Kiwanis at Rising Tigers Magazine Anniversary

For others, leaders are made not born, but to some, helping the marginalized and the needy is beyond leadership. Helping another indigent person came from the heart. As for Kiwanis, helping the children doesn’t need to be all at the same time, one child is enough for the community, one at a time. 

Supporting the anniversary issue of the most distributed magazine right now, Rising Tigers Magazine, some members of Kiwanis International from Philippine Luzon District  convened at The Manila Hotel last March 30, 2023 to meet and greet the different industry and government leaders who are now making an impact in the country. 

Featured leaders for the June issue of Rising Tigers Magazine has been recognized with their success and genuine help for the marginalized and presented to the public at The Manila Hotel yesterday, March 30, 2023. 

Kiwanis with a focus to help the children of the world has more than 150,000 service projects globally per year. Attendees from the organizations includes, Atty. Joe Redoblado, Glenda Hufano, Fely Contrevida, Ezelle Gascon, Daisy Anzures, Rocaya Mangondato, Lito Marquez, Maria Luisa Pel, Florence Ajero, Dr. Elton See Tan, Tanyu III, Remy Bondad and Perry Camba. 

Dinner in Black, Gold and Purple mostly as the motif of the night, 3 Ambassadors from Vietnam, Poland and France joined in the festivities. Her excellency French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz received the award among 6 women leaders from different industries. 

President of The Manila Hotel, Atty. Joey Lina (Past member of Kiwanis Club of Manila) welcomed everyone while Senator Grace Poe in the keynote and inspired all the attendees. Striking speech came also from the Chief Marketing Officer of the magazine, Andria Terese Nicolas who is also a Kiwanian and incoming President of the Makati club proves that even at a young age, she knows already what the country needs. 

“We all need heroes, to bring hope to those with the same dream, aspirations, and goals as us, and make them believe that greatness can indeed be achieved. Our theme tonight is called beyond leadership because it is not limited in our works but how we touched the lives of others that would still continue on to the next generation. You are all brought together tonight in this room because of one mission and it's to share your stories with our countrymen.”- Andria Terese Nicolas 

Rising Tigers and Nation Builders Awardees

1. Walther Buenavista: Shawarma Shack (Founder & CEO) 

2. David Ackerman: StratDev (Founder & CEO) 

3. Tristan Cabrera: Esports Pro Player 

4. Atty. Arnel Mateo: ADM & Partners Data Privacy and Consulting In (Founder & CEO) 

6. DTI Sec. Alfredo Pascual 

7. DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos 

8. Yu Ming Chin: Viventis Asia (Founder and CEO) 

9. Congressman Duke Frasco 

10. Nino Rovillos: Illos Party Trays (Founder & CEO) 

11. Ramon Garcia Jr: DFNN (Chairman) 

12. Michael Pacquiao: Musician

13. COMELEC George Erwin Mojica Garcia (Chairman)

Women of Substance 

2. Blanca Mercado: The Manila Times (President & COO) 

3. France Ambassador H. E. Michèle Boccoz 

4. Romania Ambassador H. E. Răduţa Dana Matache

5. Congresswoman Margarita Nograles

6. Jessica Bellen: Jessy & Co (Founder & CEO) 

7. Iona Gibbs: Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2022

8. DBM Sec. Amenah Pangandaman 

Other notable attendees includes Paolo Villar, Maritess Allen, Usec. Anna Mae Lamentillo, Usec. Margarita Gutierrez, Becky Garcia and the founders of Rising Tigers Magazine, Andrew and Grace Nicolas are both Kiwanis members. 

The closing remarks came from the co owner of Rising Tigers Magazine, Brian Poe Llamanzares who just recently had a successful book launch in New York City. 

Rising Tigers Magazine, the most distributed magazine right now in National Bookstores nationwide about the rising tigers “Emerging leaders” and nation builders “Captains from different industries” in the Philippines and in Asia launched “Beyond Leadership- Anniversary Issue.” These are the men and women who are making a difference for this generation and making an impact in the society not just because of their success in the company or organization they are in but also in reaching out the indigents and marginalized.  It’s beyond leadership.

"Beyond Leadership" Sparkled for RisingTigers Magazine

Featured leaders for the June issue of Rising Tigers Magazine has been recognized with their success and genuine help for the marginalized and presented to the public at The Manila Hotel yesterday, March 30, 2023. 

Dinner in Black, Gold and Purple mostly as the motif of the night, 3 Ambassadors from Vietnam, Poland and France joined in the festivities. Her excellency French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz received the award among 6 women leaders from different industries. 

President of The Manila Hotel, Atty. Joey Lina welcomed everyone while Senator Grace Poe in the keynote and inspired all the attendees. Striking speech came also from the Chief Marketing Officer of the magazine, Andria Terese Nicolas proving that even at a young age, she knows already what the country needs. 

“We all need heroes, to bring hope to those with the same dream, aspirations, and goals as us, and make them believe that greatness can indeed be achieved. Our theme tonight is called beyond leadership because it is not limited in our works but how we touched the lives of others that would still continue on to the next generation. You are all brought together tonight in this room because of one mission and it's to share your stories with our countrymen.”- Andria Terese Nicolas 

Rising Tigers and Nation Builders Awardees

1. Walther Buenavista: Shawarma Shack (Founder & CEO) 

2. David Ackerman: StratDev (Founder & CEO) 

3. Tristan Cabrera: Esports Pro Player 

4. Atty. Arnel Mateo: ADM & Partners Data Privacy and Consulting In (Founder & CEO) 

6. DTI Sec. Alfredo Pascual 

7. DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos 

8. Yu Ming Chin: Viventis Asia (Founder and CEO) 

9. Congressman Duke Frasco 

10. Nino Rovillos: Illos Party Trays (Founder & CEO) 

11. Ramon Garcia Jr: DFNN (Chairman) 

12. Michael Pacquiao: Musician

13. COMELEC George Erwin Mojica Garcia (Chairman)

Women of Substance 

2. Blanca Mercado: The Manila Times (President & COO) 

3. France Ambassador H. E. Michèle Boccoz 

4. Romania Ambassador H. E. Răduţa Dana Matache

5. Congresswoman Margarita Nograles

6. Jessica Bellen: Jessy & Co (Founder & CEO) 

7. Iona Gibbs: Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2022

8. DBM Sec. Amenah Pangandaman 

Other notable attendees includes Paolo Villar, Maritess Allen, Usec. Anna Mae Lamentillo, Usec. Margarita Gutierrez, Becky Garcia and the founders of Rising Tigers Magazine, Andrew and Grace Nicolas among others. 

The closing remarks came from the co owner of Rising Tigers Magazine, Brian Poe Llamanzares who just recently had a successful book launch in New York City. 

Rising Tigers Magazine, the most distributed magazine right now in National Bookstores nationwide about the rising tigers “Emerging leaders” and nation builders “Captains from different industries” in the Philippines and in Asia launched “Beyond Leadership- Anniversary Issue.” These are the men and women who are making a difference for this generation and making an impact in the society not just because of their success in the company or organization they are in but also in reaching out the indigents and marginalized.  It’s beyond leadership.

Rising Tigers Magazine’s Woman of Substance: Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman

Amenah F. Pangandaman is the first Muslim woman Budget Secretary and the lone female member of the Marcos Jr. administration’s economic team.

She carries with her 20 years of government service, having worked in the legislative and executive branches, and the Central Bank. Thus, her unparalleled expertise in the areas of policy governance, economics, and public fiscal management.

She rose through the ranks from being a research assistant to becoming the late Senator Edgardo J. Angara’s Chief of Staff. Prior to her appointment as DBM Secretary, she served as DBM Undersecretary and Assistant Governor at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

As the country’s Budget Secretary, she continuously champions financial inclusion and key budgetary reforms, such as Digitalization; Climate Change and Green Public Procurement; and Open Government Partnership to further promote fiscal transparency.

She currently chairs the Development Budget Coordination Committee, which developed​ the Medium Term Fiscal Framework and 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, which serves as the country’s roadmap for economic growth.​ She also co-chair​s​ the Intergovernmental Relations Body​, strengthening relations​ ​​for lasting peace and economic development in ​the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

Meet the Secretary on March 30, 2023, The Manila Hotel for the anniversary of Rising Tigers Magazine and watch out for her story in the June issue. Only at National Bookstores nationwide.

"Beyond Leadership-Anniversary Issue" Launch by Rising Tigers Magazine

Rising Tigers Magazine, the most distributed magazine right now in National Bookstores nationwide about the rising tigers “Emerging leaders” and nation builders “Captains from different industries” in the Philippines and in Asia will launch “Beyond Leadership- Anniversary Issue.” These are the men and women who are making a difference for this generation and making an impact in the society not just because of their success in the company they are in but in reaching out the indigents and marginalized.  It’s beyond leadership. 

The success of Rising Tigers is beyond compare. The first launch was attended by the Managing Director of National Bookstores and the granddaughter of the founder. Claiming also the success for being the only local magazine in most branches of the leading bookstore. 

These leaders stories will be featured in the issue to inspire more the readers and will be included both in print and digital version with presentation and ceremony at The Manila Hotel on March 30, 2023 in partnership with Philippine Korean Chamber, Embassy of Romania, Embassy of France, Makati Tourism Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Makati, Los Baños Chamber of Commerce and Industry and different embassies in the Philippines. These leaders also will be the front cover of the magazine. 

Featured leaders to be recognized with their success and genuine help for the marginalized;  

Rising Tigers and Nation Builders 

1. Walther Buenavista: Shawarma Shack (Founder & CEO) 

2. David Ackerman: StratDev (Founder & CEO) 

3. Tristan Cabrera: Esports Pro Player 

4. Atty. Arnel Mateo: ADM & Partners Data Privacy and Consulting In (Founder & CEO) 

5. DTI Sec. Alfredo Pascual 

6. DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos 

7. Yu Ming Chin: Viventis Asia (Founder and CEO) 

8. Congressman Duke Frasco 

9. Nino Rovillos: Illos Party Trays (Founder & CEO) 

10. Ramon Garcia Jr: DFNN (Chairman) 

11. Michael Pacquiao: Musician

12. COMELEC George Erwin Mojica Garcia (Chairman)

Women of Substance 

1. Blanca Mercado: The Manila Times (President & COO) 

2. France Ambassador H. E. Michèle Boccoz 

3. Romania Ambassador H. E. Răduţa Dana Matache

4. Congresswoman Margarita Nograles

5. Jessica Bellen: Jessy & Co (Founder & CEO) 

6. Iona Gibbs: Mutya Ng Pilipinas 2022

7. DBM Sec. Amenah Pangandaman 

Guest of Honor: Senator Grace Poe Llamanzares 

These leaders confirmed their arrival on March 30, 2023 at The Manila Hotel.

The winning performers at Kiwanis 48th ASPAC Convention

Lots of rehearsals which never been posted in social media to surprise everyone. It’s not easy to control especially with the photos wearing the award winning costumes but the whole team cooperated and just took a lot of photos to keep. 

Headed by the chairman of the cultural dance to compete in Malaysia for the annual Asia Pacific Convention under Kiwanis International which celebrated the 108th years anniversary this year globally, Maria Luisa Pel of KC of Sunshine of Cavite accepted the endorsement of Governor Johnny Domino to head the delegation. 

The dance presentation from Philippine Luzon District, was based on the following concept:

Banga: is a earthen pot made of clay that can be round or spherical jar used for fetching water. 

Salisid: A courtship dance that symbolizes a rooster trying to attract of the attention of a hen. 

Ragragsakan dance: is an adaption of a tradition in which Kalinga women gather and prepare for a peace pact. 

Sinulog” means “graceful dance”, Sinulog is held in celebration of one of the country's most famous historic relics: the Santo Niño de Cebú.

Maria Luisa Pel to her friends as a leader showed her other side as one of the females who tirelessly rehearsed multiple times at The Manila Hotel to perfect the dance number and won against New Zealand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, India and Nepal. 

On the other hand, the upcoming governor of Philippine Luzon District who was also part of the dance delegation, Glenda Hufano was also presented together with the upcoming governors in Asia Pacific as part of the Board of Trustees for 2023-2024 event. Some of the performers this year includes Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, Daisy Anzures, Dolly Mapili, Venessa Noda and Ezelle Theresa Alvarez Gascon who are all under her division. 

Some of the performers are representatives from different division like Fely Contrevida, Miriam Salas and Jenny Donato among others. There’s a total of 22 dance performers and 2 acted as the Datu or King at the end of the show to complete the concept. 

The complete winning performers are as follows; 

1. Maria Luisa Pel 

2. Maria Victoria Regondola 

3. Elizabeth Jonson 

4. Ezelle Gascon

5. Grace Bondad Nicolas 

6. Glenda Hufano 

7. Marrife Nuyte 

8. Miriam Salas 

9. Leah Morante 

10. Concepcion Astillero 

11. Daisy Anzures

12. Maria Dalisay Mapili 

13. Jenny Donato 

14. Ledesma Edem 

15. Pamela Verdejo 

16. Jacques Opeña 

17. Olivia Villaluz

18. Vilma Jacama

19. Evelyn Maico 

20. Fely Contrevida

21. Rucil Contrevida

22. Felix Grepo

23. Cherry Rose  Rosete 

24. Randy Ulnagan

The Asia Pacific Convention under Kiwanis International is a yearly celebration by the members from different parts of the globe with the objective to improve the welfare of the indigent children and statistically provides more than 150,000 service projects annually globally. Glenda is the upcoming Governor that will lead  over 5000 members nationwide which comprises 27 divisions.

RA 11148 Or the First 1000 Days Law is in Full Support by Kiwanis Club Mckinley

The Kiwanis Club of Mckinley for their “Baby Shower” Series. The concept is based on the passage of RA 11148 or the First 1000 Days Law provides the enabling environment for the sustained provision of critical early child care interventions for the first 1000 days of a child's life, for optimal growth and development.

The activities includes; Health Check Up, Feeding Program, Provisions of Vitamins and Medicines, Grooming and Health & Wellness Talks among others. The activity is for the span of almost 3 years from the conception up to 2 years of a child. 

KC Mckinley was established last August 1, 2021 and now headed by Dr. Rocaya Vanessa Mangondato of Taguig. The Baby Shower Series is her project and focus on the indigent expectant mothers and parents at Marawi Compound in The Muslim Community in Maharlika, Taguig. 

For the pampering session, Reyes Haircutters with 70 branches nationwide provides Hair & Make Up and Manicure and Pedicure courtesy of the founder and CEO, Les Reyes with the assistance of Division 3A under Kiwanis Philippine Luzon District. The club provides fresh fruits also to all participants. Some mothers gave birth already and some are still pregnant. 

Last time, the division provided skincare for the mothers and contributed in the gift giving for them. The project started October 2023 and Dr. Rocaya is hoping that the next President will continue the project.

The first 1,000 days refers to a child's life from the moment they are conceived until they reach 2 years of age (24 months). This is a time when their brain, body and immune system grows and develops significantly. During pregnancy, your health, nutrition and stress levels can have an effect on your baby's future.

Philippine Luzon District brought home the bacon making them more inspired to care for the children worldwide

As what Belle Garcia put it as the chair of the recently concluded 48th Kiwanis Asia Pacific Convention (ASPAC), “Mission Accomplished! and was successfully done last March 16 to 18, 2023 at Lexis Hibiscus in Port Dickson, Malaysia.”

Kiwanians all over the world joined forces to attend the ASPAC which is a yearly event with trainings offered and elections of officers. 

The opening ceremony was graced and made the event more successful by the presence of her Royal Highness DYMM TUNKU AMPUAN BESAR NEGERI SEMBILAN TUANKU AISHAH ROHANI BINTI ALMARHUM TENGKU BESAR MAHMU. As per Belle, her royal presence has made the occasion extra special. 

The House of Delegates had elected the following officers for the Admin Year 2023-2024

Chair (Designate) Sujan Shrestha, Chair Elect Huang Wu Tien, Vice Chair Michelle Cordioli and KI Trustee (3 year term) Chang Ching Hsu

The Philippine Luzon District with more than 120 club members who attended the event in Malaysia and won multiple competition that includes the best booth and the cultural dance. Other districts that won the competitions were Japan for Best Service Project while Taiwan as the runner up. Truly success can only be achieved with handwork. For months, Maria Luisa Pel, the chair of the cultural dance together with the performers worked and rehearsed tirelessly for the dance moves and usually hold the practices at The Manila Hotel with the support of Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas who provided the venue and food. Governor Elect Glenda Hufano also provided food for the performers. 

The Keynote Speaker was Zy Ker Lee who is a Malaysian Paralympian Swimmer. He shared his life journey and it made the hearts of the guests melt and eyes in tears according to the ASPAC Chair. 

“The book “Walking without Legs” which was written by his father Walter Lee was truly motivating and inspiring.”- Belle Garcia 

Che Almendras has been highlighted also and called to be on stage for her contribution and as part in the administration’s initiatives in “Leadership in Technology”, the ASPAC Virtual Office that was launched also during the opening of the event. 

According to Belle, “Kiwanians and guests made an effort to come to the Cowboy Night (opening dinner) and Beach Global Party (closing dinner) with their complete costumes and attire.  The fun and prolific events started with a Dragon dance and ended with a fireworks display.”

“Lastly, please accept my sincerest thanks to all of you - the Organizing Committee, District Governors, KI officers and staff, the members of the Executive Board and most specially the convention delegates who made the convention a success.”- Belle Garcia 

The next convention will be in Australia for the 49th Asia Pacific and will be on March 2024 where the upcoming Governor, Glenda Hufano is part of the board and will sit as the head of PLD on that time.

Governor Elect Glenda Hufano Together with PLD performers Enthralled the Kiwanians in Malaysia

If you’re going to check one of the characteristics of a leader, one is definitely and undoubtedly with a charm. Aside from being smart, capable and always has a ready  smile. Glenda Veloria Hufano who was also one of the cultural performer during the recent 48th Asia Pacific Convention in Port Dickson, Malaysia was congratulated by Kiwanians from all over Asia and the USA, praising her for the exceptional cultural dance performance showcasing 4 different local dance in the Philippines. 

The dance presentation from Philippine Luzon District, was based on the following concept:

Banga: is a earthen pot made of clay that can be round or spherical jar used for fetching water. 

Salisid: A courtship dance that symbolizes a rooster trying to attract of the attention of a hen. 

Ragragsakan dance: is an adaption of a tradition in which Kalinga women gather and prepare for a peace pact. 

Sinulog” means “graceful dance”, Sinulog is held in celebration of one of the country's most famous historic relics: the Santo Niño de Cebú.

Donned a dark blue gown with a crown, Glenda as a leader showed her other side as one of the females who tirelessly rehearsed multiple times at The Manila Hotel to perfect the dance number and won against New Zealand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, India and Nepal. 

Glenda was also presented together with the upcoming governors in Asia Pacific as part of the Board of Trustees for 2023-2024 event. Some of the performers this year includes Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, Daisy Anzures, Dolly Mapili, Venessa Noda and Ezelle Theresa Alvarez Gascon who are all under her division. 

The Asia Pacific Convention under Kiwanis International is a yearly celebration by the members from different parts of the globe with the objective to improve the welfare of the indigent children and statistically provides more than 150,000 service projects annually globally. Glenda is the upcoming Governor that will lead  over 5000 members nationwide which comprises 27 divisions.

Rising Tiger—Atty. Arnel Mateo goes by the rule Right People Is Imperative In Business

As a young businessman, he believes that mentoring and inspiring employees are essential for the success of any enterprise. 

“It is important to choose the right people who are willing to learn, who are not afraid to take calculated risks, and who are willing to embrace the company’s core values.”

 

As a leader, he advocates for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He believes that any organization or business for that matter will grow if it welcomes people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Everyone should be given equal opportunity to express their thoughts, share their talents, and lead a project. Everyone in a group should feel that their presence, ideas, and contributions are appreciated and valued.

 

In life, he believes that we measure happiness and success with how others become because of you. Prior to getting married, ARNEL was a professor of business and law in several universities and colleges. He takes pride that most of his students are now successful lawyers, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders.

 

He is a Rotarian, a member of the Rotary Foundation’s Arch Klumph Society, and an active member of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Quezon City where he currently holds the position as its Executive Vice-President.

 

A loving husband and father, ARNEL always find time to spend quality moments and activities with his family.

Atty. Arnel Mateo (ARNEL) is a recognized data privacy and protection lawyer. He is currently the President & CEO of ADM & Partners Data Privacy and Consulting Inc. (ADM & Partners), one of Philippines’ leading data privacy firms and one of the institutional privacy trainers accredited by the National Privacy Commission. Established in 2017, ADM & Partners provides data privacy protection, compliance and legal services to several government offices and private business organizations.

 

A lawyer, litigator by profession, and a career service professional, ARNEL is also the Vice-President for Legal at SPD Jobs Inc. (SPD), a leading service contracting/staffing company in the Philippines which is already twenty-six (26) years in the industry.