March 22, 2022- Rising tigers Magazine with National Bookstore top honcho has been launched at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manila featuring the Top 50 Leaders – RISING TIGERS – Nation Builders in Asia. It was a success with the attendance of leaders featured in the maiden issue of lifestyle and business source of information and what’s new in the Philippines and in Asia.

The editorial team is composed not just your ordinary writers but also accomplished and ultra-successful tycoons and titans in the Philippines; Robert Laurel Yupangco of Yupangco Group of Companies, Dr. Elton See Tan and Tan Yu III of The E Hotels and Resorts, Andrew Troy Nicolas, Grace Bondad Nicolas and Andria Terese Nicolas of Tag Media Group, Susan Afan of Magsaysay Foundation, Elizabeth Timbol of IELT Group and Karren Cernal of Zoomanity Group.

In attendance also are the featured Rising Tigers and Nation Builders such as Sam Verzosa and RS Francisco of Frontrow Enterprise; Harvey Ong, COO of Alfamart; Albert Tablan, COO of Chalkboard; Rami Chahwan, COO of Three Bears; Fred Ong, President of Pepsi; Denise Sy of Ever Bilena; Leo Ortiz of Rising Dragon, Jessa Macaraig of Pretty You Aesthetics; James Velasquez, CEO of PT&T; Mikel Yaw of Elabram Systems; Erarev Bacho of Eralista Worldwide; Merle and Carmela Balicao of MerNels Food Corp.; J&T Express, Skin Magical, 247 AI Philippines, Manjinder James Kumar children; Jet Yu of Prime Philippines, Jaie Ador of 3D Packaging Corporation, Princess Consing of Rhodium688 Builders, Fredley Group of Companies, Toby Gatchalian of Mondelez International Philippines, Gigi Roda De Pio of FPG Insurance, Les Reyes of Reyes Haircutters, MVT Group of Companies CEO Miguel Tan, AstraZeneca, Adonis Tabanda of Tabanda Music, Pocholo De Leon Gonzales of CreatiVoices Productions, CNN’s Vanessa Verzosa and Gerry Santos of Mr. Freeze Purified Tube Ice.

Fortunately, MerNel’s Food Corp., CEO- Merle Balicao, and Ms. Carmela Balicao as MerNel’s young CEO have been included at the TOP 50 RISING TIGERS- Nation Builders in Asia. Merle and Carmela both faced several challenges along their way, but each one of them has only strengthened them to make them a better person today; a thorough professional who knows exactly what they wanted; someone who sets their eyes on a goal and does not lose sight of it, unless it is achieved. Endearing the award would not have been possible without the inspiration they have received from their family, colleagues, and all MerNel’s employees for whom they have the highest respect, and from whom they have derived the strength to challenge themselves and perform better in every step they take.

Like Rising Tigers both of the has the courage and determination to pursue their dreams, turning them into reality, despite all the challenges and trials. For them, having a mindset that it is not always about the “wins” in life; but also about inspiring, motivating, uplifting, and helping others that truly matter says Carmela.

The greatest challenge they have experienced is continuing the business, particularly, during the start of the pandemic. Living in a rapidly changing time where the future becomes more uncertain, especially for the business industry where they belong, which was greatly affected by the pandemic too.
However, they are really blessed with a simple product that brings so much love, happiness, and hope to their customers. They were also able to help the community, and our country by providing employment to a number of people is also a blessing—this becomes their strength and motivation to continue the business.

Carmela also added that this pandemic situation has shown us that we are all the same, we are all equal, regardless of our religion, culture, customs, and status in life. It connected us in a way, it showed us that we should all stick together. During this chaos, while many of us are in panic, fear, and in anxiety it showed us the weight of humanity. It reminded us who we really are.

– Ronald T. Calibo