December 5, 2019

Tech Innovator app-based motorcycle taxi Angkas to discuss Good Governance for Start Ups

Angkas, technology innovator and pioneer in app-based motorcycle taxi services, will join the 2020 Corporate Governance Conference (CGGON) to discuss their advocacy of using technology not just as a solution to ease the burden of heavy traffic and congestion but as a tool for good governance and compliance with safety standards and regulations. 

The CGCON, which will be held in March 2020 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City was organized by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) and will have the theme “How T.R.A.F.F.I.C. Creates Sustainable Businesses.” The conference introduces T.R.A.F.F.I.C., short for Transparency, Responsibility, Accountability, Fairness, Foresight, Innovation, Culture, as a business mindset for companies in achieving sustainability. 



“We have always championed the use of technology to make commuting easier for Filipinos, especially with the challenging traffic situation here in the country,” Angkas CEO Angeline Tham said during a press briefing.  
“Through our discussion at CGCON, we hope to give a better picture of how technology has worked for us both in serving the Filipino commuters and in ensuring good governance and compliance to safety rules and regulations among our biker-partners," Tham added. 
"I personally would like to emphasize that startups--particularly those oriented towards high technology--should always bear in mind that their concern should not be so much about their bottom line but about their impact to society," Tham noted.
"In Angkas, for instance, we have also always advocated safe and affordable transportation while complying with the strictest safety standards and regulations. This is the crux of our work and what we believe is our role in society," Tham maintained. "The safety of our bikers and commuters are of the utmost importance, and we will share how we have worked hard to comply with the highest safety standards and regulations.” 

The conference will feature notable thought leaders who will participate in a dialogue that aims to break the unconscious bias between emerging technology companies and disruptors, and the practice of good corporate governance. It aims to imbibe T.R.A.F.F.I.C. as a mindset for businesses to succeed in long-term value creation for the benefit of all stakeholders. 

CGCON 2020 will have an audience consisting of board chairs and directors, CEOs, CFOs, compliance officers, senior executives and managers, policy makers and regulators, institutional investors, and academics.

It plans to discuss the answer to the question on how principles of Transparency, Responsibility, Accountability, Fairness, Foresight, Innovation, and Culture (T.R.A.F.F.I.C) create sustainable businesses in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe). It also has the goal of promoting stakeholder approach towards long-term value creation among companies that thrive in the various aspects of FIRe. 

CGCON 2020 will also feature global thought leader and acclaimed American roboticist Dr. David Hanson, founder and CEO of Hanson Robotics. He will be bringing his AI creation, Sophia, the world’s first robot citizen and the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme.



Dr. Hanson will be delivering a keynote entitled "Revolutionizing Boardroom Dynamics," which will touch on how artificial intelligence and robotics are changing the way information impacts the boardroom.

As part of the program, Tham will also be speaking with Sophia on the topic, “The Future is Here.” Guests will also have the chance of interacting with Sophia as they can have selfies taken with her after the talk. 

Other topics that will be discussed in the conference are: how IoT is enhancing the workplace environment, transparency, and efficiency; the ethical implications of technological advancement to the business ecosystem; and why T.R.A.F.F.I.C. is important and how it creates value for investors and stakeholders respectively. 




At the Corporate Governance Conference (CGGON) held recently, where the conference introduced T.R.A.F.F.I.C., short for Transparency, Responsibility, Accountability, Fairness, Foresight, Innovation, Culture, as a business mindset for companies in achieving sustainability. Angkas was on of the major speakers to discuss their advocacy of using technology not just as a solution to ease the burden of heavy traffic and congestion but as a tool for good governance and compliance with safety standards and regulations. In the photos are : (L-R) Backrow : Tom Syquia, Subchair for Content, ICD; Tony Cailao Member – CGCON, ICD; Fred Pascual, President ICD; Frank Newmann, Trustee ICD; George Royeca, Chief Transport Advocate, Angkas; Henry Aguda, Chairman UBX /Unionbank; Taimy Cruz, Chair for Logistics, ICD; Bert Manabat, Trustee. Front Row: Amor Maclang, Chair for Public Engagement, ICD; Ida Tiongson, Trustee ICD; Angeline Tham, CEO and Founder, Angkas; Cora Guidote, Chair – CGCON ICD; Tammy Lipana, Trustee ICD.































































































































Historic international meet set in Manila: 2020 FIABCI World Real Estate Congress

For the first time ever, all roads lead to Manila as the best minds in architecture, design, and real estate come together for the 2020 World Congress of the Paris-based international real estate federation of more than 2,300 members in 70 countries

This was announced by chairman Dr. Reghis M. Romero II and president Arch. Nestor Mangio of the Philippines’ chapter of the Federacion Internationale des Adminstrateurs de Biens Conceils et Immobiliers (FIABCI), whose historic 71st World Congress will be staged at the Marriott Convention Center on May 26-30, 2020.
“It will be the very first time that this world congress of FIABCI International will be held in the Philippines, and aptly so as “Urban Revolution” is its theme,” said Dr. Romero, also the chairman of the 2020 FIABCI World Real Estate Congress.



Urban Revolution, as coined and defined by Australian archaeologist V. Gordon Childe as early as 1930, transforms small and kin-based agricultural villages into large, socially-complex urban societies. 

“The same phenomenon is happening in the different regions of the Philippines right now, driven by the proliferation of BPO offices, commercial and industrial hubs, and the rise of masterplanned residential communities in the provincial suburbs around Metro Manila and the regional centers in the Visayas and Mindanao, bringing about the so-called ‘next-wave’ of emerging cities like Laoag, Vigan, Puerto Princesa, Zamboanga, Balanga, Lucena, Iloilo, etc., which have demonstrated the ability to generate employment, sustain a healthy workforce, make effective use of land, and provide the necessary support infrastructure,” Mangio pointed out.

FIABCI-Philippines has members from the various sectors of the construction and real estate industry, including the academe.

“And, also for the first time, the incoming president of this world body is a Filipino,” Dr. Romero stressed, referring to chairman emeritus Florentino Dulalia Jr. of FIABCI-Philippines.

“Dulalia will formally assume the presidency of FIABCI International during the world congress, making it the first time for a Filipino to hold the reins of this huge global industry organization established way back in 1951,” added Dr. Romero, who has been FIABCI-Philippines chairman since 2018, less than a year after it was registered as a non-stock, non-profit organization with the Securities and Exchange Commission in December 2017.



Also highlighting the five-day event is a conference featuring the world’s who’s who in the construction and real estate industry sectors. They include international speaker Daniel Watch of Harvard University, global design director Anthony Cuthbertson of Topshop London, Roland Schnizer of Foster and Partner UK, and our top developers like president Kevin Tan of Megaworld and president Frederick Go of Robinsons Land Corp. among many others, all discussing topics on the various facets of today’s evolving and emerging urban transformation worldwide.

Among the topics are the future and leadership in real estate, township and urban development, digital technology’s huge role in transforming cities, insights on the current and looming prospects of the industry, and its many challenges. 

Other congress activities include leadership training sessions, exhibits, general assembly, board and professional meetings, and such ticketed events as the Prix D’ Excellence, Medal Holder’s Dinner, International Young Members’ Party, Study/Social Tours, and the Gala/Farewell Dinner, each generating business networking opportunities on a global scale for local participants. 

The men behind FIABCI World  - Immediate President Assen Makedonov, Presidend Walid Moussa, President Elect Florentino Dulalia, Jr. and Vice-President Jordi Ribo


FIABCI Philippines President Nestor Mangio with FIABCI World Immediate Past President  Assen Makedonov


 As to why the  country is chosen to host the 71st World Congress, Dr. Romero said:

“The Philippines has the fastest growing economy and real estate sector in Asia, and we (FIABCI-Philippines) can help make the 2020 World Congress an unforgettable experience, definitely showcasing the hospitality that Filipinos are known for.”

Supported by UN-Habitat, Grant Thornton, Reed Midem, and World Urban Campaign as sponsors, the 71st World Congress is being organized by FIABCI-Philippines to help put the global industry on the best track for urban development while generating momentum along its course. “Thus the Congress theme ‘Urban Revolution’,” Mangio added. 

More information about the 2020 World Congress can be found at www.fiabciphilippines.org. Interested attendees may also send an email to fiabci.phil@gmail.com or call tel: +632 3456-4511, +632 8928-6517.


December 4, 2019

A game of bowling with Best Buddies

For regular shoppers, it may have been just an ordinary afternoon at the mall, but for Vico, 28, it was a special day to spend a few hours enjoying a game of bowling with his friends from Best Buddies Philippines. The group of friends were at the mall, with other pairs of best friends, for a friendly bowling tournament organized by Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement for one-to-one friendships and inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).


Best Buddies’ Vico Cham (2nd from right) with (from left) Akio Kawachi, Ralen Tupaz, Ian Borleo, Ryan Poblete, Sachin Mohnani, Nyssa Uy Kua, Gian Mendoza,April Paligsa and his mother Cathy Cham who joined Best Buddies Bowling Game event at SM Megamall Bowling Center.
Photo by Kayla Paligsa

The activity is one of the many initiatives organized by Best Buddies, in partnership with SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. During the event, individuals with IDD like Vico, had a fun afternoon hanging out with their Peer Buddies volunteers who committed to spend time, have fun activities, communicate on a regular basis and enrich their lives through friendships with individuals like Vico. 

Catherine Cham, mother of Vico, said that events like the Best Buddies Bowling Game give her son an avenue to socialize and feel he is a regular part of a group. She is very thankful for Best Buddies which she said helped her find a best buddy for Vico.

“His peer buddy is Buboy Palomares. They’ve been friends for 4 years. They used to jog regularly twice a month or watch a movie. They also engage in group activities. With Buboy, Vico was able to find a friend whom he would text regularly. It is really important for parents because it’s really not easy to entrust your child to somebody.” 

“We are very thankful for the support that we have received from our volunteers and sponsors,” exclaims Michelle Aventajado, executive director of Best Buddies Philippines. “Events like these strengthen the friendship between volunteers and individuals with IDD. It’s a great opportunity to promote inclusion, have fun, and enrich the lives of everyone involved in the Best Buddies program.” 

For SM Cares, the event is another opportunity to support and give back to the community. “At SM, we believe that establishing good relations can positively affect and inspire those with special needs. We strive to make every SM Mall, a mall for all, and by supporting activities such as this, everyone can enjoy the same fun and leisure in SM, as anyone would do,” said Engr. Bien Mateo, program director of SM Cares Program on PWDs. 

Best Buddies Philippines is looking into partnering with private entities like SM who can support them in their advocacy and their other programs. It also aims to widen its scope in the next 5 years by establishing Friendship Chapters in more schools nationwide.

To know more about Best Buddies Philippines you may visit www.bestbuddiesphilippines.com, https://www.facebook.com/BestBuddiesPhilippines/, or send an e-mail to bestbuddiesmanila@gmail.com.

To know more about SM Cares, you may visit www.smcares.com.ph, www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares, or send an e-mail to smcares@smsupermalls.com.


OPPO Officially Opens the Biggest OPPO Experience Store in SM City General Santos

NOVEMBER 2019, GENERAL SANTOS, PHILIPPINES - OPPO is officially opening a new OPPO Experience store in SM City General Santos on November 16. The said store will be the biggest OPPO Experience Store in the country to date and is also the first premium store of the brand in Visayas and Mindanao. 


“This new OPPO Experience Store in SM General Santos City is just one of our many efforts to help push our commitment in providing the best brand experience to the Filipinos. As we upgrade our smartphone offerings, we are also expanding and enhancing our store operations in order to provide the best consumer experience wherever you are from the Philippines. We have a strong following in the Southern region so we think that it’s only fitting that we also put up one of our key experience centers in the south,” says Raymond Xia, Marketing Director of OPPO Philippines. 

Through the first OPPO Experience Store in SM General Santos, OPPO customers in the south will now be able to enjoy a more sleek and modern store interiors which was adapted from the global store design concept. Additionally, consumers can also expect upgraded customer relations services and product experience with a bigger support team and product immersion areas available for display and trial.

The new OPPO Experience Store is located on the 3rd floor of SM General Santos in SM Cyberzone. In addition to this, OPPO is slated to open and upgrade more stores in order to reach out and provide better service to more consumers. 

To know more about the new store openings and the stores near you, visit OPPO’s official website at www.oppo.com.ph or through the official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.






Typhoon Kammuri affects 14 million children; World Vision stands ready to support

Typhoon Kammuri made its first landfall in Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon at around 11PM on December 2.

Kammuri intensified just before it hit the landmass with a maximum sustained winds of 165km/h near its center and 230km/h gustiness. 



"I wasn't able to sleep well last night not because the strong winds and rain bothered me but because I was worried about the families in evacuation centers and their deserted homes made of light wooden materials," shares Rey Montimor, World Vision Program Manager of Albay and Sorsogon. 

Information from the Department of Education’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) shows that 14 million learners are affected due to class suspensions across more than 26,000 schools in 12 regions. Meanwhile, UNOCHA’s Joint Analysis of Disaster Exposure data says that there are at least nine million people in the affected areas - Camarines Sur, Albay, Quezon, Catanduanes, and Camarines Norte, 300,000 children of whom are living in places with possible widespread damage.






“As a child-focused organization, our focus is to complement the government’s efforts in ensuring that these children are safe and protected. World Vision is present in Pio Duran in Albay, Bulan in Sorsogon, Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte and Lagonoy in Camarines Sur. Our team on the ground is set to conduct rapid assessment as soon as it is safe to do so,” says World Vision’s Executive Director Rommel V. Fuerte. 


He also lauded the preparedness initiatives of all stakeholders. In the past, World Vision’s disaster risk reduction projects helped strengthen the communities’ preparedness through provision of early warning equipment like rain gauge and public address system and community and school-based disaster preparedness trainings.

“If needed, World Vision is ready to deploy its prepositioned relief items from its warehouses in Clark and Cebu which can cater to 2000 families,” says Fuerte.

For news and updates, visit www.worldvision.org.ph.


About World Vision
World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.










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