The Filipino Chinese Baker’s Association Incorporated (FCBAI) Bakery Fair 2025 witnessed a dazzling display of innovation and expertise as URC Flour took center stage, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leaders in the flour industry. With a focus on cutting-edge techniques and high-quality products, URC Flour’s participation underscored its commitment to empowering bakers and driving the industry forward.
“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do,” stated Naida Ebora, Sales, Marketing and Distribution Manager, URC Flour Division. “With the recent opening of our Sariaya Plant, we continuously strive to develop products that meet the evolving needs of bakers, whether they are home enthusiasts or seasoned professionals. Our goal is to provide them with the tools and resources they need to create exceptional baked goods,” added Ebora.
This year’s theme of “Rise and Shine,” perfectly aligned with URC Flour’s dedication to helping bakers achieve their full potential. At their vibrant booth, attendees were treated to a showcase of the company’s latest advancement in n flour technology and baking solution. And to support this year’s theme, URC’s concept of “SIKAT”, has truly embodies the company’s position in helping bakers achieve their objectives.
SIKAT in Filipino, means to shine, to be radiant, to be successful. It embodies the very essence of what we aim to achieve together. With URC flour, we want to empower you to be SIKAT in your baking endesvors. We understand that every baker, from home enthusiasts, to established professionals, dreams of creating baked goods that stand out, that are truly exceptional. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves in providing you the highest quality flour, the perfect foundation for your culinary masterpieces, “said Ebora.
One of the hightlights of URC flour’s exhibit was the live baking demonstrations led by renowned Chef Aileen Asilom, which captivated audiences, showcasing the versatility and superior quality of URC’s Flour product range. The baking sessions not only highlighted the adaptability of URC Flour’s product range but also provide valuable insights into the latest baking techniques.
In addition to the live demonstrations, URC Flour also featured interactive displays that highlighted the science behind baking, which provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the properties of different flours and how they affect the final product.
The company’s representatives were on hand to answer questions and provide expert advice, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to education and knowledge sharing.
URC Flour’s participation in the FCBAI Bakery Fair 2025 was a testament to its unwavering commitment to innovation and expertise. By showcasing its latest products and providing valuable educational resources, the company has solidified its position as a leader in the baking industry. As the industry continues to evolve, URC Flour remains at the forefront, empowering bakers to “rise and shine” with their exceptional creations.
The FCBAI BAKERY FAIR 2025 has provided a platform for URC Flour to showcase their commitment to the baking community. Their SIKAT theme, combine with the fair’s RISE AND SHINE focus, has created a powerful message of empowerment and inspiration. By providing high quality flour and unwavering support, URC flour is helping bakers across the nation to truly shine.
The Philippine Book Festival (PBF), the country’s biggest all-Filipino book festival is back – this time in a new location that is accessible to many. This year’s PBF will be happening at the Megatrade Hall in SMM Megamall, Mandaluyong, City, from March 13 – 16, 2025.
Registration is FREE for the four-day book festival, organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB). Every year, this project puts Philippine Books at the center if a fiesta brimming with events, performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with your favorite authors.
“In just over a month, we are bringing back the Philippine Book Festival. Now in its third year, the PBF started in 2023 as an attempt to create the largest marketplace for Philippine books that the country has yet to see. Now, it has become an important annual gathering for families, educators, creatives, and avid readers – all in the name of Philippine books.” said Charisse Aquino – Tugade, NBDB Executive Director.
The PBF’s third edition promises to be more exciting, putting the spotlight on the country’s famnous festivals, each one designed by some of the best and brightest Filipino artists working today.
THE CREATIVE MINDS BEHIND THE PBF 2025 REALMS. NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade with National Artist and Scriptwriter Ricky Lee together with the artists of PBF 2025 Realms, Paul Eric Roca, Danielle Florendo, Joffrey “Pepot”Atienza and Juno Abreau.
The first is the glorious Dinagyang Festival for Kid Lit (the PBF’s section dedicated to children’s literature), designed by Juno Abreau, and the Komiks realm inspired by the famous Tuna Festival in General Santos City, with design by illustrator and painter Paul Eric Roca. Aral Aklat, the section dedicated to text \books, draws inspiration from the colorful Pahiyas Festival in Quezon courtesy of Joffrey “Pepot” Atienza, himself a native of the province, and finally, Panagbenga or the Baguio Flower Festival for Booktopia (the section for fiction, non-fiction and poetry), with design by Danielle Florendo.
The festive atmosphere is made all the more exciting as the PBF 12025 moves to a new venue – at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. The NBDB believes this fresh location will bring new energy to the festival and draw and even larger audience.
“The decision to move the PBF to a different and smaller venue is definitely a bold one. We hope to offset that with the venue’s accessibility and generate higher foot traffic, as well as provide convenience for more visitors from other areas” shared Tugade.
The PBF is the largest all-Filipino book fair in the country and is one of the NBDB’s flagship programs. NBDB, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this June has amped its readership efforts in the past four years, shifting to solutions-based programming to improve trade and distribution. Concerned with the lack of quality Philippine-authored books in libraries and bookstores across the country, Aguino-Tugade spearheaded the PBF in 2023, a retail activation space that celebrates Philippine books while bringing in revenue for publishing professionals.
The fair also showcases the creme dela creme of Philippine literature, culture, and content – all situated in an engaging, experienced-based setting that fuses entertainment, education, and learning. Positioning PBF as a favorite pastime (reading) among Filipinos, all for a good cause.
The FCBAI Bakery Fair is back, and this year, the theme “RISE and Shine” couldn’t be more fitting with thousands of bakers from different parts of the world flocked to the World Trade Center for a 3-day baking exhibit.
This year’s fair is a celebration of resilience and innovation in the baking industry, a testament to the bakers who have weathered challenges and emerged stronger. URC Flour Brand Ambassador Chef Aileen Asilom more popularly known as Chef Ai, graced this year’s Bakery Fair and led the bakery demonstration at the URC Flour booth.
Chef Aileen’s story is one of inspiration. From her modest beginnings, fueled by a deep love for baking, she has risen to become a respected figure, known for her dedication to sharing her knowledge and empowering fellow bakers. Her journey resonates with many, making her the perfect face for URC Flour, a brand committed to providing quality ingredients for every baker’s dream.
URC Flour’s booth concept “SIKAT” reinforced the RISE and SHINE theme of this year’s Bakery Fair. Chef Ai’s path to being a successful baker is a story itself of passion and perseverance. Choosing the Right Flour
Chef Ai emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate flour for each recipe. “URC Flour offers a diverse range, from the versatile All-Purpose Flour to the robust Hard Flour for breads and the delicate Cake Flour for pastries,” she explains. “Understanding the characteristics of each variant is crucial for achieving the desired texture and outcome” added Chef Ai. She often recommends using URC’s hard flour for breads that need a good rise and chew, and their cake flour for light and airy cakes.
Chef Ai conducted live baking demonstrations together with other expert bakers,showcasing their signature recipes and innovative techniques, all using URC Flour. Attendees were able to witness firsthand the URC Flour quality products featuring DAISY, GLOBE, CONTINENTAL, SAMPAGUITA, BLEND 100 and CATTLEYA among others.
The baking demonstration also features baking equipment from Vesmach Hyundai Home Appliances while ingredients for the delicious baked goods are courtesy of Anchor Food Professionals, Sugar King Industries, Oleo-Fats Inc. and Neco Philippines, Inc.
In collaboration with URC Flour, Chef Ai curated a selection of recipes, featuring both classic favorites and modern creations,that were given to booth attendees to take home and recreate.
URC Flour: A Partner in Success: Chef Al’s passion extends beyond her own creations. She believes in sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to embark on their baking journeys. “Baking is a gift that should be shared,” she says. “Through my partnership with URC Flour, | hope to empower bakers of all levels to create delicious memories.” Chef Ai’s partnership with URC Flour is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and its dedication to supporting the baking community. “URC Flour is more than just an ingredient; it’s a partner in my baking journey,” she concludes.
Globe is revolutionizing the rewards experience by converting regular points into chances for exciting prizes, necessary redemptions, and life-altering objectives, providing customers additional ways to make the most of their points before they expire on March 31, 2025.
“As we approach points expiry, we want to ensure that customers fully enjoy the value of their Globe Rewards points,” said Peter Redan Ramirez, Head of Loyalty at Globe. “This year’s offers go beyond simple redemptions, creating exciting opportunities for customers to win prizes, enjoy exclusive perks, and support a worthwhile cause.”
Despite the fact that about 3 million Globe customers have redeemable points, many of them are hurried when redeeming them, forget their balances, or lose track of their accrued incentives.
Globe Rewards is launching March Haves, three innovative ways to interact with consumers whether or not they have points, to make sure that every point matters.
G-Gantic Goals empowers customers to support animal welfare and provide rescued animals with a second chance at life by redeeming just 1 Rewards point.
Through its partnership with Pawssion Project, Globe aims to raise 150,000 points to give their rescued animals a second chance at life through supporting critical structures such as collapsible playpens in Bulacan and a pet nursery in Bacolod, ensuring better care for animals in need.
G Raffle Rushoffers Filipino families a chance to create the life they want, giving them access to enriching and delightful experiences beyond telco.
For as little as 1 Globe Rewards point, customers can win the latest gadgets such as an iPhone 16 Pro, and a MacBook Air M2. They can also enjoy all-expense-paid vacations to the Maldives and El Nido, as well as a Southeast Asian cruise, or receive Php100,000 in GCash, and more. A 0917Lifestyle shopping spree worth P10,000 and P10,000 Singlife credits are also up for grabs!
Customers who redeem any of the G Raffle Rush offers will also be getting exclusive offers from Pancake House, Jamba Juice, and Krispy Kreme to sweeten the deal.
Promo period runs from February 24 to March 24, 2025, with raffle draws on March 15 and March 31. Customers must complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) form to qualify.
G Swipe for Allgives customers an opportunity to win prizes without using any Rewards points. Every Monday in March, customers can redeem a free G Swipe on the GlobeOne app, unlocking various instant rewards.
In partnership with 0917Lifestyle, this initiative provides discounts and freebies on shopping, gadgets, and food from popular brands, including SM, Shopee, Power Mac Center, Adidas, Puregold, Giftaway, GrabFood, Jollibee, and Krispy Kreme.
Globe wants to alert consumers to the dangers of receiving fraudulent text messages regarding their rewards claims. Only the GlobeOne app can be used to redeem Globe Rewards points.
Globe Rewards keeps coming up with new and interesting experiences. Download the GlobeOne app from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery, then begin redeeming to become a member.
They have not only exemplified grit, discipline, and teamwork – but have passed these on to the next generation
International Women’s Month, observed annually in March, is a global commemoration of women’s accomplishments and contributions across a range of areas. In 2025, MILO® will be proud to honor women who have not only played important roles in sports but have also cleared the way for others who aspire to be elite athletes.
These individuals, who have been recognized by MILO® as shining examples of sports inclusivity, have inspired and given back to the nation’s champions regardless of their backgrounds and identities, as well as using their influence for the greater good.
Sports inclusivity through MILO® partner schools
Hand-in-hand with the 60-year history of MILO® is their enduring relationship with various sports partners, furthering the cause in building the next wave of champions. Often, at the forefront of such partnerships are women committed to broadening sports inclusivity – training athletes from the grassroots level and providing opportunities for them to shine and take flight.
For one, heading the renowned basketball clinic and MILO®-backed BEST Center is Monica Jorge, continuing her father Nic Jorge’s legacy. Under her leadership, the center has trained over 60,000 young athletes in basketball and volleyball, and as a board member of the Small Basketeers of the Philippines, Jorge also advocates for the development of women’s basketball.
Commissioner Bong Coo has also had an illustrious career in and out of sport. Beyond bowling, Coo has always been vocal about her plans to pay it forward, where she vowed to “help develop junior bowlers who could bring honors to the country.” True enough, Coo now works with the Philippine Sports Commission, playing a role in furthering sports excellence in the country.
Mary Joy “MJ” Tabal-Jimenez made history as the first Filipina marathoner to qualify for the Olympics, and a 6-time National MILO® Marathon Queen. Now, she heads Mandaue’s grassroots sports program, sharing, “Our Mandaue City Grassroots Sports Development Program has reached around 400 kids from across 27 barangays of Mandaue. The program is not limited to children aged 12 and below but also involves parents, coaches, youth, and the wider community,” showing her commitment to spreading sports far and wide.
Gathering Champions from all walks of life
There are others, too, who teach sports to a greater community and weave inclusivity at the heart of everything they do. Whether empowering those in far-flung communities, Indigenous Peoples, or Persons with Disabilities, they have had the ability to see athletic potential in every single person and continue to extend the opportunity for sports to serve as one’s teacher in life.
One of them is Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, the first Filipino to win a Paralympic medal. All these years later, she shares her victories with others, saying, “[I am committed to give] back as part of the national coaching staff for the para powerlifting team. I also advocate for the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities, especially women across diverse communities.”
Alongside the growth of running in the country, Nicole Wuthrich-de la Cruz founded Women’s Run PH in 2023 to provide a venue for women in running and to also serve as a platform for like-minded organizations, such as those that heed to women with disabilities, cancer survivors, and kids with autism. Says Nicole of her advocacy, “One’s transformation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have on individuals. Even then, their growth doesn’t end during our events as their journey transforms not only their perspectives but also their lives.”
Angel Otom is a true testament to the power of perseverance. Born without arms, she has since earned seven gold medals at the ASEAN Para Games and made history as the first Filipina para-swimmer to compete at the Paralympics. Angel’s journey serves not just as a symbol of inclusivity but of grit, discipline, and resilience that define true champions.
Akiko Thomson-Guevara has also etched her place in Philippine history, competing in the Olympics thrice and earning seven gold medals at the 1987 and 1991 SEA Games and now serving as President and National Chairperson of the Special Olympics Pilipinas. Inspired by her experience as a mother of a child with Down syndrome, Akiko is dedicated to showing how every individual has the chance to be a champion in life – with contributions including holding Unified Sports events across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao (with the program serving as a platform for persons with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team), and training coaches and teachers to enhance grassroots inclusion efforts.
Paving the way for the next generation of Champions
Sports is a great teacher not only for the values it instills, but also in how it gathers together those who share the same passion. In this final portion are stories of more figures who, while from different generations, have made their own contributions to sport one way or another – again, prioritizing inclusivity at the core of everything they do for sport.
Former Olympic swimmer turned coach Jenny Guerrero has been key in shaping the future of Philippine sports, having trained over 100 young athletes. Guerrero notes, “With my swimming background and now my coaching experience, I have reached kids in the provinces through swim clinics,” illustrating her commitment to broadening sports access to all – including athletes who have since made their way to the prestigious Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy.
Darlene Berberabe’s story is another example of how champions are built with the help and energy of those around them. Juggling her roles as Dean of the prestigious UP College of Law and mother to 2-time SEA Games kumite gold medalist and academic achiever, Jamie Lim, Berberabe was instrumental in the ups and downs of Jamie’s journey – from encouraging her to never give up to being present in every moment. When asked of her motivation to consistently be by her daughter’s side, she shares, “When one wins, many people share one’s joy; but when one loses, it certainly helps when there is at least that one person who is just with you – who continues to believe in you, win or lose.”
As the first Filipino to win a World Jiu-Jitsu Championship title, Maybelline Masuda is one of today’s leading figures in sport. While she remains an active athlete, she now also splits her time coaching the next generation of champions while also providing support to her daughter, Aielle, a second-generation athlete and youngest world Jiu-Jitsu champion at just 5 years old. Through her coaching and advocacy, Masuda continues to shape the future of the sport, inspiring more athletes to follow in her footsteps.
Chloe Cherish Cheng is a young athlete slowly and steadily making her mark in basketball, showing that young girls can step foot in and excel anywhere they set their hearts and minds to. A champion in and out of sport, Cheng currently serves as a MILO® ambassador and a BEST Center Sports Inc. scholar while being an academic excellence awardee. In opening the door for young girls like her to enjoy more opportunities as athletes, Cheng has surely been an inspiration to young athletes to pursue their dreams through grit and dedication.
As we begin a new year, let us remember the remarkable women who have gone above and beyond their accomplishments to fervently and selflessly clear the path for others who have followed them. These women include mothers, sisters, classmates, co-athletes, and many more. Even while each of these individuals may be unique, their influence on sports is unquestionably enormous, and their contributions to sports inclusivity will be felt for years to come through today’s champions who exemplify perseverance, self-control, and teamwork both inside and outside of the game.
In addition to being a proud partner of regional athletes and winners, MILO® supports the idea that everyone should have access to sports. Visit the official MILO® official website and the MILO® Facebook page to be informed about future activations and events.
Book lovers, get ready! At the Philippine Book Fair 2025, which will take place at the Megamall Mega Trade Hall from March 13–16, Precious Pages Corporation and Lampara Publishing are prepared to enthrall readers with an amazing lineup of new book releases.
Known for its dedication to early childhood literacy, Lampara Publishing is releasing a new line of educational books for Preschool through Grade 3 (K–3) that include:
📚 Reading Primer: Filipino and English 📚 Basa Taktika 📚 Strategic Reader 📚 Numeracy Learning Kit 📚 Reference Books 📚 Atlas, Florante at Laura
According to Precious Pages CEO Segundo Matias Jr., the goal of these new releases is clear:
“Layon ng Lampara Books na matutong magbasa ang bawat batang Pilipino para sa kanilang pag-unlad bilang indibidwal at maging kapakipakinabang sa lipunan.”
Meanwhile, Precious Pages is bringing a dynamic selection of novels for Junior to Senior High students, tackling themes of reading literacy, gender and development, inclusivity, BLs, and social sciences. Featured titles with new editions include:
✨ 15 –Victoria Amor ✨ Marcelino Cinco’s High School Survival Guide – Rose Tan
✨ Hitman Tony’s Summer Camp Survival Guide – Rose Tan
✨ Arvy Nicole’s First Love Survival Guide – Rose Tan
✨ My Fat Chance – Sofia
✨ Happy Together – Luna King
✨ Forever and Never – Angelic Alcantara
✨ I Remember The Boy: Hiro Hinata – Sofia
✨ Just One Wish – Kayla Caliente
✨ Lost Stars – Maricar Dizon
✨ Love In A Game – Kayla Caliente
✨ Love, Lies and Kryptonite – Nina Satomi
✨ Mad World – Lush Ericson
✨ Melancholy of a Wallflower – Gazchela Aerienne
✨ Once a Princess – Angel Bautista
✨ Our Last Colorful Days – Tyra
✨ Red Briefs, Young Love, And Other Superstitions – Nina Satomi
✨ Ang Nawawalang Bayan – Maricar Dizon
✨ Paghahanap sa Mutya – Maricar Dizon
✨ Ang Awit ng Sirena – Maricar Dizon
✨ Palasyo ng Ilusyon – Maricar Dizon
✨ Ang Anak ni Dumagat – Maricar Dizon
✨ Ang Pag-ibig ng Danag – Maricar Dizon
✨ I Knew He Was Trouble – Heart Yngrid
✨ Eh, Di Sa Puso Mo – Heart Yngrid
✨ Confessions of a K-pop Fangirl – Heart Yngrid
✨ Social Media Addict – Heart Yngrid
✨ Pen Name: ilovesushi – Heart Yngrid
✨ Relationship Status: Friendzone – Heart Yngrid
✨ Supernova – Luna King
✨ Vanilla Twilight – Luna King
Black Ink (BIC) Comics & Manga
🖤 BIC Comics (Non-BL): 📖 Ibong Adarna Reimagined 📖 Florante at Laura Reimagined 📖 Bible Stories Reimagined: Genesis
🌈 BIC Comics (BL Titles): 📖 Poster Boy 📖 Poster Boy Vol 2: Fair and Square 📖 Poster Boy Vol 3: The Prince and the Knight 📖 Love Letter Fairy 📖 My Sweet Tooth Love 📖 My Sweet Tooth Love 2 📖 From Neighborhood to Brotherhood 📖 The Guardian Angel 📖 Puppy Love 📖 Terropian Princess 📖 The Girl and the Goldfish
These books aim to enhance reading comprehension among young readers and offer engaging, thought-provoking stories.
“The young adult books, both prose and graphic novels, will cater to Grade 6 up to Senior High. Para lalo pang malinang ang reading comprehension ng mga mag-aaral,” said Matias.
To discover these brand-new books, connect with other book enthusiasts, and enjoy the joy of reading, stop by the Precious Pages and Lampara Publishing booth at the Philippine Book Fair 2025!
🔖 Follow Precious Pages and Lampara Publishing on social media for updates.
The Philippines has finally seen the arrival of Skechers Football! With an expanding line of performance football boots, led by the new Electrum Pack, the brand enters a new market following a successful global launch last summer. Every time you go onto the field, Skechers football boots, which stand for durability and style on the field, provide unparalleled comfort, agility, and accuracy. The Philippines can anticipate that its top athletes will have early access to the top-tier footwear they so richly deserve at Bootcamp stores, Skechers Outlet stores, and a few partner merchants!
Skechers’ world-renowned football ambassadors add even more significance to the company’s influence. Harry Kane, Mohammed Kudus, and other players from professional leagues throughout the world are on the team and can attest to Skechers’ state-of-the-art technology, which is further enhanced by their fashionable designs that improve every game. Filipino football players and supporters can now enjoy the same elite performance designed for international celebrities who depend on the same Skechers Electrum Pack to win more games!
More precious than gold and cooler than silver – electrum is a mixture of both signifying to players around the globe that they can shine, thrive, and dominate every moment of the game. Arriving as the brand’s first release of the year, the Electrum Pack introduces bold metallic gold and silver color combinations to the SKX_01 and Skechers Razor football boots.
Academy & youth/kids boots from the Electrum pack
The new Electrum Pack includes Academy boots perfect for all levels of play with maximized performance and comfort; as well as Youth and Kids bootsfor the next generation of players that want to emulate their favorite stars, featuring an adaptable fit and enhanced comfort in every pair. Both ranges will be available in both firm ground and turf styles.
Skechers Football™: Razor 1.5 Academy TF™
The Skechers Football™: Razor 1.5 Academy TF™ is sure to amplify every athlete’s power moves. This lightweight turf speed boot is designed for acceleration with a responsive, patterned rubber bottom supporting multi-directional grip and movement, plus a soft upper and Skechers Move Foam™ cushioning for added comfort. This style is designed with precision to up one’s game and achieve peak performance. Agility is best paired with footwear that can handle a player’s drive, and with a rubber bottom to start, stop and accelerate in all directions designed for the turf surface, the Skechers Football™: Razor 1.5 Academy TF™ does not disappoint. When it comes to design, the synthetic upper with lace-up front offers a patterned, rubber grip for maximum response.
Skechers Football™: Razor 1.5 Academy FG™
One can make a mark on the pitch with Skechers Football™: Razor 1.5 Academy FG™. This lightweight firm ground speed boot is designed for acceleration with a responsive TPU plate, a soft upper, and Skechers Move Foam™ cushioning for added comfort.
Skechers Football™: SKX_1.5 Academy FG™
Get ready to strike with precision like never before with Skechers Football™: SKX_1.5 Academy FG™! This lightweight firm ground boot features upper molding engineered for precise ball control, a responsive TPU plate, a soft upper and Skechers Move Foam™ cushioning for added comfort. The Responsive TPU plate is designed help you to start, stop and accelerate in all directions over firm ground with cleats for natural grass surfaces. This means explosive track-inspired traction for maximum acceleration that not only looks good but feels good too!
Skechers Football™: SKX_01 Gold TF™
By using the Skechers FootballTM: SKX_01 Gold TF™, one can find the back of the net. This lightweight turf boot has a soft upper, Skechers Move FoamTM cushioning for additional comfort, a responsive, patterned rubber bottom that supports multidirectional grip and movement, and top shaping designed for perfect ball handling.
Bootcamp stores, Skechers Outlet stores, and a few partner retailers currently carry the Skechers Football Electrum Pack line. Skechers stores across the country will eventually carry it as well. By following Skechers Philippines on Instagram and Facebook, football fans may gain exclusive access to Skechers Football product launches and more.
Showcasing True Braveheart Excellence. PCPPI Quality Control Manager Jackielou De Guzman (center) was joined by PepsiCo executives (from left to right) Senior Vice President and Head of Supply Chain & Operations (Asia Pacific and Greater China) Fred Li, Global Chief Commercial Officer Wern-Yuen Tan, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Ramon Laguarta, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Gregg Roden on stage as she receives her award for PepsiCo’s 2024 Chairman’s Circle of Champions.
For Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the year 2024 was a significant one. One of its emerging leaders, the Tomas production facility, was named a member of PepsiCo’s 2024 Chairman’s Circle of Champions. One of the top worldwide operations associates who has shown exceptional success in the areas of safety, quality, service, and cost management is Quality management Manager Jackielou De Guzman. De Guzman attended the award ceremonies in New York last October 2024 along with other prominent workers from throughout the world.
“Representing PCPPI is a great honor. As I aspire to become a better leader, this recognition motivates me to continue being a good example to my colleagues and helping them become the best versions of themselves,” De Guzman said.
Leading the Sto was one of her most noteworthy accomplishments. internal food safety assessments at the Tomas factory and helping the group obtain its first FSSC 22000 Certification in 2019. The manufacturing sector uses this model for safety certification. With her direction, Sto. Throughout their recertification audit cycles and other safety checks and evaluations, Tomas continually delivered quality work.
PCPPI Quality Control Manager Jackielou De Guzman proudly receives her award from PepsiCo Chief Executive Officer Ramon Laguarta for PepsiCo’s 2024 Chairman’s Circle of Champions.
The Sto. Tomas manufacturing team also received high Quality Assurance Systems (QAS) ratings from 2020 to 2023. De Guzman also delivered over 1,300 hours for in-house training programs, such as those on Quality and Food Safety, Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Hygiene practices.
“Through constant knowledge transfer and people engagement, our team ensures all products being produced are within quality standards and comply with regulatory and food safety requirements while maintaining customer satisfaction,” she added.
Her expertise in regulatory compliance was a key factor in the plant’s mission to earn a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CATO) a Chemical Laboratory, which is in pursuant to Republic Act No. 10657 otherwise known as the “Chemistry Profession Act”. She also introduced a project to reduce product loss for PET products, allowing PCPPI to realize significant savings in 2023.
PepsiCo executives celebrate another year of excellence with the 2024 Chairman’s Circle of Champions awardees, including PCPPI’s Quality Control Manager Jackielou De Guzman (2nd row, 6th from left).
De Guzman was chosen as Food Safety Hero of the Sto. Tomas plant during the 2023 World Food Safety Month celebration, and was recognized as a Gold Crown Awardee at the 2024 PCPPI National Summit of Bravehearts. The Gold Crown Award is given to employees who best exemplify PCPPI’s core values of Integrity, Innovation, Care & Respect, Empowerment and Excellence (ICARE).
For PCPPI, the employees are its most valuable assets. “Our Bravehearts are pivotal to our commitment to product and service excellence,” said PCPPI President and Chief Executive Officer Phyo Phyu Noe. “We are proud of Jackie’s achievements. Being recognized as part of the PepsiCo Chairman’s Circle of Champions serves as an inspiration for our team to create more opportunities that enable the growth and success of our employees,” he added.
With brands like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum Soonhari, and Premier, PCPPI is the exclusive producer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines. You may find out more about PCPPI and its products at www.pepsiphilippines.com.
The stripped-down track acknowledges the reality of growing apart
With a heartfelt new track, Filipino singer-songwriter Noah Alejandre, who rose to fame as part of the award-winning alt-pop band reon, is back in the spotlight.
Alejandre adopts a more reflective stance with his most recent song, “Mga Kaibigan.” after the popularity of his previous single, “Nahuhulog Na Sa’Yo,” which has received about 40 million plays since its 2022 release.
“Mga Kaibigan” is a sorrowful reflection on the ways friendship evolves over time, honoring the platonic bonds we part ways with as we mature and forge our own paths. The song, which was written after Alejandre left his hometown, expresses the melancholy reality of how life’s inevitable course frequently results in saying goodbye to the individuals who formerly held the greatest significance in one’s life.
“It’s a song about how life naturally pulls people in different directions, not out of choice but out of necessity,” shares the Leyte-based artist. “It’s a mix of nostalgia, appreciation, and the hope of reconnecting one day. I wanted the song to feel personal yet relatable, something that makes people look back on their friendships with warmth rather than sadness.”
The song’s production, helmed by Alejandre himself, features a warm, mellow arrangement that mirrors the nostalgic and comforting emotions conveyed in the lyrics. The new track marks a departure from the themes of love explored in his previous works, delving instead into life decisions that come from a place of certainty and wisdom.
Noah Alejandre describes “Mga Kaibigan” as an intimate piece, with its soothing and subdued sound perfectly complementing the sentiment of the song.
“Compared to my previous songs, Mga Kaibigan feels more reflective and personal,” Alejandre explains. “Thematically, it’s about growth and change, whereas my past songs might have touched more on love or other emotions.”
The most recent artist to sign with evosound Philippines is Noah Alejandre, who joins Frank Ely and other up-and-coming local musicians. At the beginning of the year, he published the poignant folk song “Padama,” which received over 100,000 streams in a single month.
“Mga Kaibigan” by Noah Alejandre is currently available on all digital music outlets across the globe.
Extended warranty applicable to vehicles sold January 1, 2025 onwards
The new Toyota 5-Year Warranty has been launched by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), a leading mobility firm. Any Toyota car sold after January 1, 2025, is eligible for the extended warranty program.
In the past, Toyota cars were guaranteed for three years or 100,000 km, whichever came first. Customers who are able to receive the required number of Periodic Maintenance Services (PMS) within the 3-year warranty period—at least one (1) PMS annually at any Toyota dealer—can receive up to two (2) years or 40,000 km of extended warranty under the new Toyota 5-Year Warranty.
All Toyota models released January 1, 2025 onwards and all Toyota vehicles under contract with Kinto One or Kinto One Business starting January 1, 2025 may qualify for the Toyota 5-Year Warranty.
How to qualify for the Toyota 5-Year warranty
Customers who will avail at least six (6) PMS at any Toyota dealer with at least one (1) PMS per year during the 3-Year or 100,000 KM warranty period will qualify for the 4th Year Full Coverage additional warranty, which has the same coverage as the 3-Year or 100,000 KM warranty. However, for customers who will avail less than six (6) PMS, they will qualify for the 4th Year Limited Coverage additional warranty on the condition that they were able to avail 3 to 5 PMS with at least one (1) PMS per year at any Toyota dealer. The Limited Coverage additional warranty does not cover wear and tear parts related to suspension, steering, and brakes system.
Customers who are able to avail the 4th Year Full Coverage additional warranty are eligible for an additional one (1) year or 20,000 KM extension on the 5th Year provided that they were able to avail at least two (2) PMS during the 4th year ownership period. However, vehicles of customers that were only able to avail one (1) PMS during the 4th year ownership period are qualified for the Limited Coverage additional warranty only.
Get in touch with your local Toyota dealership right now to find out more about the Toyota 5-Year Warranty. The full list of approved Toyota dealerships is available at https://www.toyota.com.ph/dealer.
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