Ruby is a true-blooded media practitioner and a journalist by profession.
She served her early years as a lifestyle writer for a leading magazine and a couple of corporate engagements to which she learned the ropes of editorial work – and dealing with almost the brightest personalities and celebrities in tinsel town.
She had a very productive stint at the now-defunct AMPR Publicity and Communications, Inc. It was also during this period that she honed her skills in Marketing when she had the opportunity to serve as Committee Member at the prestigious Philippine Marketing Association.
For inquiries, invites, or to send relevant press content, email the author at rubyasoy@yahoo.com.
FB pages: https://www.facebook.com/precious.r.asoyhttps://www.facebook.com/rubyasoyph/
The inauguration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines.
On June 30, 2022, Filipinos witnessed the inauguration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., the nation’s 17th president amidst the challenges of the pandemic and pressing economic issues that will confront his new administration.
The inauguration was held at the historic National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila. President “Bongbong” Marcos was the fourth President to be inaugurated in the same venue following Manuel Luis Quezon (1935), Jose P. Laurel (1943), and Manuel A. Roxas (1946).
The President and the other members of the First Family wore Filipino attire as a symbol of their patriotism in action, words, and even in their manner of dressing. His inaugural barong was designed by Pepito Albert. It was inspired by a traditional military uniform during Spanish time. For his dinner barong, it was again designed by Albert and was made of pina barong from Taal, Batangas paired with shoes from Sapatero Manila.
For the First Lady Atty. Liza Araneta-Marcos, her terno was designed by Leslie Mobo. It was made of pure pina, seda, and suksuk embroidered with Sampaguita, the country’s national flower. It was paired with shoes designed by Lila Almario of Greggs Frame.
Singer-host-actress Toni Gonzaga sang the National Anthem. A military-civic parade ushered to welcome the Commander-In-Chief.
In his inaugural address, President “Bongbong” Marcos extends his gratitude for the support of the Filipinos. “You rejected the politics of division . . . You made it happen. . . You picked me to be your servant . . . I don’t take it lightly but I’m ready for the task, ” he said. “I am here to talk about the future, a future of sufficiency . . . Imagine what you and the government can achieve together. We are here to repair a house divided, to make it strong . . . Never forget we are Filipinos . . . let us all be part of the solution we chose.”
President Marcos stresses that he and the Filipinos share the same dream. “Pangarap n’yo ay pangarap ko . . .” (Your dreams are mine).
He adds that “We will build back better . . . in the experiences that we had . . . There were shortcomings in the COVID-19 response; we will fix it . . . I will complete on schedule the projects that have been started; I am not interested in getting credit.”
Plans are being carried out for agriculture and food sufficiency, education, public health system, tourism, climate change, infrastructure, and business, especially for the MSMEs.
The inauguration was characterized by solemnity, simplicity, and keeping with the tradition. It was attended by foreign dignitaries, VIPs, public officials, and Marcos supporters. Marcos is considered the majority president elected with more than 31 million votes garnered from the recently concluded 2022 presidential elections.
Photos: Screenshot from Bongbong Marcos FB page coverage
Dad — A moniker for what we call the pillars of our home. The ones who had to step up in keeping the family afloat. Being the breadwinner of the family, fathers surely have endured a lot of sacrifices just to make the end of the family meet. Their role to make sure the family gets to eat three times a day has a roof on their heads and ensure every single member is alright, compliments the function of the whole family.
From their everyday involvement in constructing, fixing, and troubleshooting something at home to teaching their kids how to do basic life skills such as cooking and washing, fathers have become a beacon of hope — especially to children. They are being looked up to by their children as they ought to be just like them in the future. They become the role model for every child to follow as they grow up. Most importantly, they help promote inner strength, capacity, and endurance with their affection and support towards their children.
Fathers have always become the symbols of strength and love in the family. They have become legitimate catalysts for the youngsters to look up to.
And knowing now that Father’s Day is just around the corner, it’s just high time for them to be treated extra special on their day to show how grateful we are for their hard work and dedication.
For sure, dads deserve a banquet of food to fuel up themselves. So, if you’re running out of ideas on what to give them on their day, think no more as a kitchen team based in Tagaytay City could help you fulfill your goals to surprise your dads! And assuredly speaking, they could fill up the stomachs, not just of the beloved pillars of our home, but also the rest of the family!
Tia Belle’s Tagaytay, an exceptional restaurant that serves the best Filipino dishes, has something to offer. Their father’s day special menu Bilao Bigkis Dos gives them something that they would be grateful and satisfied with. The special menu consists of the following: Miki Bihon, Manok sa Pugaran, Lumpiang Pinoy, and Pichi-pichi with Keso de Bola toppings as dessert.
Not to mention, the food bundle comes with a free 1.5 liter Coke for delivery or a free ice tea for dining only on Father’s Day, which is a perfect combination to eat a sumptuous meal after all the work they have done. Priced for only PhP 1,485.00, this bountiful meal will surely make your dads feel delighted and appreciated.
This unique food combination will surely tickle the taste buds of our fathers as the meal consists of all Filipino dishes – a dish familiar to dads.
If you want to make your eating experience sumptuous for your dads, Tia Belle’s Tagaytay offers a variety of Filipino foods they may enjoy.
Allow them to soothe themselves with Tia Belle’s Tagaytay’s Pancit Malabon. It is surely one of the most favorite Filipino dishes ordered by customers. Paired with it are the miki bihon, bulalo-lomi, and mucho-lomi which brings out its original flavor that would get your father’s craving for more!
For now, Tia Belle’s accommodates customers who want to dine in their restaurant. They also offer advance order, pick up, and delivery services for Filipino dish lovers who unfortunately cannot visit their place. Assuredly, Tia Belle’s strictly observes health protocols for the utmost safety of their customers and staff.
With all the options laid out by Tia Belle’s, you now have all the opportunities to bring your dads and have them try their Father’s Day Special Meal Bilao Bigkis Dos!
Featured photo: Tia Belle’s Bilao Bigkis Dos / Tia Belle’s FB Page
School holidays are the best time to bond and create new memories with your family, and for the children, a break from the mundane daily routines. If you are looking for a holiday idea where your children can explore sensory learning in a fun and enjoyable manner, look no further – Western Australia has got you covered.
Western Australia is the western gateway to Australia and is just a five-hour direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Perth. The state also shares the same time zone as Malaysia, so children and adults alike can hop right into adventure seeking without worrying about jet lags.
While Western Australia has many great adventures to offer, here are three family-friendly ones that you can do with your family for an unforgettable family holiday:
1. Meet Australia’s cutest wildlife at Caversham Wildlife Park
Australia is synonymous with wildlife and iconic animals, in which Western Australia is home to 141 of the 207 mammal species found in Australia.
Caversham Wildlife Park is just a 30-minute drive northeast of Perth and is home to about 200 species of animals, birds, and reptiles. It is a great place to bring your family to meet most of Australia’s animals in one location. Here, children can feed the animals, take photos with the koala and wombat, or play with the farm animals at the interactive Molly’s Farm located within the park.
2. Explore the paradise of Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a holiday haven for your family, attributed to its pristine beaches, aquamarine bays, bike tracks, and friendly animals to meet. About 19 kilometers offshore from Perth, it is a 30-minute ferry ride from the capital city, where paradise beckons.
Quokka at Rottnest Island
A car-free zone, the island is a safe place for your family to travel about – on foot, with a rented bicycle or e-bike, on the island shuttle, or aboard the hop-on-hop-off the bus that loops around the 11-kilometer-long island. Its beautiful white beaches, clear water, and protected coral reefs such as Salmon Bay and Pinky Beach are perfectly safe for children to play, swim or snorkel in. Alternatively, you can cycle or go for a relaxing walk on paved riding and walking trails.
The main attraction of the island is to meet the happiest animal on earth – the Quokkas – as it is the only place in the world where you can find these adorable, furry friends. The friendly, highly photogenic marsupial always has a welcoming on its face so keep a lookout for them.
3. Experience a farm stay at Ferguson Farm
Ferguson Farmstay is located in the beautiful Ferguson Valley. Approximately 30 minutes drive from Bunbury and less than two hours’ drive from the south of Perth, the farm is situated on top of the undulating Darling ranges and offers spectacular views of the city of Perth, the farmland, and vineyards to the Bunbury coast.
A child-friendly farm, Ferguson Farmstay offers many activities for all, including feeding farm animals such as goats, ponies, kangaroos, ducks, and rabbits. Children can go on pony rides or hop onto a tractor ride to feed the bigger cows.
Ferguson Farm
With many adventures awaiting you in Western Australia, there certainly is something for everybody so do check out these destinations.
For more details and destination inspirations for your next family holidays, head over to Tourism Western Australia’s website at https://www.westernaustralia.com.
Get to know these Filipina entrepreneurs who are transforming lives with their awesome beauty products!
With the pandemic entering the world last 2020, a lot of lives were challenged. People had to live with the new normal, skipping some of the things that were usually so accessible in exchange for safety from the virus. Aside from that, livelihoods and businesses were also drastically affected because of the overall impact that the virus had on the lifestyles of people. One such industry is the beauty industry because now, people had limited access to its services and products, as well as a smaller budget.
In the case of these two local beauty brands, we see proof that despite the challenges the businesses might face, a brand can still make it through with hard work, the right intentions, and maybe, a little bit of luck.
Dear Face: Affordable and available for everyone
One such brand is Dear Face. Launched in November 2020, the brand started small with only two skincare sets, a facial wash, and a serum. During the height of the pandemic, its CEO and founder, Ma. Jonalyn Sison-Ramos identified two major problems that people were faced with: (1) lack of source of income due to the economic effects of the global lockdown and (2) lack of self-care due to isolation and quarantine. These are the main reasons whyDear Facewas born as well as the driving force of its mission and purpose. The company is dedicated to empowering people by providing a main source of income through its distributorship program. It also aims to give people a form of self-care with its wide range of effective supplements and skin care products that are affordable and available to everyone.
Since its inception, the brand has gained impressive momentum, with over 1500 local and international distributors in countries like the United States of America, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Brunei, United Kingdom, etc. Some of you may know their TikTok famous product — the Drunk Skin,which has sold more than 250,000 bottles to date. With the rate things are going for Dear Face, there’s no denying that this young brand’s current success is only the beginning!
Skinpotions’ magical touch
Another brand with a magical touch is Skinpotions. It was founded in 2013 by sisters Ma. Jonalyn Sison-Ramos, a registered nurse by profession, and Ma. Aileen Sison-Pacheco, a former international flight attendant. Interestingly, their interest started because Jonalyn struggled with teenage acne and her journey to finding products that worked on her skin. Apart from this, both share a common passion for helping people transform their lives and feel better about themselves through skincare and makeup.
Ma. Aileen Sison-Pacheco and Ma. Jonalyn Sison-Ramos.
Skinpotions started reaching its consumers through online selling platforms. It introduced cost-effective products in varieties of soap, lotion, face cream, and serum, then eventually expanded its selection, adding makeup and cosmetics to its product line. Only two years later, the brand grew to have more than 100 local distributors and also some from countries abroad such as the USA, Italy, Japan, UAE, and Australia. The company has also joined several shopping bazaars and collaboration stores to reach more consumers.
With the demand for products rapidly increasing around the country, especially in provinces, Skinpotions partnered with Francorp Philippines and opened its doors to franchising. The brand then became a duly member of the Philippine Franchise Association and was able to open several franchise stores, expanding its scope in Luzon and Visayas. Spreading its wings even further, its CEO, Ma. Jonalyn Sison-Ramos won the 2018 Nextgen in Franchising of the International Franchise Association in Phoenix, Arizona USA.
The following year, Skinpotions collaborated with The Walt Disney Co. Philippines to launch a selection of makeup products for Disney’s live-action remake of the movie, Aladdin. Like in the movie theme song – A Whole New World, this move was truly a shining, shimmering, and splendid one for the brand. Its block screening, attended by known influencers and vloggers in the country, was one of the many achievements this venture brought the company.
Skinpotions currently has over a hundred and seventy-eight thousand followers on Facebook, a reflection of its rising popularity as well as the lives it has changed through its products.
It’s inspiring to see these young Filipina entrepreneurs thrive while transforming the lives of their products’ users as well as their business partners. If you’re looking for a new beauty product to try, why not check these brands out?
Featured photo: Ma. Aileen Sison-Pacheco and Ma. Jonalyn Sison-Ramos
Summer is always the best time to experience and create moments in your favorite waterfall sanctuaries.
Traveling excites a greater sense of childlike wonder in us. This summer, make sure to go out and have fun with your friends and families. You don’t need to go far to enjoy and frolic under the summer heat, pristine and relaxing beaches, and invigorating waterfalls.
We have gathered our top three recommendations for nearby and easy-to-visit waterfall destinations.
Daranak Falls and Resort, Tanay Rizal
A natural resort and popular local tourist attraction in and out of the country, Daranak Falls is one of the flagship destinations of Tanay. You can swim, picnic and have a great time with your family.
It has enchanting waterfalls, ponds, and rivers cascading through elaborate tropical trees and plants. This 14-meter high falls is truly a refreshing location. Entrance Fee: P50.00 (Children below 3ft. are free of charge). Picnic Shed: P300. Picnic Table: P200. Operation Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
The author has a relaxing time at Daranak Falls.
Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna
Pagsanjan is known as The Tourist Capital of Laguna. It is where you can enjoy the well-known Pagsanjan Falls, and experience once in a lifetime thrilling and exciting boat ride, “Shooting the Rapids”. The town is continuously growing and attracting thousands of local and international tourists and businesses.
Natural waterfall in Pagsanjan, Laguna. Courtesy: DOT, Kathleen Mae Tugano
Labasin Waterfalls Tiaong, Quezon
The Labasin Waterfalls Restaurant is one of the attractions of Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort in Tiaong, Quezon. While visiting the resort, you can enjoy its traditional Filipino buffet lunch — kamayan style — while soaking your feet in the low running water.
The falls is not natural falls, but an overspill from the Labasin Dam, the Philippines’ first hydroelectric plant. Just the same, the experience is real and unique. At Villa Escudero, it is where Filipino history and culture come to life.
Visitors enjoy a thundering live waterfall up close while partaking in their meals. Courtesy: Dito Sa Quezon FB page
As the saying goes, “There’s no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to its music.”
Waterfalls, undoubtedly, cleanse the mind and soothe the soul. Summer is always the best time to experience and create moments in your favorite waterfall sanctuaries.
The resort provides the splendor and the ‘tranquility of an environment that truly feels away from it all.’
Whether you’re traveling for a family vacation or romantic getaway, for business or pleasure, Plantation Bay Resort & Spa is one of your best choices in the Philippines.
It’s a vast tropical plantation set in eleven hectares of secluded grounds. It’s a resort, a village, a playground, a respite from a stressful world.
Located in Marigondon, Mactan Island, and Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu, it has a waterfront hotel, a lagoon-style pool, and a posh spa. It offers one of the largest privately-owned waterways in the world, with the clean elegance of colonial-plantation architecture.
Courtesy: Plantation Bay Resort & Spa
This writer had the opportunity to experience staying at Plantation Bay some years back. Until now, it’s still vivid in my mind the splendor and the “tranquillity of an environment that truly feels away from it all.”
There will always be some places that will create an impact on you and are worth visiting the second or even the third time.
The author at the lagoon-style pool.
Plantation Bay offers you more facilities, more space, and more separate lounging areas. There are various things to try when you are at the resort. You will never get bored.
You can go swimming, kayaking, archery, mountain climbing, play tennis or volleyball, have a relaxing spa at Mogambo Springs (my favorite part), listen to an acoustic band in one of the fave restos, and have your future predicted by a fortune-teller, or simply enjoy your day while at the hammock amidst the lagoon pool.
Kayaking is fun!Have a relaxing spa at Mogambo Springs.
Outstanding Food Choices
Plantation Bay takes pride in its kitchens and can assure you of consistently delicious, beautifully-presented dishes at reasonable prices.
It has five outstanding restaurants, namely:
Kilimanjaro Kafé – offers international and Filipino cuisine, terrific soup, and vegan selections;
Fiji – offers seafood, Asian, and Filipino. It is often full so you need to come early;
Palermo – offers Spanish Tapas, Italian kinds of pasta, and the most complex, nuanced char-broiled steaks on earth;
Route 66 Diner – offers Retro American diner with all-day breakfast, burgers, hot dogs, and deli favorites;
Alien Abduction – offers a soda fountain in the late afternoon, family-friendly Night Club after dinner
Powerhouse Burger
Longganiza
Sake-infused-oxtail
During our stay, we dined in Fiji, the ambiance was so relaxing. When you’re in the mood for something different, try Kilimanjaro Kafe for the light international fare; or dine at Palermo, for another different ambiance that makes you enjoy Mediterranean-Continental dishes. We also tried the delicious burgers and hotdogs served at Route 66 Diner/Savannah Grill for our afternoon snacks.
Our trip to Cebu will not be complete without paying homage to the Cross of Magellan and Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino De Cebu. Not to mention, partaking in lunch at AA BBQ, reminded me of a happy conversation with travel friends because of its funny-sounding name.
The Cross of Magellan.
Travel buddies: (standing) Ana Manansala, publisher of Experience Travel and Living magazine; (seated, from left) advertising manager Nanet Bonifacio; the author; and designer Cliff De Torres.
When you’re inside the resort, you will not think of going out anymore – the charm of the place remains in you and make you want to stay a little longer.
Apart from providing an exclusive beach respite for Manila’s affluent, Landco’s development in Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Batangas has also been anchored on serving its residents’ sailing and yachting lifestyle.
Bouncing back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the highly-anticipated 19th Club Punta Fuego (CPF) Regatta was recently held as one of the major sailing events in the Philippines. The CPF Regatta brought together the sailing enthusiasts and sailor members of Punta Fuego Yacht Club (PFYC) and select members of the Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Foundation (PHINSAF) from all over the country.
Participants joined the exuberant yet highly competitive yacht race and winners were recognized in three categories: IRC Racing Class, Cruising Class, and Ocean Multihull.
Wild Honey – 1st place Cruising Class
Sy Selma Star with captain Jun Avecilla was hailed as the champion of this year’s Racer Cruiser Class, followed by Belatrix with captains Jun Villanueva and Sean Mitchell, Hurricane Hunter of Albert Aluta, and Karakoa of Ray Ordovesa in the same IRC Racing Class.
For the Cruising Class, Wild Honey of captain James Villareal got the top mark, in second and third place were Plus Ultra of Pablo Lobregat and Isabelle of Tere Marcial, respectively. Twin Popsies of captains Dylan Tantuico and Gordon Luk aced the Ocean Multihull, trailed by second placer MYGP of Vincent Ruais.
Club Punta Fuego, managed by Anya Hospitality Group (AHG), is the luxurious private Batangas beach resort, the gemstone of the 88-hectare seaside residential community of Peninsula de Punta Fuego. This sprawling luxury property is developed by Landco, known for pioneering premium landscapes for more than 30 years.
They are known for their exquisite vocal harmony, the very essence of their music. And their avant-garde fashion statements. The CompanY, Asia’s premiere vocal group, is a visual and aural treat for the young and the young once.
If you have noticed, the Y in their name is a capital letter for visual identity. “We type it differently so that it doesn’t come out as too generic,” said Moy Ortiz, the leader of the group.
Organized in July 1985, the group started as a backup vocal group to such first-rate artists as Gary Valenciano, Kuh Ledesma, Zsa-Zsa Padilla, Martin Nieversa, Louie Reyes, and Celeste Legaspi. Their popularity snowballed when “Everlasting Love,” a cut from their debut album ‘Yon Na!’ became the most requested song in the early ‘90s.
Initially, when “Everlasting Love” was released people thought it was a foreign song. Later on, they found out that it was sung by a Filipino group.
Courtesy: YouTube
“It was just the right timing that we got a recording deal,” disclosed Moy. “Personality-wise we were more comfortable with ourselves. We knew how far we could go. We didn’t know that we would take a hit in pop.”
In terms of visual packaging, The CompanY is more experimental. Their target market includes the yuppies, young executives, and professionals.
“We are entertainers we have to be visually appealing and interesting onstage. So you have to capture the attention of your audience. We had the guts to experiment with our looks, hair, clothes, and shoes,” shared Moy.
Courtesy: The CompanY FB page
This group has been a company of friends ever since their Ateneo College Glee Club days, where they acquired extensive and rigorous training in voice and traditional choral works. When The CompanY made their crossover to professional singing, they applied the discipline and accuracy demanded by the classical school into the world of pop music.
Starting with 12 members, the group eventually stabilized at six. Now, they are down to a 4-member group. The CompanY is not an overnight success.
After many years in the entertainment industry, they remain active and continue to share their music with the world.
Gary Valenciano has unveiled a brand new song “Pwede Pang Mangarap”, released under Universal Records. It’s the type of buoyant, morale-boosting track that transports listeners to a much-needed ray of hope as we dare to rise above the seemingly dream-crushing effects of the pandemic.
The pandemic may be making its way out of our lives slowly but its aftereffect is still felt by many, especially among those who have been striving to stay afloat in the world of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Some have had to stay closed for two years, while others have just had to shut down indefinitely. Thus, this uplifting track from Mr. Pure Energy came to life.
“Pwede Pang Mangarap” was made possible with the cooperation of The Association of the Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) and it’s the official TVC of BUYanihan, a known collective of brands, retailers, and MSMEs that aims to empower the Filipino entrepreneurs and help them highlight their world-class products. (WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO HERE)
“We’ve all heard of the light at the end of the tunnel, but I believe more in the fact that when our hope is fueled by our faith, God can become our light no matter where in the tunnel we may find ourselves in. Yes … I strongly encourage you to start dreaming once again,” says Mr. Gary V. about this powerfully crafted song.
Truly, life can’t always be easy, we all fall short but what’s important is that we don’t lose hope and become stronger versions of ourselves. Always keep your dreams alive. Stream “Pwede Pang Mangarap” on your favorite digital streaming platforms today.
The student that the Sintang Paaralan has guided has now become its leader – and he intends to do a great job at it. As the University President, Manuel has several plans that he wishes to implement to ensure that everybody is given the same chance as he was, decades ago.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) has been home to students from all walks of life, hence why it is dubbed the “Sintang Paaralan.” It was a haven for people who wished to continue learning despite obstacles and hindrances that may come their way. This is the exact environment that nurtures people into becoming something much bigger than themselves – something that Manuel Muhi has been on the receiving end of. Now that he’s back in the halls of the fabled university, the student that the Sintang Paaralan has guided has now become its leader– and he intends to do a great job at it.
Humble beginnings
Manuel Mengorio Muhi was just a seemingly ordinary student when he first entered PUP as a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering freshman. Life has been rather hard on him, as he did not come from a wealthy family. He was taught the painful and harsh realities of life early on.
“My learning journey in PUP required me to be humble to succeed, to make ends meet, to become more resourceful, and to appreciate the privilege of being a part of the university to further my education,” he shares.
Then and Now (Facebook)
Looking back, the time he spent as a student in PUP taught Manuel a life lesson in humility. “Kasi kapag PUPian ka, sanay ka sa hirap. Magtatrabaho sa gabi, mag-aaral sa araw. Minsan hindi sumasapat ang baon, pero dapat handa ka. Kaya matututo kang makibagay at magpasalamat sa mga taong makakasalamuha mo dahil sila ang tutulong sayo,” he elaborates.
Being a student at PUP has given him a chance to improve himself to unlock his highest potential, and Manuel was more than grateful for it when he received his diploma from the university in 1988.
The education that the university has provided him has given him the urge to reach for greater heights in the academe. “As a PUPian, hindi tayo tumitigil matuto dahil mataas ang pangarap natin.” Manuel says.
True to his word, he entered graduate school and earned a Master’s degree in Engineering, specializing in Transport and Road Engineering from the prestigious Technical University of Delft-International Institute for Infrastructural, Hydraulics and Environment Engineering – the Netherlands in 2000. He then chose to pursue a Doctoral degree in Technology at TUP Manila in 2008.
Armed with these huge achievements, he knew that he could look for greater opportunities elsewhere, but he chose to follow his true calling and that is to serve his beloved alma mater.
“The university helped me finish my education and gave me numerous opportunities to serve both inside and outside of the country,” he narrates. He knew that PUP could make it big – and he wanted to be a part of the movement that is going to make this vision a reality.
Back to Sintang Paaralan
Manuel felt that going back to PUP and serving the university is the best way to give back to the same home that has willingly accepted him – back when he was still a mere freshman student, lost in the university’s expanse. This time, he wandered through the classrooms as a professor, and later on, he became the Dean of the College of Engineering from 2006 to 2013.
“Magagaling ang ating mga estudyante. These are deserving youth and they need the university’s assistance,” he shares. As someone who benefited from the university before, he wishes to do the same for others by being someone that can give them the opportunities that he once had.
Courtesy of Facebook
He also served as the Executive Vice President, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Vice President for Research, Extension, Planning, and Development from 2012 to 2016. After being appointed as the University President, Manuel knew that this position should not be taken lightly.
“Isa din sa mga inspirasyon ko ang mga Iskolar ng Bayan. Nakita ko kung gaano nila ka-gustong makapagtapos ng pag-aaral,” Manuel expounds. “[PUP] has the potential to meet a wide range of needs in the surrounding communities, and I recognized that potential. It gave me hope that I could be a part of an institution that could have a significant impact on the lives of many people.”
The life of a leader
Being the University President is a huge responsibility that comes with all sorts of challenges. For Manuel, the position required him to be on his toes at all times.
“We cannot let our position get into our heads. What matters is the kind of leadership you demonstrate,” he shares. Manuel wants to be the kind of leader who knows and sees everyone– including their struggles, hardships, and eventually their successes. “Kaya mula sa pinakaibaba, mga estudyante, janitors, security guards, empleyado, hanggang sa mga middle managers, directors and executive officials, pinupuntahan po natin sila, inaabot, kinakausap, pinakikinggan.”
With this kind of leadership, he has also drafted plans for the university’s improvement, geared towards technological advancement and infrastructure improvement. As an engineer himself, his plan was more focused on improving the technology and facilities. “Over time, we are seeing improvements, from our comfort rooms to our sports facilities, student centers, and newly constructed research and laboratory facilities, we are working tirelessly to achieve our goals,” he states.
Courtesy of Facebook
He also plans to make PUP a smart campus, focusing on improvements in technology, and student services, mitigating compliance mistakes, automating workflows, reducing wait times, and conserving energy and resources, among other things. Just like any other institution, PUP must keep up with the times and the increasing demands for quality education.
However, the pandemic posed a significant challenge to his administration and hampered most of his plans for the university. As the University President, it was his job to ensure that everything is covered. “We were caught off guard and unprepared because we needed to come up with a solution right away to make things work,” he narrates. With his brand of leadership, he wanted to ensure that with whatever policy he implemented, no one will be left behind.
The pandemic’s awful hit
During these unpredictable times, the main concern of the university lies in three aspects: the studentry, the quality of the education they’ll receive, and the technological advancements needed to further their learning. With these in mind, the Flexible Technology Learning (FlexTel) is an alternative learning framework, which improved gradually through time.
FlexTel accommodates the needs of various learners, including their learning circumstances and their ability to access learning tools and gadgets. In this mode, the professors can also follow a curated teaching load that considers their flexibility as well. “Its implementation may have been hampered by birth pains, but it has opened the doors to learning for all PUPians across the country,” he adds.
With the mixed reactions from the studentry, Manuel recognizes that the FlexTel also needs improvement, and just like any other policy, it is open for criticisms and amendments. “PUP continues to work with various sectors to improve FlexTel implementation in the coming years so that it is more inclusive, accessible, and fully coherent,” he says, as he ensures that their concerns will be duly noted.
PUP Education on Wheels (PUP Official).
Moreover, he also launched the PUP Education on Wheels, a project that caters to the educational needs of the out-of-school youth in various places. This project aims to give more learning opportunities for everyone and to ensure that more people get access to education, regardless of their background. “Ito naman po ang matagal nang vision natin sa Sintang Paaralan, to make education accessible and of quality. The EOW is ongoing at napapakinabangan na ng maraming kabataan sa Smokey Mountain,” he proudly shares.
The Education on Wheels also seeks to expand nationwide, seeking out underprivileged youths – truly living up to PUP’s reputation of giving people, regardless of their stature, a chance at a quality education.
“The goal is straightforward: to bring education to those who cannot afford it, right at their doorstep. This would not have been possible without the generous contributions of our donors, all of whom shared the same vision of educating the next generation,” Manuel explains.
Currently, Education on Wheels has 65 students under the Bachelor of Science in Office Administration. Their courses are TESDA inclined, which guarantees them a job after two years of education.
PUP has come a long way as it is now regarded as the top choice for employers, according to JobStreet. It is now known as the number one producer of professionals in different fields.
The university continues to raise its proud colors as it always claims its spot as one of the country’s top-performing schools. Board top-notchers also hail from various courses such as engineering, accounting, law, nutrition and dieticians, psychometrician, and education, among others.
On criticisms and challenges
Since he sat in the highest position in the university, he has been faced with criticisms and various side comments from various sectors. Being in such a vulnerable post means that Manuel needs to have the right mindset to deal with them professionally.
“I was also once a student of PUP and alam ko po ang mga kailangang baguhin sa Sintang Paaralan, and this is their assurance that someone understands them at hindi natin hahayaan na mahihirapan ang ating mga estudyante,” he shares. He knows that no leadership is perfect, but for it to work, he has to listen to his constituents.
Manuel is aware that PUPians have valid concerns and that they only want what’s best for the entire student population-–a sentiment that Manuel shared back when he was still a student. This kind of connection, as he says, brings him closer to the calls of the studentry and makes him more adept at their needs and concerns.
“We always hear our students, sila ang priority. We always make sure that their frustrations are validated and heard. We understand them and make sure we address their concerns right away,” Manuel adds.
Looking ahead
PUP is one of the most highly regarded universities in the country, but Manuel knows it has so much potential to be more, unlock more doors, and open up new opportunities for students and employees alike. The university has always been in the service of the Filipino people, which also educates them about the realities of life and how the world essentially works. While this resiliency is commonly romanticized, Manuel sees it as undeniably patriotic.
“Lagi’t lagi naming binabanggit, ‘Mula sa ‘yo para sa bayan.’ Ito po ang identity ng isang PUPian. Buong husay na maglilingkod at magsisilbi para sa bayan. Nandyan ang Sintang Paaralan na kaisa sa pagtataguyod ng maunlad na bansa,” he expounds. “PUPians know that in everything they do, it must be for the country’s sake and for the masses.”
For Manuel, this is what makes PUP different from the other universities. “PUP taught me to accept where I am and honor where I am. Accepting where you are and realizing how far you still have to go and learn is another aspect of humility,” he explains.
The university has taught him life lessons that he carries up to this day, making him more grounded and humbled tirelessly. As the University President, Manuel has several plans that he wishes to implement to ensure that everybody is given the same chance as he was, decades ago.
The current PUP administration is now focusing on reaching the elusive National Polytechnic University status, which will eventually raise the university’s status and open more doors for the students.
“In the coming years, we would like to continue utilizing these by building better infrastructure, as well as higher educational standards. Several plans have been developed for PUP, and these plans will serve to demonstrate that the university is truly concerned with the interests of its stakeholders, particularly our students,” Manuel elaborates.
PUP has been a safe place for Manuel as a student, and as he sits as the University President, he also seeks to make students and employees feel at home within its walls. The university has been through various ups and downs during his administration, but one thing is for sure – he ensures that PUP will stay true to its nature of being a beacon of hope, critical thinking, and quality education for everyone. There is so much to look forward to, and Manuel is determined to do a great job at helping these plans become a reality.
(Ruby’s Precious Moments 3rd anniversary Special Feature)
