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Philippine Marketing Association Announces 2024 Agora Youth Awards Finalists, Empowering the Next Generation of Filipino Marketers

The Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), in cooperation with the Philippine Junior Marketing Association (PJMA), co-presented with AGC Power Holdings Corp., have announced the finalists for the 32nd Agora Youth Awards. Honoring the next generation of Filipino marketers, the awards feature two categories: individual students and junior marketing associations or school organizations involved in marketing.

The Agora Youth Awards is an annual search for the country’s top marketing students, recognizing excellence in academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and performance in the marketing plan competition.

The finalists for the individual category came from Luzon, NCR, and Mindanao, namely Kristalyn Agustin from Central Luzon State University; Franco Gabrielle Delatina from Our Lady of Fatima University – Antipolo Campus; Ma. Alexandria Ogalinola from Bulacan State University – Main Campus; Kaye Liwag from Batangas State University – TNEU – Pablo Borbon;  Xyrill Baltazar from National University-Fairview; Sharmaine Allen Bea, Mariel Flores, Raymart Mariano Jr. and Maica Stephamae Orenda from Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Manila & Taguig; Prince Olie Cacho from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila; Jarmila Cansancio from Colegio De San Juan De Letran- Manila; Mark Enriquez Cruz from San Beda University;   Madelene Abapo from La Salle University – Ozamiz; Rayan Camid from Xavier University- Ateneo De Cagayan and Mike Ivan Siga from Mindanao State University – Main Campus, Marawi City.

The awards program, in cooperation with the PJMA also spotlights top student marketing associations with their programs and contributions to the advancement of their student marketing members.

In the Junior Marketing Association category, the finalists came from Luzon, NCR, Visayas and Mindanao, including Cavite State University Junior Marketing Association; Central Luzon State University Junior Marketing Association; Bulacan State University Chamber of Young Business Leaders; Mariano Marcos State University Junior Marketing Advocates; De LaSalle University Manila Junior Entrepreneurs’ Marketing Association; Polytechnic University of the Philippines Junior Marketing Executives;  Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Taguig Junior Marketing Association; San Beda University Junior Marketing Association; Siliman University Junior Marketing Association and Xavier University Junior Marketing Association.

Leah Marie Ayeng, Director of Youth Academe at PMA, emphasized the broader impact of the awards. “The Agora Youth Awards is a platform that looks at community impact beyond competence because that is what it takes to be a changemaker. Now in its 32nd year, PMA’s youth and academe initiatives will take on a new approach with more innovative and practical programs that will enrich our young marketers’ experience and expose them to the pivotal changes in the industry.”

The judges for  the individual category are Lea Aquino, Mikaela Manuel, Loise Jan Alvarado, and Bianca Cerdenia. For the JMA category, the judges are Donna Donato, Lloyd Genesiran, and Queen Dy Manly. All judges are past recipients of the Agora Youth Awards.

Archie Carrasco, the CEO of AGC Power Holdings Corp. and a former recipient of the Agora Youth Award (formerly TOMAS Award) expressed his pride in being part of the awards again, this time as co-presenter and judge. The awards ceremony will take place on July 31, 2024, at Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

During the press conference, the StratMark Student Conference was also announced, with representatives from the University of Santo Tomas, the venue partner, and Our Lady of Fatima University, the youth and academe partner, in attendance. StratMark is the annual convergence of marketing students, educators, and professionals, and is one of the flagship programs of the PMA.

#AgoraYouthAwards  #PMA  #rubyspreciousmoments  #rubyasoyph

 

 

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New Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce Launches with Tito Boy Abunda as Celebrity Endorser

Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce launches in the Philippine market with a commitment to food excellence and flavorful innovations. The brand is thrilled to also introduce Tito Boy Abunda as the celebrity endorser who shares about how Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce will become a new household name that will deliver unparalleled food taste and quality through spaghetti dishes and Filipino favorites such as the Mechado, Afritada, Kaldereta, Menudo, Pochero, and many more.

The variety Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce is capable of bringing to Filipino homes is endless, hence the expression that it is projected to bring to everyone…”SuuusSarap!”

“As someone who appreciates good food, I am truly excited to be part of this milestone with the Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce Family. Sa unang tikim ko pa lang, alam ko na agad, ito ang bagong spaghetti sauce #ParaSaBayan. Their spaghetti sauce is more than just a special mix of naturally sourced ingredients, it is made with love, it is made for the Filipino’s taste—and will surely transform ordinary meals beyond just spaghetti, into extraordinary experiences,” Tito Boy Abunda says about Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce.

Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce’s culinary team has meticulously sourced and brought together the finest ingredients, ensuring that each pack will deliver a symphony of taste that will delight moms, dads, kuyas, ates, lolos and lolas, food enthusiasts, home cooks and food professionals alike. Not only that, but the product is also naturally rich in Lycopene and is Halal-certified to ensure that everyone can have a taste of this sauce in their meals.

Tito Boy Abunda with Kitchen Magic family.

“We are all excited for every household in the Philippines to get a taste of what Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce has to offer. It took us many months to get us to where we are today, and we are sure that this is the Spaghetti Sauce that Filipinos are looking for, and we are working hard to get this to as many kitchens in the Philippines as possible,” Ron Ferrer, Marketing Head of Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce proudly shares.

In partnership with All Day Supermarkets, Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce will be available in their select stores nationwide.

As part of the launch, news and updates about Kitchen Magic Spaghetti Sauce can be found in their Facebook and TikTok pages—facebook.com/kitchenmagicsauceph and @KitchenMagicSaucePh respectively.

#KitchenMagic #ParaSaBayan #KitchenMagicSaucePh #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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The Allure of Angelique Lazo

Her main goal in life is “to continue to be of service to my fellowmen. For a career to be worthwhile, it should carry a social responsibility. If by what I do as a job, I could put a smile on someone’s face, I would.”

 

Angelique Lazo is a woman who has known romance, enjoyed its thrills and basked in its unspoken joys and experiences, and decided that love is more than all these. Her concept of love has matured. “Love is being able to maintain a relationship, staying in it through good and bad times,” she related.

Her main goal in life is “to continue to be of service to my fellowmen. For a career to be worthwhile, it should carry a social responsibility. If by what I do as a job, I could put a smile on someone’s face, I would.”

According to her being a media practitioner is “one of the best careers that one can have. At least, if you are not a total expert in it, you can interview the experts and you meet a lot of people. You learn a lot, too.”

She is in person as she is onscreen. She’s a person full of love, and full of wisdom. Her outlook is very positive. And she’s a very musical person. “I think I will die singing. I’ve inherited my singing voice from my mom (Susie). My mom is an original opera singer. I come from a family of entertainment people.”

Angelique has a wonderful family, to start with. His dad, Liberato Lazo, is a military man, gentle and astute. According to her, he’s a “walking encyclopedia.” Her mom Susie is an artist. Angelique is the only girl in a brood of four. Needless to say, Lazo’s children are all musically-inclined.

I asked her, are you happy? “You make your own happiness. Oo naman, hindi ba halata?”

Angelique is now enjoying wedded bliss. She’s regularly seen as the news anchor of Sentro Balita, the afternoon newscast of the People’s Television Network.

Here are the excerpts of the Q & A:

 

  • You once said that for a career to be worthwhile it should carry a social responsibility, how will you extend this to your fellow journalists?

I’m not going to say bad things about other people. I’ll start it with myself. I don’t agree with envelop-mental journalism—especially if you’re distorting the truth. You have to lead by example.

  • Will you sacrifice your profession for money?

You have to weigh things in the light of the future and the legacy you want to leave. Kung sa iyo okay lang na ganoon ang image mo pero trash naman ang ginagawa mo, kagustuhan mo ‘yan. Money you spend, and lose eventually.

  • Tell us about your childhood.

I grew up in Japan. I stayed there for eight years. And because of that, they thought that I was “Japayuki.” Kasi ang ibig sabihin talaga ng Japayuki ay galing sa Japan. In Japan, I learned a lot about their culture. I spoke their language. Life in Japan is different. Japanese people will teach you to clean your surroundings. They have a deep sense of respect for themselves and others. Living there, I became a more diligent Filipino. I studied there from grade school to high school. But in all honesty, our educational system is still the best.

  • What do you think is the solid foundation for a relationship to last?

Communication. You should never shut out the other. Once you stop talking that’s the end of it. There is no problem big enough if you talk it over. Another one is putting yourself in the other’s shoes. You won’t judge him right away. You would understand him more. And most of all, there should be between you a keen sense of integrity.

  • If you were to choose between love and career, what will you choose?

My mom chose love over career, and she’s happy. Love begets family. I think I would still choose family. I’m very family-oriented.

  • What is your greatest accomplishment so far?

Simple lang. These are the speaking engagements that I was invited to. For the fact that they invited me and interviewed me and in the process, they will tell you, “We want to be like you someday,” nakakaiyak, nakakataba ng puso. Kasi alam mo ‘yon hindi binabayaran, hindi gimmick.

  • What do you feel most grateful for?

My parents because they lead me towards the right path, because of the way they brought me up, have influenced me in the decision I make, my frame of mind, my sense of service, my zest for life. I was also thankful that I was able to study in good schools.

  • Whom do you admire most?

My dad and my mom. My mom had a flourishing career as an opera singer. She had a scholarship in Milan but chose to have a family. It’s hard to do that now; it’s self-sacrificing. We were brought up to appreciate things in life unlike some kids today who don’t value money. It seems life is so easy for them. Although my parents have means, they raised me to work hard, and not to be extravagant.

  • Aside from your family, what do you value in life?

Friendship. Sometimes your friends are your mirror. You will not see things for yourself, but they will tell you because they know you so well. I have a group of wonderful friends in the Ateneo Glee Club. We went on a trip all over the world. We’re together through thick and thin. There are also members of The CompanY.

(Based on the published feature article in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)

#AngeliqueLazoMayuga #newsanchor #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Photo courtesy: Angelique Lazo FB

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Two Properties of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) Belong to the Top 10 Best Hotels in the Philippines

Two acclaimed hotel brands under SMHCC’s portfolio, Conrad Manila and Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu have both received the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024 as part of the top 10 best hotels in the Philippines. Both properties made it as two of the best City Hotels in the country.

Beyond mere opulence, Conrad Manila continues to exhibit unparalleled service and Filipino hospitality at its finest. Offering stunning views of the renowned Manila Bay sunset and conveniently located within the Mall of Asia complex, in close proximity to SM Mall of Asia and IKEA, this property has a matchless location that is difficult to beat. Complemented by its exquisite pool, contemporary gym, and luxurious spa, it is undoubtedly a sought-after sanctuary to refresh, rejuvenate, and recharge.

Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu remains to exude its commanding presence in the heart of the city. With just a few minutes away from the Mactan International Airport and Cebu International Port, it boasts of its five-star accommodation and strategic location with easy access to historic attractions and pristine beaches. It is directly connected to SM City Cebu mall, which houses a wide array of local and international lifestyle brands perfect for shopping. The sprawling outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and holistic spa complete the guests’ encompassing experience.

These accolades are added feathers in SMHCC’s cap, which solidify the company’s thrust as one of the leading hotels and convention center operators in the country. SMHCC is poised to expand its brand footprint across the Philippines and provide more accommodation options to both locals and tourists alike, with the distinct warmth and hospitality that Filipinos are known for.

For more information, please visit https://smhotels.com.ph/

 

#ConradManila  #RadissonBluHotelCebu #SMHCC #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Ashley Ortega: Young, pretty and talented

GMA artist Ashley Ortega, who at 25, is as Gen Z as you can get.

Last May 30, she has proven that she’s not just another pretty face. She bagged an international award – her first – at the 2024 Harlem International Film Festival, where she won Best Actress for the Cinemalaya entry As If It’s True opposite  Khalil Ramos, (the film is on Netflix’s Top 10 Movies in the Philippines Today list).

She’s athletic.  At three, when most girls were playing with dolls, Ashley was gliding in the skating rink where her parents (mom is Filipino-German and dad is Spanish-Filipino) brought her. “You’re free to do anything on ice,” she explains.  “It’s so smooth!  When you glide, no one teaches you what to do!”

“You’re free to do anything on ice,” Ashley explains.

No wonder joining the Olympics was her childhood dream.  And she represented the Philippines in tournaments held in Thailand, Malaysia, China, and Japan.

But God had another plan.  She appeared in TV commercials at 12 and was named Ms. Olive-C 2014 Campus Model.

Showbiz beckoned. A string of film and TV assignments followed.  She co-hosted Willie Revillame’s variety show Wowowin.  Lately, she made a mark as anti-hero in GMA 7’s  Widows’ Web.   She will soon be seen in the historical drama Pulang Araw starring Barbie Forteza and Alden Richards.

But one can’t have it all.  Behind that sunny disposition is the story of a girl who never knew her father, and grew up without a dad. “My parents separated when I was five,” she recalls. “It was hard at first.  We had no communication with my dad.”

But age was on hers – and her older brother and younger sister’s side.  They were too young to bear the emotional scars of a broken home.  They bounced back.  That’s because they had their mom and each other.

Instead of rebelling, Ashley lost herself doing what she loves.  Figure skating being a performance sport as well as a training ground for athletes, Ashley never developed stage fright. She joined school performances. She was never shy. Talking came naturally.

Today, she doesn’t skip a beat when fellow celebrities and media interview her.  At a recent event, Ashley, looking smart in  black and white and a bejeweled purse, admitted to media that her love life is on hold.  She’d rather focus on herself and enjoy life on her own.

Love came knocking thrice.  The first time – and she hopes her last –  was with a showbiz guy. Like most actresses who prefer a more private relationship, Ashley wants someone whose work has nothing to do with her high-profile job.

She tells actor-host Paolo Contis that her ideal guy must be taller (she stands 5’6”). Since she loves going to the gym, he must also be athletic. He must be as attractive inside. For Ashley, this means being God-fearing, prayerful, family-oriented and respectful.  But the guy musn’t be a pushover.  Otherwise, he’ll bore Ashley to death.

“He must be an alpha male who can handle my stubborn side,” she explains. That’s a tall order.  But for someone like Ashley Ortega, the extra effort is worth it.

Photos courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/AshleyOrtegaUnlimited

#AshleyOrtega #rubyasoyph #rubyspreciousmoments

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Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ Weekday Lunch Buffet at Richmonde Cafe is Back

The Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ popular and enjoyable value-for-money lunch buffet at its all-day dining restaurant, Richmonde Café, is finally back! Residents, corporate executives, office workers, and frequent visitors of Ortigas Center can once again indulge in a sumptuous eat-all-you-can spree of culinary delights, perfect for a satisfying midday meal in the heart of the metro’s commercial and business district.

To welcome back the lunch crowd with a relaxed and invigorating buffet experience, Richmonde Café’s kitchen team, headed by Sous Chef Joey Daymon, has prepared a dynamic menu featuring an assortment of global cuisine, carefully curated to appeal to a variety of palates. From international flavors to local favorites, the buffet promises to be a wonderful gastronomic journey through taste and tradition. “Our goal each time is to serve familiar and well-loved dishes and create a spread that combines the comfort of home-cooked meals with the allure of gourmet fare,” shares Chef Joey.

Diners can expect a feast for the senses each time with a robust selection of appetizers, mains, and desserts, not to mention exciting action stations that feature a variety of freshly cooked items such as pastas, tapas, and fajitas, grilled meats, oven-baked pizzas, sizzling fried sisig, and many more! Mainstays like the salad bar, mixed sushi, cheese board, and premium beef carving will surely make each meal a worthy treat.

According to F&B Manager Ria Rosal, “We’re super thrilled to bring back Richmonde Café’s lunch buffet and serve our guests delectable food as we showcase our chefs’ amazing talents. Aside from the weekly Filipino-themed buffet every Monday, we will be coming out regularly with thematic offerings so our diners can always look forward to trying something new.” General Manager Jorold Montelibano added, “This may seem like a long time coming, but we believe that now is the best time to relaunch our lunch buffet because more and more people are working on-site and conducting meetings face-to-face. With our convenient location, the café’s relaxing ambience, and the remarkable dining experience we provide, our lunch buffet is truly an excellent option for those looking for good value for their money.”

Richmonde Café’s Weekday Lunch Buffet is available from Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 2:00pm for only PhP 1,585nett, inclusive of bottomless house-blend iced tea, and coffee or hot tea.

Richmonde Cafe

To celebrate the buffet’s comeback, Richmonde Café is extending an exclusive 15% discount to members of Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ Viber community from July 3 until September 30, 2024. Anyone can join the Viber community where members get notified of the latest promotions and are entitled to exclusive offers.

There is also a 3+1 Birthday Blowout Deal available for those with birthdays that fall during the calendar month. The birthday celebrant just needs to bring three people paying the full buffet rate to dine for free and receive a complimentary slice of birthday cake. This offer runs until December 30, 2024.

The Richmonde Café is located on the second floor of Richmonde Hotel Ortigas with address at 21 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. For inquiries and table reservations, call (632) 8638 7777 or (63) 917 534 4352 (mobile/Viber).

#Weekdaylunchbuffet #RichmondeCafe #RichmondeHotelOrtigas #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Manila’s Popular Organic Restaurant, The Wholesome Table Marks 10th Anniversary

It’s a celebration 10 years in the making! The Wholesome Table, Manila’s best-rated and most popular organic restaurant, is thrilled to announce its 10th anniversary. Since opening its doors in July 2014 by mompreneur Bianca Araneta-Elizalde, The Wholesome Table has been dedicated to serving diners and patrons wholesome, locally sourced meals that delight the palate and nourish the body.

The brand’s goal is “to build a healthy food culture where people can begin to make informed decisions about the food they eat and take charge of their health, by educating them about natural, organic food, nutrition, and the environment. After all, it is one of the few things consumers can control in life.” As their brand motto goes, “Eat consciously. Live consciously.”

Bianca Araneta-Elizalde, owner of The Wholesome Table, has always advocated for conscious eating and mindful living.

As Bianca and her team focus on a new vision for The Wholesome Table, many plans are brewing ahead. “I would love to do a twist on the brand, maybe another related concept. My creative juices are flowing. My team inspires me to do something new,” said Bianca. “We’re also working hard on the farm. One of the challenges we’ve always had at The Wholesome Table was suppliers because we were organic. I always wanted a farm that’s going to fuel the restaurant and it’s going to be even more than organic—it’s going to be biodynamic. Everybody will be eating produce and products from the farm, maybe even be able to buy from it.”

The Wholesome Table BGC, their flagship restaurant, opened its doors back in July 2014.

Ten years may seem to have gone by so fast, but anything greatly achieved comes with its own set of challenges. Its present goal is to rebuild and open more branches, hopefully soon, to get back to where they were and even expand further. Currently, their Makati (Salcedo) and BGC branches are up and running, with a new one opening by the fourth quarter of the year.

To commemorate this milestone, The Wholesome Table is holding a month-long celebration this July. Other than the revival of their classics for the special anniversary menu by Executive Chef, Chrioni Castillo, guests and patrons will be given discounts and the chance to win gift certificates, too!

  • The Classics Are Back: A curated selection of our best-selling classics that reflect the brand’s commitment to organic gastronomy and sustainability, exclusively available in our Special Anniversary Menu this July
  • 10% Off Delivery: Get 10% off when you order from GrabFood from 2 PM to 6 PM for the whole month of July.
  • Wholesome Afternoons:Get 10% off when you dine in at their branches from 2 PM to 6 PM from July 16 to July 31, 2024.
  • Sweet Treats: Get a free scoop of ice cream at the BGC branch on July 11, 2024.
  • Celebrate 10 Wholesome Years Social Media Promo: Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @thewholesometable and watch out for their contest mechanics to get a chance to win gift certificates.

What started as a vision of one mom to encourage others that healthy and mindful eating can be both enjoyable and beneficial for them and the farming community has now become a restaurant brand that stands the test of time. As Bianca shared, “I’m so happy that it resonated with the Manila crowd, along with the tourists and foreigners who have patronized our restaurant over and over again. I did not imagine this. I’m looking forward to the next 10 years.”

The Wholesome Table invites everyone in celebrating this special milestone. Come for the food, stay for the community, and leave with a heart full of joy and a belly full of organic goodness.

For more information, visit thewholesometable.com/.
Follow them on Instagram and Facebook @thewholesometable.

 

#thewholesometable #10thanniversary #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Team Kramer Joins MR.DIY Philippines in New Campaign: ‘For BIG and small FAMILYhan needs, MERON DIYan!’

MR.DIY Philippines launched its 2024 campaign at the MR.DIY store located on the 4th level of One Ayala Mall in Makati. The event marked the beginning of a new chapter for the brand, emphasizing its core value propositions: “Always Low Prices,” extensive product assortment, and convenient shopping across numerous store locations. The newest brand tagline, “For BIG and small FAMILYhan needs, MERON DIYan!” encapsulates the brand’s mission to cater to all family needs, both big and small, reinforcing MR.DIY as the go-to destination for home improvement.

The event began with a Media Thanksgiving session, which kicked off with a message of gratitude to the media from MR.DIY Philippines’ Deputy Head of Marketing Mr. Charles Salecina.

This was followed  by fun games and prizes for the media, which included  “BIG and small, Hakot, Dakot, Panalo!” Challenge, where participants were blindfolded and given 15 seconds to scoop as many prizes as they could into a basket, taking home whatever they managed to gather. Trivia questions about MR.DIY also engaged attendees, with correct answers earning exciting prizes.

The main program commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Salecina, and halfway through his speech, he invited everyone to watch the 2023 highlights of MR.DIY, showcasing the brand’s achievements and milestones over the past year.

This was followed by a short message from MR.DIY Philippines’ CEO, Ms. Roselle B. Andaya, where she shared her excitement for renewing the brand’s partnership with Team Kramer, and how MR.DIY remains steadfast in its commitment to offer a delightful and convenient shopping experience.

“This year’s campaign reaffirms MR.DIY’s dedication to being your trusted partner for all home improvement needs,” said Ms. Andaya.

A significant moment in the event was the ceremonial “BIG and small” contract signing with MR.DIY’s Brand Ambassador, Team Kramer.

“We are renewing our contract with MR.DIY because our collaboration has been fulfilling and successful. MR.DIY’s commitment to quality and affordability aligns with our family values. We’ve seen how their products have enhanced our home and everyday life. The positive feedback from our followers has been overwhelming and we’re excited to continue this journey with our MR.DIY family, “ said Doug Kramer.

The unveiling of the 2024 campaign video and new jingle was accompanied by a dynamic dance mob, setting an energetic tone for the day, with Team Kramer joining in on the fun. Doug and Cheska Kramer spoke about how the new MR.DIY branding came to life. The couple highlighted the collaborative effort and shared behind-the-scenes of the branding campaign shoot and jingle creation, giving attendees a glimpse into the creative process. 

The “For BIG and small FAMILYhan needs, MERON DIYan!” campaign represents MR.DIY’s mission to serve the diverse needs of Filipino families, offering products that cater to both major home improvements and everyday essentials. The term “FAMILYhan” blends the words “Family” and “Pamilihan” (marketplace), positioning MR.DIY as the go-to market for Filipino families’ big and small needs. The campaign is designed to emphasize the brand’s dedication to affordability, quality, and variety, ensuring that every family, regardless of size, can find what they need at MR.DIY. This campaign ties seamlessly with the renewed brand story, showcasing MR.DIY as a reliable partner for all home-related needs.

“Our relationship with MR.DIY has grown stronger and more collaborative. We’ve deepened our understanding of their commitment to quality and affordability and created content that resonates with our audience. This partnership feels like a true alignment of values and goals,” Mr. Kramer added. Team Kramer’s continued partnership with MR.DIY highlights the brand’s family-oriented approach and commitment to enhancing the lives of its customers.

Ms. Roselle Andaya, CEO of MR.DIY signs the contract with Team Kramer, marking another chapter of success and partnership ahead.

During the media Q&A, Ms. Andaya discussed the brand’s strategies for rapid expansion and success in the competitive retail market.

She emphasized the importance of a customer-centric approach, among other factors that contribute to MR.DIY’s success. “Our key strategies include having  a customer-centric approach by ensuring we have the right variety of products at affordable prices in carefully selected locations to maximize reach. Additionally, we keep major processes as simple as possible to achieve faster scalability. The more we are able to scale up successfully, the more we benefit from economies of scale, where costs are spread out more, resulting in higher savings which are passed on to our customers as products they can buy at always low prices. The more our customers patronize MR.DIY, the more we are able to expand, thus the virtuous cycle continues,” Ms. Andaya added.

The event concluded on a high note, leaving attendees excited about MR.DIY’s future initiatives and continued commitment to providing variety, good quality and value for money for Filipino families. With its new campaign and renewed brand identity as the “familyhan” for big and small needs. MR.DIY is poised to strengthen its presence in the Philippine retail market.

#MRDIY #TeamKramer #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Megaworld Opens ‘PH’s Biggest Hotel’ Grand Westside in Paranaque

Inaugurated by no less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos, the 19-story, two-tower Grand Westside Hotel features 1,530 rooms within the rising ‘Broadway of Asia.’

 

Property giant Megaworld, the country’s largest hotel developer with over 7,000 hotel rooms in its portfolio, has formally opened the Philippines’ biggest hotel development to date: the 1,530-room Grand Westside Hotel located within Megaworld’s 31-hectare Westside City township at the bustling Entertainment City in Parañaque City.

His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, inaugurated the biggest hotel in the Philippines with 1,530 rooms – Grand Westside Hotel. In photo: HE Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Christina Garcia-Frasco, Secretary – Department of Tourism, Kevin L. Tan, Vice Chairman, President and CEO – Alliance Global Group, Inc., and Megaworld’s Director and COO, Lourdes T. Gutierrez-Alfonso, Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director – Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Joe Fijardo, General Manager – Grand Westside Hotel and other decision makers.

 

“Grand Westside Hotel is the latest addition to Megaworld’s Westside City township, which continues to take shape today as the ‘Broadway of Asia.” The hotel offers guests a wide variety of room selections, each one designed for the varied preferences of guests, whether they are traveling for business or for leisure. Even more exciting is the fact that the hotel sits along Manila Bay, which allows guests to marvel and enjoy the captivating sunset from this side of Metro Manila,” says Cleofe Albiso, managing director, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.

Executive Suite

 

First-class dining options and amenities

The hotel has a variety of different dining outlets, including Café by Westside, an all-day dining restaurant serving Filipino and international cuisines, Zabana Bar on the ground floor, the Plunge Bar at the open deck on the fifth floor. The hotel will also have its own specialty restaurant, LaMeza, which is set to open later this year.

The façade design of Grand Westside Hotel is inspired by the formation of waves approaching the shore, as seen through the lines enveloping the entire structure. At the ground level, guests will be welcomed to a high-ceiling lobby that carries a contemporary design, exuding a sophisticated ambiance with the use of natural elements, such as wood, stone, metal, and leather.

GWH Facade

Over at the amenity floor on the fifth floor, guests will enjoy a variety of first-class amenities, including an expansive pool area with views of the Manila Bay sunset. There’s also a children’s pool, gazebo, a sprawling Zen garden, and an outdoor seating area.

There’s also an Executive Lounge, exclusive to VIP guests where they can dine, do their express check-in and check-out, and fulfill other business functions using the meeting room integrated into this facility.

 

Surrounded by entertainment and leisure hotspots

 Soon, Grand Westside Hotel will be connected to the rising Westside Resort complex, a sprawling entertainment complex that will feature four theaters where a variety of performing arts shows, ranging from musicals to concerts, comedies, and more, will be shown.

The largest of these theaters will be The Grand Opera House, poised to be the first of its kind in the country, which will have a 2,000-seating capacity.

A milestone development launched on the occasion of Megaworld’s 35th anniversary this June, Grand Westside Hotel provides a big boost to the company’s continuing support for Philippine tourism. In 2019, Megaworld committed to invest around P64 billion to build Westside City within the next 10 years.

Managed and operated by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Grand Westside Hotel is the second hotel property to welcome travelers at Westside City, the first being the 529-room Kingsford Hotel Manila.

 

#GrandWestsideHotel #MegaWorld #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC): Together for a #SMWasteFreeFuture

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) joins SM Prime Holdings, Inc. in the #SMWasteFreeFuture.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, brings all its property groups and stakeholders toward an #SMWasteFreeFuture on a unified waste management and segregation campaign in response to the growing global crises on waste.

The #SMWasteFreeFuture program promotes behavioral changes in waste management through effective waste segregation via Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable, or RDC. It aims to achieve two primary objectives: (1) Reduce Overall Waste Generation by implementing effective waste segregation practices, and 2) Enhance Waste Diversion Rate by diverting a greater proportion of waste away from landfills through recycling, composting, and other sustainable disposal methods.

ORCA Biodigester

 

Day 1 for a Waste-Free Future

The #SMWasteFreeFuture project was launched at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, on June 5, 2024, World Environment Day.

Sustainability Champion and SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation President Hans “Chico” T. Sy, Jr. emphasized, “We have to be open to new ways of doing things and of putting into action every little step that’s crucial for advancing waste management solutions,” he said.

“This is a small step in a long journey. This is a learning process and it will not be perfect. We highly encourage all of you to give us feedback,” he said. Sy further emphasizes that, “This project is not specific to one organization, but one that belongs to an entire society. We welcome everyone to practice this in their everyday lives.”

Sy also encourages the youth and the general public. “Now it’s up to you and every individual here in attendance, to embrace the cause of change. We are given the opportunity to work on the biggest problems of our community when the planet truly needs it. Let’s not waste this opportunity,” he said.

Sustainable Hospitality: On Food and Linen Waste

In the hotel and tourism sector, SMHCC’s practical and sustainable solutions zeroed in on waste diversion focused on food waste management and condemned linens.

In 2019, SMHCC took decisive leadership to mitigate global food waste across all its properties in the Philippines. It opened its Back of House (BOH) operations to WWF-Philippines as the pilot study for the Sustainable Diner Project, covering the journey of food from source to plate, including kitchen operations, menu creation, guest engagement, composting, waste management, and working with local farmers.

 “We have diverted 198 tonnes of food waste from landfills as of 2019 to 2023. More importantly, food waste prevention is where we take our first steps. We’ve made it our priority through mindful production and simple innovative solutions.” said Leah Magallanes, VP for Quality and Sustainability at SMHCC.

Launched during World Recycling Day, March 18, 2024, at SMX Convention Center Manila, Tela Tales, a textile upcycling project, gives life to condemned linens while seeking to provide livelihood to women from the local community.

The hotels industry changes its linens every two to three years. “We upcycle our condemned linens into beautiful products created by the communities we help,” said Magallanes. “But we also want to provide opportunities for skills building and encourage mothers from the single-income households to use their creativity and earn a little bit of extra while taking care of their families,” she said.

Giving Garden – Pico

In partnership with designer Zara Juan, the program invested on the training and skills development of 41 women members of the community of Barangay Bulihan in Batangas and Kalingap Casa de Sueno in Tagaytay, to help them increase the additional home income and encourage entrepreneurship.

To date, Tela Tales has upcycled 1,716 yards of condemned linens. The project addresses the amount of linen in hospitality and is the hotel’s commitment to #SMWasteFreeFuture.

 #SMHCC #SMWasteFreeFuture #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph