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For many people, maintaining a home is a rewarding but difficult endeavor, especially when making courageous choices to adopt a more sustainable way of life. Homemakers are now aware of the importance of living sustainably for their families’ health and well-being as well as the environment.

Living sustainably entails making decisions that safeguard the planet’s long-term health and well being while also preserving the standard of living for future generations. Utilizing environmentally friendly items will help you do this while also lowering your carbon footprint by using less energy, water, and other natural resources.

Thankfully, the SM Store’s SM Green Finds program has made it simpler for housewives to make eco-friendly decisions. The program offers a wide selection of environmentally friendly and consumer-friendly sustainable goods.

As part of SM Green Finds, ACE Express offers a wide array of biodegradable cleaning solutions and products for environmentally conscious homemakers. One of the standout products that carry the Green Finds badge are these organic cleaners formulated with eco-friendly surfactants which make them safe for families and the environment.

“A sustainable household uses less energy, conserves earth’s resources and uses products that are less harmful to the environment.  Ace Express is committed to making sustainable products more available in as many categories as possible,” said Bernard Ong, SVP and ACE Hardware Business Head.

For those who love gardening, ACE Express has Ramgo, Vertigo, and Konice, which are natural-growing media that use by-products found in local farms and mountainsides of the Philippines. These eco-friendly alternatives to conventional growing media are perfect for those who want to start planting sustainably.

Also from ACE Express, are biodegradable alternatives for planting such as pots made from wood powder and rice or corn husks with resin which are sustainable options for eco-conscious plantitos and plantitas.

Under SM Home, consumers can choose from a wide variety of linens, such as bedsheets and towels made of Bamboo – a raw material that is eco-friendly and sustainably sourced. In SM Store- shoppers will have access to handcrafted home accents by artisans and social enterprises made from locally sourced materials like rattan, bamboo and abaca.  “SM Home collaborates with our suppliers to offer first to market sustainable products. We always aim not only to make our customers feel good about the choices they make but also make their home green,” said Janice Yang, SM Home Business Head.  One shining example is Bright Ideas – a social enterprise that manufactures home scents and candles which are available at SM Home.

Making the switch to a green lifestyle involves more than just purchasing eco-friendly goods; it also involves making decisions that are sustainable for the world and future generations. Parents may show their children the value of being environmentally conscious and the various ways they can live a greener lifestyle by choosing sustainable items.

By using these products, Filipino families can make small changes that will allow them to shift to a greener lifestyle and promote sustainability at home. “The SM Store serves as the marketplace to showcase their products and offerings as well as an avenue for these MSMEs to hone their entrepreneurial skills and grow their businesses, and a catalyst that inspires more businesses to embrace sustainability, one step at a time” said Dhinno Tiu, EVP SM Store. 

By promoting goods that are eco-friendly, created from natural and local ingredients, and support local communities, SM Green Finds makes green living simple for its clients. Search for The SM Green Movement to learn more about our sustainability initiatives.

The auto tech and mobility sectors are poised for a fresh dawn right in the center of Manila. The rate of technological development in this field is nothing short of electric, and cooperation is essential to making sure we are heading in the correct way. Enter the Auto Tech & Mobility Startups Roundtable (Roundtable ATM), a gathering that has the potential to revolutionize the sector.

We must synchronize our gears, both figuratively and literally, as we approach the fourth industrial revolution. Industries all around the world are quickly catching up with the rapid pace of technological development. The future looks bright yet intimidating, with AI-driven vehicles and cutting-edge mobility solutions that challenge conventional transportation patterns. However, stakeholders need a platform to share, work together, and develop in order to realize the full potential of these advancements. That very catalyst is what this roundtable wants to be.

This event, which is held at the prestigious Asian Institute of Management – Dado Banatao Incubator, is a must-attend for entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders. Insitute of Asian Studies Incubator for Management – Dado Banatao (AIM-DBI) has been in the forefront of encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation in the Philippines. It is not surprising that AIM-DBI has accepted the responsibility of enabling this historic movement in the auto tech and mobility area given its unmatched dedication to startup development.

The recent founding members meeting held at AIM-DBI witnessed these innovators gather to discuss, debate, and devise a blueprint for a more connected and efficient future. Their discussions were not just about technology but also about the economic, environmental, and societal implications of these advancements. The objective was clear: to cultivate an environment where startups, innovators, and industry giants can collaborate, innovate, and drive the nation forward.

The Roundtable ATM isn’t just another networking event; it’s a vision-casting session. It is the genesis of what is envisioned to be the Auto Tech and Mobility Startups Association of the Philippines. But why is such an association vital?

The auto tech and mobility sectors are uniquely positioned. Their growth is not just representative of technological progress but also holds the potential to impact broader socio-economic dimensions. Think of improved urban mobility solutions easing daily commutes, or the potential for green vehicles reducing the carbon footprint. These advancements hold the promise to transform cities, lifestyles, and economies. Hence, creating a unified voice in the form of an association can pave the way for collaborative progress, pushing boundaries and setting new industry standards.

Yet, the journey to such an integrated future has its challenges. Startups, despite their innovative ideas, often struggle to find the right market fit or scale their operations. On the other hand, established industry players might grapple with adapting to rapidly evolving tech trends. This roundtable, themed “Gear Up for the Future,” is all about bridging these gaps. It provides a platform where challenges are not just discussed but solutions are collaboratively built.

But what can participants expect from the roundtable?

1. Insightful Discussions: With a diverse pool of attendees from different segments of the auto tech and mobility sectors, expect rich, multifaceted discussions that cover a broad spectrum of industry challenges and opportunities.

2. Networking Opportunities: This isn’t about exchanging business cards but about building relationships. From startup founders to industry stalwarts, the event promises interactions that could lead to potential partnerships, investments, or even mentorships.

3. Shaping the Future: One of the primary objectives of the roundtable is to lay the foundational stones for the Auto Tech and Mobility Startups Association. Participants have a unique opportunity to be part of this nascent stage, influencing the direction and objectives of this proposed association.

4. Expert Inputs: From navigating regulatory challenges to understanding market dynamics, industry experts will share their insights, providing startups with invaluable guidance.

“Gear Up for the Future: One Roundtable at a Time” is not just a theme; it’s a clarion call. It embodies the spirit of collaboration, urging industry stakeholders to come together and shape the trajectory of the auto tech and mobility sectors.

The Roundtable Auto Tech & Mobility is a movement, not just an event, to sum up. It acknowledges the crucial part that cooperation plays in advancing the frontiers of innovation. This roundtable is a monument to the strength of group work as we prepare for this future. After all, the road to a technologically advanced, sustainable future is a shared one, not a solitary one.

The Livestock Philippines 2023 organizers recently presented ADM Philippines with the Excellent Performance designation in Commercial Feedmill for Swine at the World Trade Center in Manila.

One of the top producers of animal feed in the Philippines, ADM has been working with and supporting the nation’s livestock and poultry farmers for more than 20 years. ADM Philippines’ feedmills are strategically located and furnished with cutting-edge equipment and technology, enabling the company to create high-quality feed products that are secure, nourishing, and reasonably priced.

The company’s feedmill for swine is certified by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), which gives ADM’s customers assurance that the company’s feed products meet the high standards of quality and safety as set by the DA.

“Receiving this award is a way of being recognized for ADM’s achievements and efforts in helping the country achieve vital food security. This is a testament to our Philippine farmers who continuously grow their businesses in pig farming through the technology we provide in our animal feed” said Dr. Lorenzo Mapua, Managing Director of ADM’s animal nutrition business in the Philippines.

When it comes to worldwide B2B trade shows for the livestock, poultry, aquaculture, feeds, and meat industries, Livestock Philippines has always been at the forefront. Attendees receive access to a variety of technical seminars, conferences, and other events that spark their interest in the newest advances in their field as well as market trends. The biannual event has been assisting in the growth and promotion of the aforementioned industries, which ADM is also devoted to enhancing through the introduction of cutting-edge goods and services.

As he officially opened this year’s event, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is presently serving as acting secretary of the Department of Agriculture, was the guest of honor. ADM Philippines received both the Sustainability Booth Design Award for Creativity and the Excellent in Performance in Commercial Feedmill for Swine distinction. This enhances the recognition ADM received for its Sustainability Booth Design Award for Information last year.

RiteMED, one of the most reputable pharmaceutical firms in the Philippines, has joined forces with Allianz PNB Life, one of the top life insurance companies in the Philippines, as its newest partner for the Allianz Healthbox. The health and wellness services offered to all Allianz PNB Life Health clients are further improved by this agreement.

Allianz Healthbox is a one-stop shop for healthcare, lifestyle, and wellness needs. All Allianz PNB Life customers are entitled to exclusive perks from Allianz Healthbox partners. “Nowadays people are realizing how important it is to take care of well-being. At Allianz PNB Life, we support our customers’ health journey beyond health protection products. Healthbox has been our means to provide extra care for clients through the benefits offered by our partner brands,” said Leonardo Tan Jr., Chief Product Provider Officer at Allianz PNB Life. He added, “Our partnership with RiteMED provides customers with convenient access to affordable maintenance medication. It boosts the value-added offerings of our over 50 partners who continue to empower our valued customers in safeguarding physical health and peace of mind.”

Customers of Allianz PNB Life Health can now purchase from the RiteMED Tamang Alaga online store and take advantage of a variety of medications, discounts, and freebies thanks to this relationship with RiteMED.

Allianz Healthbox also offers well-known health and lifestyle leaders such as:

• Free Teleconsultation from KonsultaMD

• Free In-Clinic Consultation from MyHealth

• Free Gym Access from Anytime Fitness

• Free Mindfulness Meditation Workshop from Whitespace Wellness

• Free Eye Scan from Asian Eye Institute

You can also visit https://www.allianzpnblife.ph/healthbox.html to learn more about Healthbox partners freebies and perks.

This partnership solidifies Allianz PNB Life’s commitment to prioritizing the overall health and well-being of its customers. As more partners join the Allianz Healthbox network, we are further strengthening our comprehensive healthcare solutions to cater to the diverse needs of our valued customers. “At Allianz PNB Life, we go beyond health protection. We, together with our Life Changers, are here to support the customers in their health and wellness journey,” emphasized Christopher Cabognason, Chief Distribution Officer. “That is why we offer innovative and customer-centric services that go beyond traditional insurance coverage. We believe in nurturing strong partnerships with other leading organizations in various industries, so that we can deliver value-added benefits and top-notch customer experience. Together, let’s safeguard your well-being and embrace a healthier future.”

At the Life Track Stations at PNB branches across the country, our passionate Allianz Life Changers are ready to assist you in determining the level of life and health protection that you require. For more details, you can also go to https://www.allianzpnblife.ph/healthbox.html.

In Metro Manila’s largest cities, there is an increasing need for residential space. This is because the real estate industry is thought to profit from the economy’s further opening up, particularly the increase in foreign investments and the reintroduction of office mandates.

In response to the rising demand for investment-worthy properties in Metro Manila, Federal Land, Inc.’s flagship real estate developer Horizon Land has launched Quantum Residences, a three-tower building ideally situated along Taft Avenue in Pasay City.

“Taft Avenue has seen a lot of development in the past decade and has been home to many students, young professionals, and growing families who are drawn by its proximity to top-notch schools, thriving business districts, and complete services and amenities that are essential for everyday life,” said John Frederick Cabato, General Manager of Horizon Land. “It is precisely this harmony of completeness, convenience, and vibrance that inspired the vision for Quantum Residences, now on its’ third and final tower. With this strategically located three-tower condo, Horizon Land empowers residents to pursue their aspirations and live a balanced and meaningful life.”

Located near the intersection of Taft Avenue and Sen. Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue, Quantum Residences’ big draws are accessibility and convenience. It is nestled near some of the top-performing universities in Metro Manila like De La Salle University, De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde, Arellano University, St. Scholastica’s College, and University of the Philippines Manila, as well as premier business centers like Makati Central Business District and Manila Bay Area.

Another draw of Quantum Residences is its transit-oriented location. Commuting residents can enjoy the pleasure of getting to places conveniently as city buses and jeepneys regularly ply the area. LRT-1 and PNR stations are also a stone’s throw away, while going to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, and Metro Manila Skyway would only take a short trip from the condominium.

Worthwhile investment

Quantum Residences has been proven to be a popular choice among homebuyers and investors since its launch. Its first two towers, the Aqua and Amethyst Towers, have enjoyed brisk and consistent sales take-up as more buyers see high investment potential in modern and affordable developments located in prime areas.

Prospective homebuyers and investors can expect Quantum Residences to become a lucrative investment. Investors are provided with well-built units for rent, which can benefit from rising prices and improving rental yields because of its central location to Makati CBD, Bay Area business park, university belt, various dining options, and retail hubs. While homeowners can enjoy comfortable living spaces that nurture a balanced and dynamic lifestyle as they face the ‘next normal.’

Work-life balance takes center stage

Quantum Residences offers studio units that are perfect for students, one-bedroom units ideal for young professionals, and two-bedroom units best for start-up families.

Each residential unit will be equipped with smart features like keycard door lock security, USB outlets, and fiber-optic internet connection provisions. Rest and relaxation comes easy with a wide range of wellness and recreational amenities such as swimming pools, fitness gym, KTV room, sky lounge, game room, gazebo, multi-purpose court, pocket garden, plaza, and jogging paths.

Residents who work or study from home can find alternate spaces for remote work and study at the business center, conference room, study lounge, and hobby room.

There will also be two levels dedicated to commercial and retail units located on the ground floor and second floor of the towers.

Horizon Land Grand Open House

Join the Horizon Land Grand Open House on Sunday, August 6, 2023 from 11 AM to 7 PM at Le Pavillon, Metro Park, Pasay City to discover more about Quantum Residences.

View some of the vibrant and active residential communities that Horizon Land has built in Metro Manila. On that day, guests can receive up to a 20% discount on chosen flats or up to P2.5M in furniture and equipment.

Bring the family along for a day packed with exciting and enjoyable activities like a family portrait session, a DIY Filipino dessert bar, an arts and crafts booth, and a vintage gaming area.

Visit www.horizonland.ph or send an email to [email protected]. for more information.

With the dedication of the Four Season Riviera Peony Tower, Federal Land, Inc. marks another significant achievement. A tribute to Federal Land’s dedication to offering well-built living spaces, wellness amenities, and an auspicious address that brings good chances to more homeowners in Binondo, Manila, the event celebrates the structural completion of the third tower of the complex.

The Four Season Riviera is a luxurious riverfront mansion that was created to welcome luck and wealth by allowing good feng shui to flow straight inside the building. Residents have easy access to thriving commercial districts, food hotspots, leisure destinations, and neighboring historic sites like Intramuros thanks to its prime position within Binondo, Manila. Residents now have access to peace and quiet without being completely cut off from Manila’s busy commercial district and key thoroughfares thanks to the construction of the third tower.

Visit www.federalland.ph for more information on the Four Season Riviera Peony Tower or send an email to [email protected] to schedule a private viewing at the GF Four Seasons Riviera, Muelle De La Industria corner Prensa Street and Numancia St, Binondo, Manila.

The world’s biggest cleft-focused charity, Smile Train, and Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation Philippines, Inc. (NCFPI) open the nation’s first Cleft Leadership Center (CLC), united by a shared mission to enhancing access to cleft care. The opening of this premier cleft clinic, which coincides with Smile Train’s milestone of funding more than 75,000 cleft surgeries in the Philippines, affirms the organization’s ongoing commitment to offering improved progressive care, particularly for cleft-affected Filipinos in need. As we witnessed the event, I acquired so much information about the organization and its genuine mission to give a bright smile to those with cleft palates. I also had the chance to talk to one of the surgeons there and get enlightened on how these surgeries work, especially for the young ones. I was delighted that the event was successfully held and we got so much information from them.

“Smile Train celebrates its 75,000 cleft surgery milestone this year and, as we recognize this significant accomplishment, we know there is still more work ahead of us. The launch of the CLC represents our commitment to continuously providing safe, high-quality, and timely care for the Philippine cleft community by building a stronger, comprehensive cleft care system,” shared Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train’s Vice President for Southeast Asia.

The CLC also functions as a regional center for cleft care and education, building on Smile Train’s all-inclusive strategy and long-term paradigm for cleft care. The CLC’s presence in the nation fills the gap between the community of Filipinos with clefts and their accessibility to high-quality cleft care.

High-Quality Cleft Care

The CLC is a multidisciplinary center that provides 100% free comprehensive cleft care from birth to adulthood, powered by a capable local network of medical professionals.

To reach more cleft-affected Filipinos in need, Smile Train strengthened its existing partnership with NCFPI, an organization that leads the standard of multidisciplinary cleft care in the Philippines. Both organizations work together to provide free, quality cleft care to Filipinos who would otherwise not be able to afford the treatment they need.

“NCFPI is a long-time partner of Smile Train in bringing holistic cleft care to cleft-affected individuals in the Philippines. The CLC ensures that an individual’s treatment journey does not stop with cleft surgery but also requires other services necessary for them to live a full and healthier life,” said Dr. Bernard Tansipek, President of NCFPI.

The CLC brings comprehensive cleft care closer to Filipinos as it houses different services necessary for holistic treatment and rehabilitation. All these can be found in NCFPI’s two sites: the Smile Train Craniofacial Center in Joshua Center, which has orthodontic and speech therapy services, and at the Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Parañaque where surgeries, orthodontics and dental treatment, nutrition services, and counseling are held.

The CLC also serves as a training and educational hub for local medical practitioners. The skills and experience of the cleft teams and state-of-the-art technology in these centers help build local medical capacity in treating different types of clefts, ensuring that Filipinos do not have to travel far to get access to high-quality cleft care. Smile Train supports NCFPI with the needed resources and enables them to help those in need.

Going Beyond the 75k Smiles

The opening of the first CLC in the Philippines opens the door for more Filipinos to receive the excellent, secure, and free care they require. More than this, it also symbolizes a continual innovation and improvement of care that will result in a more ideal outcome for every procedure.

Visit smiletrain.org  to learn more about Smile Train’s international initiatives. Visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Twitter and Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines to find out more about our regional initiatives in the Philippines.

Together, let’s celebrate Padday na Lima’s 17th year and its return to the metropolis’ BEAUTY, CULTURE, VAST RESOURCES, and INFINITE OPPORTUNITIES!

We celebrate Region 2’s festive, rich, dynamic, sophisticated, and quality-certified offerings at the 17th Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair in this all-in-one bonanza!

The platform now has a promising position as the nation’s leading provider of minimally processed foods for institutional use thanks to its ongoing innovation and development initiatives.

“Padday Na Lima”, an Ybanag vernacular that means “made by hands” or “hand-crafted”, is the banner of the agency for the marketing and promotion of Region 2 products.

A bigger trade and industry community will definitely catch your scrutiny as we will be engaging retail and institutional buyers in the B2B matching!

Get mesmerized with Breathtaking Batanes, Endless Fun Cagayan, Majestic Isabela Naturally Vibrant Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino: Your Basket of Happiness and fill your shopping carts with their products at the Product Showcases all brought to the metro! These goods are also made available online at https://paddaynalima.com/ powered by DeliverE and Mayani!

The Department of Tourism Region 2 will also spotlight the islands and valley of fun for their rich culture and well-known tourist destinations, offering tourism packages through tour operators.

In order to create awareness and build relationships with the top institutional buyers and regional MSMEs, Padday na Lima will also host its inaugural Media Experience Tour this year.

Watch the parade of colors in the Padday na Lima Collection fashion show and experience the tastes of the Cagayan Valley through wine and food tasting, the Wheel of Prizes, the Padday na Lima Bingo Challenge, basic weaving, bag painting, and homemade paper beading demonstrations, as well as a series of courses.

Visit the 17th Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair from August 7–13, 2023, in the Carousel Court, Upper Ground Floor, West Wing, Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, to see and taste the flavors and colors of the Cagayan Valley.

The spirit can be nourished and healed via art. The world’s largest cleft-focused nonprofit, Smile Train, is bringing the transforming power of art to the Philippine cleft community through Art Impact for Health as it commemorates funding of more than 75,000 cleft surgeries in the country.

Art Impact for Health is a global effort run in collaboration with the World Health Organization that aims to increase psychological wellbeing for all patients by facilitating healing and communication. sPatients with clefts continue to be stigmatized, and many of them are bullied or treated unfairly as a result of their condition. They consequently struggle with poor self-esteem and a negative perception of themselves.

Developing sustainable cleft care in the Philippines

Smile Train knows that cleft care is not just surgical care, and patients with cleft often need ongoing speech, orthodontic, nutrition, and psychosocial care to survive and thrive. Beyond surgery, cleft patients need psychosocial care integrated into their cleft treatment. In celebration of the organization’s 75,000 surgery landmark, Smile Train, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Philippine Band of Mercy, held an art workshop today, bringing the cleft community closer together. The event was attended by patients and families affected by cleft, cleft community advocates, representatives of the World Health Organization, and Smile Train partners and ambassadors, including the winner and runners-up of Miss Universe Philippines 2023.

The workshop aims to help cleft-affected patients discover healing through art by forging a connection between one’s mind and body, thereby enabling self-expression and empowerment.

“Healing and health go beyond procedures and treatments. Psychosocial well-being plays a big role in healing and recovery, as well as in building resilience to overcome challenges,” said Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Smile Train Asia.

“As such, we at Smile Train are proud to work alongside the World Health Organization in the Art Impact for Health initiative, as it engages not just patients but those helping in their care by supporting culture and art activities that promote well-being and health for all.”

The Art Impact for Health workshop also spreads awareness and deters stigma regarding cleft, which affects children around the world – including the Philippines, where around 5,000 children are born with a cleft every year.

It also mirrors Smile Train’s enduring commitment to serve the Filipino cleft community through free cleft care and treatment services that can bring transformative change to thousands of Filipinos born with a cleft.  

Over time, Smile Train has succeeded in achieving its goal of developing a sustainable and regional strategy for financing operations and other critical medical services. It advocates for completely free cleft repair surgery and total cleft care for kids, including through developments like telehealth, the opening of comprehensive cleft care facilities across the country, and initiatives like Art Impact for Health. Through programs that offer access to comprehensive cleft care services, Smile Train treats each patient as a whole, fostering in them the confidence to engage with others in the classroom, community, and workplace and ultimately enabling them to thrive.

Visit smiletrain.org. to learn more about Smile Train’s global initiatives and to make a donation. Visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Twitter and Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines to find out more about our regional initiatives in the Philippines.

Billy dela Fuente is well-known to many in the area of professional consumer direct marketing.

Billy is one of the Philippines’ top businessmen and direct marketing specialists along with his wife Josephine. In a significant acknowledgement of his sales accomplishments, he was USANA Health Sciences’ highest income earner in the Philippines from 2013 to 2019 and its youngest “Million Dollar Club” member globally.

His 13-year-old business, XTRM 1-11 (pronounced “Extreme One Eleven”), operates in eight nations: the United States, Germany, Canada, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Italy.

Billy is a mentor, a role model, and an inspiration to many people. He is a salesman and an entrepreneur at heart. He sees the professionalization of direct marketing as a way for Filipino businesspeople to make the most of their talents and not merely as a corporate sales strategy for more product distribution.

A rebel, a waiter, and an engineering student

The third among the four siblings, Billy’s father was an entrepreneur who made money selling chemical supplies. This business meant that the Dela Fuentes were constantly moving across the country. Billy hopped from one school to another until college when he entered the chemical engineering program at the University of Santos Tomas.

While in college, Billy witnessed the downfall of his father’s business and how it affected his life severely. As the family went bankrupt, he was asked to stop his school for the time being to focus on selling soft drinks. But Billy rebelled; he packed up his things and left home, angry with the unwelcome detour of their fortunes.

“It was a difficult period in my life to be alone, broke, hungry, and trying to keep up with my academics. I remember being in debt with almost everyone I knew, and I even sold my SIM card for 50 pesos just to have something to eat on one particular day,” recalls Billy.

He found work as a waiter at Red Ribbon. It was then that he discovered his love for selling and interacting with people. He was so good at upselling cakes that he was frequently rewarded at the end of his shift. He was made a cashier as a result. He eventually left waiting tables as a working student and discovered modeling, a career which he soon realized was not for him.

Having married Josephine in 2009, they found success in direct selling and made it into a partnership that blossomed over the years while tending to 4 growing children. Billy became the Philippines’ first 2-star diamond director (and eventually its first 10-star diamond director). His successive climb eventually reached Asia Pacific; for four years from 2011, he was among the 25 fastest-growing direct sellers in the region. For 2 consecutive years, Billy was also awarded as part of USANA’s Fortune 25, a recognition reserved to top global income earners. He was the first Filipino to be included in this group.

His laurels continued to arrive: In 2017, Billy was awarded by ANCE with its People’s Choice Rising Star Global Best Male Award, and, the year after, he received the Most Outstanding Trainor in the Philippines award from the Junior Chambers International. In the U.S. Billy received the USANA True Health Ambassador Award, a recognition of associates who support USANA’s True Health Foundation through charity, service, and promotion.

“Earning money is different from managing money,” he shares. “You have to know both to achieve your personal ambitions.”

Lifelong learning & paying it forward.

An important ingredient to Billy’s success is his ability to form a great team. Having founded XTRM 1-11 in 2010, he, Josephine, and his core group of leaders expanded the organization internationally to nearly 400,000 associates, and at one point he became the top enroller in Asia Pacific by sponsoring the most number of new direct associates.

Billy’s personality and outlook have made him a popular inspirational speaker, giving 60 talks each year before the pandemic. This record included speaking engagements in Mexico for 15,000 people and South Korea for 10,000 listeners.

He inspires people by going beyond selling, helping them understand purpose and how to make sense of their careers and personal lives. “Everyone has the potential to succeed. The challenge is how to turn that potential energy into kinetic energy,” he says.

He founded and invested in several businesses, including Infinitemedia Corporation, a digital marketing agency and House of Bilao, a restaurant in Pasig; he invested in Xpense, an IT company that provided automatic delivery systems for SMEs; and he was a franchise store owner of a Technomarine shop in Uptown BGC. While these businesses were significantly affected by the pandemic, Billy understands that one learns more from failing than they do from winning. He used these lessons to drive XTRM 1-11 further.

“People often ask me: ‘How do you become driven?’ I acknowledge it can be difficult to push oneself. We are often drawn to settle and take the short route. One should learn or find out about their “Deep Why”. There will be a lot of tests and hardships ahead, but when you know the things that will push you to do greater things in life, you will become unstoppable.”

“Successful people are disciplined. They become winners through consistency,” he shares.

Billy hopes to mentor up to a million colleagues, both directly and through the mentees he has been training for more than 15 years. Billy, who is only 40 years old, is moving quickly while helping others.