2016 Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair : Give the Best of the Philippines this Christmas

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Lighting of the special setting to mark the official opening of the Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair. In the photo are (from left): Hon. Jocelyn Limkaichong, 1st district representative of Negros Oriental ; Asec. Christopher Naga (ROG) ; Director Rhodora Leano, Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion.

Looking for Christmas gifts that are unique and meaningful, yet affordable? Do you want to share your Christmas blessings by supporting the livelihoods of home-grown small and medium entrepreneurs? Do you want to help provide employment to our countrymen in the provinces, and preserve our heritage crafts?

The 2016 SikatPinoy National Trade Fair, with its theme Piling-Piling Produktong Pilipino, brings the best products of SMEs from all over the Philippines under one roof for the convenience of Metro Manila shoppers. This is happening on December 7-11, at the Megatrade Halls in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Admission is free.

Over 280 exhibitors were carefully screened and selected to bring a mix of regional delicacies, artisanal crafts, home décor, novelty items, knick-knacks, etc. Here is a rundown of what visitors will find at the fair:

• FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS – dining sets, sala sets, tables, chairs, stools, bar counters, beds, cabinets, wine racks, wall panels, chandeliers, lamps, and clocks made from wood and other locally available material.

• HOME DÉCOR – dividers, trays, hampers, baskets, paper weights, wall décor, vases, planters, fossilized flowers, corn husk roses, water bonsai, fine bone China home décor, curtains, fitted sheets, blankets, mats, soft toys, candle holders, chimes, and many other decorative items.

• FASHION ACCESSORIES – fine jewelry (rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles) made from gold, silver, pearls and other semi-precious stones; costume jewelry; bags, wallets, pouches, backpacks and satchels made from leather, snakeskin, buntal, pandan, ticog, and other indigenous materials.
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• HANDWOVEN – wall hangings and tapestries; table runners, placemats and napkins; blankets and rugs; shawls, ponchos, and tribal wear — made from Banaue ikat, Kalinga fabric, Vigan abel, Negros silk, Bohol raffia, other local weaves. 

• FOOTWEAR – shoes, slippers, sandals, espadrilles made from local materials such as abel and sabutan.

• SNACK FOOD – chicharon, chicharabao, empanada, macapuno, nata de coco, coco jam, peanuts and peanut butter, bibingka, macaroons, uraro, biscocho, butterscotch, rosquillos, cookies, sans rival, polvoron, turones de casoy, cashew nuts, mazapan de pili, pastillas, banana chips, durian candy, noodles, and many other regional delicacies.

• PROCESSED MEAT — different types of longganisa from Vigan to Lucban; as well as tocino, bagnet, embutido, tapa, pork barbeque, and other meat products.

• CONDIMENTS – vinegars such as sugarcane vinegar, coco vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and sukang Iloko; different types of bagoong, shrimp paste and crab paste; bottled laing, sinaing na tulingan, ginataang tailis, and bicol express; chili flakes and paste, garlic bits; fruit preserves, macapuno, and coco sugar; Himalayan sea salt, and many others.

• COFFEE & BEVERAGES – robusta/arabica coffee from the Cordilleras and corn coffee from Agusan del Sur; fruit wines made from bignay, bugnay, pineapple, guyabano, honey, rambutan, yacoon, sugar cane, and mango; herbal teas made from moringa, lemongrass, turmeric, and ginger brew; fresh milk, yoghurt, and kesong puti; pure tablea, calamansi concentrate, and other health drinks. 

• HEALTH AND WELLNESS – organic soaps, facial creams, body lotions and moisturizers, shampoos and conditioners, and other beauty products; virgin coconut oil and herbal oils and balms; wild honey and bee propolis.

Come and do your shopping at the 2016 SikatPinoy National Trade Fair. You will not only find a unique gift that will surely be appreciated by friends and loved ones, you will also be contributing to national economic development and inclusive growth by supporting the Trabaho at Negosyo (Employment and Entrepreneurship) initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry.

For more information, contact the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion at telephone no. 751-3223, fax no. 751-3224, or email bdtp@dti.gov.ph. Please “Like” the Facebook page www.facebook.com/sikatpinoyfairs for updates on Sikat Pinoy events. 

HAIRSPRAY LIVE! DANCES ITS WAY TO DIVA SAME DAY AS U.S. ON THURSDAY, 8 DECEMBER AT 9:25PM

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The highly-anticipated television musical event will feature a brand new 

original duet performed by stars Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind television experience as Hairspray Live! dances its way to DIVA– Same Day as the U.S. on Thursday, 8 December at 9:25pm. Featuring a stellar cast of Hollywood A-listers (Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson), Tony Award winners (Kirstin Chenoweth, Martin Short and Harvey Fierstein) and up-and-coming Disney alumni/millennial favorites (Garrett Clayton and Dove Cameron), the latest stage-to-screen production will see Broadway’s finest creatives team up to breathe new life into the beloved Tony Award-winning musical.

Filmed at the sprawling backlots of Universal Studios Hollywood, Hairspray Live!marks the first time the musical is being adapted for a television audience, culminating with a special duet by stars Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson. The two powerhouse vocalists will take on “Come So Far (Got So Far To Go)”, originally sung by Queen Latifah in the 2007 Hairspray film.

Hairspray Live! stars exciting newcomer Maddie Baillio as the iconic Tracy Turnblad, alongside Dove Cameron (Amber Von Tussle), Kristin Chenoweth (Velma Von Tussle), Garrett Clayton (Link Larkin), Harvey Fierstein (Edna Turnblad), Ariana Grande (Penny Pingleton), Derek Hough (Corny Collins), Jennifer Hudson (Motormouth Maybelle), Martin Short (Wilbur Turnblad), Ephraim Sykes (Seaweed) and Shahadi Wright Joseph (Inez). Additionally, the musical will feature special appearances by Billy Eichner, Sean Hayes, Andrea Martin and Rosie O'Donnell.

Philam Life primes against fraud

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Nick Wright, Associate Director for Investigations and Financial Crimes Compliance of AIA Group Compliance, talks about “Gathering and Analysis of Evidence” during the Fraud Investigation Workshop.

In the insurance world, when we talk of fraud, we often referred to the policyholders and/or claimants.  But fraud can take many forms as it comes in all shapes and sizes.  Insurance fraud is evolving.  Fraudulent activities in the organization may be perpetrated by internal and external individuals.   That is why fighting fraud and mitigating fraud risk are gaining significance in the insurance industry.  

Recently, Philam Life conducted a Fraud Investigation Workshop, with the intention of guiding participants (key employees, senior management officers, and bank partners) of effective anti-fraud efforts – including prevention, detection, and investigation of fraud, fraud reporting, and fraud risk awareness, education and training.

Philam Group participants working on analysis and assessment of a case study.

The two-day Fraud Investigation Workshop shows the company’s commitment in treating customers fairly and that it does not condone nor tolerate any acts of fraud within the organization.  Proper and effective investigations reinforce ethical culture as they help: 

• Management to “walk the talk”
• Employees and agents feel safer to report misconduct
• Increase deterrence
• Protect customer interests and the company
• Strengthen internal processes and governance

To combat fraud effectively and proactively, Philam Life and its affiliates (BPI-Philam, Philam Asset Management) adhere to its Anti-Fraud policies and guidelines, set-up a Whistleblow Policy and Hotline, promotes Speak-Up culture, conducts Ethics Survey and Ethical Leadership Training.  

(From left) Philam Life Chief Risk Officer Joseph de Dios, AIA Group Compliance Associate Director Nick Wright, Philam Life Head of Compliance Ivan Justiniano.

(From left) Philam Life Chief Risk Officer Joseph de Dios, AIA Group Compliance Associate Director Nick Wright, Philam Life Head of Compliance Ivan Justiniano.

Philam Life upholds the highest standards of integrity and professionalism by adopting a zero-tolerance policy to fraud.  Trust and integrity are of utmost importance to a financial institution like Philam Life.  It is committed to conduct business in an environment of honesty and integrity and will strive to reduce if not eliminate fraud from all operations.  Philam Group works to protect customer interests and ensures fair and ethical approach to customers.

As the premier life insurance company in the Philippines, Philam Life continues to embody its commitment of being a real life company that people can trust.

Who Will Make Up The Next Ultimate Boyband In “Pinoy Boyband Superstar”?

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“Pinoy Boyband Superstar” will finally reveal the five singing heartthrobs who will make up the first ultimate Pinoy Boyband as the competition draws to a close this weekend (Dec 10 and 11).

A nerve-racking finale titled “The Grand Reveal” awaits viewers as Ford, Joao, Mark, Niel, Russell, Tony, and Tristan set out to prove their worth to the superstar judges and to the fans. It will also serve surprises as the name of the winners’ boyband will also be announced and the viewers will have the privilege to hear their first single.

This Saturday (Dec 10), the seven singing heartthrobs will be divided into three groups – two pairs and a trio. By the end of the night, one hopeful will be named the first member of the boyband via the combined scores from the public votes and votes of superstar judges Vice Ganda, Sandara Park, Yeng Constantino, and Aga Muhlach.

The six remaining aspirants, meanwhile, will have their do-or-die performance come Sunday (Dec 11). The four other members will be also decided through the votes of the public and the judges. 

Who will fulfill their dream and emerge victorious?

Will it be Ford, the Hunky Haranista of Valenzuela City, whose soulful voice and undeniable appeal brought him to the finals?

There is also Joao, the Party Prince of Macau, with his overflowing charisma and strength in dancing landed him a spot in the top 7.

Mark, the Kwelang Badboy of Bacoor, used his rocker charm and distinct voice to woo his fans and the judges.

Despite the fact that he is the youngest among the seven, Niel, the Kanto Boy Next Door of Cebu, has since come out of his shell to toughen up and deliver strong performances.

Russell, the Fil-Am-azing Boy of Illinois, has displayed consistency in his singing and continues to learn the Filipino language.

On the other hand, Tony, known as the Badboy of Vancouver, has shown that he has what it takes to step out from his parents’ shadow to make his own name.

Described as the ‘dark horse’ of the group, Tristan, the Buff Balladeer of Bulacan, whose unique personality sets him apart from his competitors.

The five winners of “Pinoy Boyband Superstar” will receive exclusive contracts with Star Magic, recording contracts with One Music, Yamaha motorcycles, and P5 million cash.

Be sure to tune in to the two-day finale to vote for your favorites through text and online via Google.

To vote, just text BB (space) NAME OF CONTESTANT and send it to 2366. Only one vote per SIM card will be counted. To vote online, just Google “PBS VOTE” and click the photo of your chosen grand finalist and hit the “submit vote” button. 

Only one vote per Google/Gmail account will be accepted. Wait for the cue from host Billy Crawford on Saturday and Sunday if the voting lines are already open.

Don’t miss the “Pinoy Boyband Superstar: The Grand Reveal,” to be hosted by Billy Crawford, on Saturday (Dec.10) at 7:15PM, and on Sunday (Dec.11) at 7pm.

For updates, visit boyband.ph, likefacebook.com/BoybandPH on Facebook, and follow @BoybandPH on Twitter.

Do Your Christmas Shopping at the Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair

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Support Filipino Entrepreneurs

The DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion is bringing the best products from all over the regions to Metro Manila at the 2016 Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair, scheduled from December 7-11, at the SM Megatrade Halls in Mandaluyong City.

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, fair visitors will be able to find unique gifts and novelty items not readily found in the department stores. There will be food, health and wellness products, fashion, jewelry, furniture, home décor, handicrafts, knick-knacks, collectibles, and other interesting gift items in this once a year shopping event. If you’re on the look out for those one-of-a-kind gifts that show both your good taste and high regard for the recipients, this is the perfect venue for you. 

Themed “Piling-Piling Produktong Pilipino” the more than 200 exhibitors have been carefully chosen to reflect the best products from local SMEs from the country’s 16 regions. Corporations and other institutional buyers will be able to support local SMEs by shopping for corporate gifts from the exhibitors of the 2016 SikatPinoy National Trade Fair. For those who miss the taste of comfort food from the regions and want to have a taste of home for Christmas noche buena, there will be regional food delicacies at the fair.

The DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion organizes national domestic trade fairs to provide Filipino entrepreneurs with a venue to showcase their products and expand their market presence. Aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to start on their own business ventures are also strongly encouraged to visit the SikatPinoy National Trade Fair to take a look at what the exhibitors are offering, and to be inspired by the SMEs who have been able to successfully set up a viable business. 

For more information, contact the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion at telephone no. 751-3223, fax no. 751-3224, or email bdtp@dti.gov.ph. Please “Like” the Facebook page www.facebook.com/sikatpinoyfairs for updates on Sikat Pinoy events.