First Woman President of American Association of the Philippines, Grace Bondad Nicolas, Welcomes AstraZeneca Philippines and J&T Express Philippines

Celebrity Serial Entrepreneur, Grace Bondad Nicolas and first woman president of the American Association of the Philippines and part of awards committee of Asia Leaders Awards, welcomes two more women of power into Asia Leaders Awards 2021’s prestigious roster of honorees:

1. Ms. Lotis Ramin, president of AstraZeneca Philippines, and

2. Ms. Zoe Chi, vice president of J&T Express Philippines.

“It’s a pleasure that I’m with the two leaders of this generation. AstraZeneca and J&T Express are both leading to help Filipinos to survive in this global health crisis through the products and services they are offering. Both are breaking the glass ceiling and making a difference,” Miss Nicolas said.

Miss Nicolas is an indefatigable supporter of all things productive, helpful, and socially responsible, herself being a tireless top leader of several organizations while being at the helm of Asia Leaders Awards and TAG Media Group. 

She is concurrently Lieutenant Governor Elect of Kiwanis International Division 3A and CEO  of Hidden Hills Farm By Josefino, AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company and Tag Media and Public Relations. 

“Asia Leaders Awards then till now recognizes these leaders who are not just thriving but also reaching out to others.”

Women of Substance: Putting Others First

AstraZeneca Philippines President Lotis Ramin gave priority over patients and the people in delivering their pharmaceutical goods and services; meanwhile, J&T Vice President Zoe Chi secured the safety and health of their staff, riders, and loyal customers as a leading courier service in the Philippines.

Thus, "When the pandemic started we came up with priorities rooted in these values, protecting patients and making sure our robust global manufacturing process supported continuous access to medicines," Miss Ramin explained.

More than these, “We now adhere to no-contact deliveries, avoiding direct contact with customers and sticking to safe turnovers, while also prioritizing vaccination of frontliners to keep everybody in the chain safe and protected,” shared Miss Zoe Chi.

Asia Leaders Awards Press Launch

The second wave of press presentation at the Manila House Private Members Club was attended by awards committee members:

*  Tan Yu III of the Makati Tourism Foundation, Inc. and 

*  Dr. Elton See Tan of Filipino Chinese Chamber of the Philippines and The E-Hotel Makati Group.

Asia Leaders Awards is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

It is only the recognition giving body whose awards committee is composed of respected leaders

from different chambers, organizations, and embassies such as the American Chamber of Commerce, Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, Embassy of Singapore, Embassy of Poland and American Association of the Philippines among others. 

 

Its main objective is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub and destination in

Asia.

 

Awarding ceremony will be on November 11, 2021, at the Embassy of Singapore.

 

For more information about Asia Leaders Awards, visit https://www.facebook.com/AsiaLeadersAwards.

J&T Express and AstraZeneca joins Asia Leaders Awards 2021

Asia Leaders Awards 2021 presents two more honorees at the Manila House Private Members Club

 *  Ms Lotis Ramin, President of ASTRAZENECA PHILIPPINES and

*  Ms Zoe Chi, Vice President of J&T Express Philippines.

 

The event was graced by no less than Asia Leaders Awards Founder, Grace Bondad Nicolas with awards committee;

*  Tan Yu III of the Makati Tourism Foundation, Inc. and

*  Dr. Elton See Tan of Filipino Chinese Chamber of the Philippines and The E-Hotel Makati Group

 

Asia Leaders Awards is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

It is only the recognition giving body whose awards committee is composed of respected leaders from different chambers, organisation’s and embassies such as American Chamber of Commerce, Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, Embassy of Singapore, Embassy of Poland and American Association of the Philippines among others.

 

Its main objective is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub and destination in Asia.

 

Awarding ceremony will be on November 11, 2021, at the Embassy of Singapore.

 

For more information about Asia Leaders Awards,

visit https://www.facebook.com/AsiaLeadersAwards.

MYSTERY MAN TO RABIYA’S RESCUE, REVEALED!

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo’s fighting spirit was clearly manifested until the last moment of her reign. The Queen’s dignified response to quickly stand up after her onstage fall (for her final walk) took much admiration from viewers and netizens. Though what also got our attention at this unexpected event was the caught footage of a man’s back who stood up with the intention of coming to Rabiya’s rescue. So who was this mystery man?

 

There were only a small number of audience in the crowd-controlled event. Most of whom were the pageant officers, organizers and judges. And based on the footage, the man with his back to the camera must have been seated right in front of the stage, in the judge’s area. Upon getting a closer look, the curated ear piercings of the mystery man made his identity clear-- pointing to one of the pageant’s esteemed judges: Mr. Sam Verzosa.

It seems that the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 host KC Montero overlooked one aspect of the named panelist in his introduction, “Businessman-Engineer Sam Verzosa or SV is the CEO and co-founder of Asia’s #1 and most trusted health and beauty company FRONTROW, and the President of the prestigious Maserati Philippines. He gives most value to helping and inspiring others through his story of triumph and through his foundation FRONTROW Cares and E-Skwela centers.” With the reveal of Mr. Verzosa as the mystery man to Rabiya’s rescue, we are now looking for the missing title “knight in shining armor” in his description.

Well, although unsaid, Mr. Verzosa’s gentle-manly gesture sure proves that he is willing to give his help and assistance in any occasion—planned or spontaneous. Sam Verzosa’s FRONTROW, which he co-founded with celebrity-entrepreneur RS Francisco, is the main presentor of the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 pageant. Apart from their world-class health products and revolutionary practices, FRONTROW is admired for their philanthropic efforts and quick response in times of our kababayans’ need.

THE MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2021 BEAUTIES ARE READY TO SHINE UP FRONT IN BOHOL

No pandemic can get in the way of being a beauty with a purpose. And the country’s most prestigious and awaited Miss Universe Philippines pageant—presented by health and beauty leader FRONTROW--proves just that as it pushes forward to #ShineUpFront with its highly anticipated grand coronation on September 30 at the Hennan Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol.

 

Due to heightened COVID IATF restrictions, and to ensure the safety of the candidates and its stakeholders, this year’s pageant event didn’t go as originally planned but is definitely in full swing. “We thank our constant partner FRONTROW for always being behind us and for believing in our organization’s vision to put the phenomenal Filipina beauty at the forefront,” remarked Miss Universe Philippines Director Jonas Gaffud.

 

Prior to their departure for Bohol, the pageant team had just returned from a hectic kick-off in Clark, Pampanga. Even so, the lively candidates’ vibrant aura and non-stop energy couldn’t be unseen. For this they give much credit to the sustenance they get from regular intake of FRONTROW’s extra powerful Luxxe ImmunPlus—the official immune booster of Miss Universe Philippines 2021.

 

As the lovely girls arrived at their drop-off point from Clark, Pampanga we’ve got word about how FRONTROW’s help goes beyond mounting the pageant itself. The health and beauty leader has made it a point to look after the well being of the candidates (especially at this time of serious health risk) through their most trusted and potent Luxxe health supplements. “Syempre, push na push ang laban at pag-Shine Up Front with Luxxe ImmunPlus,” answered Miss Albay Janela Joy Cuaton--when asked how she was holding up from the action-packed pageant festivities.

 

Infused with Vitamins C, D, Zinc, Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Cayenne and Black Pepper, FRONTROW’s newest all-in-one supplement has everything we need to live an active lifestyle while being protected from diseases, bacteria and viruses.

 

FRONTROW’s RS Francisco and Sam Verzosa, who are in full support of the country’s most prestigious pageant, expressed, “The Philippines has so much beauty, heart and talent to impart, and this is what we aim to reveal to the universe through the successful selection of our country’s representative in the upcoming international Miss Universe pageant.” To which they added,” Moving forward, we hope that we Filipinos can unite so that we can shine globally as one.”

 

As FRONTROW presents the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 pageant in Bohol, we invite you to join in on the festivities and behold your favorite candidates #ShineUpFront on their journey to the crown. Gain virtual access to the most awaited grand coronation live stream on September 30 by getting your e-tickets via KTX.PH now!

IT’S OFFICIAL! THE MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2021 PAGEANT TO SHINE UP FRONT IN BOHOL

No pandemic can get in the way of being a beauty with a purpose. And the country’s most prestigious and awaited Miss Universe Philippines pageant—presented by health and beauty leader FRONTROW--proves just that as it pushes forward to #ShineUpFront in its recently announced grand coronation on September 30 at the Hennan Resort Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol.

 

Due to heightened COVID IATF restrictions, and to ensure the safety of the candidates and its stakeholders, this year’s pageant event didn’t go as originally planned but is definitely in full swing. “We thank our constant partner FRONTROW for always being behind us and for believing in our organization’s vision to put the phenomenal Filipina beauty at the forefront,” remarked Miss Universe Philippines Director Jonas Gaffud.

 

The showcase of National Costumes, which marks the first major event of the pageant this year, was indeed a remarkable spectacle that broke the internet last September 23. With a dress code inspired by the memorable ensembles of the Manila Carnival Queens, each world-class Filipino designer that dressed the remaining top candidates surely impressed with their own elaborate twists to the traditional designs.

 

And the girls did not fall short either as they proudly paraded their exquisite costumes, and successfully channeled the queens from the extravagant era in Philippine Pageant History. Can it get any more magical than beholding such beautiful and promising young ladies #ShineUpFront in our cultural pieces?

 

Miss Universe Philippines’ display of national costumes was definitely one to see, but the splendor doesn’t end there. The pageant offers us more spectacular events to look forward to, leading to the most awaited grand coronation. Coming up are the virtual release of the following pageant events:

 

September 27 – Preliminary Interviews

 

September 28 – Preliminary Swimsuit and Evening Gown Competition

 

September 30 – Miss Universe Philippines Grand Coronation Night

 

Recently returning from a hectic pageant kick-off in Clark, Pampanga, the lively candidates attribute their vibrant aura and non-stop energy to the sustenance they get from regular intake of FRONTROW’s extra powerful Luxxe ImmunPlus—the official immune booster of Miss Universe Philippines 2021.

 

As the lovely girls arrived at their drop-off point from Clark, Pampanga we’ve got word about how FRONTROW’s help goes beyond mounting the pageant itself. The health and beauty leader has made it a point to look after the well being of the candidates (especially at this time of serious health risk) through their most trusted and potent Luxxe health supplements. “Syempre, push na push ang laban at pag-Shine Up Front with Luxxe ImmunPlus,” answered Miss Albay Janela Joy Cuaton--when asked how she was holding up from the action-packed out-of-town trip.

 

Infused with Vitamins C, D, Zinc, Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Cayenne and Black Pepper, FRONTROW’s newest all-in-one supplement has everything we need to live an active lifestyle while being protected from diseases, bacteria and viruses.

 

FRONTROW’s RS Francisco and Sam Verzosa, who are in full support of the country’s most prestigious pageant, expressed, “The Philippines has so much beauty, heart and talent to impart, and this is what we aim to reveal to the universe through the successful selection of our country’s representative in the upcoming international Miss Universe pageant.” To which they added,” Moving forward, we hope that we Filipinos can unite so that we can shine globally as one.”

 

As FRONTROW presents the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 pageant in Bohol, we invite you to join in on the festivities and behold your favorite candidates #ShineUpFront on their journey to the crown. Gain virtual access to the preliminary events and most awaited grand coronation live stream by getting your e-tickets via KTX.PH now!

Philippines claims 51st spot in Global Innovation Index 2021 Report

 

Despite challenges from the pandemic and decreasing budget for research and development (R&D), the Philippines claimed the 51st spot out of 132 economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2021 report.  In an inter-agency virtual press conference held on September 21, 2021, the Philippines proved that it is an efficient innovator with its capacity to translate innovation investments into innovation outputs.  

The Global Innovation Index (GII) is published yearly by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The Philippines’ 2021 GII score is a notch lower compared to its 2020 ranking.  However, the good innovation performance of the Philippines resulted in its inclusion to the list of five countries in the world that made significant progress in the GII over time, along with China, Turkey, Vietnam and India.  

“The Philippines continues to lead by example to other developing countries in setting innovation as a national priority,” said WIPO Assistant Director General Marco Aleman. “The entry into force of the 2019 Philippine Innovation Act proposing the GII as a measurement and assessment tool of the innovation performance of the country is the clearest example of the Philippine government’s effort to foster innovation in the economy.” 

“Now, more than ever, the Filipino people are looking up to science, technology and innovation for solutions to their problems,” said Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. dela Peña. “The demand drives the Department further to continuously support our researchers, scientists and engineers (RSEs), and the aspiring ones.”

In the GII 2021 report, the Philippines ranked 4th among the 34 lower middle-income group economies and 11th among the 17 economies in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania.  With roughly 80 indicators, the GII ranks the countries in the world with their innovation capabilities.  

In the last three years, the innovation inputs or the investments for these activities in the Philippines remain low, with our ranking now at 72 compared to rank 70 in 2020 and rank 76 in 2019.  However, despite the low input, our ranking for innovation outputs or the resulting programs and technologies from such investments, is rising, with the Philippines at rank 40 in 2021, a step higher from the 41st ranking in 2020.  

In a virtual press conference, Secretaries and Undersecretaries from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), together with the Philippine Innovation Ecosystem movers such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL), Department of Health (DOH), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Commission on Higher Education(CHED) presented the innovations that aided the country's fight against the pandemic, and efforts to help all sectors survive and succeed in the new environment.

Since 2007, the budget for research and development dramatically increased and averaged at about 0.65% of the National Budget (GAA).  However, the share of R&D in the GAA in the last two years significantly decreased from 0.76% in 2019 to 0.39% in 2021.

“Our country’s modest investments in R&D can only go so far,” related DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara. “As an initiative to sustain innovation efforts, the DOST is lobbying for the passage of the Science for Change (S4CP) Bill.  Approval of the said bill would mean the continuation of the inclusive, equitable and sustained efforts for innovation, given the optimal use of our resources for R&D.”

JCI Makati-The Way To Go

 

It is never about winning nor the accolade. JCI Makati completed their projects to better themselves and to rise as one with the filipino people whom lives they have touched during this pandemic. --- 2021 JCI Makati President Lawrence Li Tan. 

14 Golden Titan Awards and 10 Merit Awards were vested upon JCI Makati in the recently 

concluded Area Conference of JCI Metro South Area last September 18, 2021. 

Joined by local organizations of the JCI Metro South Area, with 24 awards to contend on and more than 100 entries received. JCI Makati experienced a very humbling experience to be honored on the  programs and projects that they accomplished for the year 2021.

Headed by its President Lawrence Li Tan, the local organizations have seen the value of collaboration,  mentorship, cooperation with different other non- government organizations, companies and government agencies. Their projects proved that best outcomes are achievable if its mission were shared by more people in achieving a common good.

JCI Makati’s RISE AS ONE platinum agenda for the year composed of more than 500 projects that were anchored on helping gear the economy to be resilient in times of pandemic.

Programs were created that were focused on different society sectors, but activities were meant to mentor and coach Filipinos to be business minded and utilize their unique talents, creativity and skills to their advantage.

Oversees Filipino Workers were not helped to go find their own horizon outside the country, but rather displaced OFWs because of the pandemic were taught to be new entrepreneurs.

This was done with the premise that less Filipinos will find beauty of leaving the country to seek for better employment abroad in the future. Projects of JCI Makati were created to help Filipinos from different parts of the country to be resilient and to see opportunities, even in the most challenging time of the pandemic.

The local organization was able to push for its projects and programs with the help of its corporate sponsors and partnerships with different organization who share the same advocacies. 

Much were accomplished with collaborations and the unreachable Filipino Indigenous People (IP) were also reached with the help of JCI Makati’s partner organizations and donors. 

List of Golden Titan Awards:

1. Most Outstanding JCI Member: KURTain Call: 17 Years of Kurt Soliman as a Member Servant Leader

2. Most Outstanding Project Chair: He Rose for the Heroes Project Chair: Mark Dennis Uyaco

3. Most Outstanding JCI Trainer: Nic Satur Jr.

4. Best JCI RISE Program: HEROES Program Project Chair: Mark Dennis Uyaco

5. Best Individual Development Program: UPLIFT Project Chair: Nic Satur Jr.

6. Best Local Global Goals Project: UNSDG World Congress Project Chair: Kurt Soliman

7. Best Local Community Impact Program: Mold to Success Project Chair: Marc Queaño

8. Best Digital Marketing Campaign: Go Digital

Project Chair: Marc Queaño

9. Best JCI Week: JCI Fiesta

Project Chair: Marc Queaño

10. Best Peace Advocacy Program: One withRamadan

Project Chair: Tani Basman

11. Best Sports and Wellness Development Program: PLAY IT FORWARD Project Chair: Sidney Cuesta

12. Best Fund Raising Program: BARYANIHAN Project Chair: Ken Okuya

13. Best Long Term Local Community Program: Ten Outstanding Students of JCI Makati (TOSM) Project Chair: Elmar Nabisa

14. Best Education Program: Sinag Aralan Project Chair: Elmar Nabisa

Merit Awards:

1. Most Outstanding President for Category 1: A gLANCE of Leadership : Lawrence Li Tan

2. Most Outstanding JCI Senator: 

3. Most Outstanding Local Organization: We Rise As One

4. Best Website: Click Green

Project Chair: Andrew Mañacop

5. Best Local Organization Publication: CORE Project Chair: Marc Queaño

6. Best Cultural Affairs Program: IPs on the Rise

Project Chair: Marc Queaño

7. Best Public Relations Program: Moving On Business

Project Chair: Herbert Joey Garcia

8. Best youth development Program: P.I.N.C. Youth Congress 2021 Project Chair: Lawrence Li Tan

9. Best Civic Involvement Program: Mushroom to Classroom Project Chair: Jhopet Fines

10. Best Animal Welfare: Tamaraw Guardians Project Chair: Marc Queaño

True to JCI Creed, service to humanity is the best work of life” JCI Makati exceeded what they thought were impossible. Thus above all the challenges that they met along the way while helping the Filipinos, our environment and animals, JCI Makati brothers also helped themselves by finding comfort within the organization. Realizing that there is more to life other than being self-centered and self-pitying, and that their life can be so much more if it is shared by many by being of service to others and this planet.