Lifestyle

Abi’s photo

At the 17th Annual Shorty Awards, Filipina content producer Abi Marquez received her first-ever nomination in the “TikTok Presence” category, further advancing Filipino food and digital storytelling to a global audience.

With 4.4 million followers and over 117.8 million likes, Abi, who goes by the online moniker “Lumpia Queen,” has amassed a sizable TikTok following by showcasing Filipino culinary video and delving into other cuisines with the same zesty, fun enthusiasm. Her nomination honors the way she has proudly, humorously, and creatively represented Filipino culture by transforming commonplace dishes into viral films.

The Shorty Awards celebrate the best of the best in social and digital media—from creators to campaigns that shape culture online. Past winners include names like Pixar, Jay Shetty, Al Jazeera Digital, and Google.

Abi is in good company this year, up against major players like Sony Pictures’ “Venom: The Last Dance” TikTok Takeover, MTV’s “The Chi” and “Tulsa King”, Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob 25th” celebration, and more.

Check out her nomination here: shortyawards.com/17th/abi-marquez-lumpia-queen

Abi’s Shorty Awards page

“Being recognized by the Shorty Awards is such an honor—not just for me, but for the whole Filipino food community on TikTok,” Abi shares.

She adds, “It motivates me even more to keep pushing Filipino cuisine onto the global stage and turn the food space into one big collaboration zone. This nomination is a reminder of how powerful our stories can be, especially when told through food.”

The 17th Annual Shorty Awards marks Abi’s third international nomination this year, following recent nods at the 29th Annual Webby Awards and the 45th Annual Telly Awards, further solidifying her status as one of the Philippines’ leading digital creatives.

With this nomination in the bag, Abi’s mission is louder than ever: to keep bringing Filipino flavor to the global stage.

Every time a fan shares their vote on Facebook, X (previously Twitter), or LinkedIn, it qualifies as a bonus vote. Fans can vote on the Shorty Awards website once every day.

Visit and vote here: shortyawards.com/17th/abi-marquez-lumpia-queen

In May 2025, the 17th Annual Shorty Awards winners will be revealed.

FOLLOW ABI MARQUEZ AND HER FOOD ADVENTURES ON:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE |  X

The FPJ Panday Bayanihan (FPJPB) Party list, with Brian Poe Llamanzares as the first representative (3.75%), is expected to hold one (1) seat each in the House of Representatives, according to the findings of Tangere’s most recent 2025 Pre-Election Party-List Preferential Survey. Voter preference significantly increased for each of the other five (5) well-known newcomers:

-Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas (ABP) Party-List led by Dr. Jose Goitia – Ranked 11^th overall  with 2.35% driven by strong support from Metro Manila.

-Solid North Party-List – Ranked 13^th overall with a 2.00% voter preference driven by voters from Ilocos Region.

-Partido sa Bagong Pilipino (PBP) Party list led by first representative Former COMELEC Commissioner Atty. Goyo Larrazabal– Ranked 15^th overall with 1.75% voter preference driven by voters from CARAGA region and Eastern Visayas region.

-Tulfo para sa Turismo (Turismo) Party-List ranked 19^th overall with 1.52% voter preference.

-Abante Bisdak Party-List ranked 20^th overall with 1.52% voter preference driven by voters from Central Visayas and Cavite.

Top Ten (10) Party Lists

• Five (5) party-lists are anticipated to have two (2) seats in the House of Representatives led by the Duterte Youth Party-list (Ranked 1^stoverall) who experienced a notable decline over the past month. The other top five party-lists are the following:

-Tingog Party-List – Ranked 2^nd overall with a 5.50% voter preference;

-Ako Bicol Party-List – Rank 3^rd overall with a 5.00% voter preference;

-4PS -Ranked 4^th overall with a 4.75% voter preference;

-ACT-CIS – Ranked 5^th overall with a 4.75% voter preference.

• Incumbent party-lists headlines the remaining top 10 :

–Agimat  – Ranked 7th overall with a 3.50% voter preference;

-Malasakit@Bayanihan – Ranked 8^th overall with a 3.00% voter preference;

-Alona – Ranked 9th overall with a 2.75% voter preference;

-1Pacman – Ranked 10th overall with a 2.50% voter preference;

Representation and support of marginalized sectors, lowering of prices of basic goods and commodities, and higher employment rate are the top key advocacy areas that party-liist should focus on according to 7 to 8 out of 10 voters.

The survey, conducted last April 8-10, 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.

The goal of Tangere, an innovative market research firm with an award-winning technological application, is to understand Filipino opinions. Tangere is a proud member of the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA), the European Society for Opinion and Market Research (ESOMAR), and the Marketing and Opinion Research Society of the Philippines (MORES). One of the first companies to register with the COMELC was Tangere.

Email Tangere at [email protected] to get the topline report and analytics for this non-commissioned study.

According to Tangere’s most recent 2025 Pre-Election Senatorial Preferential Survey, Senator Bong Go, Media Executive Ben “Bitag” Tulfo, and ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo were tied three ways. Ben ‘Bitag’ Tulfo received 55.71% of the vote, which put him at the top of the overall list. Metro Manila and Visayas voters chose him. Northern Luzon and Central Luzon voters gave ACT-CIS congressman Erwin Tulfo a 54.42% vote preference, placing him in third place. As in last month’s study, older respondents preferred Rep. Erwin Tulfo, while millennial and Gen-Z voters preferred Ben “Bitag” Tulfo.

Ranking second overall will be incumbent senator, Senator Bong Go with a 55.17% voter preference, a notable increase from the previous month’s survey. Senator Go led all candidates in terms of voter preference in the entire Mindanao.

Biggest Gainers for April 2025

• The following are the top gainers for the month of April 2025:
  • Senator Bong Revilla, statistically tied at 4-5, with 47.13% voter preference, leading all candidates in votes from CALABARZON;
  • Incumbent Senator Francis Tolentino, statistically tied at 11-17, with a 32.96% voter preference driven by voters from CALABARZON and NCR;
  • Representative Marcoleta, statistically tied at 19-20, with a 23.13% voter preference driven by voters from Mindanao and voters belonging to the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

Top 12 Candidates

• The following are the candidates constitutes the rest of the Top 12 slots:
  • Former Senator Tito Sotto, statistically tied at 4-5, with a 45.21% voter preference;
  • Five (5) candidates are statistically tied at 6-10:
    • Senator Pia Cayetano with a 39.17% voter preference;
    • Former DILG Secretary Ben Abalos ranked seventh overall with a 38.08% voter preference after posting a notable increase in Metro Manila, Northern Luzon, and Central Luzon;
    • Senator Lito Lapid with a 37.92% voter preference;
    • Senator Bato Dela Rose with a 37.42% voter preference;
    • Former Senator Panfilo Lacson with a 37.29% voter preference.
  • Former Senator Manny Pacquiao ranked 11^thoverall with a 34.25% voter preference. A notable decrease in Mindanao for April was recorded.

The non-commissioned survey, conducted April 7-9, 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.

The goal of Tangere, an innovative market research firm with an award-winning technological application, is to understand Filipino opinions. Tangere is a proud member of the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA), the European Society for Opinion and Market Research (ESOMAR), and the Marketing and Opinion Research Society of the Philippines (MORES). One of the first businesses to register with the COMELC was Tangere.

Email Tangere at [email protected] to obtain the topline report and analytics for this non-commissioned study.

Three important organizations have acknowledged Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) for its noteworthy contributions to the tourism and housing development industries. The business was honored by the City Government of Davao’s PASIDUNGOG: Garbo sa Dabaw 2025 awards, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and the Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholders’ Accomplishment Report (StAR) Awards.

Recognized for Excellence in Housing and Community Development

Alsons Dev receives multiple awards from BPI for its strong performance in housing loan takeouts with (L–R): BPI VP and Product and Channels Division Head Noreene Cayco, Alsons Dev Director Marco Alcantara, Alsons Dev Finance Officer Jocelyn Celeste, Sr. Billing & Collection Assistant Glemaric Solmayor, Sr. Liaison Processor Aldrin Calibo, Jr. Liaison Processor Porferio Saludes Jr., BPI VP and Retail Lending and Bancassurance Group Head Dexter Lloyd Cuajotor, and BPI VP and Retail Mortgage Division Head Bernadette Ocampo.

At the BPI Awards held on March 18, 2025, at the National Museum of Natural History, Alsons Dev received multiple distinctions for its housing loan performance—primarily driven by its mid-cost housing brand Nurtura. The company was named the Top 4 Local Developer in Title Delivery and Top 7 Local Developer in Production, as well as top recognitions for two new categories: Top Local Developer in Loan Portfolio Quality and Top Local Developer in Market Share.

Having been a consistent awardee at the BPI Awards since 2020, these new honors further highlight the company’s dedication to customer-centric service and commitment to compliance and operational excellence in housing delivery.

The Pag-IBIG StAR Awards recognize top-performing employers, developers, and collection partners in Mindanao for the second half of 2024. Representing Alsons Dev on stage are Jr. Liaison Assistant Crisbert Mating (fourth from left), Legal Management Sr. Supervisor Julie Sarah Cariño (fifth from left), Finance Officer Jocelyn Celeste (sixth from left), Legal Management Manager Gloria Concepcion (center), Sr. Finance Supervisor Evangelica Albaera (fifth from right), and Jr. Legal Management Assistant Lienard Tacdol (fourth from right)

Complementing its private-sector distinction, Alsons Dev was also honored by a national government entity. On March 14, at the Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholders’ Accomplishment Report (Pag-IBIG StAR) Awards held at SMX Convention Center Davao, the company received the Special Award for the Highest Number of Socialized Units Taken Out in the Mindanao region. This recognition was driven by Molave Homes, its socialized housing project in Alabel, Sarangani. The award affirms Alsons Dev’s support for accessible homeownership and its strong coordination with Pag-IBIG Fund in serving the housing needs of Filipinos.

“These recognitions from both private and government institutions reinforce our purpose: to make quality housing more accessible to Filipino families through well-planned communities, reliable service, and a deep commitment to our core values of excellence and customer-centricity. We are grateful for the trust of our partners and proud of the teams that consistently embody these values to deliver outstanding results,” said Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, President and CEO of Alsons Dev.

Pasidungog 2025: Garbo sa Dabaw, a highlight of the 88th Araw ng Dabaw celebration, recognizes 140 individuals and organizations for their contributions across various sectors. Receiving the award on behalf of Poblacion Market Central are Alsons Dev President and CEO Miguel Dominguez and AVP for Business Development & Operations Jolla Soriaga

Rounding out the honors, Alsons Dev was recognized at the Pasidungog 2025: Garbo sa Dabaw awarding ceremony on March 13. Poblacion Market Central was awarded under the Tourism category for its role in promoting Mindanaoan heritage and supporting local enterprises.

“We take pride in creating spaces that celebrate Mindanaoan heritage while fostering vibrant communities. This recognition reaffirms our mission to support local enterprises and contribute to Davao City’s sustainable growth,” Miguel Dominguez added.

A Testament to Alsons Dev’s Commitment to Inclusive Growth

Together, the BPI, Pag-IBIG Fund, and City Government of Davao awards highlight Alsons Dev’s wide-ranging accomplishments, which range from promoting local economic development to increasing access to high-quality housing. Alsons Dev, a domestic developer, is dedicated to building communities that are well-planned and beneficial to families and the places in which they reside.

Go to https://alsonsdev.com to learn more about Alsons Dev and its latest developments.

Left to right, from top to bottom: Perpilili Vivienne Tiongson, Head of Operations, Lopez Group Foundation; Roniño Gibe, Watershed Management Officer, Energy Development Corporation; Sebastian C. Quiniones, League of Corporate Foundations Advisory Council and Executive Director, Pilipinas Shell Foundation; Dr. Lydia Echauz, Executive Director, Henry Sy Foundation, Inc.; Philip Francisco Dy, Trustee, League of Corporate Foundations and Executive Vice President, Metrobank Foundation, Inc.; Melody del Rosario, President, Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc.; Austere Panadero, League of Corporate Foundations Trustee and President and Executive Director, Zuellig Family Foundation, Inc.; Christian Tandoy, Ronald McDonald House of Charities Philippines; Ramon Derige, Treasurer, League of Corporate Foundations, and Executive Director, SEAOIL Foundation; Chito Sobrepeña, League of Corporate Foundations Advisory Council and Executive Director of Metrobank Foundation, Inc.; Carmina Marquez, Executive Director, BPI Foundation; Juvylyn Reniva, Chair of League of Corporate Foundations Enterprise Development Committee and Associate Director, BPI Foundation; Carmen Linda Atayde, Executive Director for Education Programs, SM Foundation; Shem Jose Garcia, Chairperson, League of Corporate Foundations and Executive Director, Vivant Foundation, Inc.; Jonathan Batangan, Executive Director, Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc.; and, Edric Calma, Vice Chairperson, League of Corporate Foundations and Vice President, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. Photo from League of Corporate Foundations.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) should be incorporated into business plans and corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, according to the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF). LCF organizes the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo to facilitate this change by giving business executives a forum to network, develop, and promote sustainable growth.

I’m truly excited about this conference, as it presents a valuable opportunity to further empower the business sector in delivering more impactful and socially responsive services to its clients.

The Expo will be held from July 1 to 2 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City, while the Conference will be held from July 1 to 3 at Dusit Thani Manila. With the subject “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity for Shared Prosperity,” it emphasizes how important it is for companies to incorporate DEI into their core business plans in order to make sure that CSR activities serve as a catalyst for sustainability, shared prosperity, and systemic change.

“Integrating DEI into business strategies is not only about corporate responsibility,” said Shem Jose Garcia, Chairperson of LCF and Executive Director of Vivant Foundation, Inc. “Businesses that prioritize DEI do more than adapt, they lead. By embedding DEI into their core strategies, they unlock new opportunities, drive meaningful change, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for all. This includes intentional efforts to ensure the inclusion of under-represented groups, particularly women, persons who are differently abled, senior citizens, and indigenous people and people of various faiths and beliefs, and others.”

McKinsey & Company emphasizes that DEI should go beyond representation and be embedded in a purpose-driven strategy to drive inclusive leadership, innovation, and long-term success. A Boston Consulting Group study found that 43% of Southeast Asian companies, including those in the Philippines, now have diversity programs which shows an increase from 36% in 2020, reflecting growing regional commitment.

Attendees of the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo can look forward to thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and actionable insights on integrating DEI into both CSR initiatives and overall business operations.

Recognizing Outstanding CSR Initiatives

As part of LCF’s commitment to elevating CSR excellence, the 2025 Guild Awards will honor outstanding initiatives of its members that have significantly impacted communities. These awards will be presented during the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo, highlighting best practices in corporate social responsibility.

Additionally, the Medal of Recognition will celebrate the impactful interventions of non-LCF members. This special award acknowledges businesses and corporate foundations that have made a difference across seven thematic areas: Arts and Culture, Disaster Resilience, Education, Environment, Enterprise Development, Financial Inclusion, and Health.

The Expo will showcase CSR innovations that highlight how the tight integration of DEI into core organizational and business strategies has brought about change for the better for the communities they work with, providing a space for businesses, NGOs, academe, youth groups, and government agencies to engage and collaborate.

LCF will also highlight key milestones of its flagship effort called ”LCF’s Initiative for Food Security, Nutrition, and Empowerment” or LIFE at the Expo. LIFE combines nutrition support, livelihood programs, and local capacity-building to combat child malnutrition. Through targeted interventions, LCF aims to reduce stunting among Filipino children.

In line with the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), LIFE takes a province-by-province approach, starting with Basilan, where it is working alongside the provincial government and key stakeholders.

Left to right: Shem Jose Garcia, Chairperson, League of Corporate Foundations and Executive Director, Vivant Foundation, Inc.; Edric Calma, Vice Chairperson, League of Corporate Foundations and Vice President, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.; and, Jonathan Batangan, Executive Director, Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. Photo from League of Corporate Foundations.

The 2025 CSR Conference and Expo is co-presented by Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. and co-organized with Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Foundation, Inc., and The SM, Henry Sy, and Felicidad T. Sy Foundations, Inc. It is also made possible through the support of BPI Foundation, Inc., Manila Water Foundation, Inc., Metrobank Foundation, Inc., Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., and Vivant Foundation, Inc., with special thanks to Energy Development Corporation, Inc., Lopez Group Foundation, Inc., and Jollibee Group Foundation, Inc. LCF also thanks BDO Foundation, Inc., and Citizen of the World Philippines Foundation, Inc. and acknowledges Ayala Foundation, Inc., Ronald McDonald House Charities, Security Bank Foundation, Inc., Unilab Foundation, Inc., and Zuellig Family Foundation, Inc. for their support. These and other partners help foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing on sustainability and inclusivity.

Enhancing CSR Practice for an Equitable Future

In order to make a lasting impact, LCF encourages companies to take initiative, reconsider their CSR plans, and support DEI-driven growth through the 2025 CSR Conference and Expo. Garcia went on to say, “LCF remains dedicated to encouraging responsible CSR, assisting members and businesses in embracing DEI as a crucial driver of sustainable development in our nation.”

The Philippines’ premier network for supporting governance-driven, social, and environmental projects is LCF, which is made up of business and family foundations that operate and award grants.