention Center.

Here is what went down during the summit which was pioneered by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines.

With the theme, “Agripreneurship: Uplifting Lives Towards Prosperity for All”, the summit aimed to bring together and mobilize key ecosystem stakeholders into crafting and actualizing an integrated framework for agripreneurship that is integral to achieving prosperity for all. The event attracted close to 1,500 local and international delegates -- agripreneurs, stakeholders, and even students who were interested in engaging through events that foster the growth of Agriculture.

The summit focused on informing, inspiring, and connecting agri ecosystem stakeholders toward adopting and supporting the modernization and industrialization of agriculture through agripreneurship as a sustainable strategy to alleviate poverty, accelerate growth, and promote rural development throughout the region.
ASEAN BAC Chair Joey Concepcion was joined by Inang Lupa Foundation President Dr. William Dar and Philippine Senator Cynthia Villar. Each keynote speakers discussed their own thoughts and shared their expertise to inspire delegates to work together for an improved agriculture across the ASEAN member states.

Sen. Cynthia Villar

Inang Lupa Foundation President Dr. William Dar

“If we really want to change the landscape of prosperity for all in this country, we must pay attention and give importance to our farmers and other players in agriculture. The Philippines, as an agricultural country, with a land area of 30 million hectares, can become an even stronger player in the ASEAN, if we align our efforts to ensure that innovation in the field is supported and that the programs we develop can sustain growth,” said Concepcion.

In addition to the keynote speakers, prominent figures such as Henry Lim Bon Liong of SL Agritech, Winston Uy of Universal Leaf Philippines, Alex Buenaventura of Land Bank – Philippines, Clint Coo of Siam Organic Co., Ltd. – Thailand, Parker Ong of BlakCell Technology Limited, Dante Delima of ATISCO Philippines, Oudet Souvannavong of Greater Mekong Sub-Region Business Council and ASEAN-BAC Laos and many more experts  in agripreneurship from the ASEAN regions led the four panel discussions on the following topics:
  1. A) Small Farm Holdings and Land Consolidation in Agri Enterprise Development B.Farm Consolidation as Rural Development Strategy;
  2. The Agri Value Chain and Value-Added Agri Extension Services;
  3. Enabling Environment for Inclusive Business; and
  4. Leveraging on Technology and Innovation.

ASEAN Agriculture Summit 2017 Forum one panelists.

“Agripreneurship is the long term solution of lifting them out of poverty. We have to tell them that they are agri entrepreneurs and that that their small farms are their agribusiness.” Senator Cynthia Villar on stressing the importance on the improvement of the plight of farmers, fisherfolk and agricultural workers in the country.

The first ASEAN Agriculture Summit was established for a stronger public-private partnership in creating an enabling and inclusive economy for the underserved sectors of the society particularly the farmers and other members of the agriculture sector.

And on October 1, 2018, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines will once again hold the second ASEAN Agriculture Summit at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. Its second run will feature the first-ever AGROW Awards to recognize outstanding ASEAN businesses and entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector.

We are now accepting delegates for the 2018 ASEAN Agriculture Summit!

                                   

Nominations for the AGROW Awards are now open! Help us recognize inspiring agribusinesses and game-changers in the industry -- including YOU. Apply now through http://www.aseanagrisummit.com/.

 




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AGREA to hold first LEAF 2018




In the continuous pursuit to champion the agricultural sector, AGREA together with Go Negosyo, New Zealand Embassy, Forest Foundation Philippines, Landbank, Jollibee Group Foundation, and San Miguel Corporation will bring Leaders and Entrepreneurs in Agriculture Forum (LEAF 2018)  this September 29 & 30 at the Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay, Philippines.

This program is line with the advocacy of the upcoming ASEAN Agriculture Summit 2018 that will present ongoing developments in agriculture enterprises that operate using the inclusive business and 3Ms, in return encourages policy adjustment and system transformation for the agribusinesses.


With the theme Redefining + Revitalizing Agriculture, LEAF 2018 will demonstrate that there are myriads of possibilities in agriculture whether on and off the farm.

ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines (ASEAN BAC PH) Chairman and Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion will be one of the notable speakers for the first forum which is Agripreneurship: Turning farming into a creative and lucrative business, together with invited speakers Steve Benitez (Bo’s Coffee), Johan Boden (TAEL Partners), Helianti Hilman (JAVARA Indonesia), Ma. Gisela Tiongson (Jollibee Group Foundation), Rei Yoon (Soil and Soul Organic Movement Inc.), Julian Barcelona (Harbest), Mon Peñalosa (Peñalosa Farms) Jean-Marc Debricon (Alterfin & Green Shoots Foundation), Hindy Tantoco-Weber (Holy Carabao), Melanie Teng-Go (Holy Carabao), Gigi Pontejos-Morris (MoCA Family Farm Learning Center), Hon. Junaflor "Sweet" Cerilles (Mayor and Community Leader), Rhodora Palomar-Fresnedi, (Sunshine Farms) and Dr. William Dar (Inang Lupa).


Amor Maclang (Geiser Maclang Marketing Communications, Inc.), Dr. Dileep Guntuku (Seed Science Center – Iowa State University), Johan Janssen (Joomla!), Paul Voutier (Grow ASIA), Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip (Cardbank - MRI), Angus Yip (Vagrant Limited), Dr. Karen Barroga (PhilRice), Simon Bakker (Kennemer Foods), Dr. Thanh My Nguyen (Rynan Smart Fertilizers), Antonio Causing (Leonie Agri Corporation - Pascual Laboratories), Rex Puentespina (Malagos Chocolates), and Johan Boden (TAEL Partners) will be the speakers for Forum 2: Agritech: Evolving the way people farm and improving the agricultural value chain through 21st-century science and technology.

Lastly, forum three entitled: Agritourism: Integrating farms into leisure and lifestyle, bringing back to a greater understanding of the food sources and connecting people to the producers will showcase speakers such as Catherine Brillantes-Turvill (Nature Wellness Village), Thomas Murillo & Thelma Murillo (Gorgeous Farms + The Wild Juan), Eric and Babie Atanacio (Terra Verde Ecofarm), Prof. Willy Arcilla (Business Mentors, Inc.) and Josephine Costales (Costales Nature Farms).

Join and experience the two-day collaborative event and enter a global community of agricultural leaders and entrepreneurs. Register now via http://www.agreaph.com/leaf-registration.

Got more questions? Contact AGREA at agreaph@gmail.com or visit their website,  www.agreaph.com.

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Linggo, Setyembre 9, 2018

RESERVE YOUR SLOTS NOW] ASEAN Agriculture Summit 2018 | October 1, 2018 | SMX Convention Center Manila




The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) Philippines Chair Joey Concepcion invites you to the 2018 ASEAN AGRICULTURE SUMMIT happening on October 1, 2018 to be held at the SMX Convention Center ManilaSeashell Lane, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

On its second run, the ASEAN Agriculture Summit will present ongoing developments in agriculture enterprises that operate using the inclusive business and 3Ms (money, market, mentorship) models. Panelists across ASEAN will share their experiences and strategies that will encourage policy adjustment and system transformation for the agribusinesses. 

In line with this year’s theme of “Champions and Emerging Icons of Inclusive Business, Technology and Innovation in Agriculture”, the first AGROW Awards will take place after the plenary in recognition of inspiring agripreneurs, enablers and smallholder farmers across different countries, and how sustainable agripreneurship is the game-changer for their survival, growth and shared prosperity.
                                        Reserve your slot (PHP 1,500 each)
                 
                                       
 
For any inquiries, please call us at +634 5185 and look for Ms. Kaye de Ocera or email us at aseanagrisummit@gmail.com.