Puregold Recognizes the Role of "Sari-Sari Store" in MSME Growth

It's so heartwarming to see how small businesses, MSME's get the spotlight they deserve as part of the Sari-Sari Stories that Puregold released on their socials. It mirrors what is seen in the Philippines, and realize it's role, how significant it is despite it's size, that it has direct economic significance. This follows the previous parts called "Ways", "The Sign", "The Witness" which also discussed their connection to the community, to commerce and what people need. It's not just a story, but a show of resilience, of how it affects family life, plus this new one called "Pangalan". 

This part talks about how the normal Sari-Sari Store becomes a place of convergence in a community, and get what they need, when they need it especially when they need questions answered, or just plainly hang out. It is undoubtedly Filipino, which is pretty cool to see in stories like these. 

Now don't be surprised because you'll see some pretty famous folks like Jhoanna from BINI, Stell Ajero from SB19, even Skusta Klee. They tell a story of retail, and how it becomes an integral part of a community, and this economy. 

If you haven't been to a Puregold Tindahan ni Aling Puring Sari-Sari Store Convention, one will be happening in May. It's where brands and businesses offer crazy deals, with real people who own their stores, groceries and source it from Puregold. 

Here's a glimpse of the series, enjoy! 

Make sure you sub on the Puregold Channel on YouTube, and their socials as updates about the conference and more will be posted there. See you in May!

Malaysia's CHUNK & DUNK Sweetly Lands in the Philippines

Making a sweet landing to Philippine shores is the popular Malaysia based snack brand "Chunk & Dunk". Today is their official launch at the Eastwood City Mall where they have their first branch at the mall's 3rd Floor. This is their first global outlet, something they've wanted to do since its inception in Sabah Malaysia.

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They are one of the fastest growing brands in the region, won best dessert in so many places so the Lim Family got in touch with founder Adam Shamil to bring them all here (after having it for 3 straight days in one of their branches). Adam says "Great afternoon! Mabuhay Philippines! I'd like to welcome the ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, my family from Sabah, and the Filipinos. Happy Easter to everyone! It's not about me but about Chunk and Dunk, I made my life savings start the world's best croffle  23 months ago and saw it grow to what it is today. You have no idea how we did it in 72 hours but that's what it took to make. I am eternally grateful for them making this happen, from the bottom of my heart, you have no idea on how you became a part of my dreams! I love you! We are now open in the Philippines!"

Passionate, perfection and quality, they now have a whole team in Chunk & Dunk Philippines through their brand partner Lester Lim. Lester says "Like Easter, we are bringing new life. It is my honor to welcome the ambassador and the whole Chunk & Dunk Malaysia Team who have been helping us all the way. My family, and so many other people who contributed to this and made it happen. So many things I want to do and say, but we will continue to make this all better. Let's do this! We hope you love Chunk & Dunk as much as we do!".

Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony also gave his message saying how delighted he is and the whole embassy, the country is to witness this occasion. "This is my first foray to Croffle, and I was sold when I tasted it here. You will never forget this, and will have more. This is their first branch, and we have one thing in common, we love to eat. This connection is something that makes us stronger, we might see a diner concept soon, but for the meantime we can enjoy croffle and shave ice desserts on their first branch in Eastwood. This launch also is like navigating the future together, to progress, even if there are conflicts elsewhere in the world. Congratulations Chunk & Dunk, I wish you all the best! "

Pro tip: Get a taste of Philippines exclusive Ube Macapuno flavor if choosing a topping. Either that or Bueno Bueno (for obvious reasons, my last name lol).

If you're in the hood and want a sweet end to your day, visit the Eastwood Mall during mall hours and get that croffle fix fast! Congratulations Chunk & Dunk, can't wait to have more of you soon!

BIG THINGS Happening for Kapuso PBB Celebrity Collab Housemates

It's been a month since the PBB Celebrity Collab 2.0 edition ended. Great things are already happening for them, but the better new is, there's more BIG things expected in the months to come. We met Big Winner Caprice Cayetano, Heath Jornales, Ashley Sarmiento, Princess Aliyah, Marco Masa, Clifford, and Lee Victor in one afternoon (Sofia Pablo, Anton Vinzon couldn't be there because of prior shoot schedules). It's a little late but it was totally worth it.

As soon as they got out of the PBB House, much of them already secured several roles for shows on the GMA Network. Caprice got ANAK TV Female Makabata Star for 2025, and Kapuso Female Star of the Year. She also copped an endorsement for Wendy's and helped with Little Ark Foundation who cares for children with medical needs. Heath and his awesome face got him a prime time role in Never Say Die. He also mentioned during the event that he will have a concert (HEATH WAVE: Ultimate Fan Concert) on April 19th, at the SM North Edsa's Skydome. Tickets might sold out early so hurry, it's on SM Tickets!

The very kind Ashley is still going on several shows and guestings, her schedule is pretty full but plans to also do several shows in the near future, I heard they're doing one with almost all of them in it. That part is exciting! Aside from that, Princess Aliyah has a few shows but wanted to keep mum on it because it's going to be revealed soon (they probably are already making it now!) so there's a lot to expect from the BIG 4!

If you missed the stream, don't worry because we recorded the whole thing on my YouTube channel, sub if you can!

 

Now Anton and Sofia are not in the event because they've got shows being taped, so work comes first. But Sofia has a lot of endorsements, and appears in regional festivals. She also has Huwag Kang Titingin, a film to be shown on April 15th. She will be with Marco Masa, also a Makabata awardee, and very nice young man who knows what he's talking about. Anton is now doing leading man roles. He will be in the series KAMAO. He also is in the latest Mang Inasal commercial. Clifford and Thea Astley will be in Unwrapped, and doing several events for Kapuso Foundation, a pretty noble cause. Waynona Collings is doing several designer events, and will appear in several magazines as she wished. Lee Victor is donning new hair, and the feedback has been phenomenal. He will be doing music, something he wanted to do since he became a part of Sparkle. 

These are just some of the things they're doing as former PBB Housemates, and it's a really good reminder that dreams do come true! I hope this continues, they're a pretty nice bunch and deserve it!

Golden Haven Koronadal Introduces Free Wake Service with Every Memorial Lot Purchase

Golden Haven Koronadal

Koronodal City is at the center of South Cotabato. Known for rich culture heritage, the local TBoli people, the lake Sebu and tons of waterfalls, it is paradise on Earth!

A melting pot, lots of its inhabitants come from other regions and locals, all living together. This is also where Golden Haven Koronadal is located. This memorial park has gone the mile in making sure that compassion is felt in the community. Recently, they announced "Libreng Burol", a free wake benefit for those who have purchased a memorial lot in their facility. This takes a lot of the burden that families experience when someone passes, and have them laid in a properly manicured place, to honor and respect their loved ones. This is something that they've thought of as they partnered with local mortuary partners, making every move culturally sensitive especially those who require it because of religious affinity.

Emelia Lustado the Visayas Mindanao Operations Head for Golden Haven said they made these changes to make all the plans more comprehensive especially at times when people need to make rush decisions to alleviate them of the stress. This is simply their act of love, a matter of respect when it is needed most. If you want to know more about it, call them at 0919096 8718 or visit their site at goldenhaven.com.ph.