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The Rizal Park Hotel Welcomes the New Year with Style

Imagine ringing in the New Year while perched atop one of Manila’s finest hotels, celebrating with champagne on December 31 while taking in the view of the fireworks over Manila Bay. Wouldn’t that be an amazing way to mark the end of a year?

With a variety of incentives, beginning with the New Year Countdown Celebrate 2023 package, Rizal Park Hotel is welcoming 2023 in style. Guests can watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks while savoring the Deck Lounge’s distinctive drinks, canapes, and Champagne toast for just PhP 1,299 per person. The countdown will remain cheerful and upbeat throughout the entire night thanks to a live DJ performance.

Rizal Park Hotel is providing a 3D2N room package for visitors staying between December 31 and January 2 if they want to relax. Guests can unwind in a Deluxe Room for just Php 11,999 while also taking advantage of the complimentary buffet breakfast and the Celebrate 2023 countdown celebrations on New Year’s Eve at the Deck Lounge. Guests of the 3D2N stay can upgrade to a spa experience for two at the Rizal Park Hotel for just Php 1,000 more.

About Rizal Park Hotel Opened in 2017, Rizal Park Hotel welcomes travelers to the historic boutique property that was once Manila’s social hall, the Army and Navy Club (ANC). Designed by the renowned architect William Parsons and unveiled in 1911, the ANC played host to Filipinos and Americans who relaxed, played sports, and enjoyed the high life within its grounds.

Meticulously conserved and restored into a boutique hotel by Oceanville Hotel and Spa Corporation, Rizal Park Hotel features 107 rooms and an array of sumptuous dining options, such as authentic Chinese restaurant Imperial Court and all-day dining Rizal Cafe. The hotel also offers relaxing fitness and spa amenities and indoor and alfresco event spaces. Its proximity to Luneta, Intramuros, and Manila Ocean Park makes it the ideal place to stay and enjoy the city.

Visit the Rizal Park Hotel in Ermita, Manila, on South Road for additional details and to make reservations. You can reach [email protected] or dial (02) 8804 8700.

December 29, 2022 by
Lifestyle, News

One of BSP’s Outstanding Stakeholders in 2022 is SBA













  • Sterling Bank of Asia President and CEO, Mr. Cecilio San Pedro during the 2022 Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremonies.

The Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) honored Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA), one of the top thrift banks in the nation, on November 29 at the BSP Assembly Hall at the “2022 Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremonies.”

In his letter, BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla thanked both the public and commercial sectors for their assistance in putting effective, responsive, and calibrated policy measures into practice.

Among the nine recipients of awards from BSP’s headquarters, SBA is the only savings bank for its exceptional involvement in BSP’s Cash Service Alliance (CSA).

“We are honored to be recognized by the BSP for our strong commitment to the development and protection of the financial services industry,” said Cecilio Paul San Pedro, President and CEO of Sterling Bank of Asia. “This award is an affirmation of hard work and dedication in improving the financial well-being of our clients and every Filipino” San Pedro added.

Visit https://www.sterlingbankasia.com/ for more details.

December 28, 2022 by
Food, Lifestyle

The Creative and Simple Christmas Noche Buena Cooking Method

Everybody always eats a lot more around the holidays. It’s that time of year when we let our guard down a bit when it comes to what we eat because, let’s be honest, how much of Christmas would you have really enjoyed if you hadn’t attended every banquet there was?

What if, however, we told you that you did not have to give up a nutritious diet in order to enjoy the season? What if you discovered that you could quickly prepare your delectable recipe in your own kitchen?

Every home cook out there should have Breville’s Smart Oven Air Fryer on their Christmas wishlist. This oven from the high-end home brand can give you the best of both worlds in terms of flavor and simplicity of cooking as you make your way through the holidays. It is versatile, simple to use, and highly sturdy.

One of the beauties of the Smart Oven Air Fryer is its ten cooking functions that can let you make to-die-for crispy treats and scrumptious slow-cooked meals. Toast, bake, roast, grill, and of course air fry without any fuss while shortening your cooking time. Equipped with Dual Speed Convection, this kitchen partner speeds up the cooking process by raising hotter air while sinking colder one. The result: 30 percent reduced cooking time as compared to regular ovens and air fryers! 

Richie Zamora, the vlogger behind The Pickiest Eater in the World makes a perfect case for this when he prepared a full spread of TV chow snacks for his family to enjoy in minutes. He shares, “All these amazing snacks were cooked in the air fryer with absolutely no oil. Everything was cooked to a beautiful crisp, but you don’t even realize that they aren’t deep fried.” 

Let’s Eat Pare also showed how fast and easy it is to make restaurant-level fried crispy wings with Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer. In just 20 minutes, they were able to make a big batch of chicken wings in sour cream flavor! You can check out their recipe here if you want to try their version.

Of course, preparing healthier versions of dishes is another thing that makes this kitchen must-have from Breville essential. Air frying significantly reduces—if not totally removes—the use of oil in cooking, which means that you consume fewer calories and prevent weight gain and obesity when you air-fried food. Fortunately, for the Smart Oven Air Fryer, you don’t need to worry about sacrificing flavors just to go the healthier route. Chef Beng proves this when she made a Pinoy-style whole fried chicken using it. 

“Normally, I will have this deep fried, but using an air fryer is apparently so much better as the chicken is amazingly crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. Not to mention, this is a way healthier process than deep frying.”

“Just press a function and it automatically shows how long and high the cooking process will be.” This is made possible by Breville’s patented Element IQ System which is a smart algorithm that decides the ideal cooking environment for a range of different cooking techniques.

If you want to enjoy nutritious, delectable meals with less effort this holiday season, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is unquestionably the kitchen partner to have. According to Richie, Chef Beng, and Let’s Eat Pare, in that order:

“The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer proves that cooking doesn’t need to be greasy to be delicious, and preparing food with less guilt doesn’t mean less flavors either.” 

“It has 10 cooking functions which makes it a value-for-money purchase. I totally love it and I highly recommend this smart kitchen appliance.”

“It’s the ultimate kitchen tool you need to put on your Christmas shopping list, pare!” 

Why are you holding out? Your holiday wishlist should now include the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer. Visit the Breville website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about the product.

December 23, 2022 by
Food, Lifestyle

Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria reveal treats for 2023 beyond Christmas

The greatest time for an urban staycation is typically during the holidays when fewer people travel outside the city and the roads are less congested. For families looking to spend Christmas and New Year’s in the city, two venerable hotels in Ortigas have offers that are difficult to refuse.

The Holiday Package at Holiday Inn Manila Galleria starts at Php 7,088 nett per room, per night. Kids stay and eat free, as promised by Holiday Inn. Stay at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria for a more cosmopolitan experience; the Holiday Package starts at Php 8,088 nett per room, per night.

Both offers include a buffet breakfast, a Christmas welcome amenity, and dining credits (PhP 1,500 for Holiday Inn Manila Galleria and PhP 2,000 for Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria) that can be spent in any of the hotels’ restaurant selections.

The options for a sumptuous Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are simply aplenty, from the international cuisine of Seven Corners to the award-winning authentic Chinese restaurant Xin Tian Di.

At Seven Corners,guests will enjoy many of the signature dishes of the all-day dining restaurant, including Ribeye Steak, savory Roasted Turkey with Bread Stuffing, festive Holiday Ham and a seasoned-to-perfection Salmon Wellington. Guests can delight over these astounding dishes for only Php 3,300 nett per person on Christmas Eve.

A special spread will also be available for New Year’s Eve at PhP 3,300 nett per person and media noche at P 2,500 at Seven Corners.

Meanwhile, Xin Tian Di has prepared a special set menu for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. For a spectacular value of only Php1,888++ per person, guests can bask on truly authentic Chinese flavors crafted by Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria’s in-house Chinese executive chef.

Surprises for 2023

This Holiday Season, guests will get a glimpse of the remarkable transformation happening at Holiday Inn Manila Galleria and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. Both hotels recently unveiled their newly refurbished lobbies – part of a renovation plan that will bring contemporary flair and function to the two iconic hotels of Ortigas.

At Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, newly refreshed hotel rooms will unravel its “New Modern” style that answers the demand of the modern traveler, sparks imagination and the creative mind, and allows guests to re-energize and experience a sense of home. This new approach will emphasize productivity, efficiency, and performance, and at the same time provide comfortable, warm, relaxing, and delightfully inspiring experiences at the hotel.

The rooms at the Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, on the other hand, will transport visitors to a tropical getaway thanks to the la house en el Jardin de Jazmin theme’s vibrant color scheme and patterns. The hotel’s new motif, where the traditional and modern collide, aims to give each visitor staying in the Ortigas neighborhood a balance of luxury and comfort.

The first batch of rooms with these fresh layouts will be unveiled the following year.

For reservations and queries, contact the Holiday Inn Galleria Manila at 02 8790 9400 or the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila at [email protected].

Follow https://www.instagram.com/crowneplazamanilagalleria and https://www.instagram.com/holidayinnmanilagalleria to remain informed about the hotels.

December 21, 2022 by
Lifestyle

The top five presents for new and expectant mothers, according to Solenn Heussaff-Bolzico

Looking for the ideal Christmas present to give a new mother? Solenn Heussaff-Bolzico, a celebrity mom, offers some personal suggestions that you might wish to take into account!

Solenn, who is expecting the newest member of the family, talks about how she’s adjusting, something all mothers, especially first-time mothers, can identify all too well.

“I have always been very open about the fact that motherhood was not a walk in the park for me,” she shares. “I think that as a celebrity, it’s very important for myself to share these things with everyone so that other moms know that they are not alone in their struggles. Things can get pretty rough, but if I can overcome it, so can you.”

She adds, “Nothing will ever really prepare you for motherhood. Nothing. Especially during the first few months after giving birth to Tili, there were days when I would just ask myself, ‘When will it end? When will we get proper sleep again?’ It’s not a bad thing. We are entitled to feel tired. But of course, as moms, we must let our love for our family always take over. But, again, this doesn’t mean that we cannot ask for or expect help.”

But even with all the challenges of raising a toddler, Solenn still prioritizes healthy skin for Tili above anything else as this is the foundation of a healthy childhood. And for Christmas, Solenn shares the gift of healthy skin to her fellow moms through her recommendations.

“I believe that healthy skin should be essential to every baby, that’s why I’m so happy to share with you the products that help me raise Tili to the happy and healthy toddler that she is today!”

Here are Solenn’s top gift picks for Christmas:

  • Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion with Organic Calendula

First in Solenn’s list of recommendations is the newest product line from acclaimed sensitive skincare brand for babies, Cetaphil Baby. The Cetaphil Baby Calendula range is composed of three products, which includes the Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion with Organic Calendula. The Daily Lotion provides baby’s skin with 24-hour hydration to help soothe and calm sensitive skin. Formulated with calendula, sunflower oil, almond oil, and Vitamins B5 & E, the Daily Lotion is clinically proven to prevent baby’s skin from drying out.

  • Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula

Another product under the Calendula line is the Wash & Shampoo, which is specifically designed for head-to-toe use and is hypoallergenic and enriched with Calendula and Aloe for up to 8 hours of long-lasting moisturization. It also helps smoothen, soften, and improve skin texture, perfect for everyday use.

  • Cetaphil Baby Advanced Protection Cream with Organic Calendula

Finally, there’s the Advanced Protection Cream under the Calendula line, which is used for babies experiencing irritation & rough skin patches on cheeks, knees, elbow areas, or under those chubby folds. “This is especially great now that we’re experiencing colder days, that’s why Tili loves it so much whenever I apply the Advanced Protection Cream before going to bed.

  • Cetaphil Baby Gentle Cleansing Bar

As Tili grows to be an active toddler, playtime is part of her everyday routine. Before and after playtime, mealtime or anything in between, she already knows the importance of proper handwashing. The Gentle Cleansing Bar blends into a rich lather that gently cleanses and gives a moisturizing feeling on delicate skin. “We love this because it does not dry out her skin even with frequent washing.”

  • Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wipes

Baby Wipes may be one of the last things that you’ll think about giving someone, but for first-time moms, this is a definite must-have! Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wipes gently cleanses and moisturises baby’s delicate skin with its hypoallergenic formulation. It is made from 100% plant derived fabric and has natural ingredients like Aloe vera and Vitamin E. It also helps prevent baby’s skin from drying out, making Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wipes ideal for face and body use of baby’s delicate skin.

Don’t miss out on Cetaphil Baby’s incredible sales and discounts if you’re intending to purchase these necessities in time for the holidays! Simply add items to your cart at the official Cetaphil Flagship store on Shopee and Lazada and browse Solenn’s best selections.

“At the end of the day, Christmas is all about spending time with your loved ones, so any gift you’ll be able to give will be greatly appreciated by the receiver,” shares Solenn.

In addition to being sold on e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee, Watsons and Mercury Drug Stores also carry Cetaphil Baby.

December 18, 2022 by
Lifestyle

The BingoPlus Foundation is looking for 10 excellent students to receive Full Scholarship for College











  • iACADEMY Raquel Wong Chief Operating Officer and AB Leisure Exponent, Inc. President and BingoPlus Foundation Trustee Jasper Vicencio

BingoPlus Foundation, the nation’s first live-streaming and digital bingo game provider, plans to invest in the enormous potential of young Filipinos in order to contribute to the creation of a better future for the nation.

The BingoPlus Foundation and iACADEMY, one of the nation’s most cutting-edge and sought-after academic institutions for technology, design, and business, have signed a three-year, six million peso FutureSmart Scholarship Program agreement. Ten exceptional students from deserving families will receive scholarships through the FutureSmart Scholarship program for their studies in BCSC software engineering, BS in entertainment and multimedia computing game development, and BS in information technology with a focus on web development.   

Jasper Vicencio, President of BingoPlus and Trustee of BingoPlus Foundation said, “The FutureSmart Scholarship is our way of investing in the country’s youth as the driver of progress in the future. And we want to give equal opportunities to deserving students with so much potential but lack the necessary resources to continue their education in pursuit of their dreams and aspirations for themselves, their families, and the nation. Indeed, doing something good especially for education is a plus.”

The choice of technology for the program is inspired by BingoPlus. “Economies depend on

digital-savvy individuals who are ready to take the helm of their organization’s digital transformation. BingoPlus itself, like any modern company, runs on the wonders of technology and a solid IT infrastructure. Our mission is not only to provide support for education but also future employment for qualified individuals,” Vincencio added.

iAcademy Chief Operating Officer Raquel Wong meanwhile expressed her utmost gratitude to BingoPlus Foundation for extending its generosity to exemplary students who will not have to worry about finishing the program due to lack of financial resources. 










  •           iACADEMY Raquel Wong Chief Operating Officer (fourth from left) and AB Leisure Exponent, Inc. President and BingoPlus Foundation Trustee Jasper Vicencio (fifth from left) with other representatives from iACADEMY and BingoPlus Foundation

“What BingoPlus Foundation and iAcademy crafted for the program will definitely help students fulfill their dreams, as well as contribute positive change to our society. The career path in computing is very lucrative and iAcademy has been very consistent because our programs, especially the ones related to computing, delivered 96% placement rate,” she says.

Apply for the scholarship today!

Stringent criteria, requirements and screening process have been set to ensure that only qualified and deserving students are accepted for the program. Students must have good moral character, General Weighted Average (GWA) of not lower than 1.75 and no grade lower than 2.50 and must not have been subjected previously to any disciplinary action by their schools, either academically or administratively.

Additionally, applicants must submit a two-minute video pitch outlining their case for the scholarship and their plans to work with the BingoPlus Foundation once they have completed the program.

Applications may be sent to [email protected] by interested parties. In January 2023, the 10 scholars who have been chosen will be identified.

December 17, 2022 by
Fashion, Lifestyle

Watch out, A new Sperry store has opened in Lucky Chinatown

The renowned boat shoe firm debuts a new style with its new location in the center of the city.

The renowned American shoemaker Sperry has opened its newest shop location in Manila’s Lucky Chinatown Mall. This is the first of many new stores that will open with this sleek, contemporary look, and it features a revamped new design that supports water for everyone. I’m so excited about this as they produce great quality shoes, and I’m such a fan of the shoe’s stylish look and fashionable style. It is such a go-to shoe for everyone.

New Look

The location where adventures on the water begin is modernly portrayed in Sperry’s new contemporary store concept. The store itself exudes excitement for your upcoming beach vacation. The first store in the world to feature this new and interesting design is Sperry Lucky Chinatown.

Iconic Classics

Fans of Sperry will be happy to learn that there is a wide variety of boat shoes, sneakers, and sandals available, including the iconic Topsiders. Additionally, the store offers items from their iconic SeaCycled Collection, which was produced using recycled and eco-friendly materials and methods to prioritize sustainability without sacrificing design. To give you a head start on your holiday shopping, Sperry is giving early birds 20% off on their normal Sperry footwear on December 14!

Immersive Experience

Sperry will conduct a special exhibition at the Lucky Chinatown Mall Activity Area from December 11 to December 20 that will showcase the brand’s most recent collections as well as its illustrious history. There are also events to take part in where participants can pick up prizes and buy the newest discounts.

Holiday Escape

An everlasting summer is conjured up by the Holiday Escape collection, which was recently released by the renowned footwear company. Any outfit gets a whimsical touch with cute and thoughtful tropical accents.

Sperry is situated close to the Lucky Chinatown Mall Activity Area on the Ground Floor.

Follow Sperry at

Instagram: @sperryph

Facebook: @sperryph

Twitter: @sperryph

December 16, 2022 by
Lifestyle, Tech

Globe and SM Advantage Card (SMAC) team together for the Hapag Movement using the #UniteVsHunger

Shoppers can now support a family in need with every SMAC card purchase and every checkout.

The Hapag Movement, a technology-driven initiative by Globe to fight involuntary hunger, and SM Advantage Card (SMAC), the loyalty card of retail giant SM, have partnered to assist put food on the tables of people in need.

“We are excited to partner with SMAC at the most joyful time of the year so we can bring cheer to our fellow Filipinos who continue to suffer due to involuntary hunger. Now, it’s easier for shoppers to share their blessings to the needy, bring food to the table, and get assistance for decent livelihood as we mark this Christmas season post-pandemic,” said Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto.

“Our collaboration with Globe for the Hapag Movement is a pioneering partnership for us as it aligns with the SM brand’s goal of providing support to Filipinos every way we can. This is the time for us to rally behind this cause to help those who continue to reel from the impact of the pandemic and challenges due to rising living costs. Ibalik natin ang sarap ng Pasko,” said Jay Beltran, SMAC SAVP Head of Sales and Marketing.

Through the partnership, P50.00 will be donated to the Hapag Movement and other SM Foundation programs for every purchase of a new SMAC card.

On top of this, SMAC members who will shop select items at the SM Store, SM Beauty, SM Appliance, Kultura, Surplus, Our Home, Baby Company, Crate and Barrel, Levi’s, The Body Shop, Forever21, Ecco, and Miniso will earn up to 1,000 EXTRA SMAC Points, and half of the EXTRA points they earn will be donated to the movement starting December 15, 2022 until January 15, 2023, in time for this season of giving.

“We celebrate the season of giving with our SMAC members with the gift of giving— letting them share blessings with our most vulnerable kababayans,” Beltran said.

Through supplemental meals and livelihood support, Globe’s Hapag Movement works with 100,000 households that are enduring involuntary hunger.

The program was started by Globe to aid Filipinos who had been severely impacted by the pandemic, the repercussions of which are still being felt today. According to a Social Weather Stations Survey, 2.9 million people reported having involuntary hunger as of October this year, essentially constant from the previous quarter.

Visit the Hapag Movement’s official page to learn more. For further information, you can also go to smac.ph or download the SMAC app.

December 16, 2022 by
Lifestyle

Grab makes it simpler to give back and donate via GrabExpress, Para sa Paskong Kumpleto

The holiday giving season is here, and despite all of life’s difficulties, Filipinos—some of the world’s most giving people—will always find a way to give back and share their blessings. As a result, the top superapp Grab makes the most of its parcel delivery service, GrabExpress, to make it simpler and less expensive to help out fellow Filipinos.

Grab teamed up with the charities SOS Children’s Villages, Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc., and Caritas Manila for their campaign “Paskumpleto Para Sa Lahat: Give Back Through GrabExpress” in an effort to spread holiday cheer and provide a Paskumpletong Pasko to more Filipinos. By offering discounts and benefits to customers who use GrabExpress to send donations to the partner charities, the superapp hopes to leverage its technology for good. As I attended the event held by Grab, I was so touched by the stories shared with us by the people from the charity. The event was made even more meaningful by the presence of PWD attendees. Thanks to Grab and its partners, the event was a ton of fun and learning.

Donating is made easy via GrabExpress by using the promo code PARASALAHAT to get a 25% OFF on your delivery fee. Customers can also choose to send their donations via the new GrabExpress service: Instant – Saver which lines up deliveries in batches of other parcels, giving the same convenience of a regular GrabExpress delivery, but at a cheaper price. 

Learn more about the partner organizations and what they’ll need to help make this year’s celebration Paskumpleto:

Caritas Manila Church of the Poor

With a vision of creating a Spirit-led community free of poverty and committed to love for the common good, Caritas Manila’s programs are geared towards transformation of people from poverty and dependence to self-reliance with dignity. For this Christmas season, GrabExpress will be supporting Cartias Manila’s Segunda Mana— a donation-in-kind program which primarily benefits the Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP) and supports the education of more than 5,000 Filipino students.

To help make their celebration a Paskumpleto one, consumers can send via cash or in-kind donations of clothes, bags, shoes, and household items to Caritas Manila or any Segunda Mana Charity Outlet via 09175955083.

Tahanan Walang Hagdanan, Inc.

Founded in 1973, Tahanan Walang Hagdanan, Inc. was established to provide programs, services, and assistance to People With Disabilities (PWDs). Located in Cainta, Rizal, the compound of Tahanan Walang Hagdanan, Inc. serves as a home and workplace to almost a hundred PWDs. And as the name implies, no stairs can be found in its compound— creating a space inclusive and accessible even to wheelchair users. 

Consumers can help give Tahanan Walang Hagdanan, Inc. a Paskumpleto Christmas celebration by sending them Noche Buena packages with pantry staples and hygiene essentials for 270 workers. All donations can be delivered via GrabExpress directly to their office at Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc., Cainta Rizal via Carmelita Narciza at 09234536276 or Erika Villaflores at 09637683725. People can also opt to send financial support through the Chief Operations Officer of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan,Inc., Angelita B. Evangelista  via GCash Account No. 09206447789.

SOS Children’s Villages

Because every child deserves to grow up in a loving home, SOS Children’s Villages Philippines provides homes to neglected, abandoned, orphaned, and abused children. Since 1967, this private, non-political, and non-government organization has been providing support and guidance to thousands of Filipinos through their alternative care and family strengthening programs. 

Customers can send Noche Buena packages to approximately 170 children, guardians, and staff members of the SOS Children’s Villages in Alabang to support the celebration of Paskumpleto for the children and families there. Customers can support the company’s programs that promote children’s health and developmental needs by making financial contributions. One child can receive 5 days’ worth of nutritious meals with a donation of P1,000. Contact Kaila Gilo, the corporate relations officer at SOS Children’s Villages, at 0927417907 for coordination and questions concerning donations.

Everyone deserves to celebrate Paskumpleto Christmas, and thanks to Grab’s continuing offer of GrabExpress, it’s now simpler and more accessible than ever to help your fellow Filipinos. On the Grab Facebook Page and through the Grab app, you can learn more about the “Paskumpleto Para Sa Lahat: Give Back Through GrabExpress” program. Download the Grab app at https://www.grab.com/ph/download/ to help others celebrate Paskumpleto by sending your donations to SOS Children’s Villages, Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, and Caritas Manila via GrabExpress.

December 16, 2022 by
Lifestyle, News

Francis Reyes, an entrepreneur and deaf advocate, is a TOYM finalist

One of the 21 contenders for this year’s The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awards is an entrepreneur who advocates for giving the Philippine Deaf Community equal opportunities and opportunities for professional progress.

The TOYM recipients were revealed at a gala event in Pasay City that was organized by the TOYM Foundation and Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCI) Philippines, the award’s sponsors. The TOYM recognized 21 contenders for this year before announcing the 10 recipients, in contrast to other iterations.

One of the finalists in the business, economics and entrepreneurship category was Francis Carl G. Reyes, founder of the Caravan Food Group Inc. (CFGI), a food and beverage company that aims to introduce new food concepts for the Philippine market as he believes that good is only as good as one’s overall experience.

Caravan Food Group carries three brands: Overdoughs, a homegrown pastry shop that offers the best selling OD Mini Chonky Cookies and other pastries like Crinkles and donuts, among others; Elait!, which offers artisanal rolled ice cream and the first rolled yogurt; and RAW Natural Juice Bar, an all natural juice that offers nutritionally designed cold-pressed juices.

Reyes’ advocacy was inspired by his experience when he was young. A deaf person assisted him while he was in a clothing store, and he was amazed by his sincere customer service. From then on, Reyes wanted to incorporate this in his food business.

This deaf inclusive advocacy is made possible through the partnership with orgnizations like De La Salle College of San Benilde – School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies and Hand & Heart.

To date, Reyes has employed 30 deaf partners and counting. The comprise more than 50 percent of the overall employee count. He always believed in their capabilities to help the company improve its service, products and food concepts.

Reyes believes in continually developing his people. Thus CFGI provides skills enhancement and leadership training programs for its employees. Soon he plans to promote his exemplary deaf partners to Team Leaders and Supervisors.

“It was one deaf guy who really showed me the epitome of customer service. I wanted to recreate the experience in this concept so I decided to hire deaf people. I wanted everyone to feel the warmth and realize how capable these deaf people are,” Reyes said.

Health Undersecretary Beverly Lorraine Ho and comics artist Manuel Luis “Manix” Abrera were among the 10 TOYM awardees.

Ho was was named TOYM in the health and medicine category along with fellow physicians Ronnie Baticulon, a pediatric neurosurgeon and Ramon Lorenzo Luis Guinto, a public health advocate.

One of the three TOYM award winners for literature, culture, and the arts was Abrera. Victor Mari Baguilat Jr., a social entrepreneur from the Cordillera, and Kristian Cordero, a writer and filmmaker from Bicol, received further awards.

Joanne Ascension Valdez, a councilor for Candon City, and Shawntel Nicole Nieto, the creator of Sustainability PH, were awarded TOYMs in the area of humanitarian civil society member volunteer leadership. Paul Gideon Lasco, a physician and medical anthropologist, and Rico Ancog, dean of the School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of the Philippines-Los Banos, completed the list of honors for education and academia.

December 16, 2022 by