Shopee expands presence in Mindanao with a series of seller onboarding initiatives and the establishment of new hubs

Initiatives include workshops and roundtable discussions with sellers on growing their business through e-commerce

Department of Trade and Industry Region XI Division Chief, Small and Medium Enterprise Division Marie Ann J. How, Shopee Philippines VisMin Seller Acquisition Head Dane Mangoba, SY Glow Cosmetics shop owner Lou Putian, and Cacao Culture shop owner Sheila Lao at the Shopee University Roadshow in Davao City

BRIA Homes eyes stronger VisMin presence in its portfolio of residential developments

With such buoyant prospects for VisMin, BRIA Homes,
one of the country’s top developers of best-value housing,
 has bolstered its presence in these regions

In the past, one prevailing socioeconomic myth held the idea that all roads led to bustling Metro Manila, where bountiful employment and business opportunities awaited ambitious and hardworking Filipinos. Tiny as the Philippine archipelago is, Visayas and Mindanao used to be considered as trailing behind the National Capital Region in terms of progress and development. 

Fast-forward to the present times, nothing could be further from the truth. Business and industry have fast acknowledged the tremendous potential that VisMin offers, making it a much-coveted region for both government and private sector investments. With Visayas and Mindanao as hosts to some of the country’s most fascinating and culturally diverse places, the region is developing into a center for agro trade and world-class tourism, providing a plethora of employment opportunities to local Visayans, Mindanaoans and Filipino migrants who have set up roots in the South. 

PhilPop announces finalists from Visayas and Mindanao clusters

PhilPop, the country's premier songwriting competition, has officially unveiled its top 6 finalists from the Visayas and Mindanao cluster. With #MusicBreakingBorders as its newest tagline, the music institution sets its sights in promoting top-notch Filipino compositions on a scale that’s never been done before: by going global and forging regional ties.

Carefully handpicked from thousands of submissions, the first batch of finalists from PhilPop Songwriting Festival 2020 recently graced the online media presentation last August 24, 2020 (Wednesday).

In no particular order, the finalists from the Vis-Min cluster include: 

Visayas:

• Jerika Teodorico – “Ayaw Na Lang” (Cebu City, Cebu)
• Noah Alejandre and Reanne Borela – “Suyo” (Ormoc City, Leyte)
• Michael Catarina – “Hinungdan” (Cebu City, Cebu)

Mindanao:

• John Cadeliña  – “Akong Bililhon”(Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur)
• Christian Chiu – “Kasadya” (Corandal City, South Cotabato)
• Sherwin Fugoso – “Pahuway” (Jabonga, Agusan del Norte)

According to PhilPop Executive Director Dinah Remolacio, the entries underwent multiple rounds of selection process until Top 3 per clusters were handpicked. “We wanted our process to be inclusive so the decision making involved local and international representatives from Warner Music, representatives from our regional partner for each cluster, and representatives from PhilPop,” Remolacio shares in a statement. 

The selection committee is headed by Festival Chair and PhilPop Musicfest National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, as well as Foundation Board Members, adjudicators, partners, and Warner Music Philippines Executives such as PhilPop Musicfest Foundation President Victorico P. Vargas, Festival Co-Chair and PhilPop Musicfest Foundation Board Member Noel Cabangon, PhilPop Musicfest Foundation Executive Director Dinah A. Remolacio, PhilPop Musicfest Foundation Lead Adjudicators Jungee Marcelo and Trina Belamide, Warner Music Philippines Managing Director Ian Monsod, MinPop Musicfest Director and Mindanao Cluster Partner Jeremy Sarmiento, and Kadasig Founder and Visayas Cluster Partner Jude Gitamondoc.

PhilPop is currently wrapping up its adjudication process for the remaining clusters namely: North Luzon, South Luzon, and Metro Manila. The finalists representing the remaining regions will be announced next month.

In terms of the selection of finalists from the Mindanao Cluster, MinPop Musicfest Director Jeremy Sarmiento takes pride of how the top three finalists took inspiration from various sources, yet their songs sounded truly ‘Mindanaoan’ in terms of cultural context and identity. Sarmiento also cited the importance of regional representation, and how this platform helps in introducing different stories and diverse experiences through music. “There's no better way to achieve that than giving an opportunity to those in the regions to tell their own stories. Representation provides a reflection of each of their languages, ideals, feelings and that's what we ultimately need to understand each other better, the uniqueness of the Filipinos, expressed through songs.”

Kadasig Founder and Visayas Cluster Partner Jude Gitamondoc is also optimistic about their official picks for the Visayas cluster, citing diversity and universal appeal as two of main reasons that make these songs a standout in the competition. “I think the songs chosen to represent the Visayas are a great representation of the region,” says Gitamondoc. “We have an electronic-infused track, another one that's soulful, and another that's folksy. That pretty much shows how varied the musicality is in the Visayas. We are at the center of the country. We are a melting pot of cultures, influences, and ideas.”

PhilPop Songwriting Festival 2020 is an initiative of the PhilPop Music Foundation, chaired by Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan. This year's PhilPop is co-presented by SMART, MERALCO, and MAYNILAD, with official partners, Warner Music Philippines, Kadasig, and MinPop.

BRIA Homes set to build more communities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

BRIA seems unstoppable as it expands its scope in more areas in
Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, offering stylish and well-laid-out
house and lot packages located within safe, secure, and modern
communities located close to schools, churches, hospitals,
and retail establishments.

In the wake of its outstanding success in building affordable homes for all Filipinos, BRIA seems unstoppable as it expands its scope in more areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

To date, BRIA has over 50 projects in progressive towns and cities in the Philippines, luring aspiring homeowners—from young professionals to blue-collar workers—to its family-friendly communities.

Indeed, its winning formula, Affordability (Mura) + Quality (Dekalidad) = A Beautiful BRIA Home for Every Filipino, BRIA Homes has helped legions of ordinary Filipinos purchase their own well-designed homes at prices they can afford.

World Vision and partners respond to emergency needs of quake survivors

Following three succeeding earthquakes that hit southern Mindanao last month, World Vision launched its relief operations to help the affected families of Kidapawan City, Makilala, and Tulunan in Northern Cotabato.

To complement the efforts of the local government, World Vision provided non-food items such as hygiene kits (bath and laundry soaps, toothbrushes and toothpastes, sanitary packs, nail cutter, undergarments and malong or tube skirt), jerry cans, mosquito net, mats, and blankets, and emergency shelter kits (tarp and rope) among others.

World Vision launches response to Mindanao quake

Following the recent earthquakes in southern Mindanao, child-focused development and humanitarian agency World Vision launches its relief operations for the affected people of Northern Cotabato, including the city of Kidapawan and the hard-hit towns of Makilala and Tulunan. 

“We are committed to support the government-led response in Mindanao. World Vision in the Philippines is particularly concerned for the well-being of children“, says World Vision’s National Director Rommel Fuerte.

In the morning of October 16, magnitude 6.3 earthquake of tectonic origin, hit the province of North Cotabato, with the epicenter located in the town of Tulunan. Days after, another quake of greater magnitude occurred from almost the same location. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a 6.6-magnitude earthquake, followed by another equally strong quake on Oct. 31 at 6.5 magnitude with a shallow depth of 2 kilometers which triggered more destruction and risk in the province.

The drink for every soldier: Coca-Cola powers Filipino troops in Marawi with beverage supply

Every day, countless Filipino soldiers display gallantry, courage, and true heroism in the name of duty to our country.

The Coca-Cola System in the Philippines takes this time to honor and salute all Filipino troops stationed in various parts of Mindanao – the men and women who have dedicated their lives to reclaim and ensure peace for our fellow Filipinos.

Starting today, August 4, Coca-Cola Philippines, bottling partner Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, and Coca-Cola Philippines Foundation, commit to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines by providing supplies of beverage products that will contribute to their well-being during their time of service.

KFC Adds Hope To Over 60,000 School Kids In War-Torn Mindanao

Continuing its global commitment to ending hunger, KFC Philippines through its Add Hope initiative donated PHP6, 798,811.61 to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The money raised will fund WFP’s School Meals Program, which provides hot, nutritious lunch meals to thousands of children from conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, enabling them to perform better in school.

Every child deserves a chance for a better tomorrow. Don’t let hunger stop them from making their dreams come true. Take part in adding hope to their future with your PHP10.

Visit any KFC store to drop your donations. For more information, visit www.AddHope.com.ph

About Add Hope

Add Hope is KFC’s global platform for ending hunger, done in collaboration with WFP. KFC’s commitment to the cause began in 2007 after Yum! and its subsidiaries established a partnership with WFP through World Hunger Relief. The participation of nearly 38,000 Yum! restaurants across 120 countries have raised over USD110 million, out of which USD28 million is from KFC alone.

SBP-Passerelle Mindanao finals slated for Oct. 22-23

Top teams in Mindanao are now gearing up for the regional finals of SBP (Small Basketeers of the Philippines)-Passerelle Twin Tournament, the longest running national inter-school basketball competition for children in the country, to be held on October 22-23, 2016 at the Almendras Gym in Davao City.

Competing for SBP tournament are Xavier School University, Ferndale International School, and Ateneo de Davao University, while the battle for the Passerelle tournament will just be as fierce with Holy Child School of Davao, Corpus Christi School, and Southern City College as they battle it out for the chance to compete in the national finals.

DepEd to establish new schools for indigenous peoples in Mindanao

Pursuing its commitment to provide culture-based education and help ensure lasting peace in Mindanao, the Department of Education (DepEd) will establish 5 new schools for Higaonon communities in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental.

The new schools will be established in Barangays Kalipay, Hindangon, Bantaawan, and Bal-ason, and will be ready to accept its first batch of learners this coming school year (SY) 2016-2017.

Meanwhile in other parts of Mindanao, DepEd will establish 246 more schools for the indigenous communities in Regions IX, X, XI, XII, and XIII. The Agency will establish a total of 251 schools in time for SY 2016-2017.

No more ‘burning of midnight oil’ for studes in Misamis Oriental

Thanks to free solar-powered lamps, hundreds of learners in Misamis Oriental can now extend their study time without burning the midnight oil.

Under the “Ilaw ng Pangarap Mo, Sagot Ko” project, the Department of Education (DepEd) Misamis Oriental Division has generated enough funds through various activities to provide solar-powered lamps in 368 homes that are either un-energized or are in remote and off-grid areas in Misamis Oriental.

According to DepEd Misamis Oriental Schools Division Superintendent Cherry Limbaco, division personnel and teachers organized a rummage sale and sold second-hand clothing and products. They also offered fresh vegetables and fruits at the Schools Division Office and at various schools. This fundraising campaign has lasted from October to December 2015.

DepEd: Palaro 2015 to highlight peace and camaraderie

What started in 1948 as a quaint inter-school sporting event in Manila became an annual petri dish of discipline, teamwork, excellence, solidarity, and sportsmanship among others. This event is now popularly known as the Palarong Pambansa

Over the last 65 years, Palarong Pambansa has produced outstanding athletes in different fields of sports. The road to their success, however, was paved not only by victories but also by defeats and humbling experiences. As such,he Palaro has served as a training ground for opportunities and challenges.

Tagum City is Palarong Pambansa 2015 venue

After careful deliberation, officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) have selected Tagum City, Davao del Norte to host the 2015 Palarong Pambansa. The city beat out five other bidders – Dipolog City, Pagadian City, Koronadal City, Lanao del Norte province, and CARAGA region.

Before announcing the results of the vote, Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC asked for the support of the cities that were not selected. “This is a vote for Mindanao. This year we were surprised at the number of bidders. We hope that we still have your support.”

When asked what he expected from the host Luistro replied, “The only thing we need to expect is for Tagum to deliver.” He added, “Ang maganda sa Tagum ay mukhang handa na ang lahat. Hindi na kailangan pa ng dagdag na buwang preparasyon.” The Palarong Pambansa is held in May with hosting duties rotating yearly among the island groups.

Competitive bidding

Months before the official presentation, DepEd and Philippine Sports Commission officials inspected each venue to see if the facilities and billeting areas are adequate. PSC Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez reported to the body the rating system that they used, which included international standards, distance from the main complex, power supply, and security, among others. DepEd’s Schools Sports Events and Activities Unit Head Cesar Abalon reported on the status of the billeting areas, which are evaluated based on the adequacy of rooms, bathrooms, kitchen areas and medical provisions.

Corpus Christi School sweeps Mindanao Leg of 27th MILO Little Olympics

Prestigious athletic interschool competition concludes its second regional leg of the season

Cagayan De Oro City, Philippines, Corpus Christi School reigned supreme over its rivals in both elementary and secondary divisions of the 27th MILO Little Olympics Mindanao Leg, which concluded Sunday at the Pelaez Sports Center, Cagayan De Oro City. Around 5,000 student athletes from 202 schools across the Mindanao region exhibited their athletic prowess in 10 Olympic sports including Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Football, Gymnastics, Lawn Tennis, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo and Volleyball, and 3 non-Olympic sports, specifically Chess, Sepak Takraw and Scrabble.

First International Business Summit on Mindanao Slated on June 28

June 28, 2014 marks a significant milestone in the history of Mindanao as business leaders all over the world converge at the Manila Hotel for the First International Business Summit on Mindanao!

In line with the vision "RESTORE THE LOST GLORY OF MINDANAO", the summit aims to showcase Mindanao to the world business community and to encourage global investors as well as businessmen to personally interact with local community leaders and entrepreneurs.

PAGTUTULUNGAN.ORG: Japan Assistance Sustains WFP Typhoon Pablo Operations

DAVAO CITY – As the Philippine Government scales up its early recovery efforts for communities affected by Typhoon Pablo (international name “Bopha”), support from the Government of Japan – through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) – will help sustain the Philippine Government’s on-going Typhoon Pablo operations.  

The Japanese Government, which has allocated PhP81 million (US$2 million) for the Typhoon Pablo response, has enabled WFP to purchase 2,982,000 kilograms (2,982 metric tons) of rice, enough to feed 250,000 people for two months.

PAGTUTULUNGAN.ORG: WFP Appeals fro US$ 21.6 Million To Assist Victims of Typhoon Bopha

DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is appealing for US$21.6 million to provide life-saving food and nutrition assistance as well as logistics support for 400,000 people who have been most affected by Typhoon Bopha in the worst-hit areas of  Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, the CARAGA region, and Lanao del Sur.

WFP’s food assistance, which will run until May 2013, complements the government’s ongoing relief and early recovery operations through a single food supply pipeline, jointly managed  with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), to ensure  an efficient and coordinated response to food needs on the ground.

WFP’s assistance will include providing specialised nutritious foods to 80,000 children in the worst-affected areas and 60,000 pregnant and nursing mothers. 

Operation Tulong By SM To Help Affected Typhoon Victims

Now that the stormed Pablo has passed the islands of Mindanao and Visayas, it time to rebuild and help our fellow kakabayans down south. As we here in Luzon are fortunate enough to have never felt the wrath of the typhoon this Christmas season. It would be a great and noble deed to share what we have for the victims of the recent super typhoon.

You can be part of rehabilitaion revolution with SM supermalls' Operation Tulong in selected SM Malls in the country. You may also donate through the SM Foundation Inc. Banco De Oro account number 15000-706-94.

Operation Tulong Express at SM City Cagayan De Oro had 1,221 families using the grounds of the mall as shelter during the height of Typhoon Pablo (composed of 4,838 individuals), which was 13.5% of the total number of evacuees during the Typhoon in Cagayan de Oro. With that, we'd like everyone to know that we are accepting donations for those who have been affected by the Typhoon. We have also set up Operation Tulong Express in SM Lanang Premier and SM City Davao.

PAGTUTULUNGAN.ORG: Canada Steps In To Assist Flood And Conflict Affected Children In The Philippines

Emergency food assistance donated by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has boosted the Philippine Government-led emergency relief efforts in flood-affected areas of Central Luzon and conflict-affected areas of Central Mindanao.

“WFP is grateful to CIDA for its steadfast commitment in responding to humanitarian needs in the Philippines when they arise, which has enabled WFP to be an effective partner to the Philippine Government,” said WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director Stephen Anderson.

Avida expands southward with first condo project in Davao City

Avida Land, the affordable brand of property giant Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) has offered to the market its first ever residential condominium project in Davao, which is also its second offering in Mindanao—Avida Towers Davao. This continues the property developer’s steady expansion in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Strategically located along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City, Avida Towers Davao offers residence unmatched convenience as it puts them close to all essential, modern urban conveniences: Avida Towers Davao is close to malls, the business district, places of recreation, hospitals, schools and churches. 

At the same time, Avida Towers Davao is located within a peaceful community that heightens the experience of relaxation and privacy. The structure is designed for both function and aesthetic pleasure with its modern contemporary architecture. 

Master planned

Avida Towers Davao is meant to be a master planned community with a total land area of 6,124 sqm., including its two residential towers. Tower One will house 431 residential units including special two-bedroom units from the 19th to the 23rd floor and 170 parking units from the ground floor to the fourth floor. 

Residents will enjoy sensible amenities at the podium level at the fifth floor, which serves as the main amenity area. Amenities include kiddie and adult pools, a children’s play area; an outdoor playground and exercise equipment; a meditation area; a multi-purpose hall; and a retail strip at the ground floor area for convenient access to basic necessities.

As standard in all Avida developments, Avida Towers Davao integrates the Five Condo Must-Haves for the best condominium living experience: free flowing air and sunlight; fewer units per floor for more privacy and less crowding; sensible amenities; emergency power even inside one’s unit; and easy payment terms. 

Building amenities include the main lobby; a mailbox for each unit; two elevator units for Tower One; garbage chute; fire protection and alarm system; and a CCTV camera at the Lobby. Security is provided 24/7 and property management is provided by Ayala Property Management Corporation.

Panoramic views

Available units include studio units (22 to 25 sqm; priced at Php1.69M to Php 1.93M); one-bedroom units (37 to 42 sqm; priced at Php2.83M to Php3.65M); and two-bedroom units (58 sqm; priced at Php5.01M).

Residents who avail of special units will enjoy lovely panoramic views of mountain ranges, the Davao River, the Davao Gulf and the Amenity Area, depending on which side of the building their units are located. 

Those who wish to know more about Avida Towers Davao may go to www.avidaland.com or call (+632) 848 5200 (within Metro Manila); 1-800-10 848 5200 (outside Metro Manila); details regarding where to call from overseas are available at the Avida Land website.

For more than 20 years, Avida has focused on enriching the lives of the hardworking Filipino middle-class by offering their families a home to be proud of; homes that thrive in a peaceful and safe community and are accessible to public transportation. 

As of the first half of 2012, Avida Land has 55 projects in 31 unique locations. Avida homes are all beautifully and practically designed, and built to provide reliable performance over time. Avida means affordable living at its best.