Most Outstanding Mayor Award 2015
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OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL AWARD
2015
Outstanding Professional Award 2015
CREDITS
CHAIRMAN Superbrand Marketing International Inc. Karl McLean PRESIDENT & CEO Superbrand Marketing International Inc. Harry Tambuatco MARKETING DIRECTOR Superbrand Marketing International Inc. Larry Brouhard LEGAL COUNSEL Atty. Sara Jane Suguitan INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENTS Rommel Sangalang SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER Kenneth Rocete GRAPHIC DESIGNER Richelle Lim ADMINISTRATION Corazon Villanueva ACCOUNTING Nelia Villarete RESEARCHER Roger E. Domingo SMI offices are located at the Makati Central Business District with address: 1908 – 88 Corporate Center Building 141 Sedeño Street corner Valero, Salcedo Village Makati City Tel. 728-8880 Fax. 7581220 www.smiphl.com The logo is subject to copyright of Superbrand Marketing International Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any other storage or retrieval system relating too all or part of the text, photographs, or logo types without written permission of the publishers. ISSN 2244-2979
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
FOREWORD
P
rofessionals around the world are the most desired lot to run big to medium size businesses if not for politics where many have been lured to. We talk of lawyers who are known to jump into politics as well as doctors. Hospitals are in dire need not necessarily of just doctors but business administrators who can efficiently operate the hospitals. In the finance and insurance industries, it is not just the actuary but engineers who, today are called quants who are aggressively pursuing them. In the military, well-educated and trained soldiers are pursued by governments to run departments and agencies especially those dealing with its arms and equipment purchase and maintenance management. Certified Public Accountants and Auditors are scarce so much so countries compete for them offering lucrative careers. Interestingly enough it’s all about the Professionals. It is all about the university of life’s experiences that professionals are made of. It is described that professionals are; • Relating to a job that requires special education, training, or skill • Done or given by a person who works in a particular profession • Paid to participate in a sport or activity However and whatever the job at hand, to date professionals are identified to be the “top gun,” the “head-honcho,” the CEO, and or General Manager. They are there to secure success and profit if need be. They are hired or participate in companies they own or in partnership with. Professional are created and trained to ensure success. In the end, the true competition for the professionals is entrepreneurship and not necessarily amongst themselves. The Outstanding Professionals on the other hand are the celebrated leaders of our communities and our country SMI places center stage for 2015.
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
CONTENTS
Karina R. Bautista, Ph. D.
Master Teacher II Lucena North 1 Elementary School, DepEd- Lucena City............................... 6
Dr. Eduardo Cabantog
President & CEO Alliance in Motion Global Inc. (AIM Global)................................................ 10
Ted Failon
Filipino broadcast journalist, radio commentator..........................................................................................10
Kenji Ito
President One Lightning Corporation............................................................................14
Yuji Ito
Chairman One Lightning Corporation............................................................................18
Michael A. Machica PhD, MBA, CPA, CIS, CIA, AQV, CFSA
Business and Investment Advisor - Accountant - Banker - Entrepreneur ...22
Dr. Nol Montalbo
Founder and CEO, Mont Albo Wellness Corp. Proprietor, MontSapo Enterprise...................................................................26
Dr. Atty. Noel G. Ramiscal
Cyberlaw and Fashion Law Evangelist..........................................................30
Atty. Jesus Antonio Z. Ros
Intellectual Property Rights Specialist V Bureau of Trademarks, Intellectual Property Office, Makati City.................34
Joel Reyes Zobel
Bangon Na, Bayan/DZBB, Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide/DZBB Kape at Balita/GMA News TV.......................................................................38
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
“A teacher is like a candle which lights others while consuming itself�
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
Karina R. Bautista, Ph. D. Graduated Doctor of Philosophy in Development Education A.Y. 2014 Master Teacher II in Lucena North 1 Elementary School, DepEd- Lucena City Outstanding Employee S.Y. 2014-2015 Second Place as Outstanding Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) Implementer 2015 2014 Regional Science and Technology Fair and Congress Awardee in SCI-FOLIO Best Research Poster Presenter during the Conference of CALABARZON Basic Education Researchers (C2BER) 2014 Outstanding Alternative Learning System Stakeholder C.Y. 2012 Outstanding Teacher in Science S. Y. 2009-2010
Selfless Commitment “A teacher is like a candle which lights others while consuming itself” What has made her stay in the academe is her sheer love for teaching. Every year, Dr. Karina R. Bautista looks forward to molding, transforming and inspiring new batch of individually diverse learners. Her efforts on increasing their learning efficacy have helped learners construct knowledge, intensify talents, and heighten skills. Intangibly, these provide avenues for softening hard heads, toughening faint hearts, and imbuing values. Teaching is tantamount to patience and compassion. Through the application of constant “prick and push”, Dr. Bautista selflessly finds delight in guiding her pupils’ incomprehensible handwriting to become legible, their soft voices to develop as highly audible, inarticulate tongues to become articulate – the evidential manifestation of gradual change in behavior and personality of learners. She recalled, “In the words of a demised well-respected teacher who said the continuous flow of humanity in my hands makes me enjoy teaching despite the backbreaking work and low pay.” Language of Generosity and Compassion Teaching is a generous and compassionate act. Dr. Bautista believes that a generous teacher gives ample time to the child needing further assistance and coaching in lessons he/she finds difficult to understand. Being a teacher in public school, this is the commitment she fulfills.
Humble Beginnings Her childhood years blossomed in a remote village in Somagonsong, Mulanay, Quezon Province. Being povertystricken, her parents weren’t able to finish their studies so they ended up being a farmer, doing buy and sell of the local products available in the community and even performing housekeeping. She endured the same hard work as she grew up in order to help her parents make both ends meet. Orphaned at the early age of eleven, she didn’t think of it as a hindrance in succeeding in life, but instead, just “spices of life” that everything happens for a reason – a test how she could perfectly pass. Her Struggles and Success Completing her secondary and tertiary education was not that easy. She wanted to finish her studies and helped her siblings out of poverty. She sought financial support from her parents’ relatives who truthfully were kindhearted and generous enough to help. Yet more challenges came her way as she continued her tertiary study in the city. She had hard time convincing her aunt to sponsor her college education in Southern Luzon State University (former SLPC) since it is known in producing quality graduates in teacher education. Valuing the virtue of determination, she passed the entrance examination and was able to enroll in the university.
Dr. Bautista endeavors to befit a loving, compassionate teacher who understands and accepts the child as he is, by teaching according to his own pace and beginning from where he is. It is definitely teaching the child, not the subject.
Growing up in a provincial area, her regional accent was quite evident. To avoid being laughed at during her college days, she tried improving her regional accent. She practiced reading English books and newspapers aloud in front of the mirror and watched English television shows.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, she believes that she will not fail. In more ways than one, she knows she is ready to renew the face of her challenging career and her vocation as a teacher.
She graduated Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Area of Specialization in Music, Arts and Physical Education. She believed in the importance of
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
education so, right after her graduation in Bachelor’s Degree she pursued to continue her Master’s Degree in Master of Arts in Elementary Education. Doors of opportunities were opened to her when she started dreaming big and really worked hard for her elusive visions to become a reality. Being a public school teacher made her realize her calling – to inspire her students to pursue their dreams for a better life by sharing her life stories, encourage and let them know that she was one of them before… by instilling to them that “It’s not about being the best. It’s about being better than you were yesterday… that the goal in life is never to be the best but to give one’s best in loving others and loving your work.” Greatest Challenge Fulfilled Dr. Bautista was assigned in Lucena North I Elementary School. It squats on a dilapidated building and makeshift classes, and still struggles to have school building, basic facilities and school ground for recreational activities. Despite these shortcomings, she, with her fellow teachers and her students continued to reap honors for its name and make a difference. This school year, Youth for Environment schools Organization (YES-O) is actively visible and felt in the school, district, division and even in the regional levels. The schools garnered awards in the different competitions especially in Science. As the trainer, she made sure that her students will compete with complete knowledge on the category he/she is competing. As a matter of fact, she is a winning trainer in Science Investigatory Project, Life and Applied Category and in Essay Writing Contests. Moreover, Dr. Bautista is also the school paper adviser of their school organ “The Hippogriff”. She is also a winning trainer in Editorial Cartooning and Feature Writing in the Division Schools Press Conference. This humbling experience was made possible due to the dedication and commitment of the faculty, members and the strong support of the parents and other stake holders of the school.
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Commitment to Ecological Initiatives Dr. Bautista’s efforts on the implementation of YES-O in LN1ES made several milestones in ecological preservation and conservation initiatives in the adopted community. Among her notable highlights of accomplishments are the following: Increasing Club Membership Members of the YES-O is continuously increasing 75% per anum, which connotes that the organization is relevant and continuously working together for the school’s improvement. “Plant A Tree, Save the Humanity” Started in 2013 with Dr. Bautista as adviser/coordinator, students, faculty, parents, and community stakeholders share the common goal of greening the environment. By planting, caring, and growing different fruit-bearing and non-fruit bearing trees, the activity also helps residents of the adopted areas. This school-based, community-focus project has established seedling nursery with 250 seedlings produced, 200 trees planted, and 50 seedlings sold; and eventually would double as it is annually continued. Waste Management Program In compliance with Republic Act 9003 known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, YES-O of LN1ES chaired by Dr. Bautista who collaboratively working with the students, the faculty and Lucena City LGUs, spearheaded its sincere gesture of imposing Solid Waste Program initiated September 9, 2013 up to date. Among its notable accomplishments, students are educated by conducting one-day orientation seminar on the importance of waste segregation (differentiating the meaning and giving examples of biodegradable, non-biodegradable and recyclable materials) As a project support, LN1ES installed 18 waste bins in different classrooms, 4 big containers in the campus for final waste segregation. From this, the club raised P4, 300.00 as its fund. Most importantly, the activity is a plastic free initiative supporting local ordinance to practice zero plastic waste within the city.
Outstanding Professional Award 2015 Disaster Risk Management Program Pursuant to DepEd Order No. 93, s. 2011, otherwise known as “Mandated Programs, Projects, Activities, Various Forms, and Targets Pertinent to the Youth for Environment in School (YES) Program, Dr. Bautista guided the YES-O club to stage periodic drills on earthquake and fire prevention, disaster risks reduction and management. Students, teachers, and parents are educated and continuously reminded of Do’s and Don’ts in the event of any disasters. Energy and Water Conservation Program Dr. Bautista led the YES-O club to provide efforts in implementing Energy, Water and Power Supply Conservation since February 10, 2012 up to the present times. It gives school children the opportunity to see energy generation and learn the importance of water and energy conservation.
Her Final Thoughts Karen never imagined that she was nominated and would be given recognition as one of the country’s Outstanding Professionals Award 2015 by the most prestigious company, the SMI. For her, “This award will serve as an inspiration for me to do better, to realize the Vision and Mission of the DepEd, that I will continuously facilitate learning and constantly nurture every learner who will become Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan at Makabansa.”
Huge campaigns are conducted in school to spread awareness of the importance of water conservation. One of their projects is posting the signage in all the outlets, switches, and faucets in every classroom of the school. This promotes energy and water conservation. The YES-O club ensure that the school community uses energy, water and power supply efficiently. She inculcated the value to her YES-O members that “Change begins with us, and if we lead by example, others are more likely to follow. Let’s conserve energy, water and power supply to save our environment”.
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
Ted Failon Filipino broadcast journalist, radio commentator, and a former congressman representing the first district of Leyte, Philippines
Ted Failon is a veteran, respectable Filipino broadcast journalist, reporter, host, anchorman, radio commentator and a former congressman of the first district of Leyte, Philippines, from 2001 – 2004. His real name is Mario Teodoro Failon Etong , born on March 29, 1962. Ted Failon was born and grew up in Tacloban City, Leyte. He had completed his elementary education at St. Andrew’s School in Paranaque in 1974, and his secondary education at the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta las Pinas Campus Department of Business High School in 1979. He had worked early to support his studies and pursued his college degree taking up AB Economics in Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
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Ted was working as a disc jockey in a small bar down EDSA and Cubao, Quezon City to augment his necessities as a student. Ted then pursued a course in Bachelor in Broadcast Communication degree from Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Manila in 1996, and proceeded to study Bachelor of Laws program in Arellano University. He started his career as an announcer at Radyo DIWA in Tacloban City and became a Program Director at DWGV in Angeles City, Pampanga. In 1990, he got the opportunity to join ABS-CBN and became an executive producer and news anchor. He then anchored “Hoy Gising!,” “TV Patrol,” and “Pulso, aksyon Balita.” In 1990, he joined DZMM and anchored Gising
Outstanding Professional Award 2015
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
Pilipinas until 1997. He was teamed up with broadcaster Korina Sanchez in Aksyon Ngayon, which is a top public service show. Ted Failon met and married Trinidad “Trina� Arteche-Etong and they stayed together for 25 years. It was in April of 2009, when Trina was rushed to the hospital for sustaining a gunshot wound in her head which was the cause of her death the next day. Ted was the one who rushed her to the hospital and told the press he found her wife in the bathroom and used his handgun in an attempt to kill herself. Ted was arrested hours after the shooting incident but was allowed to leave police custody to take care of his wife. He was eventually tested negative for powder burns. Quezon City police filed charges against the family driver and three housemaids of the Failon family for allegedly tampering and
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
destroying evidences related to the crime. They were also charged with obstruction of justice together with Trina’s brother and sister. It was in March 2010 that the National Bureau of Investigation cleared Failon and others of the charges and ruled out suicide as the cause of death of Trina. Ted Failon continued his career as a broadcast journalist and he is still visible in TV Patrol over ABS-CBN and in Failon Ngayon on the same network. This is an investigative, public service and magazine show which was launched on October 24, 2009 and hosted by no less than Ted Failon. He is grateful for all the blessings that he has been receiving in his life, and his prayer after ending his radio program is all thankfulness for the life, for his family, his real friends and his job. He says despite his imperfections, he is still being blessed.
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
"Naramdaman ko na nasa tamang larangan ako nu’ng marami ng mga tao na nagpapasalamat sa akin at naibibigay ko na sa pamilya ko ýung comforts na pangarap ko lang dati na maibigay sa kanila."
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
Kenji Ito President of One Lightning Corporation In the Business of Building Lifelong Relationships
Kenji Ito, President of One Lightning Corporation, does not shy away from taking risks. “I grew up street smart. Lumaki ako na maraming kaibigan,” he relates. Kenji loved being with people and dealt with anyone fairly and congenially. “Everything in life is about building relationships with people.” Kenji is more analytical while his twin brother Yuji, company chairman, is more systematic. “Mga bata pa kami, mahusay na si Yuji sa paghawak ng pera. Piling tao ang pinapakisamahan niya at pagdating sa negosyo, laging seryoso.” Compared to Yuji who tended to be a stickler for rules, Kenji favored the unconventional. In a manner of speaking, he put the fun on doing business. “Ako ýung tipong mas open sa lahat (ng puwedeng ibigay ng buhay). Lahat ng opportunities basta nasa tama at walang maaapakang tao, gagawin ko.” Even as a child, he was always bursting with ideas, allowing his imagination to run wild. Believe it or not, Kenji attributes his early leanings towards entrepreneurship to having mastered popular online games. “Sa online games kasi, meron ding mga merchants kumbaga, mga negotiations, strategies.” Life’s pressing realities confronted him early. “Ang maturity sa akin, sa lahat ng bagay, maagang pumasok kasi maaga kong na-experience lahat.” The Ito brothers learned to fend for themselves and the family when their father, Japanese singer Ted Ito left their mother when they were barely 14. Before that, they had quite a comfortable life. When their mom and dad went separate ways, they didn’t only have to deal with something that was totally unexpected. It also meant a complete reversal of fortune and coping with the sudden financial hardship. “Nandu’n ‘yung part na (nasa) taas biglang bagsak nang todo, ang mahirap na part pa roon is nagkaroon ako ng anak nang hindi ko alam kung saan kukunin ‘yung ipangkakain ko sa pamilya ko.” Kenji’s survival instinct worked to his favor. One friend’s success in the networking industry inspired him to try it out himself. He had apprehensions at first which was understandable since it was a totally new concept for him. A different ballgame. “Kahit kasi risk taker ako, hindi rin naman ako ýung tipo na sugod lang nang sugod. Tawagin mang cliché, to see is to believe pa rin. Mahirap na basta sumugal.”
His adventurous spirit won out eventually. Kenji would later find out that networking did not solely revolve on the concept of monetary gains. “It would help develop your personality since you would have to be a positive thinker, a dreamer, and a worker all at the same time. Mawawala ka sa pagiging average na tao. Kahit nandu’n yung mga hirap, kailangan mong i-endure so lalabas talaga ýung potential mo.” The networking job, attests Kenji, will test one’s endurance for adversities. Networking entailed long, irregular hours. “Na-experience ko dati na maglakad from Guadalupe to Ortigas kasi kapag nag-i-invite ako ng mga tao, papakainin mo so ýung pamasahe ko madalas naa-allot ko para doon,” Kenji smiles at the recollection. The networking business will also transform you into a listener, attentive to stories of the people you’re working with. “Kailangan mong intindihin ‘yung mga tao mo. Maaawa ka sa kanila kasi ‘yung iba pinapagalitan ng magulang o kaya nag-stop sa pag-aaral o ‘yung iba naman, nag-resign sa trabaho. Marami kang mga kuwento ng pagsasakripisyo na mapapakinggan.” While Kenji was slowly gaining foothold in the networking industry, his brother Yuji was sent by their mother to Bicol to pursue nursing. All the while, Yuji didn’t know that Kenji was already proving his mettle in the complex world of networking. Kenji served as an inspiration to his twin brother. Over time, they would join forces as networking experts, and in one of the previous companies they were affiliated with, they fast gained a reputation as networking role models. “Hindi kasi kami maramot sa nalalaman namin. Kahit hindi na namin kagrupo, tinutulungan pa rin namin.” Kenji realized that his efforts have not gone to waste when more people came to him, transformed from being non-believers into dreamers. “Naramdaman ko na nasa tamang larangan ako nu’ng marami ng mga tao na nagpapasalamat sa akin at naibibigay ko na sa pamilya ko ýung comforts na pangarap ko lang dati na maibigay sa kanila.” They could have been content with the way things stood but the Ito brothers knew that their full potential was yet
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
to be tapped. They were young and dynamic and were on the threshold of something truly big and game-changing. Kenji knew that the next step was to strike it out on their own with the help of a few trusted friends-cum-fellow networking visionaries. Armed with experience and wisdom, Kenji and Yuji decided to put up their own networking company One Lightning Corporation eight months ago. Combining their best traits – Kenji’s business savvy and Yuji’s nononsense approach – One Lightning Corporation was bent on veering away from how things were being done in the networking industry. Kenji and Yuji went after implementing innovations and changes. The Ito brothers are the proverbial yin and yang, opposing forces that together form a formidable tandem. Kenji debunks an oft-repeated networking myth – that it is a get-rich-quick scheme. “May learning curve. Kahit naman saang field, kung gusto mong kumita nang malaki, todo kayod dapat.”
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One of the first innovations they instituted was a scheme that allowed an even distribution of earnings from the top ladder down. It is a principle patterned after how the Chinese conduct business. “Parang mindset ng mga Chinese,” Kenji explains. “Kahit maliit lang ‘yung kita basta madami at tuluytuloy.” Distributors were satisfied and it made them want to work harder, with the chances of quitting growing slimmer by the day. Although he admits that any person’s initial goal when they venture into networking is to gain financial prosperity and solvency, the love and passion for the work grows deep as time swifts by. The brothers devised a compensation plan that benefitted the distributors way beyond their expectations. “Kapag kasi kumikita ang lahat, mas inspired magtrabaho,” says Kenji. And it worked. From the time they put up One Lightning Corporation August of last year, its membership has gone up to 30,000 and counting. The company has also generated formidable sales figures.
Outstanding Professional Award 2015 Kenji Ito credits the success of One Lightning Corporation to the fact that it is an organization that was built on trust, good intentions, and a rigid, meticulous devotion to details. “Lahat ng plans namin for the company na-execute namin nang maayos.” He is proud that he believed in the company’s revolutionary concept from Day One. “Marami tayong OFWs na napauwi na at hindi na kinailangang bumalik sa ibang bansa. Maraming tao na natutong mangarap.” The future indeed looks bright for One Lightning Corporation as the company will diversify in the next few years. There are plans of venturing into real state. But since the mother company is still relatively young, Kenji will see to it that their efforts will be more robust and their product line constantly evolving. Geared mainly towards the youth market, One Lightning Corporation offers an array of beauty,
skin, and personal care products. Kenji is considering tapping the herbal supplements market. Once financially-strapped, the Ito brothers are on their way to building an empire with a difference – one that takes care of and looks out for every member. Their guiding principle, in particular Kenji’s, can be summed up in one phrase – building ties that last. “We work as a team. Kaming nasa BOD (Board of Directors), lahat ng tauhang nasa paligid namin, alam naming makinig sa mga tao.” Spontaneous, charming, and every inch a people’s person, Kenji Ito allows himself always to think out loud, let his mind wander, and arrive without fail at a resolve to never stop dreaming – for himself and for others.
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
Yuji Ito Chairman of One Lightning Corporation Changing the game
Primarily catering to everyone’s quest to look and feel eternally young and beautiful, One Lightning Corporation offers an array of beauty, skin, and personal care products. In these very modern times, those aspirations cover quite a wide market. “Ngayon naman kasi kapag sinabi mong beauty products, stuff that enhance beauty and youthfulness, lahat tayo, regardless of age and gender, we aspire for that.” One Lightning Corporation has made beauty and youthfulness inexpensive and pleasurable in the form of coffee mixes and powdered juice with food supplements and personal and skin care products with beauty-enhancing and anti-aging components. Explains Yuji: “Sa halip na pumunta ka sa doctor para magpa-inject, you get to achieve the same end-results na tulad nung coffee mixes and powdered juice, iniinom mo lang at ini-enjoy kasama ang mga kaibigan mo.” “We didn’t just put up a business,” points out Yuji. “We’ve built a family here.”
The first thing you notice about Yuji Ito, Chairman of One Lightning Corporation is how he unwittingly breaks the prototype of the traditional company CEO – the rather stiff, very business-like fellow feared and admired at the same time. Yuji, at any given working day, can juggle business and domestic duties with a breeze that leaves one in awe, all while listening to modern music in his abode in an upscale Pasig subdivision which sometimes also doubles as business headquarters. Yuji has a wide, open smile that disarms you at once. Even at first glance, he pulsates with a young, vibrant vibe.
This devotion to the concept of family is something that Yuji and Kenji have always had and was put to a test when their father, Japanese singer Ted Ito left their mom when they were both just 14. Days of want Yuji grew up an enterprising kid. “Early on, my mom and dad were already training us to run the family businesses.” The Itos owned a video shop, a recruitment office, a lending corporation, a travel agency, a recording company and a grocery.
But don’t be fooled by the exterior warmth that he radiates into thinking that he does not know whereof he speaks. This man can talk about the ins and outs, the pros and cons of the networking business like a seasoned expert.
When the head of the family left the household, and was never heard from again, Yuji knew that dark days lay ahead. “Lahat ng mga negosyo ng pamilya bumagsak,” recalls Yuji. They decided to let go of the last property they had left, “kasi three days na nu’n na wala kaming kuryente, tubig at pagkain.”
Yuji Ito is, by all counts, a game changer. Building One Lightning Corporation from scratch with his brother Kenji only eight months ago, Yuji knew his game plan from the getgo. One Lightning Corporation would be different from other networking companies by being daringly pro-distributor. “That is our company’s compensation plan,” says Yuji.
Yuji’s mom had him relocated to Bicol to concentrate on becoming a nurse. “Ang mindset nu’n was that I’d rather work abroad than work here in the Philippines.” He lost his interest in the course when one of his professors told him that ideally a nurse should be tall and bulky, the kind that could carry patients around. Not used to being idle, Yuji worked as a call center agent.
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
“Sa networking business, it is like you become the head of the family, so you are responsible for your members, every single one of them. Para maging motivated sila to work hard, you take good care of them, pati sa personal nilang mga problema aalalayan mo sila. Money is just an instrument. It should reach beyond that. And it’s not easy to find a networking company that offers just that, the sense of belonging to a family.�
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
Passion is key Yuji wasn’t sold on the networking scheme at first. “Tipikal na tao, walang puhunan,” he says of himself then. Little did he know that his twin brother Kenji has already jumped into the networking bandwagon. By 2011, Kenji was already earning quite an amount via networking which encouraged Yuji to try it out himself. At that time, they were already back in Manila. “I realized na hindi ganu’n kadali. Pero ang isang bagay naman, kung gusto mo talaga, pagsisikapan mo.” By the time they were both 22, Yuji and his brother Kenji invested their savings on another business interest which did not prosper. Undeterred, the brothers hatched a plan with three trusted allies to take the reins and put up their own networking company. But they went bent on effecting changes and innovations. One Lightning Corporation was thus born. The first order of the day, so to speak, was to make it pro-distributor. “Ang gusto namin lahat ng distributors kumikita.” They could afford to take this risk because by themselves, they are already quite solvent with several other business interests doing well. “Ang masarap kasi sa networking, nakakatulong ka. Ang daming pamilyang nabubuhay. Ang daming taong nagkakaroon ng pag-asa.”
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Their vast experience in the networking industry figured a lot in how they developed the concept and structure for One Lightning Corporation. “You can say na pinaghalo-halo siyang marketing plans that work best.” In one of the companies they used to be affiliated with, the Ito brothers were known for their mentoring qualities. “Kahit kasi hindi namin ka-grupo, tinutulungan namin,” says Yuji. “They know how we treat the people we work with, even just the ones we come in contact with.” Networking is like keeping the family together The company may be young but is nonetheless bullish and at its core, ran with a heart. In the span of eight months, One Lightning Corporation has generated formidable sales figures. Networking, Yuji believes, is one of the most profitable sources of income if one knows how it works. He would not discourage other people from establishing a networking company but cautions that this line of business demands a totally different approach from what traditional businessmen would employ. Other than the
Outstanding Professional Award 2015 capital to sustain the company, one must have the passion for it. “Hindi lang ‘yung perang kikitain mo ang titignan mo. You must be willing to sacrifice your time for the organization.” It also wouldn’t hurt to have trusted leaders working for you.
people will join. Mas nakakapaglabas ng results, mas maraming maniniwala sa kanila.”
It is where One Lightning Corporation differs. The company operates on “trust” and, as earlier pointed out, it was built around a revolutionary concept. “Lahat ng members masaya kasi lahat kumikita.”
In the final analysis, it is all about seeing the company not just for what it basically is – a means to earn a good keep – but as a kind of kinship. It is akin to joining a family and being motivated and encouraged to be a productive member of the family. “Sa networking business, it is like you become the head of the family, so you are responsible for your members, every single one of them. Para maging motivated sila to work hard, you take good care of them, pati sa personal nilang mga problema aalalayan mo sila. Money is just an instrument. It should reach beyond that. And it’s not easy to find a networking company that offers just that, the sense of belonging to a family.”
Visionary that he is, Yuji says that the next step is to turn One Lightning into a home-based opportunity. “Yun bang tipo na kahit nasa bahay ka lang, made-deliver na sa ‘yo ‘yung mga products. We will build a system that will make that possible.”
And Yuji is no doubt speaking from experience, from when he was barely 14 years old, suddenly rendered fatherless, saddled with financial concerns. The concept of family, of keeping it together, got them through the hard times.
From August last year, One Lightning Corporation now has 30,000 members to date and counting. “Mas maraming kumikita na distributors. Kung happy and satisfied ‘yung distributors, more
He embodies through One Lightning Corporation what dreams may turn out when one believes and works hard enough.
Some networking companies, notes Yuji, fold up simply because they are mismanaged. “People within the company end up in conflict with each other.”
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
Michael A. Machica
PhD, MBA, CPA, CIS, CIA, AQV, CFSA Business and Investment Advisor - Accountant - Banker - Entrepreneur
Michael’s celebrated life story is worthy of emulation – a reflection of his passion to surmount the insurmountable, by blazing the trail with his know-how and determination, leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of a goal. Although the chain toward the zenith of his career is rough and his endeavors checkered with ups and downs, they are nonetheless tempered with perseverance and faith in Divine Providence.
the youngsters was paramount. That time, Michael was only a sophomore student in high school and his eldest brother still to earn a college degree.
Inspired by the exemplary virtues of his parents, and propelled by his unorthodox manner of self-improvement, and by his uncanny single – mindedness in achieving goal-aftergoal for a more profound purpose, Michael is what he is today, and where the future will bring him among the firmament of professionals, you can safely surmise as you read through.
Witnessing first hand life’s upside-down tale was no less mind-bugling for a teenager. But Michael is grateful that the unfolding of such events occurred at an opportune time when he was beginning to acquire reason and a sense of maturity. Quickly, he realized that a pro-active stance was not only the best way forward, but also the most critical for survival. One time when his mother asked him to join in harvesting palawan root crops to be sold later at a flea market, he cannot stand to see his mother shedding tears as she recounted how the calamity had adversely affected them. In his innocent and simple ways, he looked up and prayed “Lord, lead and empower me to uplift my family”. This is the prayer he constantly recited in his search for his fate.
A son of a farmer, Michael grew up in a rural village in Quinapondan, E. Samar as the fifth child among ten siblings. Raising a big family means hard work for any ordinary parent in a least developed countryside. His father, Rufino, worked hard in his farmland from dawn until the night eclipsed the barn. Having no domestic helper, his mother, Gregoria, took complete charge of keeping the home and molding responsible, obedient children. From being a peasant, his father, conquered all forms of trials to eventually become a local copra trader. In one of his trips to the municipal center to unload copra produce, his longtrained carabao carrying the goods suddenly ran amok. This incident almost cost his life. Michael’s father’s backyard piggery and a herd of carabaos provided a steady stream of incremental cash flow which he plowed back to his copra business. By the time his children went to high school, he had already earned a good name in the local sector. Meritorious among the couple’s activities is their unceasing help to family relatives and to customers in need. For Michael and the other siblings who were trained the simple way, life was blissful, freewheeling or plainly devoid of complications. But as fate would have it, a life-changing typhoon (Undang) struck the eastern part of the Visayas on November 5, 1984 washing away the family’s source of living. At the onset, the risk of potentially compromising the future of
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From being an entrepreneur, the elder Machica returned to farming. He also labored at a coal mine in another town to support the educational needs of his children.
As an entrance scholar in college, Michael’s motivation was a clear differentiating factor, albeit relinquishing his dreams of becoming either a veterinarian or an engineer as he settled for the less costly accountancy program. His desire for selfadvancement and his natural competitiveness topped him ─ at age 19 ─ as the most outstanding graduate in 1991. It was the first time the accountancy students of Eastern Visayas State University marched ahead of the other candidates during the commencement ceremony in honor of Michael’s achievements. Consistently ranked No.1, he graduated cum laude, YMCA Awardee, Most Outstanding Accounting Student, and Most Outstanding Graduate. He was also recognized for his significant contributions to the “Industrial Wheel” as its Managing Editor and for being the Vice President of the Senior Class Organization. He finished his degree as a proud company scholar of SGV & Co. After 12 years, he again accomplished a meritorious record as the first alumnus commencement speaker of the Eastern Visayas State University. He shared such nostalgic event with his parents, his former professors, and a younger sibling who was part of the graduating class.
Outstanding Professional Award 2015
After successfully passing the most grueling CPA licensure examination (with national passing rate of barely 14%), Michael was the only candidate from Region 8 of Class 1991 to be admitted as an audit associate at the prestigious SGV & Co, Makati Office. At 26, he became one of the youngest managers at the Bank of the Philippines entrusted with region-wide corporate banking functions. His personal calling to inspire others – as he dreams and pleases to inspire the next generations - started at home. In his own little ways, he took upon himself the responsibility of partly financing and overseeing the college education of some of his brothers and sisters. It can be told that his early corporate success signaled a better landscape for his family. Five of his brothers and sisters are now practicing their respective professional careers overseas while one is an audit partner at Machica Tan-Cruz & Co., CPAs. His nieces and nephews who receive constant mentoring are also deeply touched by his presence. In 2009, even before finally tying the knot, he and then fiancéé, Joan Tan Cruz, had already sowed the seeds of Machica Accounting and Insurance Services which later germinated to be Machica Group [members: Machica Tan-Cruz & Co., CPAs and Machica F.I.R.M. (Financial, Insurance & Risk managers), Inc.] in Tacloban City. Machica FIRM, Inc. was initially envisioned to provide a second career for Joan after her banking stint, which proved to be a strategic move as she is now its C.E.O. It was also Michael’s way to create another platform for career growth even as he continued to progress as a banker. Since its inception, he has been the Group’s Managing Partner & Chairman. Venturing into entrepreneurship and professional practice, Michael realized his immense center of influence. As such, he can now significantly create, contribute, and pass-on economic and social values to the communities he serves, and provide training venue for aspiring professionals. He then bravely flipped his energies to focus on his firm in 2003 and expanded his practice to Metro Manila in 2006 where he has offices in Manila and Makati. Simultaneously, he had to level up with international players by acquiring Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Financial Services Auditor global certifications. He also garnered the highest mark in the Certified Investment Solicitors examinations given by the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2004. With his newly acquired credentials and accreditations granted by regulatory agencies, the Group’s service offerings naturally multiplied.
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015 In barely four years, his trail-blazing efforts, unconventional customer-focus service approach, and inspiring empowerment of his subordinates earned for his firm the “Best Accounting Firm” award conferred by PICPA Tacloban Chapter and PhilHealth Region 8 Office. The National Organization of CPAs – PICPA - honored him with “Young Achiever in Public Practice (2006); the E.V.S.U. community, with Centennial Alumnus Award in Business and Accountancy (2007), and other wellmeaning accolades followed suit.
Back home, in between his corporate and family obligations, he painstakingly took time to write and to finish his dissertation, entitled Risk Management Framework for Commercial Banks in the Philippines: Best Practices which was recognized as one of the three best papers during the commencement day. Earning a Ph.D. in Management with an academic and dissertation distinction (GPA - 1.01) and at the top of the graduating class in 2013 is indubitably a fitting cap to his never-ending quest for excellence. Often said, can the chaff be separated from the seed?
The external forces that pose constant challenges such as the maze of regulatory environment, the advent of new technologies, and the shift in geo-economic influence are real teasers that must be transformed to opportunities. Solving the same amid exceeding stakeholders’ expectations, finding growth markets, and even keeping key people are at the center of Michael’s crossword puzzle. In effectively dealing with these, he needs to acquire new skills; to learn better ways of leading people and of managing processes; to upsize collaborations and partnerships; to benchmark from industry leaders; and to offer specialty services. Against such tall orders, Michael completed Advanced Strategic Business Management program in Sweden (2008), Program for Quality Management in Japan (2010), and Global Entrepreneurship in Korea (2011) either as a fellow or scholar. He also received executive education from the University of Cambridge Judge Business School and specialty post-graduate programs from the Indian School of Business (risk management), Nyenrode Business University (corporate governance) International Tax Center Leiden, Leiden University (international tax law), and from Munster University (international taxation, cum laude).
Private companies and clients alike seek his valuable time and seasoned leadership insights for business growth, corporate positioning, and seizing viable market openings. In August 2011, he was invited by BDO Unibank to lead the newly ─ created regional risk management team for Visayas and Mindanao. As senior officer and Vice President, Michael was able to successfully deliver the core mandate while imparting his knowledge and skills to the credit analysts under his watch. He then returned to his public accountancy and consulting practice to focus on international business and investment advisory and transfer pricing and risk consulting specialty services. He collaborates with foreign clients either as a consultant or a member of the board of directors. He is also qualified to sit as an independent director for audit or risk management committee for regulated local and international companies.
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With a battery of qualified and well-trained team members, Machica Group’s inflow of foreign clients is encouraging, to say the least. Investors and representatives of multi-national enterprises from the US, Europe, Australia, and the rest of Asia who all desire to invest in the Philippines are the constant Skype audience of Dr. Machica.
Outstanding Professional Award 2015
To his mind, his current work is his priceless contribution to the government’s inclusive-growth objectives for every Filipino. He is cognizant of the country’s positive outlook investment grade rating upgrade of BB+ to BBB- from foreign investment rating agencies, superior stock index performance among developing economies, younger and capable population entering the market, and the government’s constant effort to free up and liberalize the business sector; hence, foreign investors are in constant need for qualified advisors, accountants, tax practitioners, and risk professionals who shall facilitate their entry and bridge their local requirements. As the center of global economic gravity shifts towards Asia, the ASEAN Economic Integration is another important milestone that could play a pivotal role in broader, region-wide wealth creating activities. Truly, this economic episode which is about to unfold poses great opportunities as well as challenges for the Philippines and its people. As the captain of the ship, Michael is inspired to have chartered his company and his people in sync, responsive, and viable activities attuned to the market opportunities that abound. While the challenges may be gigantic, the gains could be far-reaching. He is grateful to his clients for their continued patronage, and to his co-workers and global partners namely, Leading Edge Alliance Global (U.S.), AGN International (U.K.), Dezan Shira Asian Alliance (Asia), and Allworths Chartered Accountants (Australia) for the collective efforts and superior service delivery to growing clientele. Taking off from his simple wish to be of help to his family after the typhoon saga, Michael has indeed touched the lives of countless of people, organizations, and communities. He served PICPA (as Chapter President, Sectoral Regional Director, and CPD Lecturer), ACPAPP (as Director), Leyte Chamber of Commerce & Industry (as Auditor), Asian Institute of Management (as Guest Lecturer), Machica Inspires Kids Education (M.I.K.E.) – the CSR initiatives of Machica Group (as Founder), Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (as Machica Audit Challenge Quiz Bowl Sponsor), Machica Group personnel (for career growth, sponsorship in further studies and personal mentorship), the Machica Group
global partners (as the country partner for the Philippines), and the local and international academic communities (for local and overseas students’ internship program), among many others. As an entrepreneur, he has long earned the trust of the business community such as being chosen by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry as its representative to the 31st Kankeiren ASEAN–India–Japan Management Program at the Kansai Economic Federation – Pacific Resource Exchange Center in Osaka. He is also frequently requested to deliver sound insights in fora and seminars for accountancy students, fellow CPAs, thrift and rural bankers, and civic organizations like the Rotary Club. His distinguish leadership also propelled Machica Group to the world’s stage for being the recipient of International Arch of Europe Award by Business Initiative Directions given in Frankfurt, and 25th AsiaPacific Excellence Award by Asia Pacific Awards Council in 2014. At 43, he is one of the youngest candidates nominated by the Philippine Institute of CPAs and short-listed by the Professional Regulation Commission to be a Board Member - Commissioner at the Board of Accountancy. Last year, aside from being featured as one of the “Voices of Leaders” of Philippine private sector by Newsweek, he was the “Client Choice for Tax Law in the Philippines” Legals Finest 200 Awards, conferred by Legals Finest, U.K. And on January 29, 2015, he received “Dangal ng Bayan – Outstanding Tax and Accounting Consultant” at the 35th People’s Choice Awards held at the AFP Theater, Quezon City. Truly, his ultimate obsession to write and to publish an autobiography entitled “A Son Of A Farmer On Top Of The World” may be a dream come true. He hopes to culminate his world journey by traveling to Africa and South America to complete his continental tour and to conquer his ignorance as he claims. So far, he has already visited over 20 countries and territories. Through a research grant, he is also embarking on a research project in Europe focused on transfer pricing and on publishing a book on the same subject as his lasting, tangible and remarkable gift to the accountancy profession, to the Filipino people, and to the world’s astute, valuable investors.
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
“Creating a wealthy nation by uplifting health and integrating traditional wellness systems into every Filipino’s way of life”
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
Dr. Nol Montalbo Founder and CEO, Mont Albo Wellness Corp. Proprietor, MontSapo Enterprise The watch that started it all A vision was displayed to him. Soaps. He decided that he will start a small soap business but there was a problem - he has no capital. He cannot ask money from his parents because there was none. He tried to borrow money from a friend but money was not that easy. The friend was asking for a collateral. Without any property, Dr. Nol pawned his watch to this friend for 1,500 pesos just to have the much needed capital. The Soaps He attended a seminar about soap-making and with several trial and errors, he perfected the method of making organic handcrafted soaps. He started making small soaps with coffee, guava and orange peel. He personally sells and delivers the soaps to his clients. Borrowing money from friends for additional capital and paying them on time (with interest) was a part of this cycle. A small blender, a knife for cutting and polishing the soaps, and cellophane were his first materials and equipment. “Barya lang ang kita pero nakakatawid sa kailangan ng pamilya”, according to him. Selling soaps was not that easy. Mont Albo Massage Hut is a Filipino-inspired spa specializing in Hilot (Filipino Traditional Massage) and Home Therapy. The first of its kind, it started as a small massage clinic on March 11, 2007 in an old apartment in 6842 Washington St., Makati City. Established by a young doctor from Batangas City, the name Mont Albo was coined from the owner’s surname “Montalbo” which means “white mountain” in Spanish. Being able to experience traditional Filipino healing practices since childhood, he became a firm believer of Hilot and various related forms of therapies. Before this brand became what it is now, just like a diamond, it went through all the pressures and harshness before it shone brightly in the Philippine Spa Industry. God can put you and your family to the test Dr. Nol graduated from UP College of Medicine in 2006. During that time he learned that the finances of the family was down, brought about by various circumstances in their family business. The house where he grew up was sold together with precious memories of the past. There were overlapping debts and paying them was a huge struggle. Instead of pursuing a specialty, he opted to help the family in the soonest possible time. With 3 other siblings where 2 are still studying, there was no other choice but to make the move and support the family. He held on to his faith in God, never letting go.
The Cruelty of Society Dr. Nol had his first-hand experience of how society will treat people who have less. Because of his situation, people see him differently. “Doctor ka nga kahit singko wala ka naman!”, according to one friend. “You are one free-loader.”, from the mouth of another. Only a few people were willing to help. He made soaps in Batangas and delivered them in Manila. There were times when he has to walk several kilometers just to have enough money for a meal. There were also times where he has to wait for a friend’s reply, up to past midnight, just to have a place where he could sleep. Some clients were also lost because he has no cellphone load thereby finding their exact location was impossible. Hunger and pain were part of the process and giving up was never an option for Dr. Nol. The MRT story Dr. Nol was in MRT to deliver his soaps to a client. He was carrying 2 paper bags of soaps for delivery in Shaw Blvd. Rain poured making the MRT floor wet and muddy from passengers with their wet umbrellas. When Dr. Nol was about to leave to train, his soaps scattered all over the heavily packed train because his bags were already soaked with water and mud. He has no choice but to pick the muddy soaps one by one, crawling around the passengers feet and placing them in his folded shirt.
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
No one helped. He left the train in Santolan Station where a janitor lent a hand by giving him a plastic bag. During that time, he knew that moment will be written and told. Blessings Can Come in Small Packages After months of painstakingly making, selling and delivering soaps, his hard work and strong faith paid off. A client ordered 70,000 pieces of soaps as Christmas retail products. This was an absolute gift from God that even Dr. Nol was in awe that his family got involved in making this order. Neighbors in Batangas got involved too as they earn 25 cents for every soap they wrapped. The small blender became an industrial mixer and the knife became a huge table cutter. Soaps were being cured in thousands in their home. His Mom makes the soaps, his Dad cuts them and his brother packs. All these blessings were brought to the client in Manila inside the compartment of a provincial bus. From Soaps to Massage In 2007, Dr. Nol rented an old 2-storey apartment at 6842 Washington St., Makati City and converted it to a massage clinic. Mont Albo Organic Massage Services was the original name. There were four massage beds at the first floor and he stayed at the second floor with his 10 Batangueno therapists. Mount Sapo was the original planned name for the business. This is the name of the mountain where soaps were said to have originated. His mom suggested, why not Mont Albo instead of Mount Sapo? It was a laugh between the two in the DTI office as Dr. Nol wrote Mont
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Albo in the form. He chose massage because of the high demand of affordable home service massage during that time and as a doctor, he knew that he will have the edge. He was the product of Hilot – being delivered by a Kamadrona and being healed by Hilots in the province. He also loves to be massaged and because going to spas was pricey, he could not afford it. Spas were considered a luxury that made him do the impossible – bringing luxurious spa therapies to every Filipino, make it affordable as possible. He studied several massages in various massage institutions, researched, purchased books and attended seminars to equip himself with the knowledge he needs to develop this passion of his. Spa owners were never his mentor. No spa owner was willing to share any info to Dr. Nol. He pushed himself even more by being number 1 in the 2008 Massage Therapist Licensure Exam by the Department of Health. Entrepreneurs are Born not Made Dr. Nol has the natural inclination to sell and earn profit. He used to sell iced candy when he was a kid and saving the money until Christmas. He also has several recycled powdercontainers that he used to create a piggy bank. He had much exposure from his mom who had several businesses in the past and very entrepreneurial. During the trial that his family had, he had the guts to borrow money because he knew that he can pay them. He perfected his craft because he knew that the money he borrowed should earn profit, nothing less. When his massage clinic concept clicked, he established his first formal spa at the ground floor of Oriental Gardens in Pasong Tamo with 5 beds and 2 massage chairs. He registered the
Outstanding Professional Award 2015
business as Mont Albo Massage Services, trade name: Mont Albo Massage Hut. The business became a family business as almost everyone in the family had their participation: Mom was in-charge of the finances; Dad was in-charge of the laundry and equipment; and his brother was a therapist/ receptionist. From the logo and uniform to the spa design, Dr. Nol carefully made them consistent with a Filipino, nonintimidating and practical theme. The routine and sequence of every massage were the result of his thorough research and practice. Every massage was designed to satisfy a spa fanatic. He knew the direction where the concept is going. There was no doubt in his mind that one day, Mont Albo Massage Hut will be a recognized brand. A fortune-teller even told him that he can sell mud without him saying a word. Franchising and beyond Mont Albo Massage Hut opened its first franchise in 2010 in Park Square, Makati. Franchising was not really part of Dr. Nol’s original plan. But since there was a call to bring this affordable massage concept to every Filipino, he decided to offer it to spa-owner aspirants to expand the brand and bring relaxation and relief at its most affordable. In 2011, Mont Albo Wellness Corp was founded, handling multiple spa facilities
including a high-end spa concept, Ginhawa Spa & Dining. Mont Albo Massage Hut is the only spa recognized by BPI as a Ka-Negosyo Accredited Franchise brand. In 2014, Mont Albo Massage Hut was officially a Superbrand and Dr. Nol was awarded with the Mansmith Young Market Masters Award for Entrepreneurship. ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya became a partner of Mont Albo by providing virgin coconut oil (VCO) from Brooke’s Point, Palawan, a former mining community, now adopted by the foundation, producing VCO as their source of income. In 2014, Dr. Nol created MontSapo Enterprise, a company devoted to authentic wellness products with Emerald ALL-IN Soap as its first product – a nod to his first soap business. Occupying its special niche in the Philippines, Mont Albo will continue and persist, always being true to its vision: “Creating a wealthy nation by uplifting health and integrating traditional wellness systems into every Filipino’s way of life”. Challenges have been and are always present in Mont Albo’s story but having God and love as the authors of the brands, even torments become sweet and easy. All these strength and passion will be the company’s leverage for a much ambitious goal of bringing our own humble Hilot to the world.
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, As working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that‌ It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Colossians 3:23 to 24) 30
Outstanding Professional Award 2015
Dr. Atty. Noel G. Ramiscal Cyberlaw and Fashion Law Evangelist
Dr. Attorney Noel Guivani Ramiscal was born under the humblest circumstances. His indigenous mother, Juanita “Nitz” Ramiscal single handedly raised him, and sent him to school, together with several of his cousins on her earnings as a professional beautician, sometime janitor, messenger, bindery helper, stitcher, process server, private secretary and administrative officer at the Department of Justice. It was from her that he got his work ethic of striving to be the best in everything that one does, and learning from one’s mistakes so that they are not repeated. His exposure to the worlds of arts, fashion and culture came when she used to take him on her professional engagements as a beautician to her clients who belonged to these worlds. Early on, he learned to recognize and honor beauty wherever he found it. Higher education was attained by him through scholarships and his mother’s unconditional belief in his abilities and constant encouragement for which he is forever grateful. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (Cum Laude) degrees at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, under the Owen White Peter Doyle Scholarship, the Law Class of 1942 Scholarship, the Science of the Mind Scholarship, University Scholarship and College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Scholarship. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Law degree and a Master of Law (Advanced) degree with High Distinction (the equivalent of Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia. He did these through scholarships from AUSAID, and the highly competitive International Postgraduate Research Scholarship Programs of the Australian Government and the UQ, offered worldwide. He completed a Certificate Executive Information Technology (IT) Course at the Asian Institute of Management under a Philippine Computer Society scholarship and a certificate course on “Accounting for Non-Accountants” given by the De La Salle Graduate Professional Schools via a Punongbayan and Araullo scholarship. He was given the opportunity by Divine Providence to save the lives of two UPLB male students beaten with steel tubes by about ten or eleven men during a fraternity rumble. That incident is a constant reminder to him that there is no place for fear in his practice and advocacies.
One of the most interesting tasks he did was to review and propose major components of the Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design and Technology degree that the i-Academy had applied for in previous years. All his proposals were incorporated in the curriculum which led to the degree program’s approval by the CHED En Banc. A scholarship to this degree program constitutes one of the prizes awarded to the winner of the television show, Project Runway Philippines, in its 3rd season. Dr. Ramiscal’s professional awards include the 2005 “Year-Ender Excellence Young Professional Award for Law and Judiciary” from the Who’s Who Philippines Foundation, the Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial Foundation and National Consumer Affairs Foundation, the “Most Outstanding Alumnus Award” from the Philippine Australian Alumni Association in conjunction with the Australian Embassy for his professional services to his countrymen and in 2011, he was awarded an Oblation Statue and a Plaque of Recognition for his services at UPLB.
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
Since 1999, Dr. Ramiscal has been exploring and writing on cyber law issues. His legal articles have won international awards and research grants in Australia, Greece, Austria and the United Arab Emirates. His grants and fellowships include the Freeman Foundation Fellowship and grants from the UP’s Institute of Government Legal Reform and the Institute of International Legal Studies. He has two peer reviewed law books published as a result of these UP grants. His third peer reviewed law book on “The Law and Science of Cryptology” will be published by the UP Law Center by June 2015. This book is a treatise of the technical and legal developments of the practical applications of cryptology, in the U.S.A., the U.K., Australia and Philippines, as well as their interconnections with international frameworks like the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Arms Trade Treaty. As an artist, Dr. Ramiscal is an award winning author and poet. He has two peer reviewed poetry books published by the University of Santo Tomas Publishing Press. “A Radical’s Chronicles” published in 2012 was an intimate rendering of the violence humanity is capable of inflicting, on a personal and global scale. “NOELSES” his first book of poetry in four languages: English, Tagalog, Spanish and Ybanag was given a commendation by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples for enriching the Ybanag language. Dr. Ramiscal cowrote the Ybanag portion with his mother. His poetry has
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been published in four continents and performed in two world conventions of poetry in Spain and Australia. He is cited in the World List of Lawyer Poets. He would like to acknowledge the two literary mentors in his life from UP: the late renowned educator, Prof. Concepcion Dadufalza, and the literary luminary, Dr. Gémino Abad. Ever looking for means of creative expression, Dr. Ramiscal is an occasional rock vocalist, and for years, a member of the UQ Dance Society. A fashion aficionado, he is a designer of clothes, leather luxury goods and jewelry. He has been making jewelry pieces since he was 18. Drawn to gems not merely for their physical beauty but more for their metaphysical and spiritual significance, he ardently seeks out rare gems and sets them in necklaces with unusual combinations of other gems for specific purposes like healing, protection and empowerment. An earnest supporter of ethical sourcing, consumer awareness, environmental protection, combating discrimination and safeguarding the rights of designers and creative communities, he has recently established his professional advocacy on “Fashion, Gems and Law” via his site: https://noelthefashiongemlawyer.wordpress.com. Dr. Atty. Ramiscal currently serves as a Cyberlaw and Fashion Law Evangelist and private legal counsel. When he came back to the Philippines the second time in 2007, he
Outstanding Professional Award 2015
established his cyber law advocacies to address the vast gaps he saw between IT innovations and their legal regulation, and to contribute to necessary legal reforms. A passionate lecturer, he has conducted over a hundred lectures on matters involving cybercrimes, cyberprivacy, electronic evidence, e-governance, intellectual property rights, human rights, domestic violence, labor rights, artists’ rights, indigenous peoples’ rights and the rights of people with alternative sexualities to different professionals, as well as lawyers in the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) seminars organized by the UP Institute of Administration of Justice and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. His lecture tours and professional advocacies have taken him to different regions of the country and given him the
opportunity to exchange views and insights with people who are change agents in their industries, and to gauge how Information Technology can truly impact the economy and civil society. His cyberlaw blog is: https://noelthecyberlawyer.wordpress.com. A firm believer in life-long learning, Dr. Ramiscal is a Unity and Truth student of the teachings of the Jesus Christ Consciousness, to which he attributes everything in his life. He abides by the Biblical edict: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, As working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that…..It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Colossians 3:23 to 24)
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
Atty. Jesus Antonio Z. Ros Intellectual Property Rights Specialist V Bureau of Trademarks, Intellectual Property Office, Makati City Intellectual property law expert Atty. Jesus Antonio Z. Ros was born on October 17, 1973 in Masbate. He attended the Jose Zurbito, Sr. Elementary School in Masbate, Masbate from 19801986. He graduated as the class valedictorian. From 1986 to 1990 he went to the Masbate National Comprehensive High School, and finished as the class valedictorian. He also garnered the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award, and Scout Citizen Award. In 1989 he was chosen as one of the Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines in 1994. He pursued law in the San Beda College of Law and Arellano Law School. He passed the 1998 Philippine Bar Examinations with a grade of 81.65% Ever the consummate learner, Atty. Ros pursued his Master of Laws degree from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law. From January 1999 to February 2001, Atty. Ros was an associate at the Arcinas and Arcinas Law Office. He litigated before the regular courts and other quasi-judicial agencies; prepared pleadings on various cases, legal opinions, contracts, letters and other legal documents; supervised junior associates and paralegals in the drafting of pleadings, legal opinions and communications, and secretaries and messengers in their administrative functions; and handled trademark applications. Atty. Ros was appointed Attorney III to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) in March 2001. Under the Office of the Deputy Director General, he supervised legal support staff in the Office of the Deputy Director General; assisted in the drafting of rules and regulations, office orders and memoranda relating to intellectual property rights (IPR) administration and other administrative/policy matters; answered public queries and coordinated with other enforcement agencies as well as the private sector; drafted decisions on cases appealed to the Director of Trademarks and the Director General; and reviewed and made comments on legislations and treaties relating to IPRs. In March 2004 Atty. Ros was promoted to Intellectual Property Rights Specialist V in the IPOPHL’s Bureau of Trademarks. He supervises the Trademark Examination Division II in the
examination, allowance or refusal and registration of trademark applications; as member of the IP Philippines Policy Team, prepares legislative agenda, position papers, comments and recommendations on issues and treaties affecting intellectual property rights particularly in the areas of trademarks and geographical indications; as mediator, facilitated the negotiation of parties involved in IPR disputes in order to arrive at a mutually agreeable settlement; as member of IP Philippines pool of speakers, delivers lectures to IP stakeholders like the small and medium enterprises, academe, practitioners, and other government agencies. He was an accredited mediator of IPOPHL from 2003-2010. He received the Team IPOPHL Performance Award in 2012. Atty. Ros served as Chairman of the IPOPHL Multi-purpose Cooperative from 2006 until 2010. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Intellectual Property Alumni Association, Inc. from 2005 to 2007. He taught as faculty member of the Adamson College of Law from 2009 to 2010. Atty. Ros took the Career Service Professional Examination on June 23, 1996 and scored 86.76%. On August 29, 2010, he took the Career Executive Service Written Examination and scored 85.79%. As a government official, Atty. Ros represented the Republic of the Philippines in various seminars, trainings and workshops, namely: Seminar-Workshop on Non-Traditional Trademarks sponsored by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) held in Taguig City on 28-30 April 2014; Workshop on the Branding of Local-Specific Agricultural Products Through the Use of Geographical Indications sponsored by the Asian Productivity Organization held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 3-7 June 2013; Open Seminar on the Protection of ASEAN GIs in Existing and Potential Export Markets sponsored by ECAP and ASEAN held in Hanoi, Vietnam on 20-21 May 2013; Training on Vienna and Nice Classification sponsored by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), held in Taguig City on 23-25 October 2012; Post Accession Training on Madrid Protocol sponsored by WIPO, held in Geneva, Switzerland on 4-6 June 2012; Workshop on Trademark Examination sponsored by the USPTO and held in Taguig City on 1-2 March 2012; Branding Products on the Basis of their Geographical Origin-Developing a GI Scheme sponsored by WIPO/IPOPHL and held in Makati City on 28-29 February 2012; Training on Madrid Protocol sponsored by the WIPO, held in Geneva, Switzerland on 24-25 November 2012; Training on
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
Geographical Indications sponsored by InterGI and REDD, held in Geneva, Switzerland on 6-17 June 2011; Regional Workshop on the Control of Geographical Indications sponsored by ECAP in Bangkok, Thailand on 24-27 January 2011; Training on Organizational Needs Analysis Program sponsored by IPOPHL in Makati City on 24-28 September 2010; Bridging Leadership Workshop sponsored by the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City on 21-23 July 2010; Bridging Leadership Course sponsored by the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City on 9-11 June 2010; Conduct of Result-Based Management Writeshop sponsored by the IPOPHL in Makati City on 11 February 2010; Advanced Workshop on the Examination of Traditional and NonTraditional Trademarks sponsored by the World Intellectual Property Organization and IP Australia held in Canberra, Australia on 19-23 October 2009; Seminar on Non-Traditional Trademarks and Madrid Protocol sponsored by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and held in Amara Hotel, Singapore on 10-11 February 2009; IP Philippines Culture Building Program sponsored by the IPOPHL, held in Tagaytay Dacha Hotel on 18-20 June 2008; Training on Conflict Resolution sponsored by the Civil Service Commission, held in New Horizon Hotel, Mandaluyong City on 15-17 April 2008; Leadership Summit sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office in Binangonan, Rizal on 11-14 February 2008; Trademark Examination Program sponsored by Global Intellectual Property Academy- USPTO, held in USPTO, Virginia, USA on 0407 December 2007; Governance in the Public and Private Sector sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry and Filipinas Heritage Library, held at the Filipinas Heritage Library, Makati City on 23 October 2007; WIPO International Seminar on the Strategic Use of Intellectual Property for Economic and Social Development sponsored by WIPO, IP Philippines, held in Shangrila Hotel, Ortigas Center on 2-6 July 2007; Training Program for IPO and DTI Hearing Officers and Legal Assistants sponsored by the Supreme Court of the Philippines and PHILJA, held in IPOPhilippines Makati City on 10-13 October 2006; The Business of Creativity sponsored by JPO, IPO-Philippines, IPAA, JIII, APIC, held in Dusit Hotel, Makati City on 4-5 October 2006; Copyright in the Knowledge Economy: Challenges, Emerging Issues and Future Prospects sponsored by WIPO, USPTO, IPO-Philippines, held in Shangri-la Hotel, Makati City on 13-14 September 2006; Training Course on Intellectual Property Rights II, sponsored by Japan
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International Cooperation Agency and Kyoto Comparative Law Centre in Osaka, Japan on 16 May-21 July 2006; Protecting and Enforcing Intellectual Property Rights sponsored by the Japan Patent Office, Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation, Intellectual Property Office, Intellectual Property Alumni Association, Inc., held in Dusit Hotel, Makati City on 3-4 October 2005; First Philippine Creative Industry Forum sponsored by The British Council, Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Asian Institute of Management, held in Cultural Center of the Philippines on 7-9 September 2005; National and Regional Symposia on a Regional ASEAN Design System sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office, ASEAN in Dusit Hotel, Makati City on 20-21 June 2005; Seminar-Workshop on Geographical Indications, sponsored by IP Australia, APEC, IPOPHL in Makati City on 23-24 May 2005; Distance Learning Course DL-202E Electronic Commerce and Intellectual Property sponsored by the World Intellectual Property Organization in Makati, Philippines on 1 May-15 June 2005; Training Course on the Examination Practices of Industrial Property sponsored by the World Intellectual Property Organization and Japan Patent Office, held on Tokyo, Japan in 25 November-15 December 2004; Seminar Workshop on ISO Awareness and Documentation sponsored by the Development Academy of the Philippines, held in Intellectual Property Office Building on 14-15 September 2004; Appreciation Course on Basic Quality and Productivity Improvement Approaches sponsored by the Development Academy of the Philippines, held in Intellectual Property Office Building on 30-31 August & 14 September 2004; Seminar on Basic Customer Service Skills sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office, held in IPO Building, Makati City on 6-8 July 2004; Symposium on Geographical Indications and Collective Marks sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office and the US Patent and Trademark Office in IPO Building, Makati City on 23-24 June 2004; Seminar-Workshop on Total Quality Management sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office and the Development Academy of the Philippines in Skyrise Hotel, Baguio City on 17-21 May 2004; Supervisory Development Course (Tracks 2 & 3), sponsored by the Civil Service Commission-NCR, held at Horizon EDSA Hotel, Mandaluyong City in 4-7 May 2004; IPO Ambassador Orientation held at the Intellectual Property Office, Makati City on 28 April 2004; Workshop-Consultation on
Outstanding Professional Award 2015 Handbook on Investigation of Intellectual Property Cases sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office, Pan Pacific Plaza, Manila, on 26 March 2004; Workshop on Relative Grounds for Refusal and Opposition Proceedings sponsored by EC-ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights Co-operation Programme (ECAP II) held in Makati City on 8-9 March 2004; Trainors’ Training on Intellectual Property Rights sponsored by the IPOPHIL and IP Australia in Mandarin Hotel on 25-26 November 2003; Lecture and Roundtable Discussion on Copyright and Related Rights Issues and Licensing and Rights Management in the Digital Environment, sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office at the IPO Building, Makati City on 24 November 2003; Writing with Confidence, sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office, IPO Building, Makati City on 6-7 October 2003; Roundtable Discussion on the Policy and Issues on the Philippine Position at the Cancun Ministerial Conference of the WTO sponsored by the U.P. College of Law at the U.P. Law Centre on 15 August 2003; A Discussion on Digital Copyright in the Music Industry sponsored by the U.P College of Law, in the U.P. Law Centre on 24 July 2003; Basic Mediation Course and Internship Program sponsored United
States Agency for International Development (USAID) – Accelerating Growth Investment and Liberalization with Equity (AGILE) held in Tagaytay City and Intellectual Property Office, Makati City on 17 February - 4 July 2003; Seminar-Workshop on Public Service Ethics and Accountabilities, sponsored by the Civil Service Commission in Baguio City on 27-31 May 2003; A Practical Approach to Geographical Indications and IP Rights, sponsored by the Australian Embassy, held in Sukhothai Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand on 13-14 May 2003; Seminar-Workshop on Competencybased Performance Evaluation System, sponsored by the USAIDAGILE, held in Intellectual Property Office, Makati City on 5-7 May 2003; Roundtable Discussion on Philippine Practice Concerning Treaties and Executive Agreements sponsored by the UP Law Center, held in UP Diliman, Quezon City on 20 September 2002; Distance Learning Course DL-101 General Course on Intellectual Property sponsored by the World Intellectual Property Organization on 1 June - 15 July 2002; APEC - Strengthening Economic Legal Foreign Infrastructure Initiative; sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, University of Technology Sydney, and the UP College of Law, held in the Hotel
Inter-Continental, Makati City on 26-28 June 2002; Judicial Workshop for Judges sponsored by the International Intellectual Property Institute, Intellectual Property Office, USAID-AGILE, held at the Diamond Hotel, Manila on 17-19 June 2002; Seminar on IPR for IP-Enforcement Staff Members sponsored by the Japan Patent Office, Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation held in Rendezvous Hotel, Singapore on 4-8 March 2002; Training on International Classification of Marks sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office and held on 5 December 2001; Roundtable Discussion on the Rule on Search and Seizure in Civil Actions For Infringement of IPRs sponsored by the Supreme Court on 5 November 2001; Regional Workshop for Countries of Asia & the Pacific on the Rights of Broadcasting Organizations, sponsored by the World Intellectual Property Organization, Intellectual Property Office at New World Hotel, Manila on 25-26 October 2001; Regional Workshop for Countries of Asia & the Pacific on the WIPO Internet & E-Commerce sponsored by the World Intellectual Property Organization, Intellectual Property Office held in New World Hotel, Manila on 22-24 October 2001; Action Planning Workshop to Strengthen Public Appreciation and Enforcement of IPRs, sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office, Inter-Agency Committee on Intellectual Property Rights, AGILE, held in IPO Bldg., Makati on 2, 8 & 12 October 2001; Training on Patent
Cooperation Treaty Procedures sponsored by the World Intellectual Property Organization, Intellectual Property Office held at IPO Bldg., Makati on 13-15 August 2001; Seminar for QuasiJudicial Bodies sponsored by the Philippine Judicial Academy, held at the Supreme Court, Manila, on 10-12 July 2001; Seminar on Technology Transfer Arrangement sponsored by the World Intellectual Property Organization, Japan Patent Office, IPOPHL, held at the Dusit Hotel, Makati City on 28-29 May 2001; GSIS Seminar on Retirement Laws and Other Social Welfare Benefits, sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office & GSIS, held at the IPO Building, Makati City on 10 May 2001; Distance Learning Program, sponsored by the Civil Service Commission held at the IPO Bldg., Makati on 23 April - 4 July 2001; Intellectual Property Rights on Information Technology: Issues and Concerns sponsored by the UP Law Center Institute for International Legal Studies, held at the U.P. Law Center, Diliman, Quezon City on 18 April 2001; Seminar on the IP Code, Regulations and Enforcement sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office, held at the IPO Bldg., Makati City on 21-22 March 2001; Training on Substantive Examination For New Patent Examiners sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office, held at the IPO Building, Makati City on 5-9 March 2001; and the Seminar for Patent Agents/Attorneys sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office, held at the DTI Building, Makati City on 10 December 1999.
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015
Joel Reyes Zobel Bangon Na, Bayan/DZBB, Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide/DZBB Kape at Balita/GMA News TV
Joel always makes it a point to do an intelligent commentary during his 10-minute editorial on his DZBB radio program Bangon Na, Bayan! In earlier times, when we tuned in to the radio, we were instantly hooked on listening to DJs or commentators whose voices are pleasant to the ears. We, too, wondered about their looks. Thanks to teleradyo, we now get the chance to see radio personalities seating on the booth while doing live broadcast. One AM radio commentator who is becoming a familiar face nowadays is Joel Reyes Zobel. He owns that voice you hear dishing out headlines for GMA 7’s 24 Oras. In the mornings, he delivers the news side by side with Mike Enriquez on Dobol B sa News TV (titled Super Balita Sa Umaga Nationwide when you tuned in to DZBB 594 khz, 7 to 8 a.m.). His TV exposure, though he’s still trying to be comfortable with it, is a welcome change in his broadcasting career that started 20 years ago. “When I was just doing radio, people wouldn’t recognize me unless I started talking,” Joel says. “So, I could then go to the nearest store and buy a cheap comb. I can’t do that anymore because two out of the 10 people I’m gonna cross paths with will easily recognize me. Even when I take the MRT, nakikilala na ako. Kung dati nakatsinelas lang ako, ngayon dapat lagi akong maayos.” There were also instances when people perceived him as a “walking newspaper.” They asked about the latest developments on controversial issues. Some even wanted to hear his comments regarding the country’s situation. That’s why, Joel has to be prepared the moment he goes out either for a walk or a date with his wife. “Dapat lagi akong may baong new information to satisfy them.” Joel had his first foray in broadcasting via Radyo Veritas during its re-launch as a commercial radio station in 1990. After a decade, GMA took him in when Jay Sonza vacated the early morning slot. Joel was assigned to solely man the 4 to 6 a.m. program until he joined Mike in Super Balita Sa Umaga Nationwide.
Prior to getting on cam, Joel has already gained a following through his DZBB radio program Bangon Na, Bayan!, airing weekdays at 4 to 5 p.m. He tackles issues without exaggeration but with a pure intention of giving the listeners a clear idea of a certain topic — whether controversial or not. He raises his point in the 10-minute segment Editoryal ng Bayan which he diligently prepares two hours before the program goes on air. “I choose my words. I never use tarantado or gago to express my view regarding an issue. My editorial is in English to better express what I feel. Pinapagalitan nga ako ni Mike, mas marami kasing English kaysa Tagalog but I try to unlearn that. Mas gusto ko s’yempre if a lot of people will understand me.” A lawmaker, Joel recalls, phoned him a day after becoming the subject of his editorial. In the spirit of fair play, the lawmaker aired his side yet Joel remained unperturbed because “I don’t do commentaries that are not true.”
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Outstanding Professional Award 2015 And while his editorials earned negative reactions from those he had “slighted,” Joel says, positive comments outpoured via text messages.
that means I’m effective. That’s why I always bring it (the program) to the next level. My commentaries are different from the others.”
“Mas maraming natutuwa. They see me on TV on a light banter with Mike, medyo satirical kami dun but in the afternoon, I turn serious as I give commentaries in my 10-minute editorial. For me, substance is more important. When the show rates, it’s a great reward (for all the hard work).”
On the personal front, Joel finds time for leisure. He makes it a point to go out on dinner dates with his wife at least once a week or they go out of town on weekends.
Aside from the editorial segment, the one-hour program has 15 minutes of news from the GMA reportorial team, Calendar of Events that gives a quick recap of events that occurred on the same date in the history of the world, and Boses Ng Bayan Poll for the Day where Joel discusses a topic and solicits opinions from the listeners. Asked what the best part of his profession is, Joel replies, “Being appreciated by your listeners. I feel happy every time I receive comments — negative or positive — because
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“We love scuba diving so we often go to Batangas and other diving destinations. I’m also into biking and playing golf with friends like Arnold (Clavio) usually on Sundays.” When at home, he contents himself reading books, watching movies on cable and playing with his dogs while waiting for his wife to come home from law school. “I also cook on weekends. The kitchen is my turf,” he proudly shares.
Outstanding Professional Award 2015
Below, discover more how Joel gets through his day from morning till night: • 5 a.m. – I wake up, eat breakfast and then I take a bath and dress up for my early morning program with Mike. • 6:14 a.m. – leave the house and head straight to GMA. • 6:45 a.m. – Magpapa-makeup na ko. I read newspapers, then I’ll go over the stories assigned to me. • 7 to 8 a.m. – I’m on the air with Mike in Dobol B. • 8 a.m. – After the show, I go straight to the gym and stay there for about an hour and a half. • 10 a.m. – I go back home to eat early lunch. Sometimes, I squeeze in siestas and wake up at around 1 p.m. to do my editorial. • 2:30 p.m. – I get ready for my afternoon show and go back to GMA before 4 p.m. • 4 to 5 p.m. – I’m on the air for Bangon Na, Bayan! • 5 p.m. – Prepare to do the headlines for 24 Oras because I do the voiceover every day. • 5:45 p.m. – After voiceover recording, I go home. I watch TV, read books, and take care of my dogs, yun ang inaalagaan ko wala pa kasi kaming anak. Then, I’ll have my dinner. • 10 p.m. – My wife comes home from school and we usually talk about what happened during the day. • 11 p.m.— Hop on the bed and sleep.
On Saturdays, Joel is usually busy in the kitchen whipping up delectable dishes for his wife. He says, “I love watching cooking shows. When I do the grocery, bili ako ng bili ng spices. Pero kung ano yung masarap na mailuto ko di ko na mauulit yun.”
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