Leo Ortiz, Founder and CEO of the Rising Dragon Beauty & Wellness Corporation was honored at Asia Leaders Awards inside Embassy of Singapore

 

Who would have thought that a cum laude nursing graduate would end up selling beauty products instead of landing in a hospital to pursue his career in his chosen profession?  And would eventually be a CEO of his own company at a very young age?

The Rising Dragon

Unable to find a nursing job after graduation, He joined a network marketing group instead but after two years, he did not earn much. Armed with perseverance and his learnings from this experience, and his realization of great opportunities in marketing, he jumped into another venture. 

He got his first million selling contact lenses! And this was the start of his successful entrepreneurial journey. He had his share of business ventures which failed, but it never deterred him from pushing forward and looking for next opportunities. 

Leo now directly oversees 50 employees and hundreds more in various industries, including beauty, resort and restaurant management, skincare services, and wellness. Ortiz also owns and runs The Oia-Santorini and Kai resorts as well as Elite Contact Lens, Gluta Spa, and Beauty Vault.

With his string of successes, Leo did not fail to give back to the community. He shares his blessings by outreach projects most especially during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Asia Leaders Awards is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia and just recently held its ceremony inside the Embassy of Singapore.  

Asia Leaders Awards continues to be an avenue where business leaders are recognized for their outstanding efforts to make their companies shine while giving back to the community through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

 

It is only the recognition giving body whose awards committee is composed of high profiled and respected leaders from different organizations and embassies. Its main objective is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub and destination in Asia. 

Check out https://www.facebook.com/AsiaLeadersAwards for more of the event details.

American Association of the Philippines “Men and Women Who Matter” with Leo Ortiz as Young CEO of the Year

One organization, foreign as it may sound, is undoubtedly more Filipino by its heart and actions. Established primarily before for the welfare of Americans and Filipino Americans in the country, they proved to the world that they could do and give more. 

AAP also give out recognitions to other organizations and individuals showing excellence on what they do and at the same time not forgetting to share blessings to other people through whatever means. 

AAP just recently held a recognition event entitled “Men & Women who matter.” Giving citations and awards like this is a noble way of promoting excellence in leadership and inspiring like-minded capable leaders to do more than what they can in extending help to others not only this time of pandemic but as always. 

It is indeed an honor for individuals in the Business to be part of their “Men and Women who matter.” The roster of awardees were: 

 Woman of the Year – Pharmaceutical: Ms. Lotis Ramin, Country President, AstraZeneca Philippines, Inc.

 Woman of the Year – Health & Wellness: Ms. Ghie Pangilinan, Co-founder and CEO of Skin Magical

 Man of the Year, Agri-Business: Mr. Ronald Daniel Mascarinas, President, Bounty Agro Ventures

 Man of the Year – Humanitarian: Mr. Sam Verzosa Jr., CEO, Frontrow Enterprise

 Man of the Year – Hall of Fame Excellence: Mr. RS Francisco, President, Frontrow Enterprise

 CSR Company of the Year:  FrontRow Cares

 Young CEO of the year:  Mr. Leo Ortiz, Founder and CEO, Rising Dragon Beauty and Wellness Corporation

Leo Ortiz with his billboards around Metro Manila and SLEX with his brand endorsers is truly making a difference in skincare nowadays with his successful product line and health drinks. Just in early 30s, Leo is one dynamic young leader who keeps on innovating with the new launch of different products even during this pandemic. He just received also at Embassy of Singapore an award under Asia Leaders Awards for his influence and contribution in giving jobs to the Filipino people. 

Established in 1949,  AAP was founded on the concept of community interest, welfare and responsibility, the American Association of the Philippines (AAP).  It is composed of Americans, Filipino Americans, Filipinos and other nationalities  binded together by their common objective, establishing a whole host of beneficiary programs aimed not only to help the Americans and the Amerasians in the Philippines, but the Filipino people as well. 

AAP do community missions focusing on the education and general welfare of those in deep need. They initiate cultural activities, fund-raising dinners, and social gatherings to further their objectives of helping out and Leo Ortiz, the young CEO always keeps on giving for the indigents and those in need. 

To know more about AAP, their projects and initiatives, visit https://www.americanassociation.org.ph/

James Velasquez: President & CEO of PT&T among the Top 50 Rising Tigers, Nation Builders in Asia Pacific

Rising Tigers: Nation Builders, a new business publication to be launch on March 22, 2022,  at the Grand Hyatt Manila at the BGC in Taguig will feature the Top 50 Rising Tigers of the Asia Pacific. They are the best and the brightest individuals in the Philippines and Southeast Asia who never fail to balance commitment to growth with corporate social responsibility, even during the most trying times.

One of the featured Rising Tiger on the pilot edition of the said business magazine is Mr. James Velasquez.

Mr. Velasquez has served as President & CEO of PT&T since June 2018. He is currently a board member of MRC Allied, 5GS Security Inc., and DRI Philippines. He is a member of Management Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, and the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. 

Committed to provide superior connectivity 

At the helm of PT&T’s revival, the Company vastly improved its operations and financial viability. For the past four years (2018-2021), Revenues grew by 103% at 19% CAGR due to subscriber growth and the introduction of its IT Services business. Core EBITDA also grew by 529% at 58% CAGR. Following the successful establishment of its Quality Management System, PT&T earned its first ISO 9001:2015 certification, demonstrating its commitment to providing superior Connectivity and IT Services to its customers. More importantly, PT&T achieved a Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) rating of 95% as of December 2021. 

Significant leap on services reap awards and recognitions

With the revival of the Company underway, PT&T also gained several industry recognitions. At the Global Economics Award 2021 under the Technology Awards Category (Philippines), PT&T was recognized as the Most Innovative Telecom Services Provider and the Best CSR Initiatives. The award recognized PT&T for its ongoing commitment to innovation, as well as its drive for customer-centricity while being agile in its response to the pandemic. 

At the 5th Gawad Maestro Awards 2021 by the Philippine Society for Talent Development, PT&T was hailed as the Learning & Development (L&D) Organization of the Year for Private Sector. The award honors and recognizes organizations who champions L&D programs as a strategic driver to achieve business results. 

The Tiger leading the pack

Prior to joining PT&T, Mr. James Velasquez was a Senior Executive for IBM Global Technology Services – Asia Pacific with 30 years’ experience in running several business units in the region, with focus on IT Business and Infrastructure Management, Operations, P&L, and Regional Sales. He also served as President and Country General Manager of IBM Philippines where he was responsible for the overall business operations and led the company to both domestic and global delivery growth. During his term, he received the 2011 CEO Excel Awards in addition to garnering various recognitions for IBM in the areas of Corporate Social Responsibility, Marketing, HR, and ICT. 

He was recognized by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) with the Engineering Centennial Award for Industry Leadership, Induction into the Engineering Hall of Fame, and The Outstanding Alumni Award (TOTAL) for Business Management. He was also included in Letran’s Grandes Figuras and the Alumni Award for Industry.

Recognizing the Leaders of Tomorrow with the Rising Tigers: Nation Builders Publication

“With 2022—The Year of the Water Tiger promising 365 days of positive changes, business must be stable, and finances will flow smoothly throughout the year with grit on its side.” – shared Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, Founder and CEO of Tag Media Group. 

For efficiently directing PT&T’s transformation, Asia Leaders Awards take the opportunity to recognize and honor Mr. James Velasquez as among the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific through the launching of the Rising Tigers: Nation Builders Magazine. 

Successful Entrepreneur and grandson of former President of the Philippines,  Robert Laurel Yupangco, one of the ALA board said, “Asia Leaders Awards Presents the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific to motivate us all that despite all the challenges, we will emerge triumphant. These are the top leaders with the very new vision of the world now,” 

To know more about Rising Tigers: Nation Builders and Asia Leaders Awards, visit https://www.facebook.com/AsiaLeadersAwards.

Building on Kindness a man called Toby Gatchalian

Toby Gatchalian of Mondelēz International–Philippines—one of the multinational’s biggest businesses in Southeast Asia and the mother company’s major growth drivers—among business and lifestyle magazine Rising Tigers: Nation Builders’ Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific.

This latest publication will feature the best and the brightest in the Philippines and Southeast Asia who never fail to balance commitment to growth with corporate social responsibility, even during the most trying times.

“Asia Leaders Awards Presents the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific to motivate us all that, in spite of the challenges, we will emerge triumphant. These are the top leaders with the very new vision of the world now,” explained ALA Board Member Robert Laurel Yupangco, grandson of former President Jose P. Laurel and owner of 36 businesses worldwide.

Revitalizing Timeless Brands for Filipino Consumers

Mondelēz International–Philippines, whose new family-oriented campaigns by Toby Gatchalian, is a leader of the future who spun the tail-end of 2021 to spur renewed interest in the nine-year old conglomerate whose major brands date back over 100 years.

“This recognition brings Mondelēz onto a new platform, which coincides with us embarking on a new journey to make the company a billion-dollar brand,” Gatchalian shared in an exclusive interview with magazine publisher TAG Media Group.

Previously known as Kraft Philippines, the multinational is responsible for making brands like BelVita, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Cheez Whiz, Chips Ahoy!, Eden Cheese/Mayo/Sandwich Spread, Oreo, Tang, Tiger Energy Biscuits, and Toblerone as all-time favorite snacks for Filipino families.

Combining Mind and Heart: Building on Kindness

“I’ve worked with many global brands and companies and only Mondelēz Philippines has this unique combination of people who are both intelligent and kind,” shared Gatchalian, whose international journey can only be summed up as “diverse.”

Thus, Mondelēz Philippines is Employer of Choice and one of the Best Places to Work in 2021 according to the Best Places to Work Certification major growth driver for their global business unit. 

“We encourage an agile and growth mindset that works outside-the-box, fostering engagement, strengthening inclusion, and prioritizing employee well-being to help people adapt to and thrive to the new normal,” he added. 

The mega-company has adopted programs and platforms to enable employees cope with the new normal and maintain work-life balance.

Visit Mondelēz Philippines website https://www.mondelezinternational.com/Philippines.

Recognizing the Leaders of Tomorrow

This milestone, another brainchild of the Asia Leaders Awards (ALA) Committee, will be held on March 22, 2022, at the Grand Hyatt Manila at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Asia Leaders Awards is only the recognition giving body whose awards committee is composed of respected leaders from different chambers, organizations, and embassies like the Embassy of Singapore, the Embassy of Poland, and the Korean Council among others. 

 

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

 

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

Grace Bondad Nicolas as Event Director of the Kiwanis Asia Pacific Convention 2022

 

The woman behind successful shows, events and programs, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas has been appointed as Kiwanis International Events Director of the upcoming Asia Pacific Convention coming April 1 and 2, 2022. The said convention is an annual event of Kiwanis International held on different parts of the Asia Pacific region. This year,  Philippines will be hosting, and thousands of registrants are expected to join. 

 

Engr.  Grace Bondad Nicolas long list of successful shows, gatherings and charity events produced and initiated makes her a perfect choice for the Kiwanis task at hand. She knows the A to Z of event production, onstage and behind. From event preparation to actual event to wrapping up, she knows every detail. It is her forte dealing with business people, the administrators and the sponsors alike, including the media people.

“I actually accepted it with the request of Governor Raymund Yap telling me that most in the organizing committee suggested for me to manage the event. It’s a pleasure since among so many talented in the organization, they wanted me to handle the program.” - Grace Bondad Nicolas

Past president to Kiwanis Club of Makati for 3 consecutive terms, she is now concurrently the Lieutenant Governor Elect of Division 3A (Metro Manila) of the Kiwanis Philippine Luzon District, Vice President for External Affairs by the Los Baños Chamber of Commerce & Industries (LBCCI), Vice President of the Makati Tourism Foundation, and a certified mentor of “Go Negosyo” under the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship.

Engineer Grace Bondad Nicolas has indeed emerged triumphant amidst the limitations of the lockdown, proving that no challenge is big enough to dampen her spirit of achievement, tireless action, and continuous inspiration to all her constituents as a civic leader and her partners as a business leader.

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. Through service projects and fundraisers, Kiwanis members improve their communities, make lifelong friendships and, most importantly, help children reach their full potential.

With more than 600,000 members in more than 80 countries, Kiwanis clubs host nearly 150,000 service projects each year.

Rising Tiger: Entrepreneur and Kiwanis Philippines Luzon District Treasurer Glenda HUfano to be acknowledged under Asia Leaders Awards 2022

An extraordinary leader who have the heart, as well as the strength to take swift action, armed with integrity, genuine care and solid determination, Ms. Glenda Hufano, has been cited and will be featured as one of the  Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific in the newest business and lifestyle magazine, Rising Tigers: Nation Builders.

Ms. Hufano, is the current Kiwanis Philippine Luzon District (PLD) Treasurer. She has been a Kiwanis Club President for 4 consecutive years and a Lieutenant Governor for 2019-2020. 

Making things happen 

She helped and support most of Kiwanis organizations in different clubs in the Philippines as one of the key partaker during outreach programs. You’ll see her everywhere, doing projects nationwide

“The most important quality of a great leader is integrity and compassion for what you do and for the people around you. Your success is the success of the whole organization” shared Ms. Hufano

Indeed, she helps other people not just because she can but because she cares! For her selfless initiatives and many accomplished projects, she got several awards and citations from different organizations here and abroad.

Genuine, Dynamic & Reliable

Ms Hufano is a very active Kiwanian. She always sees to it that needs are given not just the attention, but quick action. Kiwanis PLD initiated various donation drives for typhoon Odette victims.  She even shells out from her own pocket to contribute further. Her genuine care to help and her always can-do attitude makes her excel among the rest, juggling her time between taking care of her own family and helping other people thru Kiwanis. 

Check out on KC PLD initiatives on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KiwanisPLD

Recognizing the Leaders of Tomorrow

“With 2022—The Year of the Water Tiger promising 365 days of positive changes, business must be stable, and finances will flow smoothly throughout the year with grit on its side.” – shared Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, Founder and CEO of Tag Media Group. 

Asia Leaders Awards take the opportunity to recognize this focused and respectable lady leader from Kiwanis PLD, Ms. Glenda Hufano, among the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific on the launching of the Rising Tigers: Nation Builders Magazine. 

Rising Tigers: Nation Builders

Launching on March 22, 2022, at the Grand Hyatt Manila at the BGC in Taguig, “Rising Tigers: Nation Builders” is another brainchild of Asia Leaders Awards (ALA) Committee.

This new publication will feature the best and the brightest individuals in the Philippines and Southeast Asia who never fail to balance commitment to growth with corporate social responsibility, even during the most trying times.

Billionaire Robert Laurel Yupangco, one of the ALA board said, “Asia Leaders Awards Presents the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific to motivate us all that despite all the challenges, we will emerge triumphant. These are the top leaders with the very new vision of the world now,” 

To know more about Rising Tigers: Nation Builders and Asia Leaders Awards, visit https://www.facebook.com/AsiaLeadersAwards.

Plantpreneur: Grace Bondad Nicolas with the rarest Monstera

Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas known to many as consultant to billionaires, first ever woman President of the American Association of the Philippines, Kiwanis Lieutenant Governor Elect, Top Events organizer, Businesswoman, Go Negosyo speaker, writer and influencer is now as certified “Plantita Plantpreneur.”

Why the Sudden shift?

Actually, it’s not a shift, on top of all the above-mentioned credentials, she still finds time to commune with her plants, at Hidden Hills Farm by Josefino.

Hidden Hills Farm by Josefino is a 2-hectare farmland nurtured by his late father, Josefino Velasco Bondad. When he passed away, Engr. Grace took over it and promised to cultivate and enhance it so as how his father does. 

“It’s my fathers legacy……initially, my objective is just to assist my mom to be busy for the death of my father so we both went to planting to make the farm that he left colorful and for us to be busy. It helped us also convert our loneliness and depression to positive energies, nurturing the plants and taking care of the environment.”  shared Engr. Grace

Hidden Hills Farm is full of fruit bearing trees like Avocado, Mulberry, Golden Caimito, Cashew, Lipote, Mangoes, Daranghita, Chico, Coconuts, Bananas, Jackfruit, Lansones, Rambutan, Durian, Bignay, Abiu, and Santol,. It has some ornamentals before but not to the category of the high-priced rare ones. 

During the pandemic, when almost everybody at home wants to have something productive to do... when plantitas and plantitos are flooding all social media platforms, and a fad for collecting ornamentals is at the helm, she thought of getting a caladium. She started with one pot but was able to propagate 5 more and sell.   

“So I got an opportunity to earn because of planting which makes me relax then at the same time, earning”

From there, she became interested on the rare species of ornamentals and started collecting, propagating and “earning”. As of this writing, Engr. Grace has completed the Top 10 rare in demand houseplant in the world on her wishlist, including 6-figure priced varieties; 

1. Variegated Monsteras

2. Philodendron White Princess

3. Philodendron Melanochrysum

4. Philodendron Gloriosum

5. Anthurium Veitchii

6. Anthurium Warocqueanum

7. Monstera Adansonii Variegata 

8. Monstera Obliqua Peruvian Form

9. Philodendron Pink Princess

10. Variegated Syngonium

She’s very delighted with the rarest of all monstera, Obliqua according to many is the one from Peru, often described as being "more holes than leaf". Another reason why this plant is so difficult to sell and grow is that it grows extremely slowly. ... only after several years will an obliqua produce those characteristic, highly fenestrated, barely-there leaves. From one celebrity article before with few leaves already cost for Php 250K with 4 leaves while Engr. Grace has 12 leaves already as of this moment and trailing. There are some die hard Plantitas already waiting for her to propagate and sell to them. What a fulfilling passion. Green minded indeed. 

Monstera Obliqua is one of the rarest varieties, and it is often confused with Monstera Adansonii. While both of these Monsteras have lots of holes in their leaves, there are a couple of key differences. Visually, Obliqua looks like it is more hole than leaf. 

Earning 6 digits a month for what started as a diversion activity is fulfilling! Unexpected but it happened to Plantitapreneur Grace. 

"I found joy, happiness and financial abundance in my garden, this is so unexpected...and so rewarding!" - she concluded.

To visit the plant collection and the 3 IG friendly villas; 

https://www.facebook.com/HiddenHillsByJosefino/