Princess and Brides by #FDLP

 

Pinay Business Mavericks, Science Community Leaders headline DOST Book Launch

 

Filipina business mavericks and science community leaders are the authors of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Science for the People Book Series--five books packed with anecdotes, experiences and learnings through the use of science, technology and innovation from people deemed as mavericks in their own fields.  Each book contains features on how different sectors of society used the outputs of research and development (R&D) for upgrades and improvements.

 “In communicating our work, we are often asked to create a narrative, to tell the story—the story in the journey to discovery,” said DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña.  “The SFTP Book Series is a testament to the dedicated work done—with each step taken leading to the road where science meets and serves our people.  It is hoped that the experiences gained, the challenges faced and overcame, and the little triumphs will serve as the foundation of future successes to benefit the succeeding generations who will live in and love our only country.”  

“The literature of the times reflects human nature and the ability of people to cope, in any given situation,” says DOST Undersecretary for Research & Development, Rowena Cristina L. Guevara. “Science, technology, and innovation (STI) is a topic worthy of being immortalized in pages of books to be read again and again. Given the pivotal role of STI in the rehabilitation efforts of the country during and after the pandemic, promotion and encouragement to read about STI is a critical endeavor.”

Five books were launched on November 23, 2021 through an online event spearheaded by the DOST-Office of the Undersecretary for R&D.  Science for Innovation, authored by Filipina business titans Robina Gokongwei-Pe of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. and Maret Follosco-Bautista of CLFG Capital Corp. with DOST Secretary de la Peña, is a book promoting technopreneurship and highlights the advantages of having technology business incubators (TBIs), with anecdotes and strategies that fresh graduates, entrepreneurs, and companies alike can use to bring an idea to market.  

Science for Change is a book from DOST Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina Guevara and DOST Secretary de la Peña on the contributions of the Science for Change Program (S4CP) to the development of the country.  The book breaks down the four components of the endeavor dubbed “Accelerated R&D Program for Capacity Building of Research and Development Institutions and Industrial Competitiveness” that promote inclusive innovation, R&D expertise, applications, and collaborations between the government, the academe, and the private sector.  

Science for Cooperation is a book reflecting on the importance of international collaborations in the S&T sector, including the advantages of Science and Technology bilateral and multilateral linkages authored by DOST Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation Leah J. Buendia and DOST Secretary de la Peña. The book Science for Human Capital, authored by DOST-Science Education Institute Director Josette T. Biyo and Secretary de la Peña is a book set to spark the Filipino youth’s interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), through the success stories of DOST-SEI Scholars.  

The late DOST Undersecretary for Regional Offices Brenda Nazareth-Manzano conceptualized the fifth book Science for Communities - a book that will show how S&T can empower communities.  It was continued and finished posthumously by DOST Regional Director Ernesto M. Granada and Secretary de la Peña.  

The Science for the People Book Launch is part of the 2021 National Science and Technology Week celebration.  The SFTP books will be available for free download starting today at the DOST-S4CP website through the link: https://s4cp.dost.gov.ph/

The Woman Behind Successful Shows

 

 

Grace Bondad Nicolas—the woman behind successful shows, an indefatigable civic and multiplatform leader, and adviser to billionaires—recently concluded the successful “Men and Women Who Matter” charity dinner, networking and recognition activity as the first woman and Filipina president of the American Association of the Philippines (AAP).

She made history by being the association’s first lady head honcho since it was established 73 years ago helping the Americans, Filipino Americans and indigent Filipinos. She’s helping the association by crafting events for the AAP with the luminaries of her brainchild Asia Leaders Awards!

"The Board of the American Association of the Philippines (AAP) names former Vice President Grace Bondad Nicolas as new president in recognition of her accomplishments in our key fundraising efforts. She is the first ever woman president of the AAP, a notable first," according to Chairman Emeritus Rick Sobreviñas.

Launching Successful Events and Shows

The AAP event isn’t just the only activity she cooked up this November as she also successfully wrapped up the much-coveted “Asia Leaders Awards 2021” at the Embassy of Singapore in the Philippines, launching their first coffee-table book, Profiles of Excellence.

“It’s a pleasure that I’m with the leaders of this generation as they help Filipinos to survive in this global health crisis through the products and services they are offering. These awardees are all breaking the glass ceiling and making a difference then until now,” she said.

The tireless supporter of all things productive, helpful, and socially responsible, Nicolas not only founded and judged Asia Leaders Awards, she was also the brains behind TAG Media Group—composed of TAG Media and Public Relations, AG Builders and Developers, and AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company—the team behind ALA and other successful shows.

TAG Media and Public Relations is the force behind Asia Leaders Forum, Asia’s Best Singing Competition, Asia Digital Marketing Expo, Asia HR Expo, Asia E-commerce Expo, Dwelo and Pandemic Heroes Online Series in partnership with The Manila Times. 

Nicolas, who is also a business writer for The Manila Times, is also a concert producer

Launching Outreach Programs in NCR and Laguna

Multimedia celebrity and serial entrepreneur, Grace Bondad Nicolas, is a bombshell inspired to achieve everything she could every day for family, businesses, and community.

“I’m giving my 1,000x percent each day as if there’s no tomorrow as tomorrow might never come” is her mantra. Thus, she’d come up with explosive events to help the less fortunate in every capacity.

She’d also invite sponsors and facilitate outreach activities to places far and wide, from Metro Manila to her hometown Calauan, Laguna, as Past President of Kiwanis Club of Makati and now Lieutenant Governor Elect of Kiwanis International Division 3A.

The former president of the Kiwanis Club of Makati, she will handle clubs in Manila, Pasay, Taguig, and Makati as she holds the highest post in the division for 2021-2022. 

Mentoring New and Aspiring Entrepreneurs

As founder of AAA Cosmetics and Trading Company she would be mentoring dealers on how to successfully market their products even during the pandemic to generate and boost income opportunities for those who have been economically displaced.

“Our heart is to help out, and not even this deadly virus can stop us from being of assistance in this ongoing crisis. There are always ways to help so I am encouraging everyone to do the same,” she shared.

AAA is a cosmetic and food company with four brands: Graceful Skin Essentials, GlutaGlow Slimming Drinks, Immune CEE, and GlamHigh Cosmetics by Andria, with 100 distributors nationwide. 

She’d also mentor aspiring entrepreneurs through her “Go Negosyo” mentorships given her first-hand business experience, proven acumen, and academic background as a graduate of the Asian Institute of Management.

Balancing Achievement and Fulfilment

On a concurrent capacity, the dynamic Grace Bondad Nicolas is also the vice president of the Makati Tourism Foundation, Inc.; founder and proprietor of eco-tourism destination Hidden Hills Farm by Josefino, named after her father who was also her inspiration and mentor.

“In this crisis, it’s your time to prove your worth and make a difference. Even while in lockdown, you can still do something productive and be of help to others by sharing your blessings,” she said, encouraging everyone to follow her lead.

Nicolas, who holds both a BS in Industrial Engineering and took an MM in Engineering Management from Colegio de San Juan de Letran  attended also programs in Entrepreneurship and Marketing at Asian Institute of Management and Ateneo with a Social Media Management training in Malaysia.

OUR BEST AND UNDEFEATED FRONTROW

 

 

And just like that a lot of things have changed since we were hit by the pandemic. But the country’s and Asia’s #1 MLM company—FRONTROW—remains at the forefront with its constant expansion and development, and most importantly, continuous efforts to help our community and fellowmen. With this, FRONTROW’s non-stop efforts were celebrated once again as they bagged not just one, but ten major awards at the esteemed Asia Leaders Awards held at the Embassy of Singapore last November 11.

 

Hailed yearly as the Best Global Company by the Asian Network’s Convention & Expo (ANCE) and previously as the American Association of the Philippines CSR Company of the Year, to name a few, FRONTROW recently took home the following awards at this 2021’s Asia Leaders: Most Trusted & Admired MLM Company, Health & Wellness Company of the Year, Global Company of the Year, MLM Company of the Year, Best Celebrity Ad Campaign in MLM (for Digital Ad with Regine Velasquez-Alcasid), and Most Comprehensive Pandemic Response Movement for its charity arm FRONTROW Cares.

 

Its company founders were also recognized individually for their game changing moves; CEO Sam Verzosa as the Most Inspiring Entrepreneur Awardee and CEO of the Year, and President RS Francisco as the COVID-19 Hero Awardee and Most Dynamic Entrepreneur. In the recent years, Asia Leaders Awards has built its name as an authority in recognizing household names in their respective industries. Apart from FRONTROW, other trusted brands honored this 2021 were Astra Zeneca, GRAB, J&T Express, FILA and Alfamart.

 

In their speeches, company founders Verzosa and Francisco both credited their FRONTROW distributors as the main reason and driving force behind all their recognitions. With FRONTROW’s active philanthropic efforts as common knowledge to most, Sam Verzosa shared in his Asia Leaders acceptance speech, “It’s not just us, my business partner RS Francisco and I, who do the helping but we see so many of our leaders do their own initiatives in their different communities as well.” RS Francisco, on the other hand, expressed, “During challenging times like these, I feel that it’s important to think out of the box to come up with actual solutions and to be of more help to others.”

 

At the height of the pandemic, FRONTROW was able to launch their new all-in-one immune boosting supplement Luxxe ImmunPlus (Made in Australia)—packed with the antiviral and antibacterial Vitamin C, D, Zinc, Turmeric and other powerful natural ingredients. They’ve also come up with programs to help augment the income of their distributors like the FRONTROW ayuda (assistance) which they call XTRA KITA.

 

Even with its full-blown charitable efforts, especially at this crucial time of pandemic, it is apparent that FRONTROW is an organization that puts its own people first. And as a result, we don’t only see the company, but also their distributors come up with their own efforts to help our community and our country. Hence, a culture of giving and constantly innovating is in the DNA of the most recognized FRONTROW—which continues to be the best and the most revolutionary MLM company in Asia after all these years.

 

Learn more about FRONTROW at www.frontrowofficial.com or Facebook page: Frontrow Philippines.

Inauguration of commemorative marker of inventions

 As a symbolic landmark in commemorating local inventors for their contributions to national development, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) spearheaded the inauguration of the commemorative marker of inventions last  15 November 2021 at the facade of the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI).

“With the commemorative marker of inventions, we are reminded by the success of our collaborative efforts in the past, the continuation of these activities in the present, and the eventual domination of Filipino talents, technologies, and innovations in the very near future,” said DOST-TAPI Director Marion Ivy D. Decena.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, DOST-TAPI Director Marion Ivy D. Decena, DOST Officials, and inventors precede the inauguration of the commemorative marker of inventions  last  15 November 2021 at DOST-TAPI

The Department’s function through DOST-TAPI was expanded to administer the Invention Development Assistance Fund for the initial experiments, prototype development, and other invention-development activities in 1992.

Since then, invention-related development programs have been constantly reinventing and extending to inventors and assisting them in their innovative and entrepreneurial endeavors.

The role of invention and innovation, technology transfer, and technology commercialization to contribute for economic and social development play a crucial role as mentioned in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) from 2017 to 2022 by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

“The story of the Filipino inventors and innovators may be regarded as the story of the very foundation of Filipino ingenuity, workmanship, and zeal,” said DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña.

Secretary de la Peña added that Filipino inventors and innovators have matured and evolved perfectly along with the needs and signs of the times, transforming an idea endlessly into an enterprise of their own.

Organized by DOST-TAPI, the event has brought together inventors and their organizations, the media, and DOST Officials to witness the unveiling of the marker.

The commemorative marker also showcases the number of inventions assisted and a number of intellectual properties (IP) filed from 2010 to 2021.

At present, 84 inventions have been assisted by the Institute from concept prototyping, prototype development, to market testing, while 529 IPs have been granted and 161 IPs have been filed through the help of DOST-TAPI’s IP Rights Assistance Program (IPRAP).

In counting, a total of 774 assistance for IP protection and invention-related development activities have been performed by the Institute for inventors, researchers, and professional organizations including the academe.

IPRAP provides financial and technical assistance for inventions, utility models, industrial designs, and trademarks to have a successful filing before the IP Office of the Philippines.

The initiative by DOST-TAPI with the help of individual inventors and inventors organizations to build a commemorative marker of inventions is just the start of the renewed and strengthened relationship under the Institute’s new administration.

“While the science-based, inventive-centric solutions have been the hallmark of the Institute in opening discourse for milestones year after year, the commemorative marker of inventions solidifies and culminates our worthwhile activities,” concluded Dir. Decena.

For more information, please contact 8837 2071 locals 2157 and 2167 or email info@tapi.dost.gov.ph.

#FDLP: Presents Princess and Brides

 

#FDLP: Bridal and Debut Fashion Show