PUREGOLD OPMCon 2025 Makes History: OPM Generations Showcased!

I'd be lying to you if I said I didn't despise going to the Philippine Arena because 1, it's too far, 2, travel is too tiring, and 3 if the artist is worth it. I reckon it's the same sentiment for almost anyone from Manila right? Well the folks from PUREGOLD got me thinking because as members, they'll be giving us VIP treatment plus a lineup of artists that NOBODY in the right mind could ever resist. Imagine, the BIGGEST acts in Filipino entertainment all in one place. The boys from SB19, girl group BINI, top band Sunkissed Lola, vixens G22, rising KAIA, artists Skusta Clee and talented Flow G in one stage made me say a resounding YES as soon as I heard it. Whatever hardship I'll be experiencing traveling there will all be worth it just as long as I see them all.

As you can see on the top photo, I'm a silent A'Tin and have that guy Ken as my bias. But no, that doesn't mean I don't like the rest, because I do. There's a reason why, because they've continued to represent the country, and really, they've made us all proud! This goes the same with the other groups in the list, and I just can't believe it happened. Plus, there's more. 

BINI with James Reid

KAIA

Sunkissed Lola

G22 was so hot!

Flow G

Skusta Clee

They did a collab too!

When SB19.went out, everybody just lost it!

The finale song was super sweet, a fitting end to see them all singing one song!

At the event, they also surprised us with other iconic artists that performed with them. Names like James Reid, Rico Blanco, Mayonnaise, Yeng Constantino shocked us. . . then went on and did collabs with each other. It was really crazy, but crazy good. I felt I was witnessing history, thanks to Puregold who put this together out of their own pockets. They also had free stuff given away by their partner brands like Nestle, Nescafe, Koko Krunch, Chuckie, Tide, Safeguard, Cream Silk, Surf, Champion and Colgate. There were more but I didn't get to see them so they will remain unnamed haha! 

PUREGOLD OPMCON 2025 was certainly one for the books! It made history, seeing them all in one place was just a dream come true. Whoever says there was a group or fan war must be crazy. They're literally friends, and I'm sure this is not the last time that PUREGOLD is doing this. Thank you PUREGOLD!

TechLife Offers Pad Lite 8 at Best Price

It's back to school season and the folks from TechLife knows what you need during this school year, a new tablet called Pad Lite 8. Though you have to wait a few days to get it because it'll be launched on the 11th of this month. If it's for reading, writing, assignments, exams, it's the best companion your kids could use in school. It is good for everyday use, and it's small form factor and weight would be super nice and not be a burden for them. 

The tablet is also 4G LTE and VoLTE capable which means internet connection and voice wouldn't be bad with it. You can also use it for research and learning apps to make sure you get to do those school subjects and have it work for long hours because it can do 600 hours of standby time. 

It can also be used for wellness activities, if Mom prefers to squeeze in their workouts or learn recipes from the best cooks on the internet. They would be able to see it clearly because it's HD display is great. You can also learn life skills when needed plus, enjoy sound good because you can connect to external devices using Bluetooth. It's going to be available on Shopee come July 12th, and only costs Php 4,999. I prefer the Champagne Gold but if you want something colorful, get the Lilac Purple instead. They also will offer it at Php 3799 if you get vouchers on the platform, and give you a free TechLife Pad 8 Folio Case because you are nice boys and girls. Make sure you follow their social channels to know more about it! Just search TechLife okay?

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.