Philippines: The Road to World Cup 2026

On April 2nd 2018, while the rest of Manila was going back to their office desks after a very long non-working holiday weekend, I found myself and nine other media people traveling to Antipolo to meet none other than, Coach Thomas Dooley. Coach Thomas is more popularly known as the former captain of the United States national soccer team and has recently served as head coach of our very own, Philippine national team.

Coach Thomas Dooley met with us at Cafe Lupe, Antipolo and discussed the preparations for the much awaited World Cup 2026. The meeting was organised by the Teen Azkals Foundation Incorporated in cooperation with Tag Media and Public Relations headed by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas. 

I learned a lot during the discussion and I gained a deeper understanding of how athletes prepare for big tournaments such as the World Cup. Coach Thomas has proven that it takes a lot of discipline and effort to become a winning athlete. With the 23rd tournament still almost a decade away, the plans are already in place for the first ever 48-country global competition with still no specific location or country yet mentioned under the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer. The decision on which country or countries will host the 2026 World Cup will be announced by FIFA in May 2020.

Coach Thomas, together with Coach Chito Ferrer Manuel (Teen Azkals Foundation Camp Director) discussed and explained the importance of early preparations especially on how to select the Teen Azkals who will, in the future, join this prestigious competition. I can't help but be excited for these teens who could very much well be playing for World Cup 2026. 

According to Mr. Alvin Carranza, the President of Teen Azkals Foundation Inc , “Sports made the Filipinos United but the determination of the athletes must be in full focus as it’s not about the individual strength or not about the coach but all about the whole team. We are looking forward for the new recruits as the Azkals today will retire soon in preparation for the World Cup 2026. We need the new Teen Azkals.” 

The Philippine team needs our support. To know more information, please contact 09778978877, 09954560892, or 09189414522. Check also www.facebook.com/teenazkals.

Summer Washi Swap

Remember in grade school, we used to have our special folder full of stationery - those pretty paper with that sweet smell? Yup. Those were the days. Afternoons would be spent with your playmates trading sets of paper and envelopes, or stickers even.

Fast forward to 2017 and the birth of washi tape and all else beautiful. You start to buy set upon set, knowing and believing that you will use these! And you try to keep up with the designs that Michael's creates because I JUST HAVE TO HAVE THEM ALL!!!

We are all craft hoarders, whether you admit it or not. This event, was made just for us hoarders - so that we have a bit of every design of washi we can get our hands on! :)

The swap? So simple - trade your seat mate for some of what you have. When you've traded all that they've got, move on to another table and trade again! :) until you're satisfied with your loot!!

On March 25, we're hosting the first ever Washi Swap!! It's going to be epic!! With lots of goodies in your bags - Washi, stickers, pens, markers and delicious food - how can you not be there??

To register, please email thecraftersmarketplacemanila@gmail.com.

Zooper Cruise in Pasig River

Zooper Cruise in Pasig River is a zooper unique cruise experience under Zoomanity Foundation which aims to promote education and environmental conservation of Pasig River. According to Manila Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA), only 400 Filipinos are using the Pasig River ferries everyday. With a large majority of the country's population using public transportation on a daily basis, there could potentially be thousands more who could make use of these ferries. Because of the river's polluted waters, however, commuters just choose to ride other modes of transportation despite the heavy traffic.

To help in rehabilitating the Pasig River, Zoomanity Foundation launched the Zooper Cruise last August 25, 2016. It is the foundation's newest undertaking and is part of the company's numerous corporate social responsibility projects. It caters to the company's four pillars: Education, Entertainment, Environmental Conservation, and Exhibit. 

The cruise is a specially arranged tour in Pasig River every first Saturday of the month. For as low as P699 to P1, 999, one gets the chance to rediscover the beauty of historical places in Manila. The cruise takes you to the walled city of Intramuros and Fort Santiago and includes the world’s first and biggest China Town as one of the highlights. Tourists will get to enjoy good ambiance and music, specially prepared snacks and drinks, photo souvenir, and a lot more.

Zoomanity Group is one of the leading companies in the theme park industry in the Philippines under the Yupangco Group of Companies. They have more than 30 years of experience in the field and at present, with eight operating local and international parks namely Zoobic Safari in Subic, Zoocobia Fun Zoo in Clark, Clarkzilla in Clark, Residence Inn in Tagaytay, Paradizoo in Mendez, Cavite, Zoocolate Thrills in Bohol, Zootopia in Nagano, Japan, and Animal Research and Development Park in Victoria, Australia. 

TAG Media and Public Relations on the other hand, is the marketing, branding, and public relations company of Zoomanity Group. For events and services, please send your inquiry to grace@tagmedia.asia or call 09166299381.

The Tribune Post at eTail Asia Singapore

eTail Asia brings together 300 VPs and Directors from Asia’s leading retailers to discuss the future of e-commerce on March 7 to 9, 2017 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The Tribune Post, one of the leading regional newspaper in the Philippines under Nani Cortez with an award winning online counterpart (http://www.theonlytribunepost.blogspot.com) under Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas will join this annual event as partners.

The complete set of speakers to grace the event are as follows:

Alokedeep Singh, Director of eCommerce and Digital, Titan

Roger Graell, Online Sales Director, Mango

Kevin Hagino, Senior Marketing Manager, LEGO

Akira Mitsumasu, Vice President, Marketing & Strategy, Japan Airlines

James Hansford, eCommerce & Customer Relationship Centre Manager, Nespresso

Singapore Jasper Knoben, E-Commerce & New Business Development lead, Philips

Anil Srinivas, Sr. Director – eCommerce, Levi Strauss & Co

Meysam Moradpour, Director, Digital Ventures, Pizza Hut

Betty Lam, Director, Vice President, E-Travel Retail, DFS Group

Daniel Chan, Head of E-Business & Digital, Asia-Pacific, L'Oreal

Ronan Hurl Chief Operating Officer, Sephora SEA

Aspa Lekka, Managing Director, Foodpanda

Aimone Ripa di Meana, Chief Marketplace Officer, Lazada

Praseed Prasad, Director of Brand Marketing, Flipkart (India’s biggest marketplace)

Daniel Lim, Co-Founder, Reebonz

Nanthekumar Tamilselvan, Regional Head of Lifecycle Marketing, PropertyGuru

Wouter Van Wersch, President and CEO, GE ASEAN

Elaine Wong, Co-Founder, BFMe.com (China’s 3rd biggest marketplace)

Ralph Manalo Wunsch, Founder, MetroDeal (Philippines biggest marketplace)

Sandeep Komaravelly, Senior Vice President, Snapdeal

Kuik Xiaoshi, Co-Founder, VanityTrove & Vanitee

Roger Yuen, Chief Executive Officer, Clozette

Muhamad Fajrin Rasyid, Co-founder and CFO, Bukalapak.com

Fadzarudin Founder & CEO, Fashion Valet

Khánh Hồ Quang, CEO, Cungmua

Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, Founder & Managing Director, Tarad.com
Rachel Lim, Co-Founder, Love, Bonito

Hamish Stone, CEO, iCarAsia

Veen Dee, Head of Marketing, Fashion Valet

Shobhit Datta, Paid Acquisition & BI, HipVan

Danny Baskara, Founder and CEO, Evoucher

Ganesh Kashyap, GM & Director, eCommerce - Asia Pacific, Mondelez International

David Chmelar, Co-founder and CEO, iprice Group

Jacqueline Van den Ende, Founder, Lamudi Philippines

Pushpendra Sharma, Founder & CEO, SpacesGenie.com

Thomas Kroman, Chief Marketing Officer, WearYouWant

Manoj Gupta, Founder, Craftsvilla

Frank Kang, CEO, Althea

Thanawat Malabuppha, CEO and Co-Founder, Priceza

Hanno Stegmann, CEO, Asia Pacific Internet Group (APACIG)

Benjamin Choo, Country Manager, Singapore, KKday

John Lawson, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Best Selling Author

Max-F. Scheichenost, Founder and Managing Partner, Alps Venture

David Lim, Motivational Speaker, Leader of the 1st Singapore Mt Everest Expedition

Yu Xian Lim, Author and Analyst, Euromonitor International

Siva Ganeshanandan, Director, Adobe Marketing Cloud, Asia Pacific

Jack Zhang, Co-Founder & CEO, Airwallex

Ronen Mense, VP, Asia, Appsflyer

Ander Orcasitas, General Manager, APAC, Dynamic Yield

Pankaj Khushani, Head of Media Technology Solutions - SEA, India & Korea, Google

Patrick Steinbrenner, Managing Director, APAC, Insider

Momchil Kyurkchiev, Co-Founder/CEO, Leanplum

Speaker TBC, Mastercard

Anthony Chan, Head of Strategic Products and Experience Consulting, Greater Asia, Sitecore

Venkataramana Rao Nott, Founder, CEO, Vinculum Group

John Tay, Senior Manager of Online Merchendising and Conversion, Adidas

Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Canon

Chakkit Chatupanyachotikul, Senior Manager, Online, Lazada

eTail Asia is one of the region’s premier event for senior eCommerce and Multi-channel Directors of leading retailers. Each year, Asia’s biggest names attend to network and get a 360° perspective on the most pressing challenges and opportunities in digital retail.

Yamaha's Jose Mari Yupangco to promote the Philippines at Asia Leaders Forum

Jose Mari Laurel Yupangco, President, Yupangco Electronics as Keynote Speaker at the Asia Leaders Forum
last January 31st 2017 held at Misono Japanese Restaurant, Makati City.

The Asia Leaders Forum in Real Estate will happen once again on June 1st 2017 and this time, it will be held in Davao City. The second leg is being done in collaboration between Yupangco Electronics Corporation (Distributor of Yamaha Sound and Audio Technology) headed by Jose Mari L. Yupangco and TAG Media and Public Relations headed by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas. More speakers have been included in the line-up and I'd say all of them are subject matter experts in their respective fields. 

The first in the series for 2017 was so successful that this repeat is being requested. I learned a lot from the numerous speakers who shared their knowledge about current real estate trends. Held at Misono Japanese Restaurant in Makati last January 31st 2017, the speakers were Dr. Elton Tan of E-Hotels, Robert L. Yupangco of Zoomanity Group, Engr. Ben Co of BSC Construction, Mario Berta of Flyspaces, Congressman Prospero "Butch" Pichay of Surigao Del Sur, Koo Kwan Kon of Global Morning City Development among others. In attendance with me were representatives from ProFriends, DMCI, DibZ, and Megaworld. My director at SMDC International, Ms Aileen Penas was so grateful we got to participate in this forum that she told me we should attend more events of the same nature.

The Asia Leaders Forum comes just in time for the ASEAN 50th Anniversary which coincidentally is now under the chairmanship of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Indeed, all eyes are focused on the Philippines as the host country, so it's time to showcase the skills of the Filipinos and the products and services the Philippines has to offer. This is just one way to promote the backbone of any organization and our world class infrastructures and talents.

The objective of the forum is to promote the Philippines as the premier business hub in Asia and to share to participants the updates in regards to the real estate landscapes in the Philippines and beyond, technology & digital marketing, and the government mandates and initiatives to improve the real estate sector in the country. Since I have just shifted career to the real estate industry, I will make sure I won't miss this. I'm sure I will learn more from it and there is no doubt that it will give me the competitive edge I need to beat the myriad of other real estate specialists chasing deals.

For more information on being a participant, speaking opportunities, or sponsorship, please contact grace@tagmedia.asia or call 09166299381.

The New Silver Surfer at Tree Top Adventure

Last Saturday, November 19th 2016, Tree Top Adventure launched the new Silver Surfer. Tree Top Adventure Subic is a nature park established in 2008. It has various thrilling attractions all built to give guests a one of a kind experience. 

We got to try the new Silver Surfer ahead of the others as we arrived early for the media launch. A 90-meter, 30-ft high inclined zip line with improved features, it has the capability to control the speed of the ride which can reach up to 7 m/s. Despite its swinging motion and sudden stops mid-way, I didn't think I could meet an accident in this ride. It was well-designed and engineered, backed by no less than former DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, Tree Top's CEO. Of course, like any new experience, I was afraid to try it at first but once we were released, it was pure adrenaline rush! 

We were also given the opportunity to try their team building facilities. While doing the activities, I can't help but be reminded of the teams I was able to handle in the past. I was trying to imagine them completing each task with me. 

They are of various levels of difficulties and will test not only your physical strength but your intellect, too. The Bar Lifter Balancer I think is the most challenging of them all because I know from experience that BPO employees are some of the most impatient people you can meet around. Haha!

 

 

We didn't try all of them because we had to stop by lunch break. This gave us enough time to eat and freshen up as we checked-in at the hotel -- the Subic Grand Harbour Hotel which you can read in my previous blog post.

The media launch happened late afternoon of the same day. 

Tree Top Adventure Subic Management Team

TAG Media COO Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas

We were so privileged to have the new SBMA Chairman Martin Diño as a special guest. I never thought he would be so cool and groovy, reminds me of my dad, to be honest. Immediately after the ceremonial cutting of ribbon, he volunteered to be the first to try the new Silver Surfer. He will be Tree Top's number one ambassador for sure as he only has good things to say about his experience. 

We went back the next day for Tree Top's signature rides -- the Canopy Ride, Superman Ride, and the breathtaking Tree Drop Adventure. 

Watch it here!

My Tree Drop Extreme Experience

      

Look at that face! All rides and attractions have a height requirement and she missed it by a few inches. Dang! It's because at TTA, it's always SAFETY FIRST!

I liked how they are able to make you appreciate nature's beauty more through giving guests scenic views city dwellers usually take for granted.

I was never the adventurous type, that's why the activities I did over the weekend surprised a lot of my family members and friends. It's definitely an experience worth ticking in one's bucket list. I had a great time and what really mattered most was how my daughter loved every minute of our weekend adventure. In a world full of gadgets, it is so rare for the current generation to be given the chance to experience being in a natural environment where they can just be kids and play. Thanks to Tree Top Adventure for our instant mother-daughter bonding moment. 

I received a lot of inquiries about my experience at Tree Top Adventure after posting my experience on Facebook. Here are their adventure packages and rates.

You can follow them on Twitter and Instagram @treetop_ph and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/treetopadventureph for more information and receive updates. You can also visit their website at www.treetopadventureph.com. Come for a visit at Tree Top Adventure and let’s #ExperienceTheExtreme!

One Fine Weekend at Subic Grand Harbour Hotel

It's very challenging to find time to relax and unwind these days. All the stressors from living in the city and a truckload of deliverables can put a lot of toll in your mind and body. Everybody needs to take a break and nothing beats spending it in a nearby location so you get to maximize your 2-day rest day. I am so grateful that I got to spend it with my daughter at Subic. As a working mom, each chance I get to tag her along, I definitely do so. Such a cliche, I know, but time really flies so fast!

We left Manila on November 19th morning with an agenda of an overnight trip to #ExperienceTheExtreme. Upon arrival at Subic, we did not waste any time and we immediately proceeded to Tree Top Adventure. We had a sampling of their team building activities and did all sort of stuff that challenges not only your physical well being, but mentally, too. Boy, was it so exhausting?! We had a lot of fun though and I'll share them with you on my next blog. It's a different experience altogether that it deserves a post of its own. 

We finished all the activities as a team by lunch break and you guessed it right, we were just so hungry and tired from traveling and from everything that we did at Tree Top. Imagine the relief we felt upon arriving at the hotel and seeing these:

This is the Subic Grand Harbour Hotel. Located at the Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, it offers the best view of the city and bay area. 

 

 

 

Their outdoor pool is definitely a plus for me as my daughter really loves to swim. Look at that smile on her face -- priceless. 

 

We all had lunch at their restaurant and we were treated to a very sumptuous selection of Pinoy food. I specially liked their Pinakbet with Bagnet that I almost didn't touch the rest of the food on our table. 

  

 

I noticed this at the lobby while we were waiting to leave again for Tree Top Adventure. I would have wanted to try a couple of their spa services but we didn't have a lot of time. I'll definitely try them next time. It surprised me that their rates are very affordable, knowing that these are being offered in the hotel premises. 

They also have a fitness center, a barber shop, and a 7-11 Store. How convenient, right? That is where my daughter got her egg surprise. All kids are going gaga over them.

In the evening, we barely touched the food given to us at the media launch we attended because we were all looking forward to our dinner at the hotel. Of course, we were not disappointed. 

The girls had some after dinner bonding session over drinks and pica-pica while my daughter enjoyed her night swimming. We enjoyed the relaxing music by the pool side and the evening ocean breeze. We loved it so much that we didn't notice the time, we slept so late. It's a good thing they offer breakfast buffet so we have a lot of energy to brave our adventure-filled day despite lacking some sleep.

 

Before heading back to Manila, the SGHH Management Team was so generous to cover for our lunch again. It is another meal to remember for my daughter was able to finish a full bowl of pumpkin soup which almost never happens at all. I'd say this soup is Rain-approved!

We really enjoyed our stay at the Subic Grand Harbour Hotel. Their facilities are so clean and well-maintained, not to mention that they have excellent customer service. Everyone was ready to greet you with a smile and assist you in anything you could possibly need. I highly recommend staying here if you're in the area whether for a vacation or a business trip. 

For inquiries and reservations, you may visit their website at www.subicgrandharbour.com or send them an e-mail at info@subicgrandharbour.com.