A Greater Quality of Life

Growing up in an impoverished post-war Taiwan, Johnson Health Tech founder, Peter Lo knew that following one’s dreams would require hard work, ambition, and a true entrepreneurial spirit that, 40 years later, has become the core of our business.

It was 1975. With the idea that building his own business would be the key to long-term success, a determined Lo hand wrote about 2,000 letters to American companies to offer support and services for their manufacturing needs. He received only 2 responses. One, an exercise equipment called IVANKO, asked if Lo could manufacture barbells. With his first order of $400 for 200 barbell pieces. Lo created Johnson Metal. While learning the skills and knowledge necessary for barbell manufacturing. Lo began to understand the individual and societal benefits of fitness equipment and wanted to foster his commitment to health and well being around the world.

By the 1980’s, Lo’s barbell business has expanded to the cardio fitness space. Johnson Health Tech became the original equipment manufacturer for numerous industry leaders including Trek, Schwinn, Omron, True and Universal among others. In 1996, Johnson Health Tech’s first brand efforts was spun off by the Trek Fitness management team – Vision Fitness- with the idea that the specialty fitness channel, still a small market at that time, would see immense growth in the future. While higher-end cardio products were too expensive and mass products were too low-quality for most fitness enthusiasts at the time, Johnson Health Tech was to find the “sweet spot” by offering exceptional quality at a more affordable price.

With a knack for spotting major trends in the fitness and manufacturing world to meet today’s consumer needs, Johnson Health Tech’s business more than doubled within just three years. In 1998, Johnson Health Tech introduced Horizon Fitness to bring higher quality and durability to the typically lower-end sporting goods/mas-market channel. Three years later, Johnson Health Tech launched Matrix Fitness line of products to the commercial fitness channel.

Throughout its gradual but massive growth, Johnson Health Tech has also established itself as a true pioneer of product innovation, from the Matrix hybrid bike to the first folding elliptical, to perfecting the eddy current magnetic brake system. Many of the technologies invented for the Johnson Health Tech machines have now become industry standards. From the beginning, an investment in key technologies to increase quality and add value has been a key priority of Johnson Health Tech.

Currently Johnson Health Tech is the largest fitness manufacturer in Asia and the third-largest manufacturer in the world. With a product portfolio covering all fitness channels and markets, including Matrix, Vision and Horizon. Johnson’s global network consists of manufacturing facilities in Shanghai and Taiwan, with Research & Development centers in North America, Shanghai and Taiwan. We are among the industry’s fastest-growing manufacturers, and with 24 wholly-owned subsidiaries, a service network of 60 countries, and 315 retail stores, allowing us better reach and to efficiently serve the needs of our customers around the globe.

This 2016, Johnson Health Tech (JHT), is proud to announce the establishment of their twenty-third wholly owned subsidiary in the heart of the Makati Business District, the leading financial and central business district of the Philippines.

“Johnson Health Tech is extremely excited to have an established home in one of the most dynamic cities in Southeast Asia. As a direct subsidiary, we can bring a number of significant benefits to our customers across both commercial and home use fitness segments. With JHT’s industry-leading product portfolio and strength in global R&D and manufacturing, paired with our local team of highly trained professionals, we can provide turn-key solutions for all fitness and wellness related needs. Here in Manila, we want to be known as JOHNSON HEALTH TECH PHILIPPINES, INC.”, said Mr. Katsuya Ito, the Japanese-Australian nationale spearheading JHT Philippines’ – Team Manila. Prior to this appointment, President Ito served as a Regional Sales Manager for JHT’s Taiwan corporate headquarters, and head of Overseas Sales Development for Fujiiryoki (Fuji Medical Instruments), a leading Japanese massage chair manufacturer.

The subsidiary will serve both the commercial market, including fitness clubs, condominiums, corporate gyms, colleges, and government projects; as well as the home use market, where the subsidiary’s primary focus will be to aggressively develop a corporate-owned retail store network across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

VXI – Launching of their new logo and brand positioning

Contact center solutions provider VXI Global Solutions recently opened its flagship facility in Pasay—its seventh in the Philippines—and is looking at opening one or two more by end of this year.

Speaking to the local media during the facility’s grand opening at the Five E-Com Center located at the Mall of Asia Complex in this city, Jared Morrison, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for the Philippines of VXI Global Holdings B.V. Philippines, Inc., said they are already in the market scouting for two more additional locations.

Morrison said among those locations are one at the National Capital Region (NCR) and another provincial site. He mentioned that they’ve already looked at the Next Wave Cities list of the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) and the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) for possible locations.

“We’ve seen the list and we’ve already sat down with our real estate consultants. Right now, we’re developing strategies on where to locate next,” explains Morrison.

He added that VXI will make the announcement on the new expansion location, whether in the NCR or in the province, by the end of this year and the next one by early next year.

Davao City was mentioned as a possible provincial site again since VXI already has an existing facility there. “Of course Davao is also still possible but we don’t want to compete with ourselves. However, if there’s room for one more there, then we’d love to go to Davao,” he said.

The Pasay site, costing around an estimated Php 185 million to build and will house more than 1,000 employees, is already filled to about 80% of its total capacity and Morrison said they expect to be fully loaded by the end of this year as well.

But what’s even more exciting is the fact that the new facility will provide additional jobs for those interested to work in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. Last year, Morrison said VXI paid a total of close to Php 3 billion in salaries and this facility will definitely add up to that total.

“VXI has an excellent service track record with our clients and they are demanding more of our services so we have to develop an excellent talent pool, which we compensate with above-industry standard pay, including other exceptional benefits. People work for us and stay long with us because they see opportunities for career advancement and growth, the chance to lead people. That’s the value that VXI offers in terms of jobs for those who want a career in the BPO industry,” Morrison added.

VXI has more than 21,000 people working around the world with office in the US, China and of course the Philippines. More than 40% of its global employee footprint is based in the Philippines. The company started with only 590 employees in 2003 and grew at an average of 30% per annum, and now has more than 10,000 employees as of June this year working in its facilities in Makati, Ortigas and Quezon City . Last year, VXI grew its headcount in the Philippines by 16% from 2014.

VXI provides call center and ITO services in more than 25 languages for leading global Fortune 500 companies. Its partners rely on a complete range of contact center and technology solutions to retain and grow their customer base while maintaining the highest level of quality and operational excellence.

For more about VXI, visit www.vxi.com.

Ian Veneracion endorses Primera Light Brandy

Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) introduced “man of the hour” Ian Veneracion as the newest endorser of its liquor brand Primera Light Brandy.

In a grand press launch and contract signing held recently, the multi-talented actor was welcomed to the GSMI family by its president Bernard Marquez, group brand manager Paul Camello, and brand manager Henry Simon.

Ian, who won the hearts of many after starring in a hit primetime teleserye and movie, relates that being “swabe” is important when dealing with both his work and personal life.

“After a ‘tamang swabe’ day of shooting or taping, I just want to relax and drink something smooth. So when I’m with friends we usually just open a bottle of Primera Light Brandy,” says Ian, who finally found the smoothness that he had been looking for in a brandy. “Primera Light Brandy is smoother than other brands, and I love how it tastes,” he adds.

Primera Light Brandy is a unique brandy liqueur masterpiece made from fine imported ingredients and exquisitely blended with Solera Gran Reserva Brandy concentrate from Spain. The breakthrough Premium Smooth Blend process gives Primera Light Brandy that distinctly flavorful aroma, well-balanced character, and exceptional taste for that “Tamang Swabe, Swabeng Tama”.

Primera Light Brandy was recently recognized for its high quality and taste by the Monde Selection International Quality Institute, the distinguished authority of quality in the food and beverages industry worldwide.

Primera Light Brandy is a quality product of Ginebra San Miguel Inc.
For more on Primera Light Brandy, like the official Facebook fanpage www.facebook.com/primeralightbrandy or log on to www.ginebrasanmiguel.com.

WRITE UP: H2O SALAMANDER CROWD SOURCE FUNDING CAMPAIGN

With the recent global temperature record-breaking El Nino coming to an end, another extreme weather phenomenon is expected to take its place – the La Nina. If the El Nino caused many countries all over the world – including the Philippines – to experience severe drought, the La Nina is expected to do the exact and extreme opposite. As such, we can expect severe flooding in many places not just in Metro Manila but also all over the country.

While the government is doing its part in building the necessary flood mitigating infrastructures like sufficient drainage systems and other flood control projects, it will take a long time and a lot of money to complete them all. In the meantime, how can the people living in the 26,000 flood-prone barangays – as identified by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council or NDRRMC – in the Philippines cope with massive flooding and the great challenges that come with it? And even after completing such infrastructures, how about the many other areas outside Metro Manila and other major cities in the Philippines that aren’t included in such infrastructure projects?

THE H2O SALAMANDER, an amphibious multi-utility vehicle
In response to this particular challenge posed by today’s severe weather, a cutting-edge Filipino innovation and technology company – H2O Technologies – has developed the H2O Salamander. It is an amphibious multi-utility vehicle that can safely run on both land and water, yes even in flood waters. t’s a potential game changer in terms of responding to typhoon-related disasters and mitigating the effects of severe flooding, especially in highly urbanized areas. The vehicle can be utilize to ensure continuity to provide basic services needed by people in every flood prone barangays. The H2O Salamander can carry up to 6 passengers (driver included) and comes in electricity and gasoline powered versions.

THE PARTNERSHIP
H2O Technologies is partnering with the single biggest non-government organization (NGO) that helps the Philippine government in dealing natural calamities like typhoons and massive flooding – the Philippine Red Cross. The Red Cross provides critical disaster management services to local government units (LGU) severely affected by natural calamities like floods through its disaster relief activities like rescue operations, among others. H2O is partnering with the Philippine Red Cross in helping local government units manage natural calamities better by donating 500 units of the H2O Salamander.

FUNDING THE PARTNERSHIP
For a successful campaign, we need to raise the amount of US$4.3 million . To do this, it will embark on a 60-day crowd source funding campaign via www.startsomegood.com, a crowd-funding platform for social enterprises, nonprofit projects and change makers. The campaign will give social change supporters the opportunity to donate $10, $50, $100, $150 and $2,500 in this crowd funding campaign;

Jollibee releases new Pinoy pride jingle for Independence Day

This coming June 12, the country’s number one fast food chain is set to release its latest anthem that is sure to make Filipinos #PinoyAndProud. Titled “Sarap at Saya”, this inspirational song is written for the country’s 118th Independence Day, to remind everyone how joyful it is to be Filipino and to highlight the many qualities that make every Pinoy proud of our beautiful country and unique culture.

Jollibee has consistently introduced generation-defining jingles through its TV commercials over the years. Top hits include the iconic “Beeda ang Saya” and “I Love You Sabado,” which captured the hearts of Pinoys of all ages. The brand’s latest anthem—especially composed for Independence Day—is slated to become another classic.

“Sarap at Saya” redefines Pinoy pride by igniting interest in commemorating the one truly Filipino holiday of the year, and in celebrating Independence Day as one resilient, jolly, and hopeful nation.

Emerging international musical titan Rachelle Ann Go, star of the London West End productions of Miss Saigon and Les Miserables, and The Voice Kids Philippines Season 1 runner-up and teen singing sensation Darren Espanto brought the anthem to life with their heartfelt rendition.

The song will be performed live for the first time by Darren joined by The X Factor Philippines season 1 champ KZ Tandingan at the Jollibee #PinoyAndProud: 2016 Independence Day Celebration and Countdown on June 11, 2016 at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig.

The music video version, starring Rachelle Ann and Darren, will premiere on local TV and online through the Jollibee Facebook page and on the official Jollibee YouTube channel on June 12.

Catch the performance of other top Pinoy talents Sarah Geronimo, JK Labajo, Elmo Magalona, Spongecola, and Itchyworms during the program that will run from 7 PM all the way to midnight to welcome Independence Day. They will be joined by Jollibee ambassadors Jodi Sta. Maria and the Legaspi family Zoren, Carmina, Mavy, and Cassy.

PLDT Smart SME Nation puts the focus back on MSMEs as part of nation-building mission

MSMEs—or micro, small, and medium enterprises—are driving the Philippine economy to an interesting direction: inclusive growth.

As of 2013, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recorded 937,327 businesses falling under the MSME category, which accounts for 99.6 percent of all registered enterprises in the country. The micro segment is the largest segment, with over 800,000 registered entities that provide 2.3 million local jobs and generate 25 percent of the country’s total exports.

These figures highlight a new economic landscape where more and more people—even those with little to no capital or those typically excluded from the job market—generate and gain productive employment. Students, housewives, retirees, and individuals with limited physical abilities can participate in income-generating activities through starting their own micro-enterprises.

“PLDT Smart SME Nation believes in empowering individuals to become modern entrepreneurs,” said Mitch Locsin, PLDT VP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head. “Entrepreneurship is not only about helping one’s self, but also about contributing to families and communities. Collectively, MSMEs contribute to an economically stronger Philippines.”

Leveling the playing field
Despite the increasing number of Filipino entrepreneurs and their growing economic impact, an overwhelming majority is missing out on profit and expansion opportunities.

“Only one percent of over 900,000 MSMEs have online presence,” noted Locsin. “With the rest of the world quickly moving to a more digital-centric business direction, MSMEs—especially the micro-enterprises—need to catch up, fast.”

A group dedicated to amplifying the business potential of MSMEs, PLDT Smart SME Nation offers the right digital tools to future-ready micro-entrepreneurs. Through a reliable landline and high-speed DSL connection, the SMART BizKit, and an online store powered by Tack This!, a micro-enterprise can reach and serve more customers with lower overhead costs.

“The digital arena is where MSMEs can directly compete with large enterprises,” added Locsin. “That’s why we support our entrepreneurs and help them conquer the digital landscape with our products and services.”

Gearing up for a digital future
Last April 22, 2016, PLDT Smart SME Nation gathered over 1,400 modern Pinoy entrepreneurs at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila for a day filled with revolutionary insights and key learnings from the country’s industry stalwarts. Dubbed TechIsland 3.0, the event is the first SME Nation business convention to be open to the general public.

To help MSME owners embrace a digital future and put their learnings into practice, PLDT and students from Pampanga’s St. Mutien College developed websites for each TechIsland 3.0 attendee. The students developed 30 percent of the websites, and will continue to work with PLDT Smart SME Nation for future projects to benefit MSMEs.

SME Nation also rolled out the TechMobile, a caravan of digital tools and solutions specifically designed for MSMEs, in several key provinces, including Negros and Cavite. Through this initiative, PLDT and Smart’s tech expertise can easily reach entrepreneurs wherever they are in the country.

Locsin added, “By empowering MSMEs to participate in the digital disruption happening in business right now, we also empower them to become active players in the journey towards nation-building through inclusive economic growth.”

To find out how you can become a digitally savvy micro-entrepreneur, visit www.smenation.com.ph.

RCBC HOLDS MID-YEAR PRODUCTS FAIR

Urbanites working or living in and around RCBC Plaza in Makati City are in for a treat this May 30 as Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation launches its last sunny-season hurrah – the RCBC Products Fair.

From May 30 to June 1, 2016, the three-day festive bazaar takes place at the RCBC Plaza Courtyard.

Michelangelo R. Aguilar, RCBC Executive Vice President and head of Conglomerates and Global Corporate Banking Group that organized the Product Expo, says that the bank has been regularly organizing such product fairs.

“Bazaars are a great way to bring people and products closer to each other,” he said. “Every year, the fairs that we organize are always well attended and these open up opportunities for customers to get special deals and for our clients to get better patronage for their brands.”

Michael O. de Jesus, RCBC Executive Vice President and head of National Corporate Banking Group that co-organized the activity, says that this is the bank’s way of providing brand exposure to its valued clients’ brands.

“Some of RCBC’s long time merchant partners are showcased regularly in the product expos that we conducted every year,” he said. “This is one of the many ways that we, as a banking institution, assist in their growth and market visibility.”

The extensive RCBC Plaza Courtyard has always been a viable venue for such lively activities the bank regularly conducts. “The celebratory atmosphere entices a diverse set of customers, from employees of our building tenants to those around the vicinity as we offer an accessible avenue for shopping and refreshments,” said Joee C. Guilas, RCBC First Vice President and head of PR and Media Relations.

Participating brands include apparels such as Converse, and Kamiseta, a host of food and beverage brands that include Del Monte, which is sponsoring refreshments, Bounty Fresh’s Chooks-To-Go, Gardenia breads, Vanilla Cupcake Bakery, Oishi, Regent and Yakult, plus fragrances and beauty products.

RCBC also showcases its top retail financial products together with its subsidiaries RCBC Savings Bank, one of the largest thrift banks in the country, and RCBC Bankard, the pioneering credit card brand.

DepEd-Las Piñas school gets a fresh coat of color and hope from Nippon Paint

Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines recently launched its flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative dubbed as Colourful Dreams, which aims to be a catalyst for positive change to children of all ages. This is part of the bigger Colour, Joy and Love CSR programme implemented by the NIPSEA group across the 15 countries and 300 cities in Asia where they operate.

Carrying the theme “Create Joy Today, Hope for Tomorrow”, Nippon Paint Colourful Dreams has endeavored to support the Department of Education-Las Piñas Division’s Brigada Eskwela Adopt-A-School-Program, which encourages private companies, professionals, and education stakeholders to contribute their time and resources in helping in the school maintenance effort to ensure that public school facilities are ready for opening this June. For this project, Nippon Paint has also partnered with the Philippine School of Interior Design Alumni Association (PSID-AA), whose members have volunteered to share their skills and talents.

“We at Nippon Paint have always wanted to give back to the community and share with them our success in the three years that we have been in the Philippines. What better way to do these than to support a meaningful project like Brigada Eskwela. We are thankful to have found partners in DepEd-Las Piñas and PSID-AA, with whom we share a common goal of creating a safe, conducive and colourful environment for children’s learning and development,” relates Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines General Manager, Michael Chung.

According to PSID-AA President Paolo Jara, “Our organization has always been inspired by the saying, ‘what person is a person who does not make the world better?’. We support Brigada Eskwela with Nippon Paint as it is another opportunity to make the world better for others.”

DepEd-Las Piñas Schools Division Superintendent Loreta Torrecampo conveys, “Bayanihan spirit is really the essence of Brigada Eskwela. As you know our public schools really need much support. That’s why we appreciate all the time, effort and help that we receive from the community and the private sector. We thank Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines and PSID-AA for upholding their commitment to the country and their eagerness to contribute to national development.”

Nippon Paint Colorful Dreams’ first Brigada Eskwela beneficiary school is Pamplona Elementary School Central in Las Piñas City, which welcomes about 3,000 students every school year. Together with volunteers from PSID-AA, Nippon Paint will be painting the school’s library, reading corners, hallways, and exterior premises with designs that inspire creativity and fun learning.

As part of its Green movement, which emphasizes on developing and offering green products to ensure sustainability, and the agreement with DepEd – Las Piñas, Nippon Paint will be using its new toluene-free Pylox Spray Paint and Green Choice Series, a line of high-quality coatings that are water-based, no added lead and mercury, and near-zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) coatings. This means these products are environment friendly and most significantly, safe for everyone specially children.

Pamplona Elementary Central School Principal Felix Perido muses, “We are delighted to be chosen by Nippon Paint as a beneficiary school for Brigada Eskwela. When classes start, our students will surely be happy to be in a learning environment that is clean, freshly painted and colourful.”

Being a paint company, Nippon Paint knows that even a little bit of paint and colour can go a long way in making learning fun and engaging. Through its Colourful Dreams and Brigada Eskwela CSR program, Nippon Paint aims to motivate students to learn with joy, be their best and hope to achieve their most colourful dreams.

As a final note, Chung concludes, “While this is the first time that we are launching Colourful Dreams in the country, we have been reaching out to the academic community through the Nippon Paint Young Designer Award, which recognizes the talents and potentials of student interior designers and architects, a service that we do for the professional design industry. Brigada Eskwela, on the other hand, is geared towards younger students and the community as a whole. In the future, Nippon Paint aims to expand its CSR initiatives by working with more communities on projects that are meaningful and beneficial to people.”

For more information about Nippon Paint, visit www.nipponpaint.ph or check out www.facebook.com/nipponpaintphilippines

PMA’s 47th National Marketing Conference says “Hello ASEAN”

The ASEAN market is teeming with untapped opportunities for Chief Operating Officers and Chief Marketing Officers and their teams to make a distinctive entry into this emerging economic powerhouse within the Asian Region. Realizing an urgent need to spread this knowledge, the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) set the theme of its 47th National Marketing Conference (NMC) this year as, “Hello ASEAN”. The conference will feature stories and scenarios from top-tier business experts and practitioners, marketing masters and disrupters, including CEOs of Philippine, Asian, and global brands that successfully launched or grown their businesses in the ASEAN trade sphere. The event will happen on July 28-29, 2016 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport City.

The speakers will share their success stories and learnings from exploring and filling the gaps in the market. These insights will feature the strategies and tools that helped their companies conquer multiple challenges. Aside from the invaluable content that attendees will get from the conference and an accompanying trade exhibit, “Hello ASEAN” will feature the ASEAN Pavilion that houses the embassy representations from ASEAN member nations and other guest Asian countries.

“This will give our attendees opportunities to explore, on more concrete grounds, possible partnerships. These business meet-ups are fertile ground for networking, exchanges, developments, and partnerships,” PMA President, Ms. Pinky Yee shared.

PMA also teamed up with the No. 1 Business Channel, Bloomberg, which recently opened its Philippine office after establishing its partnership with TV5 Network Inc. and Cignal. Being the first business news channel to air on a 24/7 basis in the country, Bloomberg TV Philippines is now set to reach out to its audience by co-presenting PMA’s 47th NMC.

“Bloomberg is really privileged to take part in the Philippine Marketing Association’s National Marketing Conference,” Vice President and Head of Channel Management for Cignal TV, Ms. Sienna Olaso shared. “It is our privilege to meet the people in the marketing industry, because our network’s presence in the conference will definitely do something good for Bloomberg. By the same token, we hope that Bloomberg’s integrity and credibility can lend itself to the success of the event. We are looking forward to meet everyone in the event and we are all excited in Bloomberg.”

Some of the speakers who are set to give their invaluable insights on the ASEAN market are, Philippine Airlines (PAL) veteran Jaime J. Bautista who has a long and credit-worthy record of professional service in the travel and tourism business. He recently assumed the presidency of PAL in October 2014 after the Lucio Tan Group took over management control of Asia’s longest-running airline.

Other Notable Speakers

Asian Brand advocate Joe Baladi brings his extensive experience in business communications across multiple geographies to the conference with his talk on How Asian Brands Can Conquer the World. This well- traveled marketing consultant is credited for shaping and repositioning major SME and MNC brands. He is a frequent speaker on the conference circuit, a regular guest on business television programs, and regularly contributes thought leadership articles to business magazines and newspapers across the region. As the CEO of BrandAsian, Joe divides his time in providing one-on-one business and branding advice and counsel to CEOs of some of the Asia’s largest companies.

Joseph “Chay” Cruel, currently the Vice President for Asia Brewery – Non-Alco Marketing, Business Development and International Business, is responsible for the popular domestic non-alco products such as Cobra Energy Drink, Absolute Distilled Drinking Water, Summit Water, Sunkist, Nestea, and Vitamilk. He spearheaded the international business and strategic partnerships for Asia Brewery.

Prof. Enrique Soriano is a Certified Professional Marketer and a PMA Agora Awardee for Excellence in Marketing Education who will examine the nature of Asian Family Businesses. As the Executive Director of the W+B Advisory Group, a Strategic Consulting Group servicing ASEAN corporate organizations on strategic leadership matters, Soriano will discuss growth in Asian family businesses, organizational change, and competitive strategies.

Angelica Suiza is the Chief Product and eCommerce Officer at Triple Pte. Ltd. With her expertise in omni-channel inventory resources optimization, she is responsible for providing category merchandising strategies for Under Armour in Southeast Asia as aligned with the company’s aggressive global merchandising directions.

Lucien Dy Tioco is the Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at The Philippine STAR and concurrently heads the sales and marketing of the country’s leading business newspaper, Business World. He oversees the sales and marketing programs of The Philippine STAR across all platforms: from print, digital, and most recently, television. His presentation will cover the overall strategic direction of media conglomerates , through his company’s own Brand directions, as they venture overseas.

PMA hopes to focus the spotlight on the ASEAN region, which is seen as the 3rd largest consumer market after China and North America, but still overlooked by companies within the region. MNCs have been aware of this potential for some time as even Euromonitor acknowledges this region as one the fastest growing markets in the 21st century. Through its theme “Hello ASEAN”, the 47th NMC aims to shed light on these opportunities especially for those who are motivated by success and growth for their businesses.

For inquiries and or registration, please contact the PMA Secretariat at (+632)638-7700; (+632)634-5722 or email helloasean@philippinemarketing.net.ph.

Jodi and Thirdy joins the Jollibee family as the latest Jolly Spaghetti endorsers

Warm welcome. The Jollibee team (L-R) – Regional Business Unit Head for Metro North Mike Castro, AVP for Marketing Kent Mariano (fourth from left, back), PR Director Arline Adeva, Chief Global Marketing Officer for Jollibee Global brand Francis E. Flores (6th from left, back), Assistant Brand Manager for Jolly Spaghetti Luis Berba and Corporate PR and Events Manager Dennis Reyes, gave Jodi and Thirdy a warm and jolly welcome to the Jollibee Family.

MANILA – Jollibee recently welcomed Jodi and Thirdy as the newest brand ambassadors for Jolly Spaghetti during the media launch held at the Ortigas Roosevelt branch. Jodi and Thirdy, who stars in the latest TV commercial for Jolly Spaghetti, shared their own personal experiences, from happy memories when she was a kid and to how she now enjoys the same bonding moments with Thirdy. The Jolly Spaghetti Sweet-Sarap Moments event also featured fun games for the media guests and their kids.

Batang Jollibee at heart

Jodi confesses to being a certified Batang Jollibee, even before she got into show business. Her mother worked hard to raise Jodi and her siblings, but made sure to devote her Saturdays to quality time over her children’s favorite Jollibee treats.

“Every Saturday, iti-treat niya kami sa Jollibee sa may Landmark food court,” Jodi recalled. “Talagang masasabi ko na kinalakihan ko si Jollibee. At hindi lang ‘yon, kasi bawat party, bawat celebration, talagang naging part siya ng family namin at ng pamilyang Pilipino.”

Growing up, Jodi said she would often order Jolly Spaghetti and Jolly Hotdog, and it became staples in her bonding moments with her mom. Now that she’s a mother herself, she wants to pass on the same joyful experience to Thirdy. The 10-year old loves the cheesy, meaty, and sweet-sarap flavors of Jolly Spaghetti.

“Wala akong nakilalang bata na gusto ng maasim na spaghetti,” the actress remarked candidly. “Especially Filipino children. I believe na nakuha ng Jollibee ‘yung manamis-namis na timpla na hinahanap-hanap ng bawat batang Pilipino.”

Mom first, actress second

Jodi remains simple even with her celebrity status and recent accolades for her stellar TV performances. Despite her busy schedule, she makes sure that spending quality time with Thirdy is her priority, just as her own mother did years ago.

The actress related that she and Thirdy can spend hours upon hours just talking about anything, especially over their favorite Jolly Spaghetti. They often order “C3,” the Jolly Spaghetti and Chickenjoy combo, for delivery or drive-thru.

“Sa hapagkainan, that’s where the bonding happens. Nakakatuwa si Thirdy when you spend time with him. He’s a very opinionated child. Baka pwede siyang maging lawyer,” Jodi proudly added.

Perfect Choice for Jolly Spaghetti

Jollibee likewise is equally happy and excited to welcome Jodi and Thirdy to the family.
“Jodi and Thirdy are the perfect endorsers for Jolly Spaghetti,” said Kent Mariano, Jollibee Assistant Vice President for Marketing. “Despite Jodi’s celebrity status and hectic schedule, she believes in making even the smallest of moments count when it comes to strengthening her bond with Thirdy and her family. Jodi’s own story and personal experiences of bonding with her mom and now with her son is something that many Pinoy families can relate to. We at Jollibee have always proud to be part of such memorable moments.”

The latest TVC features Jodi reminiscing her bonding moments as a kid with her mom, and fast forward to the present, Jodi letting Thirdy experience the same happy moment while enjoying their favorite Jolly Spaghetti.