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Rising Tigers Magazine
The most distributed Business & Lifestyle Magazine in the Philippines.
Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra Pays Courtesy Call on Japan’s Envoys Ahead of Miss International 2025![]()
Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra paid a courtesy call on Japanese Ambassador H.E. Kazuya Endo and Mme. Akiko Endo on October 21, 2025. The visit was held ahead of the Miss International 2025 pageant, which will take place in Japan. She was joined by Gerry Diaz, head of Aces & Queens.![]()
During the courtesy call, a Japanese tea ceremony was held to share one of Japan’s cultural traditions with the Philippine delegate. Mme. Akiko Endo demonstrated how to prepare matcha and invited Myrna Esguerra to prepare her own bowl. The ambassador’s wife personally guided the beauty queen through the steps, creating a quiet moment of cultural learning and exchange inside the residence.![]()
The meeting signaled the start of Esguerra’s engagements linked to the Miss International competition. She will represent the Philippines in the 63rd Miss International pageant on November 27, 2025 in Tokyo. The visit offered an early glimpse of the host nation’s culture and reinforced the goodwill between both countries before the global event.![]()
#RisingTigers #NationBuilders
Business and Culture Converged at PCCI’s 51st Philippjne Business Conference![]()
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry staged the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo on October 20, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. The gathering brought together business leaders, policymakers and innovators to discuss the theme, “The Future is Now: Unleash the Power of Digital Transformation.” A fellowship “Festival Night” capped the day, featuring live performances and traditional festival dances from across the Philippines.![]()
The national conference convened participants nationwide to examine how digital adoption could shape inclusive and sustainable growth. The PCCI Los Baños delegation, led by President Engr. Grace Bondad-Nicolas with Vice Presidents Lorna Garcia and Merle Balicao, marked its largest attendance yet, signaling its rising role in national business discussions.![]()
Key speakers stressed digital readiness as a shared responsibility. Vice President Sara Duterte framed digitalization as a governance tool, noting it was essential “for better governance and nation-building.” PCCI President Consul Nina Mangio emphasized technology “in service of sustainable development and inclusive growth,” while Conference Chair Dennis Anthony Uy urged business leaders to help enterprises adapt to a competitive global market, saying, “Together, we can drive inclusive growth.”![]()
The fellowship “Festival Night” added a cultural layer to the event, staging regional festival dances and collective performances to promote national identity within a business setting.![]()
By linking policy, enterprise, and culture, the 51st PBC&E reinforced collaboration between the public and private sectors. The exchanges and alliances formed at the conference are expected to support a more digitally capable, inclusive, and resilient Philippine economy.![]()
#RisingTigers #NationBuilders
The Voice of Business: PCCI National Chamber Development Workshop 2025![]()
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest and most influential business organization with over 40,000 members nationwide, once again gathered industry leaders, regional heads, and local chamber representatives for the National Chamber Development Workshop (CDW) — a yearly event that serves as a platform for collaboration, learning, and strategic planning.![]()
This year’s CDW, attended by over 300 chamber presidents and members from across the Philippines, was led by PCCI National President Enunina “Nina” Mangio and Chairman George T. Barcelon, who continue to champion the vision of strengthening local chambers as the “voice of business” in every community.![]()
The event highlighted the role of PCCI in shaping economic and policy directions, and in ensuring that local chambers remain dynamic partners in nation-building.![]()
Key Discussions and Learning Sessions![]()
The workshop featured several interactive discussions focused on leadership, advocacy, and organizational development. Among the key resource speakers were:
• Mr. Ruben J. Pascual, Secretary-General of PCCI, who spoke on “Advocacy and Influence in the Community.” He emphasized how chambers can effectively engage government and stakeholders to advance business-friendly policies.
• Mr. Hoover S. Picar, Regional Governor of Region V and Past President of Camarines Sur CCI, discussed “LCCI Events, Programs, and Services,” sharing best practices and innovative local initiatives that support SMEs and entrepreneurs.
• Engr. Fulbert C. Woo, President of PCCI-Iloilo, led a session on “Leadership and Succession,” focusing on building continuity and empowering the next generation of chamber leaders.
• Dr. Alberto P. Fenix Jr., Chair of the Philippine Chamber Development Institute, discussed “Organization and Development of LCCIs,” presenting updates on chamber statuses, membership guidelines, and development strategies.![]()
Regional Insights and Responses![]()
Regional and area leaders also provided their insights and feedback, including:
• Ms. Cristina C. Tuzon (Region III)
• Ms. Sallie C. Lacson (South Luzon)
• Dr. Hernando B. Delizo (National Capital Region)
• Ms. Melanie C. Ng (Visayas)
• Ms. Elena U. Haw (Mindanao)![]()
Their responses reflected the diversity and strength of chambers across the archipelago, each contributing to PCCI’s collective mission of inclusive economic growth.![]()
Business Matching and Project Presentations![]()
Following the workshop sessions, participants engaged in a Business-to-Business (B2B) networking session, where each area presented one key business project proposal:
• North Luzon – Agriculture Industry, presented by Mr. Jose Avelino Diaz, President of PCCI-Ilagan City
• South Luzon – Agri-Aqua Industry, presented by Mr. Vladimir A. Nieto, Co-Chair of the Environment & Agriculture Committee, PCCI San Pablo City
• NCR – Health, Wellness, and Sustainable Tourism, led by Dr. Hernando B. Delizo
• Visayas – Creative Industries, presented by Mr. Felix Taguia, Past President of Cebu CCI
• Mindanao – Halal Industry, led by Ms. Elena U. Haw![]()
These project proposals showcased the innovation and regional focus of PCCI members, aligning with the national goals of sustainability, inclusivity, and competitiveness.![]()
Closing Ceremony and Fellowship![]()
The event concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., Chairman Emeritus of PCCI, followed by the presentation of plaques of appreciation and a photo opportunity.![]()
The evening culminated in a networking dinner and fellowship, hosted by Mr. Paulo Tibig, celebrating camaraderie and shared commitment among the country’s business leaders.![]()
The PCCI National Chamber Development Workshop 2025 reaffirmed the organization’s enduring role as “The Voice of Business” — uniting thousands of entrepreneurs and chambers under one mission: to strengthen the economy by empowering every local chamber, every region, and every Filipino enterprise.![]()
#RisingTigers #NationBuilders
Three Decades of Magic: Enchanted Kingdom Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary![]()
Enchanted Kingdom celebrated its 30th anniversary on October 18 at Enchanted Events Place, Santa Rosa, Laguna with a gala dinner attended by longtime partners, suppliers, executives, tourism advocates, and local officials. Laguna Governor Sol Aragones and Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas were present and both offered congratulatory messages, recognizing the impact of the park on local employment, tourism traffic, and long-term economic activity in the city and province.![]()
Founded in 1995, Enchanted Kingdom has grown from a single-park concept into one of the most recognized leisure brands in the country. It has become a staple weekend and holiday destination for families, school tours, company outings, and international guests, particularly within the CALABARZON region. Over the past three decades, the park has consistently added shows, rides, and themed experiences while keeping a Filipino lens in its entertainment programming and guest service. ![]()
As part of the anniversary celebration, EK reopened “AGILA: The EKsperience,” the country’s first flying theater that offers an immersive aerial journey across Philippine destinations, combining entertainment with an introduction to geography, culture, and sustainability.![]()
Speaking on behalf of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, DOT Undersecretary Maria Rica Bueno delivered remarks thanking Enchanted Kingdom for sustaining jobs, driving foot traffic to Laguna, and proving that a Filipino-built and Filipino-managed leisure property can operate at global theme park standards. She noted EK’s role not only as a destination but as a steady employer and partner to business ecosystems built around the park, from transport to retail to F&B.![]()
A moment that stood out during the program was the grand entrance of Enchanted Kingdom Chief Operating Officer Cynthia Mamon, who appeared on stage at the end of a cultural dance segment before delivering her message of gratitude. In her speech, she acknowledged the park’s cast members, past and present, for carrying the brand through economic seasons and for upholding EK’s culture of hospitality. ![]()
Enchanted Kingdom Chief Executive Officer Mario Mamon likewise delivered his message, reflecting on the original vision that began three decades ago. He emphasized the responsibility that comes with operating a leisure space for children, families, and tourists, and affirmed that despite expansion plans, safety and Filipino character will remain core to the company’s decisions.![]()
As it enters its fourth decade, Enchanted Kingdom remains committed to safety, innovation, and Filipino storytelling, sustaining its role as a trusted leisure landmark and a source of pride, jobs, and shared memories for Filipinos.![]()
#RisingTigers #NationBuilders #EnchantedKingdom
Inside Rajo Laurel’s Holiday Collection — a celebration of artistry and purpose through thoughtful design and impeccable execution. ![]()
Catch up with Ruffa Gutierrez, Raymond Gutierrez, Joey King, Kyline Alcantara, Solenn Heussaff, Arci Muñoz, Vennise Laurel, and Rajo Laurel. 🪡✨![]()
#RisingTigers #NationBuilders