Community on Wheels supported by Mayor Randy Salamat of Alfonso, Cavite

 

 

Award winning millennial Mayor, the determined and optimistic public servant, Mayor Randy Salamat posted in his Facebook account his numerous initiatives for his hometown Alfonso, Cavite.

 

One of them is the “Sharing Table” that they are doing for years already and now still ongoing. Not only that, the young Mayor announced the “Community Pantry on Wheels” to reach more those who are in need headed by the Samahang Asenso ng Palengke Vendors Cooperative.

 

“Magandang gabi po! Kamusta po kayo? Bukod po sa The Sharing Table ng Alfonso ay nagkaroon rin po ng Community Pantry on Wheels ang ating bayan na pinangunahan ng ating mga minamahal na Samahang Asenso ng Palengke Vendors Cooperative.

Maraming salamat po sa mga pusong patuloy na hangad ay makatulong sa kapwa! God bless us all po.”- Mayor Randy Salamat

 

Mayor Randy Salamat is an honouree for this year’s Asia Leaders Awards for his accomplishments. His amazing  initiatives for his constituents and being young  makes the public love him not just within Alfonso, Cavite but also nationwide.

Multi awarded Mayor, Randy Salamat announced Free WiFi at Alfonso, Cavite

 

Just recently, The award winning millennial top official in Alfonso, Cavite announced in his Facebook account,  Mayor Randy Salamat, that the free WiFi from Smart Telecommunications Company has been activated and ready to use by his constituents. This will give a boost and if not the first in municipalities is still a big accomplishment. The people in Alfonso now has an additional access especially those who can’t even buy loads which is truly an extra expense to the common people. This free WiFi access can help the people stay informed.

  “Magandang hapon po! Ngayong araw po ay activated na ang ating Smart FREE Wifi sa Alfonso Town Plaza. Makakasagap po ang mga kababayan at bisita natin within 50-meter radius. Ang bawat device po ay mabibigyan ng 30 minutong free wifi. Sana po ay makatulong ito lalong lalo na po sa pagiging updated ng ating mga kababayan pagdating sa mga impormasyon ng ating Pamahalaang Bayan, sa mabilisang research para sa school at para sa emergency purposes. Sunod po nating pakakabitan ang ating pamilihang bayan at munisipyo.”- Mayor Randy Salamat

 

Mayor Randy Salamat just recently received an award at Asia Leaders Awards and for this year, with hope and optimism as the theme, he is also a nominee for his continuous effort and leadership in his hometown. Nominees includes this year from the public service sector are Mayor Isko Domagoso, Congressman Michael Romero, Secretary William Dar and Senator Manny Pacquiao.

The new Lieutenant Governor Elect is from Kiwanis Club of Makati

 The health crisis that’s happening right now around the globe is a realisation that we need to value more our immune system. Covid19 is one serious virus that’s killing even our physicians and medical practitioners. 

Most people right now are advised not to go out especially those who doesn’t have any more important or essential activities but that doesn’t stopped the officers and members of Kiwanis Club of Makati to continue their mandated activities  and goal, to help the children and the communities who are in need more of help. 

At the start of this Pandemic, even in lockdown, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, the Kiwanis Club of Makati President  works so hard to help out. Because of her leadership and amazing effort, she’s elected as the new Lieutenant Governor Elect under Division 3A which is composed of clubs located in Manila, Pasay, Taguig and Makati. It’s the highest position in the division. 

“I’m thankful for the trust. It’s a big responsibility but as what they say, challenges is part of being alive. In the start of this global health crisis, we focus on the orphanages and small hospitals, we saw that most are donating already to bigger and popular hospitals in Metro Manila so we like to go beyond, targeting to donate in smaller community hospitals and orphanages not just here in Metro Manila but also in Laguna. We started to send out packs of bottled water to Santa Ana General Hospital in Manila then to Bahay Ni Maria Orphange in Calamba City then to Welcome House Orphange in Makati. Even we are all in crisis, if our heart is to help out, even this deadly Virus can’t stop us, there are always ways to help. I am also encouraging all to do the same, in this crisis, it’s your time to prove your worth and your time to shine truly. While everyone are bored because of lockdown, do something productive and helpful to others, share your blessings. For this year, we contributed to different community pantries and a partnership with JCI Makati.”- Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas 

The treasurer, Sheila Leyva even went out to buy the groceries and rice at S&R since some online groceries can’t deliver anymore. One cosmetic company, DSkin Essentials also donated soaps and Dreamwings Production sent some cash to support this initiatives. The award winning, global direct selling company Frontrow Enterprise and Mernel’s Cake-house in Laguna are major contributors. 

Kiwanis Club of Makati is one of the clubs in Division 3A under the Philippine Luzon District. Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas is the newly elected Lieutenant Governor for this coming 2021-2022 and the new President of American Association of the Philippines and the first female since it’s 73 years of establishment in the Philippines and Vice President of Makati Tourism Foundation Inc. 

Kiwanis International was established in 1915 at Detroit, Michigan. Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. Today, we stand with more than 600,000 members from K-Kids to Key Club to Kiwanis and many ages in between in more than 80 countries. Each community has different needs, and Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children, such as fighting hunger, improving literacy and offering guidance. Kiwanis clubs host nearly 150,000 service projects each year.

For more information; https://www.facebook.com/Kiwanis-Club-of-Makati-2064712023800080/

Redefining and Reorganizing the American Association of the Philippines

 

May 26, 2021–The first ever woman President of American Association of the Philippines since it’s establishment 73 years ago is from Calauan, Laguna.

Key Promotions:

 

“The Board of the American Association of the Philippines (AAP) announces a reorganization and related appointments to reflect key initiatives in the last year. Former Vice-President Grace Nicolas Bondad has been named new President In recognition of her accomplishments in our key fund raising efforts. She is the first ever woman President of the AAP, a notable first!.”- Chairman Emeritus Rick Sobreviñas

Rick Sobrevinas, former Chairman was designated Cairman Emeritus and Chair of the American Historical Collection Committee which we intend to develop into a US - Philippine bi-country effort with considerable-American scholarly contributions.  We intend to unlock different perspectives from the American Academia on this grand ambition in the late 19th and the early to mid 20th Centuries.

Chairman Emeritus Rick Sobreviñas, President Grace Bondad Nicolas, Office Manager Shalie Recaido and Co Chairman Robert Lane

A new Office has been created called "The Office of the Chairman" led by Joe Maristela, Bob Lane, and Den Manzano, Co-Chairs. Larry Dimagiba has been appointed Vice President, Corporate Secretary. This reorganization was long planned but delayed by events having to do with the Pandemic which interrupted travel movements, meetings, and timely decisions, but we are confident that the reorganization will provide the key leadership that will see the AAP through this crisis that have affected Charitable organizations all over the world, especially in the developed world.

 

Reorganizing and Refocusing of the American Historical Collection

 

The Board has decided to buttress the scholarship and academic research long term as a key raison d'etre of the Association. with an intention to hopefully add more clarity and insights into a period which has become an obscure but historically earthshaking saga in the legacy of America in a period where it first emerged as a global empire and the most powerful nation in the world with the highest GDP of all the countries. The Philippine experience marked the American debut into global leadership of the most powerful  and influential nation in the entire history of mankind The Philippines at Manila Bay was the Genesis of this continuing two century run that still is the driving force of world History, Politics, Economics and progress of the world today.

 

We have made great strides in likewise reorganizing the American Historical Collection Committee with the addition of two of the country's greatest scholars - Dr. Ron Mendoza, Head of the School of Government of the Ateneo de Manila University, a Harvard Master of Public Administration, and a Fordham University PhD in Economics. He was known as the most prolific scholar at the AIM, who produced the lion's share of the research publications including books in the institution. He has continued this prolific scholarly output at the Ateneo and will be a major contributor to the scholarship of the American Historical Collection. The Collection was bequeathed to the AAP by the US Embassy as Owner in Trust.

 

Another great academic addition to the American Historical Committee is Mr. Ambeth Ocampo, former Head of the History Department of the Ateneo and recipient of multiple awards for his academic scholarship with innumerable publications and books on Philippine History. He is also a famous Columnist at the Philippine Daily Inquirer known for his astute articles and observations.

 

On the US side, we have, Dr. Alex Orquiza, PhD, a History Professor at Providence College has also joined AAP's American Historical Collection Committee, He is a History PhD from the Johns Hopkins University and has a BA from UC Berkeley University, both top universities in the US. During his PhD studies at Johns Hopkins, he actually travelled to the Philippines and did  research at the American Historical Collection home at the Ateneo's Rizal Library. He is the first of many academic scholars the American Association will add through the years as we redefine ourselves and evolve. AAP will have a socially distance and virtual George Washington Event on June 27, 2021 to celebrate the 73rd years anniversary of AAPs establishment in the Philippines.

 

For more information:

 

https://www.americanassociation.org.ph

Alfamart at Asia Leaders Awards 2021

 "Everyone must sacrifice a little so that no one will suffer a lot" - Harvey Ong, Alfamart

Mr. Harvey Ong shared during the public launch of Asia Leaders Awards 2021 last May 20, 2021. Going to work during the first days of the pandemic, Harvey Ong 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."

 

When companies took care of employees in good times, their employees will surely be there during bad times.

Mr. Harvey Ong, COO of Alfamart PH, is one of this year's Asia Leaders Awards Honourees.

“This is for the team.”- Harvey Ong

The theme for this year according to the awards committee is Hope and Optimism. Choosing leaders who are shining more in times of pandemic through their Corporate Social Responsibilities to reach out those even beyond their communities. 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.

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.

Asia Leaders Awards is the only acknowledgment and recognition giving body with organisations 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.

 

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 and Frontrow Enterprise.

See full background and history of Asia Leaders Awards at www.asialeadersawards.asia

Avin Ong of Fredley Group of Companies at Asia Leaders Awards 2021

 May 20, 2021–The Official Launch of Asia Leaders Awards with a Press Conference, Thursday, May 20 at 11:00am was held with selected awards committee, honourees and media. The theme for this year is Hope and Optimism. Choosing leaders who are shining more in times of pandemic through their Corporate Social Responsibilities to reach out those even beyond their communities. 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 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 under Fredley Group of Companies managed to keep the business strong despite the pandemic: 

“You have to be creative, innovative, adaptable to change.”

--- Mr. Avin Ong, Fredley Group of Companies

Avin Ong

Faced with the pandemic situation, Macao Imperial managed to stay up and running. Since people cannot go out to line up just to get their refreshing and delicious milk tea variants, Mr. Avin Ong immediately jump in the online bandwagon, setting up their very own online store on top of  the Grab and Food Panda tie up.

 

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.

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

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

Asia Leaders Awards is the only acknowledgment and recognition giving body with organisations 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.

 

Awarding will be at the Embassy of Singapore headed by Ambassador Gerard Ho on November 11, 2021.

 

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 and Frontrow Enterprise.


See full background and history of Asia Leaders Awards at www.asialeadersawards.asia

Hidden Hills Farm: A Shangrila Legacy of Josefino

The 2 hectare farm land is composed of 4 facilities (The Barn, The Bodega, The Tower and The Piano House), more than a thousand fruit bearing trees;

•Jackfruit

•Cashew

•Guyabano

•Lansones

•Rambutan

•Durian

•Lipote

•Avocado

•Bignay

•Abiu

•Mangoes

•Daranghita

•Chico

•Coconuts

•Bananas

•Santol

 

ACTIVITIES

 

It was tendered by the Bondad Ancestors of Calauan, Laguna till Josefino Velasco Bondad managed it and built the infrastructures with the objective to promote his love for nature and his hometown. So he built the longest and only fibre optic hanging bridge combining the two hills and the tallest view deck in Laguna to see the beauty of different mountains surrounding the area that includes Mount Makiling and Laguna De Bay. His vision is always to bring the tourist , to appreciate nature and to have his legacy.

 

New additional activities include; Fruit picking, Lipote Tasting, Tree familiarisation tour and hiking. The place is good for picnic also and camping with family. All are included in the Php 100 entrance per pax.

 

THE NEW MANAGEMENT

 

Everyday, Josefino visits the farm and always improving the infrastructure and trying always to innovate to make a difference. Josefino died in his sleep on December 18, 2020. He was 73. The grief and the void is very big that nobody can fill.

 

The HHFH is now manage by Josefino’s children (Grace, Dessi and Meg) and headed by his son in law, Andrew Troy Nicolas with an objective to continue his legacy guided by Josefino’s wife, Remy.

 

HEALING POWER

 

The family decided to focus and continue his goals, to make it a destination. So they renamed it under his name, “Hidden Hills Farm By Josefino from simply Hidden Hills Farm.  A family farm that everyone can enjoy and promotes healthy living. It’s registered under Monte Medica Company since Josefino believes that the place has a healing power because of the medicinal plants and trees in the area like Lipote which according to many can help those people suffering in Diabetis, High Blood Pressure and  Hypertension.  He even sold a lot of Guyabano leaves to some manufacturer of Guyabano capsules in Manila. In his heydays, he keeps on making tea from Lipote and Guyabano leaves.

 

“Ang pagtatanim, ay nakakahaba Ng buhay, kasi palagi kang may inaantay and better to eat fresh fruits and using alternative medicines. So inom lang Ng inom and heal yourself.”- Josefino Velasco Bondad 

 

THE NEW GENERATION

 

The vision is to make Hidden Hills Farm By Josefino a world class tourism destination. Everyday, the management is thinking of ways on improvements. Josefino’s eldest daughter, Grace Bondad Nicolas handles different themed parks in the Philippines (Zoobic Safari in Subic, Zoori in Tagaytay, Paradizoo in Cavite, Zoocobia in Pampanga and Zoocolate Thrills in Bohol)  as business and branding consultant for 9 years and handled Tree Top Adventure in Subic and Baguio and trained in Eco Tourism and certified under Programma Uitzending Managers (PUM) Netherlands for inbound and sustainable tourism and a certified Go Negosyo (Presidential Center for Entrepreneurship) for Marketing and Entrepreneurship. The family is confident and determined to achieve the vision through the unity and cooperation of the young generation.

 

Josefino Velasco Bondad is a farmer became a successful entrepreneur and retires as a farmer with a vision to help others. He was always thinking of ways to help out, hiring indigents since he believes that everyone must have a place in this world that everyone has a role to play. He also believes in legacy so he built tallest buildings in his hometown though very modest and humble. He was always happy with family, his center and now his family is continuing his legacy, to make Hidden Hills Farm By Josefino, a place to be.

 

So with so much joy that HHFH is opening to the public with new and exciting activities that’s tendered with so much love and passion for the whole family.

 

For tour, by schedule only; 09778978877, grace@tagmedia.asia