MADDOX Holds Iconic DIAMOND Fashion Show: Learn From the Founder's Humble Beginnings

When I heard from the grapevine that Ms. Charo Cordial was holding a fashion show in posh EDSA Shangri-la, it would be epic. She sought the best fashion show director there is Robby Carmona, and a list of celebrities unprecedented, all of whom have been part of the growth of her diamond jewelry brand MADDOX.

Her success didn't come overnight, and we were treated to a very lovely interview and got to understand her humble beginnings. Imagine doing business during the pandemic, changing business models because of necessity, like fate and achieve success that she couldn't even imagine. She attributes this all from the people around her, who helped her with the business and also the clients who have given over and beyond the love for diamonds. 

Ms. Charo says "We are holding this fashion show to make sure Filipinos know that diamonds can be affordable, we have small margins but hope the Philippines becomes well known in the industry as a mecca for it. I'm so happy that even in international trade, they now know we love them and appreciate jewelry. I used to sell agricultural machinery, and people didn't know I'd land in this industry. I am a Bicolana, born and educated there. I went here for the board exam and worked for an international company. I only started selling jewelry during the pandemic. I sold bags, and it was so fun to talk to people. It was hard to ship them, so I looked for other things to sell and started with gold. Then diamonds later on. Maddox came from my son's name, named after Angelina Jolie's first born. Now people know us by that name. I am super happy, I didn't dream of this but talking to you now, I still can't believe it. I am so blessed, I could attribute it to my employees and friends, the people around me who helped me reach this."

She adds "Last year while doing vlogs, they had celebrity customers who also went to their shop. There's a lot of them, so you'll see them all at the show. The idea was made by Robbie Carmona, and icons are involved so you will see them all in different segments."

 

One pretty thing I learned from Ms. Charo was something she said before we went to see the show. She said "You have to love what you are doing, your employees, your customers and give them what they want. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, we all do, I also went bankrupt, in a different business, but I never gave up. It would have been nice to have a lot of artists here but it was hard to manage their schedules."

If you want to see the show (and the celebrities too), here are some highlights and videos from the runway. 

More videos are posted on our Facebook page, just search for KUMAGCOW on FB :)

 

Thank you and congratulations Ms. Charo! MADDOX is just beginning, and seeing this makes me want to see another next year yeah?! 

Knights of Rizal Hold Gala Night with The Rainmakers and World Class Acts!

We just witnessed the International Assembly Commemorating the 75th Charter Anniversary of the Knights of Rizal at the historic Manila Hotel this evening. Amidst Rizalians (members of t the civic and patriotic organization honoring the life and teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal) and dignitaries, we also witnessed the men from The Rainmakers perform on stage as they celebrate their grand GALA NIGHT, a night of music and camaraderie. The media and attendees were welcomed warmly by Dr. Emmanuel Calairo, the Supreme Commander of Knight Grand Cross of Rizal.

Jojo, Ramon and Joel sang Binibini to end the evening.

The Rainmakers hail from University of Santo Tomas' High School, a band known for the Manila sound played in the 70's and 80's (remember Binibini, Ale Ale, You and Me?). We saw them last performing their hits in TV5's Vybe weekend show in the OG portion. Chapters from Western USA, Hawaii and other international ones enjoyed their set the most as they reminisced about their time in the Philippines. It felt so nostalgic to hear them sing these songs especially for KOR guests.

PPOP group NOVA also did a couple of covers which guests enjoyed at the end of the event. They're very good singers, while still pretty new, they also did their new single "ALL IN" and folks enjoyed their performance. Former Senator Joey Lina who was part of the elders also pushed for help they provide for mothers, early childhood nutrition and other projects that target families and the elderly. He sang a very beautiful OPM song, and got a standing ovation from his brothers in Knights of Rizal.

Other performers such as Asia's Got Talent phenom Gerphil Flores, Allison Gonzalez, and the Philippine Navy's very own Lady Chatterly Alvaro Sumbeling brought world class singing to the event, all appreciated by the audience.

The organization also made arrangements to fund training for the youth, so they too can learn and inspire others to do the same. Their Western USA and Hawaii branches provided USD 5,000 to continue their efforts, together with local ones during the event. They also made sure the cause they call MILK Program will be brought to the forefront, so they can continue feeding the poor and at risk pregnant mothers, to get rid of malnutrition in the country (which they do in partnership with LGU's). 

Truly, it takes a lot for Rizalians to make sure they do their best for the organization, for others and the Philippines. Yet they do it with lots of gusto an fervor. They're a pretty incredible bunch, I'm so glad to have witnessed that. Congratulations! 

Mentor Mike Launches Books on Life, Entrepreneurship with Purpose

Mentor Mike aka Dr. Michael V. Maranan, LCB, MMLSM, DBA, DHUM just got his books released. It's a collection of his experiences in the lines of building businesses, education and mentoring. He is the man behind Windfreight Express Total Logistics Incorporated and 88 Sunfreight Express Corporation, and is its President and CEO. He wears many hats as a licensed Customs Broker, Professor, Public Speaker and Entrepreneur. He also got his DBA in Thames, and his Master's in Logistics and Supply Chain in PCU. He also got his Honorary Doctors of Humanities from United College of Brazil, plus a recognition from Lyceum Batangas as an Outstanding Alumnus. It has always been his dream to have education accessible for all which is why he wants to educate, empower and inspire others especially those who are already good at their craft (professionals and leaders). 

His Books: 

From Eight to Infinity: Secret Stories and Lessons from the life of Dr. Mike Maranan is more of a memoir, where he explains his experiences from when he started to the time he was leading corps. 

Confessions of a Licensed Customs Broker is about how to weave through the complicated world of customs brokerage. He gives practical ways if you are doing a venture like his and will show you have leadership, perseverance, discipline and faith could help you make it a successful one. 

The Business That Fits You and the Tagalog version "Ang Negosyong Swak Sayo Challenge" on the other hand will give you excellent entrepreneurship advice, and how to sustain trend driven businesses so you can make it into a long term one through building practical plans and framework. He wants it to be understood and digested easily by Filipinos and dedicate it to aspiring ones including importers, exporters, pros and students across the country. It won't be just theoretical as he made sure to include his real life experiences, tells you straight what would be profitable or not. Show you the ropes too. 

Here's some clips from the event a few days ago:

The event was also graced by some of Mentor Mike's celebrity friends who swear by the practical tips they got from the books he put out. 

The books are currently available via his website mentormikebooklaunch.com or his social media channels. You can also expect the release to be done in digital shopping apps and platforms very soon. 

(Photos and videos on this article are from Rain de Ocampo of Raincheck, covering for KUMAGCOW.COM)

Tonik Bank Introduces Payhinga

Things are still hard and getting even harder in 2026 as folks are feeling the effects of inflation, our groceries, school fees, hospital and emergency cases too. Breadwinners like most of us get really affected especially if we already have commitment to loans, missed payments, which gets our credit score down. Digital bank Tonik though got three fold increase in business as they introduced a loan payment holiday feature called Payhinga. This stops and pauses the need to pay in cases where you get hardships in life, economically, so you don't have to get your credit line affected, as it comes with Credit Life Insurance from Sun Life (Grepa Financial) which you can simply tick the option for before you take out that loan from this digital bank. 

Evidently, customers prefer this so they wouldn't get their credit health sabotaged, making more people become less susceptible to being default. But not to escape paying correctly.

This was a goal for them in their plans for financial inclusion , so they could help customers pay their loans even in dire situations. Tonik knows they need to help their clients pay off their obligations when the going gets tough. Payhinga gives folks breathing room when setbacks happen. This feature gives customers a good financial option to take when the unthinkable happens.