Grace Bondad Nicolas tete a tete with The Manila Times Town Hall Forum

Manila, Philippines—Prominent business leader Grace Bondad Nicolas, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Los Baños and CEO of Tag Media Group, attended The Manila Times Town Hall Forum on February 26, 2025, at The Manila Times headquarters in Intramuros.

The Town Hall Forum, a 10-episode series hosted by The Manila Times and DZRH, provides a platform for senatorial and local candidates in the May 2025 midterm elections to engage with stakeholders from various sectors. The event aims to educate voters and encourage informed decision-making by allowing participants to directly pose questions to the candidates.

At the 9 a.m. session on Labor, Nicolas, representing the business sector, joined other stakeholders in engaging with senatorial candidates Luke Espiritu, Sonny Matula, and Jerome Adonis, who were present to discuss their platforms and policies on labor rights, employment, and economic growth.

As a business leader and advocate for economic development, Nicolas’ participation underscored the importance of bridging the gap between the private sector and policymakers. Through her work at PCCI Los Baños and Tag Media Group, she continues to champion innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business practices.

The Town Hall Forum was recorded and will be aired on March 9 across multiple platforms, including DZRH, The Manila Times, and its newly launched streaming channel, ensuring wider reach and public engagement.

With her continued involvement in business, media, and public discourse, Nicolas remains a vital voice in shaping policies that impact industries, labor, and economic progress in the Philippines.

Grace Bondad Nicolas: The Powerhouse Entrepreneur and Media Visionary

In the world of business, media, and public relations, few names stand out as boldly as Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas. A serial entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and industry leader, she has established herself as a driving force behind multiple successful ventures in construction, media, public relations, and cosmetics.

As the Co-Founder of TAG Media Group, which includes AG Builders & Developers, TAG Media and Public Relations, AAA Cosmetics & Trading, Hidden Hills Farm by Josefino, and Rising Tigers Magazine Inc., Grace has transformed industries through her innovative business strategies and leadership expertise.

A Leader in Business and Construction

Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master’s in Management, Major in Engineering Management from Colegio de San Juan de Letran, plus business studies at Ateneo and AIM, Grace has seamlessly combined technical knowledge with strategic business acumen.

Her company, Andrew Grace Builders & Developers, has been a key player in the construction industry since 2006, with signature projects under Landco, Vista Land, and Filinvest, as well as government-accredited projects with the University of the Philippines and the Forest Products & Research Institute.

Shaping the Media and Public Relations Landscape

Through TAG Media and Public Relations, founded in 2010, Grace has built one of the leading advertising and consultancy firms in the country. The firm has handled top multinational companies in Asia-Pacific, focusing on marketing, strategic planning, business intelligence, promotions, and branding.

Her mission? To position the Philippines as the premier business hub in Asia through high-impact signature events, including:

✔ Laguna Blogging Summit

✔ Asia Digital Marketing Expo

✔ Asia E-Commerce Expo

✔ Asia Leaders Forum Series

✔ Asia HR Expo

✔ Asia Leaders Awards

Because of her unparalleled expertise in event organization, she has earned the title “Queen of Events in the Philippines,” managing over 15 major events annually, even during the pandemic.

Rising Tigers and a Media Empire

Grace’s latest venture, Rising Tigers Magazine, TopNewsAsia, and InCharge Magazine, has revolutionized business and leadership publications in the Philippines. With nationwide distribution in National Bookstores and exclusive placements at Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay Lounges, her magazines are among the most widely distributed in the country.

She recently launched Profiles of Excellence, a prestigious coffee table book, at National Bookstore, SM Megamall, on February 10, 2024, further solidifying her influence in the media and publishing industry.

A Passion for Civic Leadership

Beyond business, Grace is deeply involved in social and civic causes, holding key leadership roles in several prestigious organizations:

✔ Vice President of Makati Tourism Foundation

✔ First Woman President of the American Association of the Philippines

✔ President of PCCI-Los Baños

✔ Past Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis Philippine Luzon District

✔ Member of the Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry

✔ Member of the Philippine Korea Economic Council

Her commitment to nation-building and leadership development is evident in her extensive contributions to both the business and non-profit sectors.

A Trailblazer Recognized for Excellence

Grace’s extraordinary achievements have earned her numerous prestigious awards, including:

✔ American Association of the Philippines: Excellence Award in Communication & Fundraising

✔ Aliw Awards: Excellence Award (December 2023)

✔ Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry-Quezon City: Truth Award (January 2024)

✔ La Consolacion College Pasig: Leadership Award (February 2024)

✔ Forbes Best Dressed List: Style Icon and Filipina Business Leader (February 27, 2024)

✔ Aliw Awards: Excellence Award for Entrepreneurship 2024

The Legacy of Grace Bondad Nicolas

From engineering and construction to media, public relations, and publishing, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas has proven that versatility, passion, and leadership are key to long-term success. Whether through business, media influence, or philanthropy, she remains a true visionary shaping industries, empowering leaders, and making a lasting impact on the Philippines and beyond.

PCCI-QC holds 5th Quezon City Int'l Business Conference Feb 28, 2025

QUEZON CITY — The 5th Quezon City International Business Conference will be held on Friday day (Feb. 28) with the theme: “Building Tomorrow Together: Future Proofing Business, Driving Sustainable and Fostering Equitable Economy” at the M.I.C.E in Quezon City Hall Complex.
In a press conference, Dr. Carl Balita, Chairman Emeritus of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Quezon City (PCCI-QC) said that they are proud in staging the first International Business Conference in Quezon City.
The PCCIQC has been adjudged for being the Most Outstanding PCCI Chapter in the Philippines for two years in a row — 2023 and 2024.

The conference was a collaboration between the PCCI-QC and the Quezon City Local Government Unit (QC LGU). The event was intended to help small-scale businesses, also known as Nano enterprises. What was discussed?

The conference aimed to foster partnerships for a sustainable future. It also showcased the QC LGU's initiatives, including the Business Permit and Licensing Division, the Local Investments Promotions Office, and the Small Business Cooperative Development Promotions Office. 

The conference will gather together prime movers of business such as three DTI, DOST, and DICT, ambassadors of the embassies.
We are bringing business to Quezon City. We are bringing business to the world.
We are setting up an ideal ecosystem. We were present during the SOCA of Mayor Belmonte.
We want to resonate that here in QC there is an ecosystem

 

All businesses are are invited to register HERE 

Visit here  https://www.facebook.com/share/15sFWZ25dB/

TopNewsAsia’s inaugural with Comelec Chair George Erwin M. Garcia and Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio

TopNewsAsia-A weekly magazine under Tag Media Group, publisher of Rising Tigers Magazine and InCharge Magazine, has been launched last February 10, 2025, at the exclusive The Manila House Private Club in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig during the birthday of its publisher and editor-in-chief, Grace Bondad Nicolas with two of the leaders who are making an impact in the society today; Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Erwin M. Garcia and Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio side by Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss, Writer Andria Terese Nicolas and Board Robert Laurel Yupangco and Consul David Ackerman holding the first print issue with Comelec Chair Garcia in the cover and with BOC news write up inside. 

The new weekly magazine will provide in-depth analysis, news, and opinion about local & international issues, entrepreneurship, lifestyle, technology, business, culture, and politics. Distributed already at National Book Stores nationwide. 

The writers are carefully invited to have balanced opinions on current events, which include former Senator Atty. Joey Lina, Former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Salvador Panelo, beauty entrepreneur Anna Magkawas, franchise guru Armando “Butz” Bartolome, entrepreneur Sarah Deloraya Mateo, lawyer Arnel Mateo, and Department of Justice Undersecretary Atty. Margarita Gutierrez and Cynthia Mamon of Enchanted Kingdom, among others. 

About the Editor-in-Chief 

Grace Bondad Nicolas was a former Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 4A Consultant and Writer with the designation of Regional Media Coordinator under the guidance of Regional Director Lito Cabotaje, supplying news in the Calabarzon area and in the National Beat. A columnist/writer, then for different regional newspapers and The Manila Times. 

TopNewsAsia’s mission is information dissemination to provide credible and trusted news and inspiration about what’s happening not just in the Philippines, but also in Asia or beyond, and people who shape and improve the world for the next generation to emulate and as guidance.

Odyssey of Grace Bondad Nicolas to TopNewsAsia

In the bustling world of journalism and media, where every story counts and every voice has the potential to inspire, one narrative stands out for its sheer determination, passion, and commitment to integrity. It's the story of a dream that began in the heart of a young girl, who found her calling amidst the vibrant chaos of newsrooms and the disciplined halls of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 4A (Calabarzon). Under the mentorship of Regional Director Lito Cabotaje, this aspiring journalist learned the ropes of the trade with a focus on integrity and professionalism. This foundation laid the groundwork for what would become a remarkable career in media and public relations.

Grace Bondad Nicolas passion in writing became her profession while juggling other businesses with her family. 

Transitioning from a consultant and regional media coordinator to taking bold steps into the national spotlight, the editor embarked on a journey that led her through challenging exams and pivotal interviews at The Manila Times under then CEO Dante Klink Ang II. These experiences not only honed her skills but also affirmed her lifelong dream of making an impact through journalism.

In 2010, amidst evolving digital landscapes and changing reader habits, she established Tag Media and Public Relations. Yet, it was during the unprecedented global pandemic of 2021 that she launched her first magazine, turning adversity into opportunity. This magazine was not just any publication; it was a platform for sharing stories of resilience, leadership, and success from various leaders who had made significant impacts in their fields.

The culmination of this journey is TopNewsAsia, launched under Tag Media Group alongside Rising Tigers Magazine and InCharge Magazine. TopNewsAsia is not merely another addition to the plethora of publications out there; it is a testament to a dreamer's vision becoming reality. It aims to be a beacon for those seeking in-depth analysis, news, opinions on local and international issues, entrepreneurship, lifestyle, technology, business, culture, and politics.

“As we look forward to 2025 with anticipation for what TopNewsAsia will achieve as a weekly news magazine, it's clear that this venture is more than just spreading wings; it's about taking significant risks in an ever-changing media landscape. With celebrated contributors ready to share their insights and a distribution network spanning national bookstores, airport lounges, hotels, and other establishments, TopNewsAsia is poised to inspire not just a nation but readers globally.”- Grace Bondad Nicolas 

“Our team may be new to some readers, but rest assured, we are seasoned professionals dedicated to delivering news at its finest. We are experts committed to excellence in journalism and passionate about making every story count.”- Grace Bondad Nicolas 

For every girl who dreams big and for every reader seeking stories that matter—welcome to TopNewsAsia. Here's to new beginnings, relentless pursuit of dreams, and making an indelible mark on the world of journalism.

TopNewsAsia’s maiden issue with Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia

Commission on Elections Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia is the featured cover leader in the premier issue of TopNewsAsia that has been launched last February 11 at National Book Stores nationwide. 

When asked about his task and position in one of the most important agencies in the Philippines. 

 

“It's a very difficult position. I came from the private sector. I used to be an election lawyer practitioner for the last 23 years, focusing mainly on election lawyering and I did not really anticipate that the job of being the chairman of the commission is completely different from being a lawyer of the different candidates or different elective and appointive officials. Of course, you have to manage of almost 7,000 people nationwide. You have to manage the election every now and then at the same day you have plebiscites, you have special elections, you have electoral exercises that are not necessarily regular in character.

So again, it's not an easy job.”- Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia of Commission on Elections 

Centered around the Commission's daily operations and the preparations for electoral exercises, Chairman Garcia’s schedule is meticulously orchestrated. Weekly En Banc meetings are vital, where his fellow Commissioners and him address administrative matters and broader policy-making decisions. In addition to these, he frequently attend Senate and Congressional hearings. These venues are pivotal, as they enable the Commission  to actively engage in the legislative and policy-making processes, influencing the electoral landscape of the nation.

TopNewsAsia-A weekly magazine under Tag Media Group, publisher of Rising Tigers Magazine and InCharge Magazine has been launched last February 10, 2025 (before it’s inaugural selling at National Book Stores the next day) at the exclusive The Manila House Private Club in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig during the birthday of it’s publisher and editor in chief, Grace Bondad Nicolas with two of the leaders who are making an impact in the society today; Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia and Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio side by side by Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss, Writer Andria Terese Nicolas and Board Robert Laurel Yupangco and Consul David Ackerman holding the first print issue with Comelec Chairman Garcia in the cover and with BOC news write up inside. 

The new weekly magazine provides in-depth analysis, news and opinion about local &  international issues, entrepreneurship, lifestyle, technology, business, culture and politics. Distributed already at National Book Stores nationwide. 

The writers are carefully invited to have balance opinion to current events that includes Former Senator Atty. Joey Lina, Former Presidential Sporkesperson Atty. Salvador Panelo, Beauty entrepreneur Anna Magkawas, Franchise Guru Armando “Butz” Bartolome, Entrepreneur Sarah Deloraya Mateo, Lawyer Arnel Mateo, Department of Justice Undersecretary Atty. Margarita Gutierrez and Cynthia Mamon of Enchanted Kingdom among others. 

About the Editor-in-chief 

Grace Bondad Nicolas was a former Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 4A Consultant and Writer with the Designation of Regional Media Coordinator under the guidance of Regional Director Lito Cabotaje supplying news in Calabarzon area and in National Beat. A columnist / writer then to different regional newspapers and at The Manila Times. 

TopNewsAsia’s mission is information dissemination to provide credible and trusted news and inspirations on what’s happening not just in the philippines but also in Asia or beyond and people who shape and improve the world for the next generation to emulate and as guidance.

TopNewsAsia catapult on the natal day of Grace Bondad Nicholas

TopNewsAsia-A weekly magazine under Tag Media Group, publisher of Rising Tigers Magazine and InCharge Magazine, has been launched last February 10, 2025, at the exclusive The Manila House Private Club in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig during the birthday of its publisher and editor-in-chief, Grace Bondad Nicolas with two of the leaders who are making an impact in the society today; Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Erwin M. Garcia and Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio side by Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss, Writer Andria Terese Nicolas and Board Robert Laurel Yupangco and Consul David Ackerman holding the first print issue with Comelec Chair Garcia in the cover and with BOC news write up inside. 

The new weekly magazine will provide in-depth analysis, news, and opinion about local & international issues, entrepreneurship, lifestyle, technology, business, culture, and politics. Distributed already at National Book Stores nationwide. 

The writers are carefully invited to have balanced opinions on current events, which include former Senator Atty. Joey Lina, Former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Salvador Panelo, beauty entrepreneur Anna Magkawas, franchise guru Armando “Butz” Bartolome, entrepreneur Sarah Deloraya Mateo, lawyer Arnel Mateo, and Department of Justice Undersecretary Atty. Margarita Gutierrez and Cynthia Mamon of Enchanted Kingdom, among others. 

About the Editor-in-Chief 

Grace Bondad Nicolas was a former Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 4A Consultant and Writer with the designation of Regional Media Coordinator under the guidance of Regional Director Lito Cabotaje, supplying news in the Calabarzon area and in the National Beat. A columnist/writer, then for different regional newspapers and The Manila Times. 

TopNewsAsia’s mission is information dissemination to provide credible and trusted news and inspiration about what’s happening not just in the Philippines, but also in Asia or beyond, and people who shape and improve the world for the next generation to emulate and as guidance.