Gov’t livelihood grant bridges a struggling vendor into a thriving entrepreneur

CEBU CITY – The government’s livelihood assistance grant (LAG) implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) has bridged a struggling plant vendor from Barangay Busay to become a thriving entrepreneur today.

Liezel Arda, mother of four shared her struggles to provide for her family’s needs by selling ornamental plants, basically from scratch because she gets these plants from suppliers on a consignment basis. 

The meager income she earns from plant vending at the Busay roadside is not always enough for the family’s daily needs as she is the only one earning. 

“I bought the most saleable plants during the pandemic because I already have patrons and buyers of my ornamental plants and I eventually added fruits and vegetables to my stall," Liezel said in the vernacular.

Liezel narrated that during the pandemic, her livelihood was greatly affected.  She was torn but because of her deep belief in God’s enduring mercies, she prayed for guidance and miracles.  Then she learned about the grant for small entrepreneurs who were heavily affected by the pandemic.

“I was so elated and hoped that soon the family would experience a breath of fresh air.”  Liezel was listed as one of the beneficiaries of the P10,000 grant in 2020.  According to Liezel, she immediately bought the popular and saleable ornamental plants and seedlings to re-start selling to her patrons.

She revealed that in two years’ time from the grant, she was able to save some money to fix her house and to improve her product display because she bared that beautiful product display is really a great help for this kind of business. 

When KADIWA ng Pangulo of President Bongbong Marcos had a product display in Mactan Economic Zone 1 on April 20–22 this year, Liezel joined and brought all her saleable items to the venue. Her sales reached up to P80,000 and her profit was more than P20,000 for the 3-day product display event.

“Nakapalit gyud ko og secondhand nga motor sa akong ginansya sa KADIWA ng Pangulo sa MEZ,” Liezel said. (I bought a secondhand motorbike with my profit from KADIWA ng Pangulo sa MEZ.)

Liezel also regularly displays her products at SM City Cebu every Sunday. This is the SM Foundation's advocacy that helps local entrepreneurs to showcase their products. “Because of these product displays, I was able to provide for our daily needs, especially for my children’s school allowance," Liezel proudly added.

According to DSDW-7, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) has proactively provided technical support to its beneficiaries, especially in activities like KADIWA ng Pangulo and other events where the beneficiaries can sell and market to possible plant enthusiasts and patrons.

Liezel is one of the beneficiaries blessed with opportunities and shares her blessings with others as she now provides income to her neighbors, relatives, and her parents.  She hired them to assist her during product displays and paid them P500 each for a day’s work.

"Mahatagan man ta og grasya ato usab kini i-share sa uban,” she said.  (When we are blessed, we also share the blessings with others.)

Liezel does not consider herself successful. She strived because she wanted SLP to see that the grant given had come a long way for her, her family and paying it forward to other vendors as well.

Liezel’s journey to success is a motivational factor to others.  Persistence is key to realizing her dream, she said.  Grit and perseverance, coupled with prayers, indeed, brought her to where she is today. (Photos: DSWD-7/Google Images)

AppleOne, JW Marriott to build 1st 5-star hotel in Panglao

PANGLAO, Bohol— The AppleOne Group, Inc. and JW Marriott signed a memorandum deal on June 17 in Singapore to build the JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort & Spa, a first 5-star hotel that will soon rise in Panglao, Bohol.

(From L-R): Continent Head, Global Design and VP, Interior Design of Marriott International Karen Kim; VP for Hotel Development Asia Pacific, Marriott International Steve Baek; AppleOne President and CEO Ray Manigsaca; AppleOne co-founder and Chairman Venus Manigsaca.

The joint venture agreement was borne out of the success and multiple recognitions gained by The Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and Mahi Center in Cebu with AppleOne bringing its expertise in hotel and property development to one of the country’s prime tourist destinations that is Bohol.

“Surviving the worst effects of the pandemic, people are now eager to make up for the lost time and travel, and we intend to bank on that. We want to entice them more by bringing the luxury experience to the regions starting with Bohol which we believe they will enjoy even more because of the experiences and tourist destinations,” AppleOne President and CEO Ray Manigsaca said.

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of award-winning properties and beautiful resort locations around the world. The upcoming luxury property development in Panglao will be added to its roster of over 100 luxury hotels in more than 35 countries.  JW Marriott promises to ensure that the new hotel will offer modern conveniences and 5-star amenities in Panglao.

AppleOne president and chief executive officer Ray Manigsaca with his wife and AppleOne co-founder and Chairman Venus Manigsaca inked the deal with JW Marriott. They saw the future of the industry in Bohol.  

The province boasts of endless nature-charged experiences in the tropical island life from chasing waterfalls, soaking in cave pools, swimming next to aquatic creatures, to getting lost in the beauty of the Chocolate Hills.

This is AppleOne’s third partnership deal with Marriott International, following the successful birth of the international brand’s placement in Cebu through the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and the Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan that is located within the premises of Mahi Center.

This is a testament to AppleOne’s strong relationship and continued partnership with Marriott International.  AppleOne is strongly committed to helping enrich the lives of Filipinos and elevate industry standards across the regions. (Photos: AppleOne/Amaia Baculo)

Catch Indiana Jones, Dial of Destiny in PH Cinemas

​Prepare for another thrilling cinematic adventure with “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”. Experience the legendary archaeologist’s epic final adventure as it arrives in cinemas on Wednesday, June 28. Check the showtimes available and book your tickets now!

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is the highly anticipated final installment of the franchise, with Harrison Ford returning to the role of the hero archaeologist.

After many years of adventures, Indiana Jones is ready to hang up his boots and live a modest life as a professor. However, a surprise visit from goddaughter Helena Shaw changes everything as she seeks the Archimedes Dial, a powerful and mysterious artifact.

To prevent the dial from getting into the wrong hands, Indiana Jones has to don his iconic fedora, leather jacket, and trusty whip one last time, and go on one final adventure. Along the way, he encounters an old nemesis in Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi wants to use the Archimedes Dial for evil plans.

Starring alongside Harrison Ford are Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas, John Rhys-Davies, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Thomas Kretschmann, Toby Jones, Boyd Holbrook, Olivier Richters, Ethann Isidore, and Mads Mikkelsen.

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is directed by James Mangold and written by Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth and David Koepp and James Mangold, based on characters created by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman, the film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Simon Emanuel, with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas serving as executive producers. John Williams, who has scored each Indy adventure since the original Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981, has once again composed the score.

Don’t miss a chance to witness this action-packed final chapter of Lucasfilm’s “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”!

For more updates, you can also follow Disney Studios Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Join conversations online by using the hashtag #IndianaJonesPH. (Photos: Disney)

CLI’s Latitude Corporate Center receives 5-star BERDE certification

CEBU CITY – Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) in a joint venture with Borromeo Brothers Estate Inc. was recently awarded Cebu City’s first prestigious five-star certification under the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) system for its 24-storey office building Latitude Corporate Center located in Cebu Business Park.

With a BERDE certification, Latitude Corporate Center guarantees a master plan of world-class green building standards.

“Achieving the 1st 5-star BERDE Certification in Cebu City shows our commitment to the highest industry standards to create more world-class, sustainable developments,” CLI senior VP/COO, Jose Franco Soberano said.

The green building design particularly highlights sustainable features of ample LED lighting, high-performance building envelope, operable windows for natural ventilation, rainwater collection system, stub-outs for fresh air provision, material recovery facility, plaza with tree sanctuary, live wall at main lobbies, 60 percent glass ration, and 20 percent vegetated green spaces.

Its schematic building design follows a unique “stacked building blocks” form to mirror a minimal, elegant and timeless facade.  Positioned as among the tallest buildings within Cebu Business Park, the P1.2-billion Latitude Corporate Center is the first joint venture between Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) and Borromeo Brothers Estate Inc. through the BL BCP Ventures, Inc.

AIDEA Philippines, Inc. planned the architectural design, the same firm that helped conceptualize CLI’s premier projects 38 Park Avenue and Abaca Resort Mactan. 

Latitude Corporate Center’s design can accommodate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large-scale businesses with spaces tailor fit for BPO offices (8th-12th floors), Enterprise offices (14th-16th floors) and Executive offices (17th-24th floors).

The building is composed of 83 units with 35,000 square meters of gross floor area and leasable spaces ranging from 51 square meters up to 2,000 square meters, ideal for retail and office locators.

To know more about their available spaces for lease, contact CLI Office Leasing at rmanciano@cebulandmasters.com. (Photos: PrWorks/Google Images)

 

 

Through the Lens: Over 2,600 runners at Hunat Sugbu X Fun Run

LOOK: More than 2,600 runners joined the Hunat Sugbu X Fun Run hosted and organized by Cebu Parklane International Hotel in cooperation with Megatech on June 18 within Cebu City as part of the hotel’s valued tradition that fosters fitness, togetherness, and community spirit.

From seasoned athletes to first-time runners, the event attracted a diverse array of participants, each eager to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle. The sight of thousands of runners, dressed in brightly colored running gear, rushing the streets of Cebu City produced an aura of enthusiasm and happiness that persisted throughout the event.

The proceeds from this year's event goes towards a medical mission scheduled for July 8 at Barrio Luz Elementary School to provide much-needed healthcare services and support to the community, fostering a positive impact on the lives of those in need with legal consultations at the side.

“We look forward to organizing future editions of the Hunat Sugbu Fun Run and continuing to inspire people to lead healthy, active lifestyles while making a positive difference in our community,” Cebu Parklane officials said. (Photos: Cebu Parklane/Fern Acibo)

Eve, Blade expand partnership to speed up electric air mobility in Europe

 PARIS -- Eve Air Mobility and Blade Air Mobility, Inc. announced at the 54th International Paris Air Show on June 19, a significant extension of a long-standing partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that aims to transform air transportation in Europe, starting with France, by laying the foundation to integrate Eve's state-of-the-art electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft ("eVTOL") or electric vertical aircraft ("EVA") into Blade’s European route network.

“The continued partnership between Eve and Blade showcases the dedication and collaboration of both companies to transform the aviation industry and introduce electric air transportation to new regions,” Andre Stein, Co-CEO of Eve said.

By combining expertise and resources, both parties are committed to expanding advanced air mobility with innovative solutions that make travel more accessible for passengers and drive significant environmental improvements, Stein added.

"Extending our partnership with Eve underscores Blade's commitment to leading the transition from conventional to electric vertical aircraft.  Our shared vision for a safer, quieter and more sustainable future in air travel is the driving force behind this collaboration,” CEO of Blade, Rob Wiesenthal said.

The introduction of Eve's aircraft into the European network will mark a significant step towards realizing this goal. These companies are poised to transform the travel industry and make a lasting positive impact on the environment, Wiesenthal said.

Last September, Blade acquired the charter and scheduled flight operations of three of the largest urban air mobility operators in Southern Europe: Monacair, Héli Sécurité, and Azur Hélicoptère. Their integration into the new MoU with Eve positions them as crucial contributors to ongoing technical and commercial discussions.

Blade is set to focus on developing practical applications for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), including identifying future routes in France and other European countries that could support AAM operations. This approach will modernize the industry and build the sustainable infrastructure required to bring the concept of electric aviation to fruition.

Eve and Blade’s partnership is a testament to their commitment to innovation, sustainability and progress within the AAM industry.  In 2022 Eve entered into an agreement with Blade India to deploy up to 200 eVTOLs in the country.

The year before, Blade and Eve signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for operations in the United States, enabling Eve to provide up to 60 eVTOLs annually in the West Coast, New York and Florida markets.

The deployment of Eve’s eVTOLs in Europe is subject to receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and certification, in addition to all parties entering into a definitive agreement.

Eve is dedicated to accelerating the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem. Benefitting from a start-up mindset, backed by Embraer S.A.’s more than 50-year history of aerospace expertise. Eve is taking a holistic approach to progressing the UAM ecosystem, with an advanced eVTOL project, a comprehensive global services and support network and a unique air traffic management solution.

Blade is a technology-powered, global air mobility platform committed to reducing travel friction by providing cost-effective air transportation alternatives to some of the most congested ground routes in the U.S., Europe, Canada, and India.

Today, the Company predominantly uses helicopters and amphibious aircraft for its passenger routes and is also one of the largest air medical transporters of human organs for transplant in the world. (Photos: Eve/Blade/Google Images)

 

 

 

Through the Lens: "PWDE All" caravan showcases skills of PWDs

LOOK: The persons with disabilities (PWDs) who are trainees at DSWD's Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II (AVRC II) participated in the Persons with Disabilities Engagement Alliance (PWDE ALL) Caravan of Services held on June 17 at Plaza Sugbo, Cebu City.

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Cebu Chapter, a cause-oriented group that caters to the concerns and needs of persons with disabilities hosted and sponsored the event.

The caravan showcases the skills of AVRC II PWD trainees like baking, T-shirt printing and layout, and massage. Other JCI chapters like Sangju Korea, Malaysia, Davao and Iloilo also availed of the AVRC II services. (Photos: DSWD7-FB)

New adoption law to speed up adoption process in PH, lessen expenses

CEBU CITY – The new "Domestic Administrative Adoption and Child Care Act” or RA-11642 can now speed up adoption processes which used to take about seven years to get a child legally adopted in the Philippines and less expensive.

“With RA-11642 and the creation of the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) and its Regional Alternative Child Care Offices (RACCO) in the country, child adoption now is purely administrative, the process no longer goes to courts which made it expensive and took longer for children to get adopted,” RACCO-7 officer-in-charge Concepcion Solera bared in a media briefing on June 13 at the Golden Prince Hotel here.

Solera said RA 11642, which reorganized the Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB) into the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) aims to simplify domestic administrative adoption proceedings and lessen the cost of streamlining services for alternative child care.

The NACC is the one-stop quasi-judicial agency responsible for administrative domestic adoptions, foster care, certification of a child legally available for adoption, and the Stimulated Rectification Act, Solera added.

According to her, it also exercises all powers and functions relating to alternative child care, including declaring a child legally available for domestic administrative and inter-country adoption, foster care, kinship care, family-like care, or residential care.

Jeraldin Mendoza, head of the Family Development Unit said that for domestic adoption cases, as provided in Section 56 of RA 11642, judicial petitions for domestic adoption pending in court upon the effectivity of the law may be withdrawn and filed before the NACC.

RACCO-7 revealed that from 2009 to June 2023, 866 children were declared legally available for adoption.  Now, adoptive applicants have already reached 636, foster parents 66, and foster children 103 and the number of petitions filed for domestic adoption reached 62 and there are already nine cases with order of adoptions, Mendoza said.

Lawrence Matthew Villaluz, head of the Capacity Building and Monitoring Unit of RACCO-7 stressed that under the new law, the adoptive parents should tell the child that she or he is adopted before the child reaches 13 years old.

Villaluz also highlighted how family-based setups are better than residential care and how they address the challenges of gender and age segregation for children needing alternative family care.

Solera calls on interested or prospective adoptive parents to coordinate with the RACCO-7 located in the DSWD 7 office for an application for adoption and foster care.  The media briefing/press conference was part of the activities lined up in celebration of Adoption and Alternative Child Care Week.

The RACCO-7 opened the celebration on June 11 with a bike for a cause dubbed the Bisig Kleta bearing the theme, "Every Child Matters: A New Era in Adoption and Alternative Child Care" that aims to disseminate public awareness about legal adoption. (Photos: MBCNewman/NACC FB)