Five Things That Can Help You "Exercise" Your Brain

 


It’s quite obvious that we are living on hard times or even stressful times. Most people say that the holidays don’t feel Chrismas-sy anymore and it’s totally understandable.  Several obvious reasons is that we are still living in a pandemic and people we know or people close to us have relatives who passed away this year because of the deadly COVID-19 Delta variant. A lot of people are still unemployed , but the good news is that the tourism and transportation industries are slowly getting back on track . Restaurants are slowly opening up, but I still prefer take-outs or home deliveries because the COVID scare is still there. 

Noche Buena and Media Noche Pics

 Noche Buena and Media Noche celebrations can be overwhelming and sometimes you can't decide what to make or what food to buy for such occasions. Here are some pictures that might help you what to prepare: 

Noche Buena pictures 

The following Noche Buena or Christmas eve dinner pictures were taken by my sister, Mari, and you can see more pics from her blog at http://movingcouchpotato.blogspot.com/2012/01/media-noche-2011-2012.html. I just wanted to make sure to give credit to the rightful owner of these pictures. 


Noche Buena pic by Mari
Noche Buena 2012. Picture taken by Mari
Mari's blog:  http://movingcouchpotato.blogspot.com/2012/01/media-noche-2011-2012.html

The ham used here is Purefoods Fiesta Ham and our mom decorated it with fruits and veggies, and also added more honey/pineapple sauce on the ham. There's also lechon manok, Korean chicken,  some pizza, potato pasta from Kaya, salad, fruit salad, and some cookies. The apple pie was given to us by a family friend. 

Noche Buena pic
Noche Buena pic by Mari 
Mari's blog http://movingcouchpotato.blogspot.com/2012/01/media-noche-2011-2012.html


Media Noche pic

Media Noche Pics
Media Noche. Pic taken by Mari

Media Noche or New Year's Eve dinner is when we go all-out which means any food is welcome. Yes, even chicken. We don't believe in the saying "isang kahig, isang tuka" if you serve chicken because chicken is still food, a blessing. So we had potato pasta again from Kaya, pandesal, homecooked shrimps and Korean beef stew, Caldereta, Chicken Curry, scrap ham from Excellente, Krispy Kreme donuts, D'Marks pizza, Pizza Hut,  homemade ref cake, salad, some fruit tarts (in the middle) from Cafe France, and some assorted bread from Bread Talk. 

These pictures were taken 10 years ago long before the pandemic. Even if you have a simple Noche Buena, there's absolutely no problem about it. The most important thing is you have your family with you and you know the true meaning of holiday season. 



A Quick Trip to Santis Delicatessen in Molito Alabang


December 23 when we went to Santis Deli in Molito, Alabang to pick up our reserved Christmas hams.  Santis has been our go-to place for our Christmas hams every year. Their honey hams are just delicious and they also come in different sizes. We also need to make reservations in advance for the hams days before Christmas to guarantee our purchase. It's also expected to have long lines in front of their store every holiday season because aside from honey hams, they also sell cheeses, meat, chocolates, gift baskets, and more. 

Christmas Cakes Below 500 Pesos

 If you're wondering where you could find affordable Christmas cakes or any other cakes for any occasion for that matter, we always go to one bakery shop and its name is Fortune Bakeshop! 

I was able to stop by our nearest Fortune Bakery shop while doing some errands and I took some random pictures in their BF Homes Paranaque branch. Here are some pictures I took: 


Fortune cakes! Believe it or not, their cakes range from P195 and above! Quite affordable for any occasion, right? 

Mer-Nels Participates in a Series of Gift Giving with Tag Media Group

 


Asia Leaders Awards once again gave recognition to Mer-Nels at the recently concluded awarding ceremony held at the Embassy of Singapore in the Philippines as the SME Company of the Year for Food & Beverage. The event was attended by CEO’s and familiar Business personalities from various industries in the Philippines. 

Christmas Feast Ideas That You'll Definitely Love

 

Christmas Feast

There are two traditional feasts that Filipino families often look forward to during Christmas time: the Christmas Eve Noche Buena and the one that follows on the 25th itself, which is often held as part of a festive family reunion. Either way, expect those in charge of preparing the dishes to pull out all the stops to serve the most delectable food on the table for everyone to enjoy. 

The Goodwill Market Delivers Perfect Presents This Season of Giving


 Gift-giving is made simpler with the goodies that have been bundled up for easy delivery by The Goodwill Market. Choose from a wide array of wholesome treats that have been packed into perfect presents to fit any lifestyle. Delivery is also hassle-free as your orders can be delivered directly to friends and family, to help you stay safe at home as you shop for the holidays.

UPDATED! Eyes On Manila's Christmas Giveaway 2021!

 


You're here! That means you want to join my giveaway! As a way to say thank you for the blessings I have received this year despite the pandemic, I want to give back what I can. I'd also like to thank PICK•A•ROO for making this giveaway possible. 

Brilliant Skin Glenda Victorio at Asia Leaders Awards

 

Makati Tourism Foundation Inc Tan Yu III, Brilliant Skin Glenda Victorio and Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber Dr. Elton See Tan
Makati Tourism Foundation Inc Tan Yu III, Brilliant Skin Glenda Victorio and Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber Dr. Elton See Tan

November 11, 2021 at the Embassy of Singapore in Manila.  Familiar names in the business world from different industries gathered together to celebrate victory as Asia Leaders Awards acknowledge their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Philippines and to the Filipino people as well. 

Filipino Bloggers Network holds 10th Annual Thanksgiving Party

 It was a decade ago when the Filipino Bloggers Network (FBN), one of the most active Philippine-Based community of bloggers and influencers in the country, held its first-ever Thanksgiving Party in a hotel in Quezon City. 

Support Local, Buy in Pili Lokal!

Don't know what to buy for your loved ones this Christmas? 


How about buying something authentic, unique, and something Filipino-made this year? Most importantly, you'll also be supporting our local businesses if you buy from them! There's only one website for all that and that's PiliLokal.com.

HSMA GPSTV “Go Safe, Go Travel: Walk and Talk With Us” Season 2



Kevin Lapena

As travel gradually opens up for tourists, the travel industry is gearing up and has been preparing for the arrival of guests for the past year.  See first hand, the work and smiles behind your favorite Philippine destinations with Kevin Lapeña in his journey and rediscovery of the Pearl of the Orient on Hotel Sales and Marketing Association’s -  Go Philippines Soar High TV (GPSTV) Season 2: Walk and Talk with Us.

Airspeed Group’s Founder Wins at APEC Best Award 2021

 

Amazing Philippines Digital Economy Corporation (APDEC)

Airspeed Founder and Chairwoman Rosemarie Rafael continues to take end-to-end logistics to world-class levels. This comes after Rafael, who also spearheads Airspeed’s digital arm–the Amazing Philippines Digital Economy Corporation (APDEC), was awarded at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) BEST Award 2021 for the category Best in Business Sustainability in Tackling the Pandemic. In an online ceremony convened  in Moscow, Russia,APEC cited APDEC as the paramount example of a female business driving Asia-Pacific economic and social recovery by assisting MSMEs, particularly women-led entities, navigate the new normal. Since 2016, APEC has given out the Business Efficiency and Success Target (BEST) Award which recognizes the most efficient projects of female entrepreneurship from different sectors, including digital economy, traditional entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship, as well as management approach and solutions. 

Turnover of Books of Kiwanis Club of Makati to Kiwanis Club of Lake City of San Pablo, Laguna

 


In less fortunate communities where books are scarce and libraries barely exist, book donation is very important. Internet is not always accessible for some to serve as reference on their studies, having books on their side remain to be the most convenient means. 

HFO Holiday Bagsak Presyo Sale on Dec 1-31

HFO Holiday Bagsak Presyo Sale  this coming Dec 1-31

Spend this year’s holidays with us as we treat you with Amazing offers and Great deals with our HFO Holiday BagsakPresyo Sale! Get great discounts, 0% installment offers and freebies from December 1 to 31.

Asia Leaders Awards 2021 Man of the Year for Public Service and Sports: Congressman Mikee Romero

 It came as no surprise when Congressman Mikee Romero was declared Man of the Year for Public Service and Sports in the recently held Asia Leaders Awards (ALA) at the Embassy of Singapore in the Philippines last November 11, 2021.

1PacMan Partylist, Congressman Mikee Romero and wife, Air Asia Chairman Sheila Romero

Fresh from receiving a citation from the American Association of the Philippines as an Outstanding athlete, Entrepreneur, and Public Servant, Asia Leaders Awards re-affirm the honor.

Asia Leaders Awards : A Celebration of Leadership Excellence!

Awards do not only acknowledge success, they recognize many other qualities like the skills, abilities, efforts, and even struggles. Most of the award giving bodies across the country particularly on the business side commonly focuses only on the front end, looking at the tangible measurement of achievements. But this is not how it goes with Asia Leaders Awards.

In Store Robotic Displays: How FMCG Brands Launched The Most Disruptive Innovation in Trade Marketing During This Pandemic

Doing groceries in Shopwise Sucat in the food pantry section

Brands have depended on the same-old in-store marketing and visual merchandising to enhance engagement and sales strategies for decades: cardboards, shelf stoppers, sampling initiatives, and price discounts.

The Woman Behind Successful Shows

Grace Bondad Nicolas (Tag Media Group) , Raymond Francisco (Frontrow), Ghie Pangilinan (Skin Magical), Sam Verzosa ( Frontrow)

Grace Bondad Nicolas—the woman behind successful shows, an indefatigable civic and multi-platform leader, and adviser to billionaires—recently concluded the successful “Men and Women Who Matter” charity dinner, networking and recognition activity as the first woman and Filipina president of the American Association of the Philippines (AAP).

Fil-Indian Leader Majinder Kumar Wins Asia Leaders Awards 2021

Fil-Indian Leader Majinder Kumar Wins Asia Leaders Awards 2021 Philanthropist & CSR Company of the Year for the Second Year in a Row

Fil-Indian Leader Majinder Kumar Wins Asia Leaders Awards 2021 Philanthropist & CSR Company of the Year for the Second Year in a Row

Filipino-Indian businessman and prime mover of Fil-Indian cooperation, Majinder “James” Kumar, is recognized for the second year as Asia Leaders Awards 2021’s Philanthropist of the Year and CSR Company of the Year for his innumerable outreach initiatives through the Filipino Indian Commerce and Welfare Society, Inc (FICWSI).

Mega Global Celebrates 3rd National Sardines Day

Mega Global celebrates 3rd National Sardines Day with successful Mega Bigay Sustansya Program, business updates and first-ever Mega Sardines Piso Sale

Hotel Sogo : We are Fully Vaccinated, Para kayo ay ProtekTODO

 


Your Safety is Hotel Sogo's Priority

Indeed, being vaccinated is the road to our nation's healing. Hotel Sogo's New Normal campaign with the theme "We are fully vaccinated, Para kayo ay ProtekTODO" promotes that all Hotel Sogo staff have completed two jabs of vaccine to secure the safety of its guests as early as July 2021.  

Tips From a WAHM: Things You Can Do During Your Break (at Home)


I have been working at home for more than 10 years and I have tried, I believe, almost all things that one could possibly do during break times. Some of them are tiresome, some of them are necessary, but some of them do help boost your brain. Here are some tips that are tried and tested personally by yours truly that you can do during your break time: 

1. Drink Coffee 

Iced Coffee
Iced Coffee 

Yes, this is a no-brainer that caffeine does help boost your energy for work. If you feel sleepy, a hot cup of coffee might help. It did worked for me 80% at the time.  If hot coffee doesn’t work, try iced coffee. I usually try Starbucks’ Iced Caramel Macchiato to keep me awake or Iced White Mocha.  Sometimes McDonald’s plain iced coffee works, too. Some people also say that Kopiko black coffee works, too, but I haven't tried it yet. 

2. Quick Shower

If you haven’t showered yet, then this is a good time to do it and you better do it fast. I can personally take a quick shower for at least 10 minutes and when I sit back down to my work I feel refreshed and energized. 

3. Play Online Games

No, I’m not talking about those MMORPG games. I’m talking about simple yet relaxing brain games that you could play in a short time. I used to play the old free Solitaire game that comes along with every personal computer. I loved that simple card game. It’s relaxing yet it doesn’t make me sleepy at all. I’m also happy to discover from Solitaire.org’s website that there are also other games that can relax your brain. 

Candy Fiesta
Candy Fiesta

Candy Fiesta
Candy Fiesta in higher level

I’ve tried Candy Fiesta game, very similar to the popular game, Candy Crush, but much simpler. So if you want to mix and match candies, which is surprisingly satisfying to see, then this is for you.   


Hidden Objects game: China Temple
China Temple

I also tried one of the Hidden Objects game called China Temple where you’ll simply find hidden objects in a picture. Finding hidden objects in a picture is one of my favorite things to do during my past time when I was younger and I still find this game quite fun and entertaining.  But by the time I can no longer find objects, that’s my cue to go back to work or rest my eyes. 

Word Search
Word Search

I also tried this Word Search game, but it takes me a while to find all the words required. It's a good way to exercise your brain and visual skills, but after 5 minutes I'm out. Then I'll try it again the next day. 

4. Spend time with your pet. 

If you have pets at home like me, do spend some time with them even for a short while. You can pet them, feed them, play with them and I’m sure they’ll appreciate it. I remember our pet dog who accidentally died in a car accident. When she died, I’ve always regretted the times I wasted – times that I should’ve spent time with her. Even now, I’m still teary-eyed thinking about it. So please, if you still have your pets around, spend time with them. It is also good with your mental health – at least for me. 

5. Clean a Room / Do a Quick Vacuum

Having a wireless vacuum really does make me want to vacuum a room instantly especially my kids’ room. For some reason, it accumulates a lot of dust and my kids leave a lot of crumbs plus dog fur would sometimes enter it since we have dogs. Cleaning a part of the house quickly gives me a sense of accomplishment because at the back of my head I know I finished one chore. It’s good exercise for me, too. 

So that’s it, guys! These are some tips that I personally do during my free time. It’s up to you if you’re going to try it or not, but I hope this article helped you somehow and gave you some ideas. 



Live Safe with Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol

 

Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol

Defensil Isopropyl Alcohol encourages Filipinos to live safe with many establishments slowly re-opening and allowing people to resume their pre-pandemic lifestyles.

Plants and Flowers in Our Home

Benefits of Plants

Plants particularly flowers has been a part of any occasions and it has made every occasion beautiful and extra special. Even someone giving you flowers has the power to make you smile or feel good because it makes you feel special and loved.

Lumina Homes to Spread Christmas Spirit at GMA’s ‘Kapuso BigayPremyosaPasko’ Promo

 Christmas is the season of hope, love, and family. However, it’s hard to feel the festive spirit in the middle of the pandemic. For months, we’ve witnessed losing our loved ones, being cooped up in our homes, and feeling uncertain about the future. 

To boost the Christmas spirit, Lumina Homes will give away one house-and-lot unit at GMA’s “Kapuso BigayPremyosaPasko” Christmas promo. 

Kapuso BigayPremyosaPasko” Christmas promo
Lumina x GMA 

Airspeed Has Two New Facilities to Meet Evolving Demands

 

Airspeed Facade
Airspeed Building

During this pandemic, the need for excellent logistics services has never been more apparent. Today, many businesses and individuals choose to sell and buy products online- with the full expectation that the products they send or purchase arrive correctly, in good condition, and on time.  Understanding that every order could very well be vitally important, merchants and sellers should entrust the responsibility for making sure that packages are effectively stored, moved, and delivered to a reputable and efficient logistics service provider.

Subway's 10.10 Promo! Get Free 6-Inch Sub!

 


Yup! You read that right. From October 10 to 31, 2021, you can enjoy a FREE 6-inch sliced chicken sub for every order of (1) Footlong Meatball Marinara or a (1) Subway Melt Footlong Sub priced at Php320! 

I ordered through Grab Food and my order was proccessed by Subway Alabang Town Center branch. I was supposed to order Meatball Marinara, but they're SOLD OUT! I was like, "Wow! This must be a bestseller!" So I tried the Subway Melt Footlong Sub instead and it certainly did not disappoint! 

Subway 10.10 Promo
I just bought one footlong of Subway Melt and they gave me a FREE 6-inch sliced chicken sub!

Sino Ba si Sam Verzosa na Walang Sawang Tumutulong sa mga Taga Laguna?

 


Si Sam Verzosa ay kilala bilang Chief Executive Officer ng tanyag na direct selling company na Frontrow Enterprise na kaliwa at kanan na umaani ng pagkilala mula sa iba't-ibang organisasyon dahil sa pagtulong hindi lamang ngayong kasalukuyang pandemya kundi kahit noon pa ng maitatag ang kanyang Negosyo higit sampung taon na ang nakakaraan. 

Makikita ang tagumpay ni Sam sa negosyo sa kanila at kanan na billboard sa buong Pilipinas na nagpapakita  ng kanilang mga dekalidad na produkto at mga gumagamit nito na mga sikat na aktres at mga influencers. Napakaraming natutulungang kababayang filipino hindi lamang dito sa Pilipinas pati na rin sa buong mundo. 


Mula si Sam sa Sampaloc, Manila at nakapagtapos sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas. Itinatag nya ang Frontrow Enterprise kasama ang kanyang partner sa negosyo na si Raymond "RS" Francisco. 

Kamakailan lang ang kompanya ni Sam ang nagpakilala o nagprisinta sa "Miss Universe Philippine na kung saan ay isa lamang ito sa "platform" para ipakita ang pagtulong sa ibat ibang industriya at para rin mai promote ang kakayahan ng mga kababaihang pilipino. 


“Lagi nating iniisip na wala tayong magagawa, mahina tayo o wala tayong boses. Sa panahong ito ng pandemya, sana mas mangibabaw ang pagtutulungan at pagkilos para sa taumbayan.”-Sam Verzosa

Nung nakaraang taon, 100M worth of donations ang naipadala ni Sam nationwide na ikinatuwa ng mga tao na hindi nakakalimot sa mga nagbibigay ng impormasyon para sa karamihan na masasabi na ring Frontliners. 

Nagsagawa rin ng iba't-ibang feeding programs sa Los Baños, Calauan at kasama na rin ang food pantry sa San Pablo City. Nagkaroon rin ng iba't-ibang feeding program mula sa pribadong kompanya ni Sam sa halos lahat ng sulok ng Calabarzon.

FRONTROW Cares Takes Center Stage at the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Coronation Night

 


It has been a challenging time for everyone. But despite a challenging pageant season caused by the pandemic situation, the most awaited Miss Universe Philippines 2021 coronation finally took place at Panglao, Bohol, and crowned Cebu City’s Beatrice Luigi Gomez as the country’s representative at the international Miss Universe Pageant. “We thank our pageant supporters and helpful sponsors for making this event possible despite the challenges we’ve encountered this year. Of course talagang nagpapaslamat kami to our presentor FRONTROW for being behind us all the way,” states Miss Universe Philippines Creative Director Jonas Gaffud.

 

Best Before-After Small Bathroom Renovations

 During the pandemic, I've been browsing a lot of pages about home renovations because I plan on renovating my own home soon. It feels quite satisfying just to see those before-after pictures, plus I also realized that instead of a full home renovation, you can also opt to renovating specific parts of your home instead if you have a limited budget. 

According to housebeautiful.com, a bathroom redo is going to cost you time, money, and maybe even a few gray hairs. The price can range from “a few thousand dollars to spruce up an existing bathroom to six figures for a gut renovation of a high-end master bath,” says Dan DiClerico of Home Advisor

Here are some pictures I saw on the internet : 

Pic taken from this YouTube source 

Sam Verzosa of Tutok to Win Partylist Files their CONA

In my previous blog about the recent Miss Universe Philippines 2020, we just discussed about Sam Versoza being the gentleman who almost came to Rabiya Mateo's rescue during the mentioned beauty pageant. Today, Mr. Versoza has just filed his candidacy. 

J&T Express and AstraZeneca at the Asia Leaders Awards 2021

 Asia Leaders Awards 2021 presents two more honorees at the Manila House Private Members Club


*  Ms Lotis Ramin, President of ASTRAZENECA PHILIPPINES and 

*  Ms Zoe Chi, Vice President of J&T Express Philippines.

The event was graced by no less than Asia Leaders Awards Founder, Grace Bondad Nicolas with awards committee; 

*  Tan Yu III of the Makati Tourism Foundation, Inc. and 

*  Dr. Elton See Tan of Filipino Chinese Chamber of the Philippines and The E-Hotel Makati Group

Asia Leaders Awards is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It is only the recognition giving body whose awards committee is composed of respected leaders from different chambers, organisation’s and embassies such as American Chamber of Commerce, Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, Embassy of Singapore, Embassy of Poland and American Association of the Philippines among others. 

Its main objective is to promote the Philippines as a premier business hub and destination in Asia. Awarding ceremony will be on November 11, 2021, at the Embassy of Singapore.

For more information about Asia Leaders Awards, visit https://www.facebook.com/AsiaLeadersAwards.

The Man Who (Almost) Came To Rabiya's Rescue in Ms Universe Philippines 2020

 


Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo’s fighting spirit was clearly manifested until the last moment of her reign. The Queen’s dignified response to quickly stand up after her onstage fall (for her final walk) took much admiration from viewers and netizens. Though what also got our attention at this unexpected event was the caught footage of a man’s back who stood up with the intention of coming to Rabiya’s rescue. So who was this mystery man?

Headache After Using Gadgets? Wear MetroSunnies Con-Strain Anti-Radiation Glasses! (Plus a Giveaway!)

 I would often experience a minor headache eventually turning into migraine right after working in front of my desktop and/or laptop especially when I work during night time. My husband says the reason of my migraine is because of switching from reading at my laptop to reading on my mobile phone and going back to the desktop.  I'm starting to believe it's true because I tire easily when I do it. 

My eyes hurt after 2 hours of working in front of my computer. It could also be caused by stress and fatigue. 

According to an article from webmd.com, blue light from electronics is linked to problems like blurry vision, eyestrain, dry eye, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Blue light may also damage your retinas (phototoxicity). The amount of damage depends on wavelength and exposure time. 

Is Your Hair Truly Nourished? Find Out With This 3-Step Sense Check!

Everyone wants beautiful hair. It’s one of the first things people see when they meet us. But your hair shouldn’t just be beautiful, it should be nourished.

Nourished versus Beautiful

Nourished hair goes beyond first impressions. It’s not a façade, a front, or a pretty cover-up for something lifeless and unhealthy. Nourished hair is healthy hair. Nourished hair is great to look at, but also great to touch and smell. Nourished hair is healthy hair.

To check if your hair goes beyond beautiful, you must trust your senses. Your senses are nature’s gift to you so you can find the best of what your surroundings has to offer. It’s a good thing that your senses are always available to you!

An inspiration: Mayor Isko Domagoso

 


This man's story is an inspiration to all, especially to poor youngsters. Who would have thought that a slum boy from Tondo can do better? He struggled amidst poverty and helplessness and yet he never loses hope. Today, millions of Filipinos admire him, bringing about significant accomplishments with his "no-retreat no-surrender" attitude in governance. 

Blockchain Technology: The Future of Insurance Industry


Improving Efficiency of the Insurance Value Chain with Blockchain

The ever-evolving sophistication of the insurance industry is defined by the constant need to scale up offers basing on the premium needs of the client. As society progresses and customer outlook evolves, insurance companies are delving deeper into their customer needs and wants in a hyper-personalized offer to fit each emerging generation of professionals, households and business leaders.

Product Review: Is Promag 300 Effective?

I was lucky enough to try the popular Promag 300 which is being endorsed by one of the popular TV/radio hosts in the Philippines. That's one of the reasons why I wanted to try the product to see if it somehow works on me. I roughly had any good sleep lately plus I keep feeling this pain on the foot which I believe is called plantar fasciitis, so I was hoping this Promag 300 could somehow help. I am a bit skeptical, but the brand is a bit expensive so I am setting my expectations up. 


AAP’s Profiles in Excellence at the George Washington Charity Ball

 

The annual George Washington Charity Ball is an anticipated flagship social event of the American Association of the Philippines. It is not just a social event but a venue where AAP recognizes the accomplishments of its members and other community leaders as well. It also serves as a platform to setup fundraisers for its charitable causes, philanthropic activities and community outreach programs.

Kalysta Hair Therapy Line Product Review

I received my KALYSTA HAIR THERAPY LINE a few days ago and I've been using it since. Did my hair improve? Read more to find out.  


Mayor Randy Salamat Receives Outstanding International Hospitality Entrepreneur Award from AAP

Mayor Randy Salamat

Just recently, the young millennial mayor who is also a successful entrepreneur receives the Outstanding International Hospitality Entrepreneur award under American Association of the Philippines, because of his innovation and grit in launching different restaurants even during pandemic, thus giving jobs to more people who are in need and displaced by this global health crisis.

AAP's Profile of Excellence Awardee: Avin Ong of Macao Imperial Tea

Avin Ong of Macao Imperial Tea, gets a Profile of Excellence recognition from the American Association of the Philippines (AAP)


AAP recently recognized the contributions and achievements of a young entrepreneur, Mr. Avin Ong, the CEO of Fredley Group of Companies.

At such a young age of 29, he was able to accomplished so much.  The Fredley Group of Companies has a master franchise collection of over 200 restaurants and cafe branches with more than 1,000 employees and four brands including Macao Imperial Tea, Nabe Japanese Izakaya and Hot Pot, Hosaku Yakiniku International buffet and Liang Crispy Rolls. With all these under his portfolio, he indeed exemplifies excellence in the field of business and entrepreneurship.

When asked how his company survived this Pandemic, he replied.

To survive, basically we had to launch our online platform, we all know that everything is digitalize right now, we partnered with a lot of food aggregators to make certain that our products will be available to each and every one. We invested a lot in terms of product innovations….. Right now, we are exerting a lot of efforts to make sure that our restaurants and cafes are safe and we make sure that we comply with the guidelines issued by DOH and IATF”

Moreover, with compassion and empathy, unknown to many, Avin has created jobs for special people with impairments with his “I am Different, I am Able” program. He empowers differently-abled individuals by giving them jobs and making them feel life-worthy.

Avin is an Honorable Mention graduate of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Specialization in Business Applications from De La Salle University, Manila. He completed his Masters in Business Administration degree at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and was an exchange student in ESSCA - School of Management in Budapest, Hungary.

A well-deserved citation: The Young CEO Entrepreneur of the Year: Mr. Avin Ong, Chairman and CEO, Fredley Group of Companies



Other American Association awardees are the following:

Outstanding Academic Scholarship in History: Ambeth Ocampo, Journalist/Scholar Professor, Ateneo De Manila University

Outstanding Academic Scholarship in Government and Economic Affairs: Ronald U. Mendoza, Dean, Ateneo De Manila University

Outstanding Real Estate Entrepreneur Posthumous Award: Dr. Danny Vasquez

Outstanding Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Trailblazer: Tatler Philippines: Irene Martel Francisco, President

Outstanding Pandemic Public Health Service Award: Frontrow Cares

Philanthropist of the Year:  Mr. Raymond RS Francisco, Frontrow President

Philanthropist of the Year:  Mr. Sam Verzosa, Frontrow CEO

Tourism Philanthropist of the Year: Mr. Lawrence Li Tan, CEO & President, The Millenial Concept Factory Inc

Greatest Boxer of All Time: Senator Manny Pacquiao

Outstanding International Hospitality Entrepreneur: Mr. Randy Salamat, Mayor, Alfonso, Cavite

Outstanding Athlete, Entrepreneur & Public Servant: Congressman Michael “Mikee” Romero

Outstanding Consumer Packaged Goods Manufacturing Services: Asia Prime Philippines Corp.: Ms. Lerma Manzano Bernabe, President

AAP is composed of Americans, Filipino Americans, Filipinos and other nationalities and celebrates the partnership of its members--the American community, the US Embassy, and the American corporations--which in 1949, helped the struggling local Americans displaced by World War II in the Philippines.   With the support of its different partnerships and members, AAP is able to conduct various social welfare projects.

To know more and to be a member of AAP, please call 09778978877.

AAP’s Philanthropist of the Year: RS Francisco of Frontrow Enterprise

The American Association of the Philippines annually stages the George Washington Ball, an anticipated flagship social event. It is not just a social event but a venue where AAP recognizes the accomplishments of its members and other community leaders as well. It also serves as a platform to setup fundraisers for its charitable causes, philanthropic activities and community outreach programs. This year, RS Francisco, the President of Frontrow Enterprise was given the “Philanthropist of the Year” award.