QC Councilor Alfred Vargas Dedicates Recent Accomplishments to Manager Lolit Solis

QC Councilor Alfred Vargas just graduated from the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP). He attained GWA of 1.028, and was recognized as class Valedictorian, even given the Dean’s Medallion in this very same course.  

As you may know, the showbiz industry is still grieving with the recent passing of Lolit Solis, manager to the stars and prolific entertainment scribe. She is also Councilor Alfred's manager for over 21 years, which is why he was extremely emotional upon accepting it. 

During his speech at the UP Film Center, he didn't forget to dedicate his accomplishments to Ms. Lolit, cried on the podium and said "This is for you!"

He also gave thanks to his wife Yasmine and kids Alexandra Aryana, Cristiano and Aurora for the insurmountable support and sacrifice during this period. He emphasized how love and compassion plays when doing urban planning for a city. He also egged his classmates to do the same, with kindness, as it plays a crucial role with planning urban dwellings. He adds "It would be quite meaningless if we be unconcerned with others. We shouldn't abandon these principles and do what is right. We can't be blind or numb about the lies, corruption and poverty because it is a reality. It's not enough to use our hands, we need to use our hearts, and compassion. That and good governance will bring social justice and bring dignity for those living in the state."

 

He also stated how important their roles are in looking for solutions to address overpopulation, the housing shortages, lack of infrastructure, issues with the environment, health, safety, education and inequalities. He reiterated the importance of listening to the needs of the public, of every sector, especially the marginalized ones before executing plans in the industry. This is something that he has learned early being a public servant. He also cited the Quezon City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) wherein it has bore fruit, with the passage of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act when he was still congressman of the same district. He encouraged them to use what they learned from the course to improve lives of those living in their city, one area at a time.

After his undergrad degree in AB Management Economics from Ateneo in 2002, Master’s degree in Public Administration from UP Diliman’s National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) in 2021, he now plans to accomplish a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning at the same institution. Dedicating this to his late manager was an apt act, Ms. Lolit would have been mighty proud of his accomplishments as she was when she was still with us.

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.

15 Years of Orange Love: ORANGE MAGAZINE TV

Thinking about this event took me a few days because I didn't want to go the emotional route as the event is celebratory. Orange Magazine just had their 15th Anniversary last July 1st 2025. For those who don't know, they're one of the OG's in the digital magazine space and I've had the pleasure of having them as peers in the industry for years now. 

While you were probably infants, these folks already made their mark in introducing artists, people, brands, businesses and SME's. This includes those who have no digital footprint back in the day, and has now grown even bigger with his team at Orange Magazine. I've seen some of the risk he took early on and challenges that broke everything because I'd say, the industry was still in its infancy compared to established traditional media companies that got a foothold of the trust of people. Jeman Villanueva wasn't all perfect - and quite loveless at that time 😂 - and he held on to those who have believed in him and his work especially in the different niche he handles, and here we are today!

Stronger and wiser than ever, Orange Magazine TV has been able to weather the rough obstacles that have come their way. Every year, they try to throw a thanksgiving party for the local PH blogging industry, giving back to folks who have stood by them all these years, including the brands and corporations who have believed in them since day 1.

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Team Orange gave away so many prizes and surprises from their sponsors like Timezone Philippines who took good care of the venue, PLDT Home, Home Credit Philippines, Xiaomi Philippines (whom I think gave some really nice smart watches), smartphone brand POCO, pr firm ALPAS Consultancy, Marie France + Facial Care Centre + Svenson (who gave trinkets, kits and skin products), Tai Chi Rub & VCO Liniments (who I absolutely love especially the Chili liniments and new sticks!), Doggies Choice (who gave doggie treats!), Cebu Pacific Air (who gave fantabulous trips to local destinations!), Maya, Honor Philippines (who gave health bands and ear buds, love that brand!), OPPO who gave away a brand new smartphone, Solaire Resort Entertainment City and Solaire Resort North (who I think gave stays), Skechers (who gave a choice of their super comfy shoes), Our Home, Hotel 101 Manila, The Ascott Limited, Citadines Benavidez Makati, Citadines Bay City Manila, Citadines Roces Avenue who also gave hotel stays, Klued (who introduced themselves and gave away some of their skin essentials), Primer Group of Companies and The Travel Club (who gave away luggages and products from their really good brands, I got a cap from ROX), Seda Manila Bay, Bell Kenz Pharma Inc., Luminisce who gave some skin treatments, Landco Pacific, Landco Lifestyle Ventures, AirAsia Philippines who have trips to local spots, RLC Residences, pr firm EON Public Relations (who also have a few prizes from their brands), TikTok Shop Philippines, Mega Prime Foods, Winford Resort and c@$in0 Manila, Redlion Private Pool Resort, pr firm Ripple8, Jollibee, Launch & Meet, pr firm Grupo Agatep, lovely chicken brand Mang Inasal who gave GC's, Angel's Pizza (who gave GC's also for pizza), A List & Partners Consulting Group Inc., Diana Stadler (who gave lots of skin products), PR and talent firm Spark It Philippines, Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites, Foodpanda, Potato Corner, pr firm BRIDGES PR, Visual Scape, the ever favorite portable fan company Jisulife, pr firm Fifth Gear Ads and Activations, travel app Klook, SM Investments, SM Supermalls, my favorite skincare brand Beautéderm Corporation (and I love their Belle Dolls!), pr firm Narr8 PH Creative Communications, Centaur Marketing, SAFC, Human Nature, Uniquecorn Strategies, DermoRepubliq, ANKO, pr firm FuentesManila Public Relations, Buensalido and Associates PR, Access PR & Communications, Power Mac Center, and Ana Manansala Consultancy Services.

They would also like to thank the people from ROMA, pr corp CATPR Inc., coffee authority BREVILLE, Better Mondays PR, the good people of Conrad Manila, Newport World Resorts (hello Megaworld of whom I won a hotel stay yay!), Hilton Manila, Holiday Inn Express Manila, Maria Clara Sangria, Novotel Manila Araneta City, Ibis Styles Araneta City, Whip PR & Communications, ArdentComm, BrandComm, pr firm and agency eggshell, McDonald’s, the lovely people from Pascual Laboratories, 4610 PR and Integrated Marketing Inc., GCash, BrandPlay, COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, TARO AOX, Inc., Midea, Canon, TA-FBDI, MSL, EY, OREO, Goldilocks, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, phone brand realme, Corner Magazine PH, Zoobic Safari, the generous folks over at The Bistro Group, ODV Creative, Full Circle Communications Inc., JG Superstore, Cherry Philippines, Globe Telecom, Brand_It Consultancy, MG Asia Public Relations, the good people who got our photos and videos immortalized at Pix Republik/Reel Republik Studios, Domantay Consulting, Lorem Ipsum Consulting Inc., PRecious Communications, Brilliant Jerk Production, Insight 360 Consultancy Services, Inc., MediaSense, Orange Salon, Agents International, NYOU PH, Meat Plus Café, Tender Bob’s, Fireside, Kettle, PIAA, WSP, Stratworks, TV8 Media, Marriot Hotel Manila, PaperLess PR & Creative Agency, Inc., i55 Talent House Corp., TeamAsia, the generous Mr. Gene Paulo Bautista, Ms. Ruby Asoy Lebajo, Mr. Jeff Saw, Ms. Marjorie Pineda-Uy, Mr. Jonel Uy, and Mr. Harold Uy who gave away two way radios.

The event was hosted by beauty queen Samantha Purvor. She was so nice to everyone. 

I'd like to personally thank Jeman Villanueva who not just made this event possible, but really pulled strings to make sure each person in that event enjoyed their time, and went home all with something to remember the occasion. Thank you also to Team Orange's Kister and Janelle who's part of Orange Magazine's success since last year.

Thanks everyone! 🙂 

MMG Set To Release Original RUN TO YOU Single This 4th of July!

Mark Michael Garcia is turning a new leaf in his career. The very talented man who won "Tawag ng Tanghalan" as the Ultimate Resbaker a few years ago literally got stuck in limbo when the pandemic happened just when he was about to lay plans for his career and music. This year, he's sporting a new moniker as "MMG", which makes sense as it feels more catchy and current. Aside from that, he just got the nod of composer songwriter Allan Rich who did Whitney Houston's "Run To You" single for the movie "The Bodyguard". Together with Jud Friedman, they gifted him the rights to release the actual original song this 4th of July in streaming platforms worldwide. They caught him performing his James Ingram medley on the internet and was impressed, they got in touch and yes, the rest is history! 

We heard him a few days ago and by any standards, he's magnificent! Together with the single release, he's going to have a concert entitled CODE NAME: MMG which will happen on August 2 at the Samsung Music Hall in SM Aura BGC. He promises to perform new songs and covers that you might not have heard before. This is produced by Chef Jeng Sy Flores who also owns Heavenly Desserts by Chef Jeng and District One Gastrolounge in BGC. 

Here's what happened at the press conference 

 

Tomorrow, please tune in to Cornerstone Entertainment's channels as this heavily awaited single will be shown there. 

I'll update this post with the actual RUN TO YOU (alternative version) so you could witness his great work. By the way, he won a Best Male Vocalist award in the US, and some talk of him joining THE VOICE USA is also in the works. I'm sure he's going to blow the competition away!

Congratulations MMG!