Grace Bondad Nicolas and Andria Terese Nicolas: A Mother-Daughter Duo Leading the Way in Women’s Empowerment

Leadership is often nurtured through generations, and in the case of Grace Bondad Nicolas and Andria Terese Nicolas, the spirit of innovation, resilience, and empowerment is a shared legacy. This dynamic mother-daughter duo is making waves in the Philippines, championing leadership and entrepreneurship while actively shaping the country’s business and media landscape.

Recently, both women played pivotal roles in the 3rd Women Lead Conference, held on March 12, 2025, at Dusit Thani Manila Hotel. Organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCPI) in collaboration with Connected Women and the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA), the event brought together over 200 influential women leaders to celebrate International Women’s Month. It was a platform to drive change, strengthen networks, and empower women across industries—an event that perfectly aligned with the missions of Grace and Andria.

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A Legacy of Leadership: Grace Bondad Nicolas

Grace Bondad Nicolas is more than just a successful entrepreneur—she is a trailblazer in the Philippine business scene. As the Co-Founder and President of Tag Media Group, she has consistently created platforms that highlight excellence in business, leadership, and innovation. Beyond business, she is also a public speaker, business consultant, and advocate for women’s empowerment, championing causes that uplift female entrepreneurs and professionals.

At the Women Lead Conference, Grace served as the moderator for the Women in Entrepreneurship Panel, leading discussions with accomplished female entrepreneurs:

• Jonah Sison-Ramos, CEO of Dear Face Beauty and New Moon

• Miles Ballestar, Co-founder, Owner & CEO of iONTEK Power Solutions Corporation

• Dr. Christine Daguno-Canoy, President and CEO of Neocolors Productions and Advertising Inc.

• Atty. Amanda Carpo, Co-founder & Chief Legal Counsel of KMC Solutions

The session delved into the successes, challenges, and strategies of women entrepreneurs, showcasing how female-led enterprises are shaping the country’s economy. With her extensive experience in media and business development, Grace steered the conversation towards meaningful insights, reinforcing the importance of women breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.

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The Next Generation of Leadership: Andria Terese Nicolas

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Andria Terese Nicolas is proving that leadership knows no age. As the Vice President and CMO of Tag Media Group and publisher of Rising Tigers, InCharge, and TopNewsAsia, she is quickly establishing herself as a formidable force in media and entrepreneurship. With a sharp eye for innovation and a deep understanding of branding and marketing, Andria is playing a key role in expanding the reach and impact of Tag Media Group’s publications.

At the Women Lead Conference, Andria showcased her leadership skills as the moderator for the Women Leadership Panel, which featured a powerhouse lineup of speakers:

• Peewee Reyes-Isidro, Editor-in-Chief of MEGA

• Nikki D. Tang, CEO of DMark Beauty

• Ruth Yu-Owen, President of Upgrade Energy Philippines

• Ice Calderon, President of Bizzgator

The panel tackled the evolving landscape of women’s leadership, the challenges they face, and the opportunities they are creating for the next generation. Andria’s role as a moderator was crucial in driving thought-provoking discussions, proving that she is not just an emerging leader but also an advocate for meaningful change in the business community.

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Women Empowering Women

Grace and Andria’s involvement in the 3rd Women Lead Conference highlights their shared commitment to women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. Their presence at the event symbolized a bridge between generations—where experienced leaders guide and mentor the young, ensuring a future where women continue to thrive in business, media, and beyond.

Their work through Tag Media Group and its publications provides a platform for celebrating excellence, not just in business but in leadership and social impact. Whether through conferences, magazines, or mentorship programs, they are actively shaping the narrative of women in power.

The success of the 3rd Women Lead Conference was a testament to what women can achieve when they come together. With leaders like Grace Bondad Nicolas and Andria Terese Nicolas at the forefront, the movement for gender equality in leadership and business is gaining momentum—ensuring that more women will step into leadership roles, break barriers, and inspire change for generations to come.

A Legacy in the Making

The journey of Grace and Andria is a testament to the power of mentorship, collaboration, and resilience. As a mother and daughter, their bond goes beyond family—it is a partnership in leadership. While Grace has built a legacy of influence and inno

A Glorious Celebration of Women’s Leadership in the Philippines

Over 200 Women Leaders Gather for the 3rd Women Lead Conference

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCPI), in collaboration with Connected Women and the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA), successfully hosted the 3rd Women Lead Conference on March 12, 2025, at Dusit Thani Manila Hotel. This remarkable event, attended by over 200 influential women leaders, marked a significant celebration of International Women’s Month and served as a powerful platform for driving change and fostering connections among top businesswomen, executives, and policymakers.

The event opened with welcome remarks from Sergio Boero, President of ICCPI, and Lorens Ziller, Executive Director of ICCPI, setting the tone for a day filled with inspiration, collaboration, and meaningful discussions.

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35+ Women Speakers, One Mission: Empowerment!

This year’s conference was bigger and bolder, spotlighting the social, economic, and political achievements of women. With over 35 powerhouse women speakers, the event fostered strategic alliances and groundbreaking conversations that are shaping the future of women in commerce.

Among the highlights was the Women Leadership Panel, moderated by Andria Terese Nicolas, Vice President and CMO of Tag Media Group, publisher of Rising Tigers, InCharge and TopNewsAsia. The esteemed panel featured:

• Peewee Reyes-Isidro, Editor-in-Chief of MEGA

• Nikki D. Tang, CEO of DMark Beauty

• Ruth Yu-Owen, President of Upgrade Energy Philippines

• Ice Calderon, President of Bizzgator

The discussions delved into the evolving landscape of women’s leadership, the challenges they face, and the opportunities they are creating for future generations.

The Women in Entrepreneurship Panel was another highly anticipated session, moderated by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, Co-Founder and President of Tag Media Group. The distinguished panelists included:

• Jonah Sison-Ramos, CEO of Dear Face Beauty and New Moon

• Miles Ballestar, Co-founder, Owner & CEO of iONTEK Power Solutions Corporation

• Dr. Christine Daguno-Canoy, President and CEO of Neocolors Productions and Advertising Inc.

• Atty. Amanda Carpo, Co-founder & Chief Legal Counsel of KMC Solutions

This session focused on the success stories of women entrepreneurs, their strategies for overcoming business challenges, and the future of female-led enterprises in the Philippines.

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A Unified Effort to Inspire Change

The event was masterfully organized by Gabrielle Hahn-Lopez, Director of Public and Media Relations at ICCPI & GMA Sparkle Artist, who worked tirelessly to coordinate with stakeholders and ensure the success of the conference. Adding elegance and energy to the event, Liza Diño served as the emcee, keeping the audience engaged throughout the day.

This year’s Women Lead Conference was not just a celebration of women’s achievements but a call to action for continued progress in leadership, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. With the backing of ICCPI, Tag Media Group, and other key partners, the event solidified its role as a driving force for women’s leadership in the Philippines.

As the movement for gender equality and women empowerment continues to gain momentum, events like these play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and progressive business landscape. With women at the forefront, the future of commerce in the Philippines is undoubtedly brighter and more dynamic than ever.

Kapihan sa Makati: A New Platform for National Dialogue by Philippine Information Agency and TopNewsAsia

Kapihan sa Makati  mark a significant collaboration between TopNewsAsia and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), bringing together key leaders and media personalities for insightful discussions on national issues and attended by esteemed media like TV5, PTV, IBC13, GMA, Bilyonaryo, Manila Standard and UNTV among others. 

Hosts are the Regional Director Emver Cortez of PIA and Andria Terese Nicolas, VP of TAG Media Group and Chief Marketing Officer & Writer of TopNewsAsia, the program aims to be a premier platform for conversations on governance, public affairs, and socio-economic developments in the Philippines.

A Conversation with a Nation Builder

The first episode with a special guest, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia, shared his insights on the country’s electoral system, the role of technology in elections, and the importance of voter education. His presence underscored the program’s commitment to delivering relevant and timely discussions that shape the nation.

A Platform for Thought Leadership

Kapihan sa Makati is more than just a talk show—it is a movement that brings together leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss pressing national issues. With its engaging format and esteemed guests, the show is poised to become a key venue for informed discourse and nation-building efforts.

Stay tuned for more as Kapihan sa Makati continues to feature influential voices and thought leaders, fostering meaningful discussions that contribute to a stronger and more informed Philippines.

Contact 09778978877, president@topnewsasia.asia 

#TopNewsAsia #NationBuilders

George Erwin M. Garcia: Steering the Future of Philippine Elections as COMELEC Chairman

George Erwin Mojica Garcia, appointed as the Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the Philippines, has embarked on a mission to modernize and enhance the electoral process. His tenure is marked by a series of reforms and projects aimed at ensuring transparent, inclusive, and efficient elections. This comprehensive overview delves into Chairman Garcia’s initiatives, his strategic vision for the electoral system, and the impact of his leadership on Philippine democracy.

Early Initiatives and Reforms

1. Implementation of New Vote Counting Machines (VCMs)

One of Chairman Garcia’s significant undertakings is the procurement and deployment of advanced vote counting machines. These new VCMs are designed to enhance transparency and accuracy in the voting process. A notable feature includes a 14-inch viewing screen that allows voters and stakeholders to verify that ballots are accurately counted. This initiative aims to deter electoral malpractices, such as vote-buying, by providing real-time verification of votes cast.  

2. Addressing Premature Campaigning

Under Garcia’s leadership, COMELEC has taken a firm stance against premature campaigning. The commission now considers individuals who file their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) as official candidates from the moment of filing, thereby subjecting them to existing campaign regulations. This policy shift seeks to level the playing field by preventing affluent candidates from exploiting the period between COC filing and the official campaign season to gain undue advantage.  

3. Enhancing Accessibility for Vulnerable Sectors

Chairman Garcia has prioritized making the electoral process more accessible to marginalized groups, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and heavily pregnant women. COMELEC has introduced special polling precincts that operate from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on election day, exclusively serving these sectors. This initiative ensures that vulnerable voters can participate in elections comfortably and safely, without the challenges posed by large crowds and long waiting times.  

4. Support for Electoral Board Members

Recognizing the critical role of teachers and other electoral board members, Garcia has advocated for increased honoraria to compensate for their extended hours and responsibilities during elections. Discussions with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) have led to proposals for an additional ₱2,000 across-the-board honoraria for these individuals, reflecting COMELEC’s commitment to valuing their contributions.  

Technological Advancements and Transparency

1. Digital Access to Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs)

In a move towards greater transparency, COMELEC, under Garcia’s direction, has committed to uploading digital copies of SOCEs immediately after elections. This measure allows the public and media to scrutinize campaign finances promptly, promoting accountability among candidates and political parties. The digitalization of these documents also streamlines the monitoring process, making it more efficient and accessible.  

2. Introduction of Online Voting for Overseas Voters

To increase electoral participation among Filipinos abroad, COMELEC has initiated online voting systems for overseas voters. This innovation addresses previous challenges faced by overseas voters, such as accessibility to polling stations, and aims to boost voter turnout in this demographic. The online platform ensures a secure and user-friendly experience, reflecting Garcia’s vision of integrating technology to uphold democratic processes.

3. Utilization of Malls as Voting Precincts

Building on successful pilot tests during previous elections, COMELEC has expanded the use of malls as voting precincts. This strategy offers voters a convenient and comfortable environment, potentially increasing voter turnout. Malls provide accessible locations with adequate facilities, ensuring a smoother voting experience, especially in urban areas. This initiative exemplifies Garcia’s commitment to making voting more accessible and efficient for all citizens.

Community Engagement and Voter Registration

1. Special Satellite Registration Programs

Chairman Garcia has actively promoted voter registration through special satellite programs targeting vulnerable sectors. These initiatives, conducted in various locations, aim to register indigenous peoples, women, youth, senior citizens, PWDs, and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). By bringing registration services closer to these communities, COMELEC ensures broader electoral participation and inclusivity.  

2. Register Anywhere Program (RAP)

To further simplify the registration process, Garcia introduced the Register Anywhere Program. This program allows citizens to register to vote regardless of their current location, eliminating the need to travel to their home 

Three-way deadlock for first place in the latest Tangere 2025 Senatorial Preferential Survey; FPRRD’s Arrest improved PDP-Laban’s chances of making the Senate.

 

Date: March 17, 2025

Manila, Philippines — 

The latest 2025 Pre-Election Senatorial Preferential Survey conducted by Tangere in the eve of the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, concluded with a three-way statistical tie between brothers Media Executive Ben 'Bitag' Tulfo and ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo, and Senator Bong Go, who each garnered 54% voter preference. Ben 'Bitag' Tulfo ranked highest in the overall ranking with a 54.63% voter preference, driven by voters from Metro Manila and Visayas. ACT-CIS representative Erwin Tulfo ranked third (53.50% voter preference) driven by voters from Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, and Southern Luzon. Ben 'Bitag' Tulfo was more popular with voters aged 18-25 years old, while Rep. Erwin Tulfo was favored by older respondents. Ranking second overall will be incumbent senator, Senator Bong Go with a 54% voter preference, a notable increase from the previous month’s survey. Senator Go led all candidates in terms of voter preference in Mindanao.

Effect of PRRD Arrest – PDP Laban Candidates

A notable increase for the following candidates and guests from PDP-Laban was recorded for February. This can be attributed to the rise in support for the embattled former president:

Senator Bong Go (Ranked 1-3) from 51.25% to 54.00%;

Senator Bato Dela Rosa (Ranked 7-13) from 36.54% to 37.29%;

Actor Philip Salvador (Ranked 19-20) from 21.92% to 22.67%;

Cong. Rodante Marcoleta (Ranked 21-23) from 19.12% to 19.83%;

Atty. Jimmy Bondoc (Ranked 21-23) from 17.63% to 18.13%;

Atty. Vic Rodriguez (Ranked 26-27) from 6.63% to 10.42%

No notable movement were recorded for Sec. Raul Lambino, Pastor Quiboloy, and Jesus Hinlo, Jr.

Effect of PRRD Arrest – Admin Candidates

No notable movement were recorded for the following candidates:

Former Senator Tito Sotto continued to rank fourth with a 47.67% voter preference;

Senator Bong Revilla and Senator Pia Cayetano remained statistically tied at 5-6 with 42% voter preference each;

Former DILG Secretary Ben Abalos ranked seventh overall with a 37.54% voter preference. He is statistically tied with other admin candidates for 7-13 , Senator Lito Lapid (37.00%),  Senator Manny Pacquiao (36.92%) , and Senator Ping Lacson (36.29%);

A notable increase for the following candidates was recorded:

Senator Ping Lacson (Ranked 7-13) from 33.33% to 36.29%;

Makati Mayor Abigail Binay (Ranked 13-16) from 30.42% to 33.88%;

Camille Villar (Ranked 14-16) from 29.38% to 32.04%.

Only the following candidates from the administration lineup recorded a decrease in voter preference :

Senator Imee Marcos (Ranked 17-18) from 29.04% to 27.13%;

Senator Francis Tolentino (Ranked 17-18) from 28.04% to 27.04%. 

FPRRD ICC Arrest

According to Tangere's latest public opinion poll, a strong majority, exceeding three out of four are against the Marcos Administration’s cooperation with Interpol in arresting Former President Rodrigo Duterte Based on the ICC Warrant .  Respondents from Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, Mindanao, and Visayas are the key demographics driving the agreement. Opposition to the agreement is largely concentrated among 36 to 50 year-old respondents from Metro Manila and Northern Luzon,. The vast majority of respondents, specifically 73%, said that the arrest will cause a national rift within the country. A significant two-thirds of those who trusted the Marcos Administration lost their trust after the arrest of the former president,

In response to the question if this will have an effect on their voter preference this coming May 2025 Mid-Term Elections, More than a substantial portion of voters, specifically 85%, mentioned that this will play a significant role in their selection process during the upcoming midterm elections. 

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The non-commissioned survey, conducted March 11-14, 2025, was administered via a mobile-based respondent application with a sample size of 2,400 participants (+/- 1.96% Margin of Error at a 95% Confidence Level) using a Stratified Random Sampling method (Quota Based Sampling). The proportion was spread throughout the Philippines with 12 percent from NCR, 23 percent from Northern Luzon, 22 percent from Southern Luzon, 20 percent from Visayas, and 23 percent from Mindanao.

Tangere is an award-winning technology application and innovation-driven market research company that aims to capture Filipino sentiments. Tangere is a proud member of the Marketing and Opinion Research Society of the Philippines (MORES) and the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA). Tangere was among the initial companies to register with the COMELC.

For the topline report and analytics for this non-commissioned study, please email Tangere at qual@tangereapp.com.

TopNewsAsia and Philippine Information Agency Present "Kapihan sa Makati" Featuring Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia

 Makati City, Philippines - March 13, 2025- TopNewsAsia, in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), proudly presents "kapihan sa Makati", an exclusive media forum featuring esteemed hosts Andria Nicolas and Emver Cortez, with a special appearance by Chairman George Erwin M  Garcia of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

This highly anticipated event will take place on March 13, 2025, at The E-Hotel Makati, Kicking off with a breakfast gathering at 8:00 AM, followed by an in-depth interview session from 9:AM to 10:AM.

"kapihan sa Makati" is a Premier Forum under TopNewsAsia that fosters insightful discussions on national issues, governance, and public affairs. It serves as a platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders to engage in meaningful conversations that inform and empower the public. Each session brings together representatives from various sectors to tackle pressing topics that shape the nation's future, promoting transparency, accountability and civic engagement.

Members of the press and invited guests are encouraged to participate in this exclusive dialogue, aimed at fostering transparency public awareness, and informed citizen engagement.

Harvard WorldMun Run 2025 First Fundraising Event

MANILA, March 9, 2025 - Harvard WorldMun Manila organized a tournament in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard and co-presented by Rising Tigers Magazine, and sponsored by Oh My Chicken!, FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist, RedBull Philippines, When in Manila, Dolce Philippines, Milky Mangoes Milkshake, Healthy Bites and Topside Dines. The fun run set a milestone for the Harvard WorldMUN Manila Team and the Filipino community as this is the first fundraising event before the WorldMun Conference. The Harvard Manila Team launched the event with the initiative to promote inclusivity, resilience, and empathy, giving runners the option to run with their Pets (Pet Run), and having the Youth Deaf Community in the Philippines as beneficiaries.

The event started with opening remarks of the President of HarvardWorldMUN Manila Tyler Javier, the guest of Honor is RADM Hostillo Arturo Cornelio PCG. For the presentation of the Awards, presenters are PO1 Nesthy Petecio, Rising Tigers CMO Andria Terese Nicolas and RADM Hostillo Arturo Cornelio PCG.

The Harvard WorldMun Run is more than just a fundraising event—it’s an experience that unites people for a greater purpose, making a meaningful impact on both personal and societal levels.

#risingtigers #nationbuilders