Forest Lake Solidifies Lead in Memorial Park Development

A company that brings compassion, care, innovative services that brings customers first, one that only Forest Lake could bring.

They've been in the industry since 1997, building over 37 memorial parks in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. They have grown significantly over the years, with even bigger steps taken starting 2005 up to 2015. They managed to double their portfolio from 2016 to 2020 then launched 8 more memorial parks in 2021-2023. To date, they now have 3 Billion worth of sales last year and steadfastly personifying their call of "A Better Place" where families, friends could lay to rest their loved ones.

They have strategically strengthened their collection services and increased earnings year on year. They also increased assets (20%) with plans to develop even more of it in the future, but make sure that it remains affordable despite economic challenges and inflation this year.

Alfred Xerez-Burgos III the President and CEO of Forest Lake Development Inc. says "We are lucky to have our core values intact to solidify our stature in this industry. Always putting personalized service, value, teamwork, continuous innovation, creativity and professionalism as part of our priorities, it made us who we are today."

With plans to expand in even more places throughout the country, they remain optimistic and bullish on growth and build more chapels, columbariums, and cremation facilities to meet the needs of Filipino families and their loved ones.

Here's to even more years of service to Filipinos!

34th Philippine Travel Mart Slated This September

I know some of you haven't really had the time to go out and travel, but this is revenge travel year and the Philippine Tour Operators Association is about to.hold the 34th edition of Philippine Travel Mart at the SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. The annual affair houses over 300 exhibitors from around the country (that's 17 regions) which consists of hotels, resorts, agencies, tour operators and offices on September 1-3, 2023. If you're raring to find deals and tour packages to travel in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, this is the place to be in and book it on the spot!

As you know, there's a very strong demand for tours in Baguio, Boracay, Cebu, Palawan and places like Zamboanga, Quirino, Soccskargen so you've got a lot of places to discover.

The President of PhilTOA Ms. Fe Abling-Yu says "Thank you and good afternoon, in spite of the rain and road conditions you are all here. Your presence here today underscores the importance of support we need in the tourism and hospitality efforts in these challenging times. Now with great excitement, I am delighted to share with you the 34th Philippine Travel Mart. It's time to connect, our direction is to help the government to uplift the  tourism industry. Our thanks to the DOT, all the 16 regional offices across the nation. With the help of TPB, you will see them there. This industry gave us life, an industry to earn, and we are happy to say even local government units are happy to accept us as guests in their respective regions. We hope you find ways to help us take the message across to satisfy the Filipinos wunderlist especially this year."

Ms. Fe adds "The first row of pavilions will be done by DOT regional offices, and the 34th Philippine Travel Mart is a place you could see affordable tickets,  and cooperation from the DOT, TPB. Emerging destinations last year included the colors of Mindanao, apart from that, there's Borongan Samar where PAL will be flying too soon. Also in our mind is Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, tons of properties that needed to be discovered."

The very passionate Ms. Maria Margarita Nograles the COO of TPB also says "Guests, media friends, good afternoon. As we continue to navigate the challenges in tourism, and as borders open, it is crucial to support our local businesses to engage with partners and suppliers. The Philippines has delightful experiences, scenic spots and rich cuisine for everyone. 3 Million tourism arrivals, local tourism surge is happening right now (almost 7 times) versus the same period last year. It creates employment for thousands of Filipinos. Our country is rich, and the Philippine Travel Mart is helping our tourism sector bounce back stronger. The TPB is fully committed to develop our tourism portfolio for both local and international tourists and is setting bigger goals for years to come. Thank you so much for your help PHILTOA, here's to the continued success for the upcoming 34th Philippine Trave Mart!"

Ms. Mary Ann Ong the 1st VP of PHILTOA says "We have 17 regions participate in the program by presenting their local talents, do games, plus presentations of our partners lime Philippine Airlines, and some new players in the market like Chroma Hospitality, Hotel 101 group, Dusit Davao, and DOT's new call called "The Filipino Brand of Wellness" which will also be featured there."

She also talked about the new logo of Philippine Travel Mart which showcase the colors of the ASEAN. There are a lot of things lined up in the program and it will be announced a week or two before the date so stay tuned for that!

PHILTOA 2nd Vice President Arjun Shroff says "The annual Travel Mart has invigorated the industry. Hotels, airlines, tour agencies has taken advantage of servicing more Filipinos through this and this year is going to be bigger than ever before. From vibrant cities, activities, all designed to make people have unforgettable adventures, to offer something for everyone. 7600 ways to LOVE THE PHILIPPINES, to be wowed, have fun, and the best destinations will be offered on the event. Make sure you're there on September!"

The 34th Philippine Travel Mart media launch was also attended by PhilTOA stakeholders, board members, hoteliers, people from TPB, the Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, media outlets, bloggers and influencers. If you want to know more about the event, visit their official website philtravelmart.com and their social channels @philtravelmart on FB and IG. 

Tara travel na!

What Does It Take To Own Your Own Home?

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to own your own home? That feeling when your build your dreams with your family? This seems to be a good day to assure you that yes, it can and has happened to thousands of people in the Philippines and it isn't rocket science.

Something You Can Afford

Find a home that fits your budget. Aside from not forgetting about your daily expenses, ask your agent about reservation fees, your down payment (would you save a lot if you pay more head on?) and the monthly amortization (will it not be a burden for you when you have to pay on a monthly basis?). Properties in BellaVita for example only cost Php 3,500 to Php 5,000 and depends on the actual model you choose. Their down payment scheme can also be arranged in 18 months, and you can also arrange funding from local banks or Pag-ibig (Government Office) and could really be affordable, easy to pay in the long run.

Take A Good Look at the Community


Location location location still holds true when choosing a home. Though you must know much of it is about the community. Is there a place for work? A place of worship? Maybe a good market to buy essentials or perhaps a school where you children can go to? If your chosen home isn't near establishments like these, you may find it difficult to function normally and live there for years. Like BellaVita communities, they have to be built in places that can be accessible by family and guests, but also these. It's what proper urban planning is essential like BellaVita properties in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. They have ones in Porac, Pampanga, Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija, or Capas in Tarlac, General Trias in CAvite, Alaminos, Pila or San Pablo in Laguna, or perhaps Lian, Rosario or Lipa City in Batangas. They also have one in Tayabas Quezon which people from the South should look into, there's some in Visayas and Mindanao too.

A Safe Home

It definitely doesn't stop at buying a house, you have to make sure the community is equally safe so when you are not around. Peace of mind is priceless, and your family's safety is a priority. On a gated and guarded community like BellaVita, you're assured to have that. There are also assigned tricycle terminals for ease of transport to and from a BellaVita home.

 

One That Lasts Years

The Philippines is under the ring of fire, we also encounter around 26-30 typhoons a year. Needless to say, you need a home that would withstand all of that and more. The quality of building a house should also be considered when choosing one. Aside from protecting yourselves from nature, amenities that is of equal quality would certainly be a plus on any homeowners book. Kids need to play in Basketball Courts, utilize Multipurpose Halls for special events and parties, and BellaVita has that. 

If you want a place of your own today, BellaVita would certainly be something that you should consider. If you want to reserve one, get in touch with them through 09178535937 or 09178269451. You may also visit their social channels at https://www.facebook.com/BellaVitaLandCorp/ on FB, https://www.instagram.com/bellavitalandcorp/ on IG, https://www.tiktok.com/@bellavitalandcorp on Tiktok or see more information via their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/BellaVitaLandCorpBV.

 

 

 

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.

SKY FIBER Offers SWAK Internet Packages This 2022

Today was a good time for coffee together with the folks from SKY Fiber. The company is launching speed packages that is both fast and affordable.

James Dumlao of Sky Fiber's Programming and Airtime Group says "The past two years have been challenging. We're adapting to work from home, online shopping, doing videos online and connecting with loved ones. Good quality internet is a necessity and we at Sky Fiber want to commit our services for the market today at the Swak na Swak media launch. There are options out there, but the choosing the right plan is a little difficult to do. The SWAK PLAN brings value for our subscribers. Yumi and Philip of Davao Conyo will share their experiences and we look forward to see you our Sky Kapamilya in events soon."

Yumi says "For me, updating my friends seem normal and I post it online. My followers appreciate it and they recognize me in malls, so I felt someone is watching me and I feel glad seeing that. Back in 2018 I was just a bored teen looking for apps, I downloaded it and was surprised I could share short videos. I made content for it and it didn't blew up overnight, maybe my 5th one did. And I found an Oppa for me. Sharing content on Tiktok is something that I do regularly, and Sky Fiber makes it possible."

Davao Conyo's Philip Hernandez says "I'm an introvert but when I go to malls, I get noticed because of the content I put out. I don't feel super special, but everyone creates videos nowadays. The difference I think is the humor we put in it. I am gay and funny, so I really made and effort to perform. I made videos from commercials I've watched when I was a kid, it was like an experiment on Facebook and I was too shy to actually do that. I didn't appear in skits before, it was like just me and a voice. The one that blew up was my 4 Sisters and a Wedding in Bisaya. That went viral, and I knew then that it was what the public wanted. The unique narrative of having hollywood films in my lines was something that people looked forward to. I had to be really careful because of copyright stuff. You also need to be consistent, sometimes videos are daily. I need upload speeds that can cater that. For me, the WIFI Mesh solved so many of my problems because I am at the second floor of my home where it was usually dismal, but now Sky Fiber has it. and it's cute!"

Sky Fiber offers 999 per month for 20 Mbps, 30 Mbps for Php 1,299 per month. For heavy streaming they have 75mbps at 1699, 100Mbps for 2299 per month, with a generous 50Mbps boost until April this year. They also ahve bundled Cable and Broadband Plans for you at Php 1699 for 40Mbps. Now is the time to switch to Sky Fiber, with FREE Installation fees and Wifi Mesh packages included in the plan. The speed boost is available for plans 50Mbps and above. It's a treat for subscribers and they plan to extend its duration, you're better off getting one now!

Coca-Cola Foundation, Coca-Cola Philippines Help Typhoon Odette Hit Areas

When Typhoon Odette hit the Philippines, a lot of Filipinos lost their homes, livelihood, and capacity to earn a living. The philanthropic arm of the Coca-Cola Company has been helping in their own capacity, benefiting thousands of people across 6 provinces that have been affected by this natural disaster. To start off, a grant of USD 400,000 to CBCP Caritas Filipinas Foundation was made to support nine dioceses in Visayas and Mindanao operate several efforts for food, shelter, repair kits, solar lamps, hygiene kits,  to more than 4 thousand families in the region.

Coca Cola Foundation also has given Php 5.8 Million worth of food, hygiene kits, shelter or roof repair, drinking water and filters so they start picking up the pieces and start recovery early on. They worked with NGO partners Water and Life Philippines, WWF, Caritas Manila, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Gawad Kalinga, World Vision, Synergeia Foundation and Waves 4 Water. Saadia Madsbjerg the President of Coca-Cola Foundations says "This is the time we provide humanitarian aid for those who are in need and we know how these natural disasters especially during the pandemic affect so many people in communities that have limited resources."

Ms. Cecile Alcantara the President of the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines adds "We and our trusted partners continue to serve Filipinos through different programs, waste management, water stewardship, education, youth and women empowerment including disaster relief. Although we know how resilient Filipinos are, we are here to support you one day at a time."

To date, they are still supplying over 70 thousand liters of Wilkins drinking water in affected areas, and employees through CCBPI have raised over Php 600K to help in Visayas and Mindanao. They are working with Mandaue City as well for mobile treatment machines that make water potable in the area. They are present in communities in Marawi, Davao del Sur and Bicol as well. 

LANDERS Superstore Calls for Donations

I've been struggling appreciating the holidays especially when several provinces in Visayas and Mindanao were hit by Typhoon Odette. Although I've helped in my own little way, there are still a lot of people suffering without food, water, electricity and even information because internet connection doesn't exist.

Good thing there are several private entities that are launching donation drives to help in making sure supplies are going to get there. Landers Superstore members and non members can now donate water, hygeine kits, clean clothes, pillows, blankets, and other non perishable items in all their branches nationwide. Aside from that, you can purchase things to donate on their website landers.ph/help-vismin and use the voucher code HELPVISMIN so delivery fees will not be charged, all of it will be picked up by the Philippine Army so they can get them to Typhoon Odette hit areas. As of now, they have a total of 12.5 Million pesos worth fo products delivered and 5 Million from their partner Deca Homes. They are also supplying tap water at the Grand Convention Center in Cebu during office hours, to hopefully not have anyone lacking water wherever in Cebu.

 

 

Go visit Landers Superstore branches nationwide and start sharing whatever you can for this cause.

Sanicare Mark PASCO in Three Island Groups

It's almost Christmas and I'm sure by this time, you've seen some products on the shelves that you don't know how it was made or where it came from. If you've seen Sanicare on the Bathroom Tissue, Baby Wipes and Paper Towel isle, then those actually come from SCPA (Sanitary Care Products Asia, Inc.). This year was tough for all of us including the employees of the said company, but they realized it was very important for them to still push through with their annual Christmas party so they can share blessings with their employees, and their families especially through these tough times. 

Instead of the usual physical events, they did it online for the safety of everyone. During the event, they got local recording artist, record producer and DJ Silverfilter to write an original song for the company these holidays called "PASCO". In it, they featured their  own products, a God centric theme as thanks to the creator. They held a music video competition and used this to showcase Filipino culture and hope for the communities they serve. 

SCPA Luzon:

SCPA Visayas:

SCPA Mindanao:

As you can see, they made a lot of effort in making these videos to showcase individual talent, their workplace, and regional fare. They also made these while observing health protocols which they also employ in their offices and plants. It's such a nice thing to do, not just to entertain their employees, but to see a sense of normalcy which soon, we hope to have in the whole country. 

Merry Christmas!

Discovery Shores Boracay Nominated at the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards

If you haven't heard yet, the place I stayed in Boracay a few months back just got nominated for the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. They have been consistently getting accolades as one of the best destination resorts in the world and this year, they're proving once again to be worthy of this award as the voting ends tomorrow February 29. Discovery Shores Boracay is one of the best places I've ever been to and if you want to make the country proud this year, you better get ready to vote for them today by going to their website https://tlworldsbest.wylei.com.

You will be brought to answer a survey then to a voting page. All you need to do is choose Hotels > Asia > Philippines > Boracay > then Discovery Shores Boracay Island. Rate the property then choose NOT to rate hotel brands. You will then be notified that your vote is complete and voting will only be allowed until the 29th of February. That's tomorrow so if you have spare time today, would you mind voting for them? I just did. This will not only be good for the business, but will make the country proud!

If you wish to know more about their awards, check Discovery Shores here.

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GMA's Bet Ng Bayan Semi-Finals Starts Today

When the love for talented Filipinos come full circle, they make it in every town in the Philippines just to find that one special person (or group for this matter); more so in this reality talent show competition called "Bet ng Bayan". Hosted by Asia's Songbird Ms. Regine Velasquez and co-hosted by dimple demigod Alden Richards. Watch these superstars as they start roaming around the Philippines to see the most talented people in the country, then pit them against each other in a one of a kind show and adjudged by some of the Philippines' talented celebrities. The last time I watched, I saw Kuh Ledesma, Jonalyn Viray and Louie Ocampo on the judges table. They've already got bases covered, but you know what they actually do to make things even more real? They got the people to have their say in the competition too. Aside from that, you'll see contestants fight for the right to be in the finals in categories “Bet sa Kantahan” (singing), “Bet sa Sayawan” (dancing), and “Bet sa Kakaibang Talento” (unique talents). If they get to win in the Finals, I heard they'll have a cash prize of 1 million pesos, a recording contract, a house and lot, and a lot of other prizes. They must make sure their talent would be worth that much though!

During today's episode, the bet of Tanauan Katherine Castillo unfortunately was amateurish. It has something to do with diction, the way she pronounced the words of the song (I thought she was even sick) and this might have just failed her in this round. I am sorry dear. I think I'm quite sure you won't win today. I laud your efforts though. Trust me, the judges were just being nice with her. 

For the San Carlos City, Pangasinan bet Renz Roboza. He got every detail of his song in tune, emotions true and the people have already done a good job of choosing. A veteran I think, and very well prepared.

Boyz Unlimited of Mangaldan Pangasinan made sure they stomped their feet, crumped their superiority on the floor. Worthy to win. They have joined and won several competitions already, qualified for international too but they just didn't get funded. They might need this break and looks like they are hungry for it.

The UNEP Dance Club though is going to give the other guys a run for their money. They did a pretty good ballroom-jazz number, totally different routine. If judges are going to not go for the "usual dance number they see in dance contests" then they might win. It's kinda girly, but they're my bet.

Now for the unique performers, we have a ventriloquist John Kim Belangel all the way from Catanduanes. Hmm.. His jokes might be good, some of them might offend the Pangalatoks though. But the singing was good, that might just get him to win. That, and the thing where the two puppets did sing London Bridge at the same time.

Jason Ivan Sobremonte and his talent looked refreshing. I can only do 2 things when he did his routine. Unbelievable in most parts, plus the way he did his set was amazing. How can that be beaten? As the judges even said, he was world class. You only see these shows in Las Vegas. 

In the end, all my bets won and will represent the whole Luzon Island in the Finals. There will be a few more people lined up for the next few weeks (to battle for Visayas and Mindanao) so make sure you tune in 9:40PM every Sunday on GMA!

/*Screenies or images not mine. Credit to owners.

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Tanduay Rhum Rockfest Year 6!

There are rockstars.... and there are rock gods. The Philippines has got a lot to thank for because the industry is flourishing. That was the thing these guys chose to talk about a few days ago. All for the love of rock! Mind you they just started talking about it after the first question was thrown in. Check out these photos and see if you know some of them! =)

Chito Miranda of Parokya Ni Edgar! He says how can the music industry die if we've got our band playing a lot of gigs these days. We've got our own set of followers and if you know how much they adore us, that statement about the music industry dying is just not true!

Kamikazee frontman Jay Contreras agrees. Then laughs it off with PNE vocalist Chito Miranda. The question and answer portion just became hilarious!

Good looking Rico Blanco. He's so happy to sit beside his rock buddies and about this awesome opportunity to work with them. 

Urbandub's Gabby Alipe is also going to be there. Isn't that great?!

Tanduay, the Philippines' number 1 rum knows that in this day and age people need to start paying attention to the talents that we have in the country. They are launching the biggest and grandest series of concerts in Luzon, Vizayas and Mindanao as part of the Tanduay Rhum Rockfest Year 6. They have been doing it a few years already and the thing is, the best bands, rock gods and personalities this country have will perform with their compatriots to celebrate another year of Philippine Rock Music! Tanduay knows their market starts with the new generation, the young professionals who enjoy having a couple of rounds of their product. If you go out at night, enjoy mixed drinks, chances are one of the main ingredients of each glass you take probably has Tanduay Rhum!

One of the inspirations of why I went into bands a few years back is this guy right here. When I see him perform, its just goosebumps! Wolfgang and its front man Basti Artadi is here!

Good friend Calde Calderon of Chicosci was there. It was so nice to meet him, do you remember the time I interviewed him here? =) It's cool and good looking people like him that make me believe music can transcend genres and stereotypes. Just look at Chicosci's music and you know what I mean!

I had so much fun listening to their candid answers, the host from channel 4 did a pretty good job hosting.

Rap superstar Gloc 9 thought he was the odd man but imagine how he became the only rapper who will perform with these rock artists. I was excited to see him perform that afternoon!

Ebe Dancel will also be there among the tons of bands that will perform for the 6th installment of Tanduay Rhum Rockfest!

Gloc 9 performed Hari ng Tondo where Denise his protege was part of. It was awesome!

If that wasn't crazy enough I had goosebumps listening to them play Sirena with Ebe Dancel! It was awesome I tell you!

Three BIG Concerts in Three different regions, this is the Tanduay Rhum Rockfest Year 6 paying homage to OPM and artists of this country! If you don't watch, you'll surely regret it!

Artists, producers, people from Tanduay signed on this commitment wall in support of Original Filipino Music!

The concerts will be in Cebu on October 12, Davao on October 19 and Manila on October 26, 2012! Don't worry if you don't have tickets yet because it's so easy to get one to see these people perform live!

If you want tickets to the show, you don't really need to shell out money. For those who want VIP tickets, simply purchase 2 bottles of Tanduay 5 Years 750ml and 1 bottle of Tanduay Light 750ml on selected 7-11 outlets nationwide! For those who want to watch in the General Admission section, buy a single bottle of Tanduay 5 Years 750ml or 1 bottle of Tanduay Light 750ml and you can claim them from the same participating stores. You can start asking your friends to chip in so you can get it. It's that easy!

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