The Rise of Ascendra International: A Conversation with the Founders

Things are taking shape at the headquarters of Ascendra International. We had a glimpse of it at the 6th Floor of Global Link Center along Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City. We were welcomed by their executives headed by CEO Engr. Jurgen Daniel Gonzales, their Chief Strategy Officer Joseph Lim, COO Miko Imson and their Chief Financial Officer Ms. Francesca Fugen. As you may have heard, these names are no strangers in the network marketing industry and has brought decades of their experience to Ascendra International.

Their CFO Ms. Francesca Fugen says "Thank you and it's a pleasure to see you all here despite the rain and doing this on a Monday. Welcome to ASCENDRA! What you are seeing today is our new home, you will see a lot of things happen in this place." 

 

Chief Strategy Officer Joseph Lim says "Thank you to everyone who made it here, especially those who have come from far away like Northern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. We always hear that if it's MLM, people need to suffer, to have a lot of sacrifice in order to reach for their dreams, but in Ascendra, we will be part of your journey in achieving success!" 

COO Miko Imson told everyone about how excited they are and thanked them about spending their day at their new office. He described it as a new milestone, as the new office will be a venue to make dreams come true for a LOT of individuals and their families. He dubbed this as the start of their partnerships, and a new beginning, with hope and love.

Their CEO Engr. Jurgen Daniel Gonzales says "I am formally welcoming everyone in our new home. I want to thank everyone who put their trust in Ascendra, we are on a trial stage, haven't had proven things yet, but you are here to put your trust in us. And what we can say is, we will not break that trust, and together with our CSO, CFO, COO, we will be your partners in success. We will try to make it easier for your to achieve things with Ascendra!"

We asked them a few questions that afternoon, here's a video coverage of it:

They also emphasized how they want to change the industry by utilizing a business model that is rooted in sustainability, transparency and ownership. They will not be like the run of the mill corps and do products first. They also want to focus on their long term goals and use AI, education, to fulfill their purpose. They want Filipino entrepreneurs and support them through trainings and have distributors access it without trouble. They are also keen on streamlining all their processes, to make sure to lower costs, give what's due them, and to raise network marketing standards as a whole.

If you want to know more or be part of their growth, you may visit their social channels as Ascendra International will be on FB, IG, YouTube and TikTok. Just search for the name and they'll be there.

The Effectiveness of Promotional Products

 

In a time where digital ads are in every handset, there's nothing more personal than something that you can hold. A branded merch not only get you loyalty, but practical use that can remind you who cares during these times. It can also get you more than enough brand recall, a perfect tool for marketing especially in the Asia Pacific region. 

You can evidently see it's impact particularly in countries like ours, in Indonesia, India, Vietnam, where GDP rates remain bullish despite outside factors. Products like these can also increase name recall, positively associate your brand and give you a high chance of a return customer. 

This is where the 38th Corporate Giveaways Buyers Show come in. It's the biggest of its kind in the country, and on July 2-4, you can get all of these products from top suppliers so the next time you would give something to your patrons, they won't be tired from those notebooks and pens you often give away, because if there's something that this event can provide, is VARIETY. It has been an annual event, and super successful in connecting suppliers to intended managers, decision makers and marketing professionals. They'll get you to discover your well loved gifts that you would often only see in other countries. 

It's important, and ensures you would connect with the right audience. You can certainly get the professionals handle it. If you want to go, simply register via corporategiveaways.com now and send your intentions. They're officially back! 

Remarkable Growth: DigiPlus Set to Establish SG Based Global Office

Bullish is a big word but we think it's the apt one to describe the folks from DigiP|us Interactive Corporation as they are all set to establish an international hub in finance hub Singapore. They are the premiere digital entertainment corp in the Philippines and the plan is to put up DigiP|us Global Pte Ltd or DigiP|us Global which will be based in the merlion country.

It will be a center for their talent acquisitions, partnerships which is part of their overall strategy, something that they hope to do for the long  term.

Their Chairman Eusebio Tanco sees this an ideal place for their goals of hiring more professionals, and enhance their international presence especially in the ASEAN region where they are based at.

Currently DigiP|us operates various brands Bing0P|us, ArenaP|us, GameZ0ne and are based in the Philippines. DigiP|us Global will be their base for corporate functions and operations which means they will not engage in any gam|ing operations to follow SG regulations.

37th Corporate Giveaways Buyers Show at SMX This June 26-28

Heads up folks in the corporate or marketing industry, the Philippines biggest Corporate Giveaways Buyers Show is on its 37th year and it will be held on June 26-28, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

It's the best place to get gifting solutions whether you prefer branded ones, or customized ones that would personify your business (and identified) with whatever you need.

There are a LOT of options and suppliers will be showcasing their best promotional items, from the natural eco friendly products to the top of the line technical wonders, all can be customized and packaged for your convenience. You also get to hold it physically in the event and see how they are made, with quality and satisfaction in mind.

It's pretty hard to source these things on a normal day, so instead of you trying to find them in different places, they'll converge in one place so YOU can make things easy. You will also have informed choices because experts will be giving good advice on what to get on what particular occasion. They can also get you purchasing deals on most of the items, so you don't have to spend an arm and a leg when you need it. It's also free of charge to get in, so if you're interested, visit their site corporategiveawaysbuyershow.com to get tickets. It's as easy as that!

CreaTV Management Inc. Launched!

The start of CreaTV 

Looks like big things are happening in the influencer space as CREATV Management Inc. launched their content creation and influencer marketing firm last January 14 at The Barrington Place, Congressional Avenue in Quezon City. 

Their goal is to make sure brands and businesses get to connect with content creators and influencers and get a grasp of digital marketing needs easy. This is the brainchild of partners Edmar Estavillo (their CEO), Norvin dela Peña (their COO) and Gavin Capinpin (their CMO). With their knack for genuine connections and innovative moves, they want to bring social media management and troubleshooting (as they understand how the landscape changes fast in the industry) to the forefront and bring you genuine online presence when and where you need it.

CreaTV Management Inc. also will foster influencers so they become a tool and platform for collaborations and marketing executions so brands can expand their reach and businesses could flourish in this  digital age.

If you want to know more about them or join in the fun, visit their official website CreaTV.ph and be part of the team!

Outbox Media Powerhouse Corporation Celebrates Iconic 17th Anniversary

It was a huge celebration last Wednesday, July 26th at the Metrotent in Pasig City as our friends from Outbox Media Powerhouse Corporation celebrated their 17th Anniversary. It also coincided with the birthday of it's founder Ms. Rosell Taberna. For those who don't know, Outbox Media Production is a full service events and production company that does creative work, commercials, management of events, supply performers/talents, and does marketing and advertising solutions too. This was somewhat a showcase of what they could do and it was certainly cool that they had a concept ready, much of which is about ICONS.

Guests include a lot of their clientele, like private companies, private individuals, suppliers, brands, government offices, the media, a lot of their employees (Taberna Group of Companies) and a lot of their friends and family.  

Aside from that, they had guest from their church, and celebrities like Alfred Vargas, Rr Enriquez, Elijah Alejo, Esang, Charie Pineda, Diane Medina, Lala Sotto, Kathleen Hermosa, Ms. Ara Mina, and Jon Lucas.

Popular coffee/bake shop/restaurant "Ka Tunying's" is also celebrating their 8th year in the business. Despite a really challenging pandemic period, they managed to recoup the branches they lost (about 5) during that period. They now have a total of 7 branches in operation and quite happy about the current business conditions. They remain bullish despite it all.

Anthony Taberna also has a new digital news program which will start this August. Since a lot of his viewers prefer his live streams, this will be called "Tune In Kay Ka Tunying Live!" which will be seen bi monthly (on the 15th and 30th). It's going to be a rundown of the latest news that happened during that time period. You will be able to see it for a full hour (at 5PM before your primetime newscast on TV channels) so make sure you subscribe on his YouTube channel. Ka Tunying says "I'm really excited about this show because aside from current events, we'll be featuring people in stories along with the show. I plan to talk to business leaders, and it will be called "All Access", so you have a hand and learn about their stories on how they have succeeded in their line of business. We will also be featuring places, to help with tourism, plus several interviews with personalities which we will include on the show. One of the planned segments will be in a magazine format, to compress what we shoot in a week in about 10 minutes, so it's really difficult to shoot and produce. We have invested a lot, our own studio to make this all happen."

Here's our interview with Mr. and Mrs. T.

Mr. Anthony Taberna also lauded his wife on how she was able to do all these things, including managing and producing the show. Truth be told, she's like a workhorse, they even find her working in the wee hours of the morning. He says "I declare my admiration and love for her, on her work ethics, I just hope she takes good care of her health." Ms. Rosell replied "I've had a huge long break during the pandemic, and we're just working hard now that things are getting back to normal. Our kids are good, and happy, we are celebrating as one, we are all happy!"

Congratulations to Outbox Media Powerhouse Corporation and the Taberna Group of Companies. Again, make sure you subscribe to their YouTube channel so you don't miss an episodes when it comes out!

Pascual Laboratories Inc. Wins First QUILL

Remember the Pascual Lab 75th Anniversary that I wrote about months ago? Well, that campaign won an Excellence Award from the IABC Quill body who's on their 19th year. The organization identifies exceptional campaigns of companies and PR firms and for Pascaul Laboratories Inc., it's a milestone to be chosen among 849 entries.

I wasn't surprised because they did it with stakeholders like us (the common us that is), management, messaging and innovations was clear right from the start. Everybody felt that #PascaulLove they tried to send consumers highlighting their products and services and dedicated it to all Filipinos even at the height of the pandemic. We've seen them do a concert with their endorsers Bea Alonzo, Heart Evangelista, Alice Dixson, Solenn Heussaff, Ben & Ben and other performers in an online event. They also made known new products like Poten Cee +Zinc Advance, ProBio7 Kids, WellGreens Organics (that I personally use now) and other innovations til today. They also shared their CSR efforts through SEED: SOwing to Empower, Educate and Develop, wherein they partnered with World Vision and benefited children from communities and sponsor their education. Aside from that, they also worked with Doc Willie Ong on MEDTalks to shed light on COVID-19 concerns and how to get help during that time.

I'd like to congratulate Pascual Laboratories Inc. for their first Quill and hope this isn't the last. They're very good people.

Cheers!

A Meaningful Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day

It was festive and fun over at Shopee's 9.9 Super Shopping Day celebrations at BGC last week. It's been a while since they've done a physical event and it's been ages since bloggers and media guests have seen each other. Announcements of what's going to happen for the weeks going to Shopee 9.9 were in session, and from my seat, I'm quite happy with what I heard especially about the community part which I'll explain in a bit.

BARANGAY SHOPEE

During the sale day, of course you'll get the usual fare. This time however, Shopee is launching Barangay Shopee which is a part of their CSR initiative where users would be able to win a community project for their respective towns. From renovations of basketball courts, multi purpose halls, school supplies, all for the love of their own barangays. All you need to do is post public videos on Facebook with posting guidelines included, send the link on the Barangay Shopee page and you get the chance to win. Details for this are also listed on the Barangay Shopee page in app so make sure you join.

INTENSE "MAS MURA SA SHOPEE" DEALS THIS MONTH  

Starting today til the 11th of September, there will be huge offers on essentials, free shipping sitewide, and even Php 1 deals for items the whole duration. I've seen brands like INSPI, Garnier at the event and some of their other partners who are willing to make sure you get the best price at the app during these dates. 

Chance to Win Php 1 MILLION 

If you shop from September 1st to the 9th, you get the chance to win Php 1 Million if you claim codes for the draw. There will be a guessing game during the draws so you can also win thousands of pesos just by being a viewer and participating in the game. This will all be done during the Shopee Super Shopping Day TV Special which will be streamed live on the app and on GMA with the lovely Marian Rivera and other GMA stars taking part in it.

Here are some snippets of queen Marian Rivera at the Shopee event.

 Make sure you download the app and shop on the dates mentioned so you too have a meaningful Super Shopping Day like me! :)

 

 

TaskUs Holds Job Fair in Bohol

After letting us experience this about two years ago, the good people at TaskUs continued to spread their Ridiculously Good Culture, this time to the heart of Philippine islands called Bohol. It's capital Tagbilaran was the venue for the Grand Career Fair held at Metro Centre Hotel.

This is what TaskUs meant as "going where the talent is" as their company continues to grow despite global challenges caused by the pandemic. This was attended and supported by different Bohol educational institutiions, local government and non profit organizations, plus other training institutes aimed to employ talented Bol-anons this side of the world. Ms. Regina Aguila says "We have a different work culture at TaskUs and provide very competitive health coverage, wellness programs (free), career advancement opportunities. We call them teammates, and have always known how it positively impacts their work. This goes the same with the service they render for customers and the community."

TaskUs started in the developing city in 2019 and has made Lizzy's Playground an iconic workplace to be in this region. This is part of their "Work Hard, Have Fun" mantra that makes working in the company even more exciting. If you missed their job fair, fret not as you can show your intentions to join them via their website TaskUs.com/careers or their recruitment hubs.

100 Years of World Class Hardware Solutions: Co Ban Kiat Hardware

Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc. is celebrating 100 years in the country. This stands as a remarkable feat for a company that started retail concepts in the hardware market in the  Philippines. Today, they continue to provide world class hardware solutions around the country.

 

From their humble beginnings in Binondo Manila during the early 1920s, Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc. initially did the wholesale buy and sell hardware business. As you may know, World War II happened during those years and Manila was in shambles. Rising from the ashes of war, Co Ban Kiat slowly resumed business with a the makeshift shanty and begun helping people in rebuild their homes and establishments by providing hardware materials during reconstruction.

In 1952, CBK Hardware was formed and market expansion efforts were made.  Business flourished and prospered further due to the fourth generation of the Cobankiat family under the leadership of Johnny Cobankiat. His accomplishments include the inauguration of Hardware Workshop as the first retail hardware chain of stores, Coby's Design Center as a means to answer the increasing demand of high-end architectural hardware products and the accreditation and introduction of Ace Hardware USA in the country, with CBK Hardware Inc. as one of its suppliers. CBK Hardware now is now towards its journey to supply the country with world-class, life-improving technological and hardware solutions.

 

Its promising milestone of achieving a century of excellence was made possible with a wide-ranging portfolio of products. Over the years, Co Ban Kiat Hardware consistently expanding its products with a one common personality; the highest quality only and its vision to be the largest network of supplier of the biggest brands in the world for hardware industry. This vision was made possible by partnering with 68 trusted global brands of building materials, electrical, houseware, power equipment, outdoor, plumbing, hand and power tools, encompassing completely any product type for building and construction and home comfort. A key source champion global hardware products including Stanley, Lincoln Electric, Baldwin, Chubbsafes, Dormakaba, Facom, Fairbanks Scales, Nilfisk Professional Cleaning Equipment, Westinghouse, Yale Locks, and more. These brands are all being smoothly distributed to customers who want to get more bang for their buck when it comes to home and facility improvement, safety and security, D.I.Y projects, energy conservation, cleaning solutions, and the like. Supplied and shared out by CBK Hardware Inc., these brands are truly together in excellence.

 

The founding belief of the company to provide the Filipino access to quality products was translated by the expansion of its geographic presence, supplying to over 2000 partner wholesale and retail stores nationwide, which includes D.I.Y stores, traditional hardware stores, depots, and much more for 68 brands and over 6,000 SKUs. CBK Hardware utilizes wide array of its product portfolio to realize market leadership in every market segment. Solidifying its distribution network is the integration of well-known business sectors and boasts an expansive list of automotive, hospitality, service, and other industry clientele as well as distinguished real estate developers and construction companies nationwide considering CBK Hardware as the most trusted supplier.  Reaping the benefits of ecommerce, CBK Hardware prides itself to be the first hardware distributor to aggressively offer products online through several ecommerce platforms and to its social media accounts.

 

Business in the hardware industry is not the only way the brand is helping the world become a better place. CBK Hardware Inc. is also partaking in multiple advocacies, philanthropic endeavors, humanitarianism, and charity work, because those in the company are wholeheartedly committed to contributing towards the growth of society and the environment. Hundreds if not thousands of people from different walks of life have benefited from CBK Hardware Inc.’s initiatives, from the intensive CSR programs to the hardware donations for the improvement of living facilities. The goodwill of CBK Hardware Inc., was also gifted to the neglected children and elders by teaming up with many GOs and NGOs.  And as part of 100 years celebration, Co Ban Kiat Hardware will massively deepen its dedication to create valuable contributions to the society and environment by launching 100 Years Donation Drive, a 10-month long CSR project that aims to help 100 organizations.

 

As the company enters a new century, there will be even more local and global brands to acquire and form partnerships with, more ways to help out and give back to the community, more homes and buildings to improve using many tools and appliances the brand has in its disposal, and more individuals to help in any way.

 

Going forward, Philippines will expect Co Ban Kiat Hardware to remain true to its heritage of providing more years of world class hardware solutions.

To inquire online, visit https://www.cbkhardware.com/. Follow their social media account: www.facebook.com/CBKHardware and join CBK Viber Community: https://bit.ly/2S4N8KB.

 

Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc. is the preferred and trusted distributor of home improvement and hardware products in the Philippines. With its wide range of products from 68 global hardware brands and more than 2000 distribution channels, CBK Hardware is committed to provide more years of world class hardware solutions to Filipino homes and several industries.

 

Fix Tax Woes with the TAXWHIZPH Mobile App

Bea Binene, one of GMA’s brightest stars is the new face for the TAXWHIZPH Mobile App. It is an all in one app that provides taxpayer assistance inside the app. It does automatic tax calculations, updates your tax calendars and the thing also files tax returns electronically.

Mon Abrea, author of Got A Question About Taxes books and person behind TAXWHIZPH App

Tax Whiz and expert Mon Abrea from Asian Consulting Group says “I do sincere and real content and even if my followers are a few, they are game changers, senators. We are a social enterprise ready to help the clueless or people who are given the wrong advice. This is the time where we need to work together. You just have to approach our associates and you’ll get help from them and the government agencies. When it comes to business we all want to save from taxes, through legislation we should take off renewals, just pay and make it easy to do business. Whoever you are, doing it in mobile services should suffice, looking forward I hope government agencies would help. Here, we even adapted a 4 day work week. People now have more time with family, even some work at home just as long as deliverables are met. Productivity is on top, honesty too, it includes people, it includes you. You don’t have to fear paying taxes or start something new.”

He also lauded Bea and says “Not all celebrities do that but she did it personally. It is important that people do not fear it.”

The app also captures information on receipts to extract TIN numbers, name, address, date and amounts. Your returns can be filed through it so you get seamless processing of your papers. Soon, they will also include mobile payment options so you can transact with partner banks. The app also assists you in choosing the specific form you need in order to pay the correct taxes, generate and prepare your return documents. If you also plan to put up business, they can help you decide income and business tax procedures plus Asian Consulting Group’s publications and monthly seminars. It also reminds you of deadlines so you pay the right amount of taxes when it’s time to do so.

Bea Binene says “Aside from acting, I also am into business. Mix and Brew Coffee just launched a few months ago. We have our own blend, local ones and international ones. We are armed by coffee science, our baristas are also skilled and we are in popups and soon we will be in a mall.”

She adds “I started in a franchise expo, I met him (he was a speaker) and thought he’s an expert in taxes so it was nice to see them in that place. They personally assisted us and they explained to us everything. We feel BIR is the enemy, but they explained where it goes, when and where receipts are issued. To know when it is VAT and NON VAT, to claim and encourage people to collect receipts and save a lot in taxes. Now I have peace of mind, even though I don’t have a big business yet. It is better to be safe rather than end up with cases against BIR on TV for the whole world to see. Here in ACG you will see how you can do it legally, there are resolutions to tax issues and their advocacy is real.“

Go download the app on the App Store and Google Play then subscribe to the service today. It would be but proper that you start paying for your taxes and if all you need is proper guidance, you can start with this app. It’s also completely free, all thanks to ACG and their partner government agencies Filipinos now have a place to go to when asking questions about taxes!

OMNI Marketing, CEITEX and GadFetcher

Had lunch with the folks from OMNI Channel Marketing Consultancy Inc, a business that does trad and digital marketing, ICT, franchising, leasing and activation activities in the country. They’ve been doing this with people who have spent 25 years in the industry, so if you’re a brand who wants people who know the business inside out, they’re a good candidate.

They also are the organizers of CEITEX (Consumer Electronics and Information Technology Expo) which will be held at the SMX Convention Center this November 2-4, 2018. They’ve been doing this to also partner with franchise businesses so they could sell their franchise too. Aside from that, they do this through GadFetcher, a pop up mobile phone, repair and accessory shop that does three simple things, fetch, send and repair.

Their vision is to help clients and make growth inevitable, this as their top tier service. As OMNI’s Marketing Executives says “We want to give the best for their business, resolve issues fast, to make each transaction a long term and effective business relationship. We make use of our vast network and key experts in the field.”

Congratulations OMNI Channel Marketing and their partner brands! Cheers!

KUMAGCOW

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Barbie Forteza: A Meaningful 18th Birthday Celebration

I was in the same place when Barbie Forteza celebrated her birthday party last year and she's at it again. When asked about how to celebrate her debut, she uttered "I am so happy, I am excited to turn 18 but can I wish for something? I don't want to have a party!" which started us to get interested how she wants to do it last July 31. Barbie wanted to use the money to celebrate for other meaningful things so she did the deed by going to Philippine Children’s Medical Center again, although this time, she's participating in the “Adopt-A-Room” program of the said hospital.

Kids here have a special place in Barbie's heart. She's actually been doing this in the last 4 years and with the program she could adopt a room, then transform and renovate it into a special private room. The proceeds of the room will go to the PCMC charity rooms on a continued basis so it could help countless children in charity cases, something she's always wished for every time she's here.

The project is still on going and Barbie's adopted room is still being worked on with the help of Architects Jose Ricky Martinez and Richie Ongteco. GMA Artist Center has also helped with the arrangements as usual. Barbie Forteza is officially the first celebrity to do this because the other rooms in the hospital were adopted by private institutions and brands. This is an opportunity that she says is very thankful for.

Barbie Forteza was also joined by her friends and fellow Kapuso artists Krystal Reyes and Thea Tolentino. She was also very thankful that they were there to help her give joy and gifts for the kids.

Barbie also joined in entertaining the kids of PCMC, a puppet show, gift giving and snacks were served. Barbie Forteza thanked her sponsors BNY, Unisilver Time, Posh Nails, Flawless, BS Mobile, Fruitas, Belladona Bags, Boysen Paint, Happy Haus Donuts, Pizza Pedricos, Kettle Korn, JC Catering, Cris-Carl Stuffed Toys, Megasoft Diapers, Muebles De Cristina Furniture, Fernando’s Bakeshop, Aquabest, Chocovron, Ritz Biscuits, Jao Ming Glutathione, RPKreativ, Dove and Fresh Look Contact Lenses for also chipping in on the renovation costs and giveaways during the small event.

This celebration was definitely meaningful, no wonder she's so blessed and still continue to be in GMA top rater Half Sisters. Stay humble and sweet Barbie! 

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