Hey savvy spenders! Ever feel like your money is doing a disappearing act lately? As we gear up to face the upcoming year, there’s no denying the elephant in the room – inflation. But fear not, because I’ve got some tips on how to rock the year despite the economic rollercoaster.
What’s the Inflation Buzz About?
Alright, let’s break it down in simple terms. Inflation is like that sneaky friend who keeps borrowing your stuff without asking, only this time it’s your money losing value. Prices of things you buy are going up, and your hard-earned cash doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. Annoying, right?
Budgeting Battles During Inflation
The Money Squeeze
So, your paycheck is looking the same, but those grocery bills and rent notices? Not so much. It’s like your wallet is playing hide-and-seek, and it’s winning. Time for a budget reality check!
Rolling with the Punches:
Inflation is like that surprise party you didn’t ask for. One day, your favorite snacks are a dollar, the next day, poof! They’re two bucks. Keep your budget flexible and be ready to roll with the punches when prices decide to do the cha-cha.
Emergency Fund
Your Budget BFF: Imagine your emergency fund as your financial superhero cape. Prices soaring? Unexpected car repair? Having that stash of cash ready to swoop in and save the day will keep you from singing the budget blues.
Essentials First, Fun Later
We get it—Netflix, takeout, and that extra shot of espresso are life’s little joys. But when prices are doing the inflation fandango, prioritize the essentials like rent, groceries, and utilities. Fun can come later; survival is the name of the game.
Budgeting Hacks for Inflation Fighters:
Smart Savings Play
Stashing cash under the mattress won’t cut it. Look for savings options that give inflation a run for its money, like investments that have historically danced circles around rising prices. A little research can go a long way.
Consider diving into the world of investments, and let the savings calculator be the compass guiding your journey. Crunch the numbers to assess potential returns, risks, and the overall impact on your financial goals. It’s like playing the stock market but with a safety net made of calculated decisions.
Debt Dilemmas
If you’ve got loans, it’s time to tackle them head-on. Utilize this loan calculator to create a repayment plan. It will not only calculate the total interest paid throughout the loan’s duration but also provide insights into regular monthly, bimonthly, or weekly payments. Your debts will gradually decrease if you set realistic goals, giving you the confidence to take control of your financial situation.
Haggle Like a Pro
Goal Setting Galore Are prices going up? It’s negotiation time. Don’t be shy to haggle your way to a better deal. Whether it’s your cable bill or your favorite local burger joint, a little charm can sometimes keep your budget intact.
Goal Setting Galore
Set financial goals that excite you, with the help of the budget planning calculator, you can create a budget that fits your needs and obtain a clear picture of your cash flow. Whether it’s a dream vacation, a new gadget, or paying off a loan, breaking it down makes it more achievable. Celebrate the small victories on your journey to financial success.
Inflation-Proof Your Budget Conclusion:
So there you have it, budget buddies! Inflation might be trying to steal your financial thunder, but with a bit of strategy and a dash of budgeting brilliance, you can stay one step ahead. Keep your eyes on the prize, stay flexible, and remember—your budget is your financial superhero cape in this inflation-fueled adventure. Let’s keep on budgeting like the rockstars we are!
SM City Baliwag received the Blood Services Platinum Award at the recent Philippine Red Cross-Bulacan Chapter Blood Donors and Partners Recognition on November 21 held at the KB Gymnasium, Bulacan Provincial Capitol in Malolos City. Accepting the accolade on behalf of SM is Mall Manager Rodora Tolentino (4th from right). SM Center Pulilan was likewise given a certificate of appreciation for the mall’s meritorious service in promoting blood services. While Special Award and Diploma of Service were granted to SM City San Jose Del Monte.
With its steadfast contribution in the promotion of voluntary blood donation, SM Malls in Baliwag, Pulilan, and San Jose Del Monte were among the partners given acknowledgement during this year’s Philippine Red Cross-Bulacan Chapter Blood Donors and Partners Recognition on November 21 held at the KB Gymnasium, Bulacan Provincial Capitol in Malolos City.
With the theme “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often”, the Philippine Red Cross-Bulacan Chapter led the recognition event attended by blood donors, organizers, partners, and stakeholders.
SM City Baliwag was given the Blood Services Platinum Award for its exemplary contribution in the organization of mass blood donation activities, yielding 1255 units in 11 years of partnership.
“We, at SM, are delighted to be recognized as a staunch partner of the Philippine Red Cross throughout the years. Then and now, we commit to supporting blood donation drives to help save lives and ensure an adequate supply of blood product,” says SM City Baliwag Mall Manager Rodora Tolentino.
SM Center Pulilan, on the other hand, was given a certificate of appreciation for the mall’s meritorious service in promoting blood services. While Special Award and Diploma of Service were granted to SM City San Jose Del Monte.
Your Song of Excellence 2023 – Taiwan Excellence’s search for the Philippines’ best singers and songwriters co-presented by Aromase, Derma Angel, and Johnson Fitness & Wellness – culminated its third year run this Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Ayala Malls Market! Market! In Taguig.
The Live Grand Finals Event bore witness to a celebration of outstanding Filipino talent, with the Top 3 Grand Finalists from both Singer Category and Songwriter Category fighting their way to the bitter end. Before battling it out on the big stage, the Finale opened with an energizing performance of the Your Song of Excellence 2023 jingle by the Celebrity Judges Yeng Constantino, Arthur Nery, Ice Seguerra, and Paulo Zarate.
This Grand Finals performance round for the Singer Category was nothing short of amazing with 3 powerhouse performers who have been molded by their respective singing journeys, with each of their roads leading to the Grand Finals stage. In the end, Julius Cawaling came out triumphant with two equally hair-raising performances, beating 1st Runner Louise Alivio and 2nd Runner Up Alyssa Erasquin to the win, and what a close race it was.
Another close race was the battle for Grand Champion in the Songwriter Category. It was finally time for the Final 3 Songwriters to present their fully realized Grand Finals songs in front of a big crowd. Through their partner singers, these talented composers fought their way through their creative storytelling and melodies, with every lyric tugging at the heartstrings of the audience. Coming out on top from the Songwriters is Lyndon Nagar winning over 1st Runner Up Juls Burce and 2nd Runner Up Popa Elorde.
Helping to present the awards to the winning contestants were VIPs, Mr. Dustin Yang, Minister of Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines, Mr. Alex Lai, Director of Taiwan Trade Center Manila, Ms. Christine Kuo, Manager of Taiwan Trade Center Manila, Ms. Janine Tan, Senior Project Manager of Taiwan Trade Center Manila, Ms. Yvonne Hsiao, Project Manager of Taiwan External Trade Development Council, and Ms. Valerie Lin, Project Manager of Taiwan External Trade Development Council, making the event even more special with their esteemed presence.
The Grand Champions received a P50,000 cash prize and P50,000 worth of products each. The 1st Runners Up won P30,000 cash prize each while the 2nd Runners Up won P20,000 cash each, as well as P50,000 worth of products each runner up.
The Live Grand Finals Event was also streamed live on the Taiwan Excellence (PH) Facebook page. View it here: https://bit.ly/YSOE3GrandFinals
Your Song of Excellence 2023 is also in partnership with Acer Philippines, Annie’s Way, ASUS Philippines, FECA PH, ible Tech, MSI Philippines, PC Express, Predator Gaming, Republic of Gamers, and Tatung.
Your Song of Excellence 2023 culminated its third season with an epic Grand Finals weekend, held at the Ayala Malls Market! Market! in Taguig this November 17 and 18, 2023.
Co-presented by Aromase, Derma Angel, and Johnson Fitness & Wellness, the contest honored the ever-supportive Taiwan Excellence Partner Brands with a B2B Day Event and Product Exhibit in the first day of its 2-Day Grand Finale Event.
Featuring some of the finest award-winning Taiwan Excellence brands and their standard defining quality products, the event beheld an afternoon of brand talks and a short business-to-business meeting session for attendees who were interested in hearing best industry practices from these brand representatives.
“It’s always a joy to fly our flag as a Taiwan Excellence awarded brand,” says the Johnson Fitness & Wellness representative.
Representative from Derma Angel is thankful for the first-time partnership, “We’re happy to be finally partnered with Your Song of Excellence this year because Filipino talent is undeniably world-class.”
Aromase, another Premier Partner attended the event with their representatives through Zoom and is happy for the visibility gained in the Filipino market. “We are looking forward to next year’s endeavors in the Philippines as our brand has strong potential to find a market there,” shares the Aromase representative.
Your Song of Excellence 2023 is also in partnership with Acer Philippines, Annie’s Way, ASUS Philippines, FECA PH, ible Tech, MSI Philippines, PC Express, Predator Gaming, Republic of Gamers, and Tatung.
If you frequent Ever Gotesco Mall Commonwealth, make sure to drop by Calle Bistro. You’re in for a treat at these 5 recommended dining places. Take advantage of their holiday promos as well.
Gerry’s Restaurant and Bar
There’s a reason why it remains the favorite among Pinoys. Their dishes continue to evolve and cater to the ever-changing tastes of our kababayans. They’ve got all the good stuff including the tasty Crispy Pata and who will forget their Sizzling Pork Sisig which is indeed the best. My personal fave is the Inihaw na Pusit. Check out their Set meal menu good for 5 persons. Don’t forget their ice treats and cool drinks too. It’s a Filipino flavor party!
Banapple
Banapple, which was founded in 2007, derived its name from its two top-selling products, Apple Caramel Crumble and Banoffee Pie. There is a reason why the place is virtually packed all the time. Enjoy your preferred hickory-smoked country ribs that are barbecued. Lasagna roll-ups is also available at this welcoming bakery cafe and meals are best enjoyed with milkshake.
Black Scoop Cafe
This Cafe was born with a love of milk tea, ice cream, and good coffee. Delicious food and a lovely atmosphere are the best assets of Black Scoop. Have a taste of their pasta, burgers, and egg drop sandwiches, and breakfast meals. It’s a must-try for milk tea enthusiasts. There are plenty of options for drinks ranging from milk tea, chocolate drinks, frappes, and lattes. You have to order the cheesecake milk tea!
HapChan
This restaurant serves authentic Chinese cuisine. Brighten your day with the savory taste of Hap Chan’s Chinese Classic Fish Selections and satisfy your craving for seafood. Sample and savor the flavorful sauce, soft meat, and mouthwatering noodles of their mixed meat canton. The selection of dishes is huge.
Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things
Once featured in a TV show called Man vs Food, I always wondered what it’s like to taste their buffalo wings. Crunchy, delicious, savory, and rich in flavor with every bite. They do serve tender, juicy, and perfectly served food! Additionally, employees properly describe the degree of spice and the best option. In addition, they provide other dishes like burritos, nachos, and fries.
Filipinos and Christmas make for the perfect holiday combination. It’s heartwarming to watch every Filipino family giving their best through gifts and gatherings, making Christmas time even brighter with each celebration.
Once again, the Philippines’ leading neighborhood convenience store, 7-Eleven, is set to amp up the holiday cheers and turn Christmas dreams into reality with the “Wish Upon A Cup” raffle promo. From November 15, 2023 to January 16, 2024, customers can savor the joy of Paskong Pinoy at 7-Eleven, and get the chance to win incredible prizes such as gadgets, adventure rides, and even a trip for four to Barcelona.
Picking the perfect pamasko is as easy as choosing their favorite 7-Eleven drink. Each cup size of City Cafe, Prima, or GULP holds the key to all the exciting prizes that await. With the small cup, customers get a chance to win gadgets such as an iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad 9th Gen, AirPods Max, Macbook Air M2, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Apple Watch Series 8, or a DJI Air 3 Drone.
Picking the perfect pamasko is as easy as choosing their favorite 7-Eleven drink. Each cup size of City Cafe, Prima, or GULP holds the key to all the exciting prizes that await. With the small cup, customers get a chance to win gadgets such as an iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad 9th Gen, AirPods Max, Macbook Air M2, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Apple Watch Series 8, or a DJI Air 3 Drone.
Choose a medium cup and have the chance to ride away with a fantastic adventure ride, including an NMAX Motorbike, Xiaomi Bicycle Scooter, or a Kawasaki Bajaj Dominar 400.
For those with a thirst for grand adventures, selecting a large cup could turn into an incredible journey for four with plane tickets to Barcelona.
With a cup of holiday cheer in hand, all that’s left to do is to submit an entry. Customers can scan the QR code printed on their chosen cup to enter the raffle or use the CLiQQ app to automatically join the promo upon transaction and get two entries for every single purchase of the cup for more chances of winning. A total of 28 winners will be chosen.
Never miss the chance to spread good vibes this holiday season, as Wish Upon a Cup promo is 7-Eleven’s thoughtful gift to the Christmas-loving Filipino community to make their Christmas dreams come true. Visit http://711wishuponacup.com/ for more details.
Like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on Twitter for more information.
In an era marked by unprecedented challenges and transformations in the field of education, this year’s CEAP National Convention holds special significance. CEAP has long been at the forefront of transformative education, advocacy, solidarity, and synodality. Every year, this incomparable event provides a platform for educators, administrators, stakeholders, and partners to come together, exchange ideas, collectively address the ever-evolving needs and challenges of the educational sector and celebrate as a community.
Rex Education also witnessed that the CEAP National Convention is also a spiritual and intellectual journey, an odyssey that reflects the member-institutions and partners’ common aspirations to inspire hope, navigate challenges, and promote quality education for all, with Catholic faith at the core. This year’s convention, bearing the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Exploring Pathways to Synodality” is a testament to CEAP’s continuing journey and support of the Church and society through the promotion of Filipino Catholic education. Rex Education is grateful to be part of the CEAP convention.
In this journey, REX, with its decades-long commitment to Philippine education steps onto the convention stage reaffirming its role as duty-bearers of education and an ally to educators and educational institutions, including Catholic schools and organizations, among others. The theme of synodality—journeying together as people of God—is intricately woven into the fabric of REX’s story and its mission to nurture every child for lifelong learning—a journey of a lifetime, for every Filipino whole learner.
Rex Education Hub: Paths to Lifelong Learning
For the CEAP convention, REX brought back its Educational Hub, featuring its diverse and extensive collection of educational resources spanning early childhood education through the formative years in K–12 and to higher education and professional or adult education. Rex Education’s wide array of quality and thoughtfully developed learning materials have been designed for every learner, from early childhood to adulthood, REX is present in every stage and opportunity for the child to learn, be happy, and succeed in life.
REX’s resources also offer a comprehensive selection of solutions for teachers, parents, and learning companions, all to complement and enrich teaching and learning processes and experiences, including values that foster learner development.
Under Early Childhood Education (ECE), REX exhibited its Little Explorers brand with over 100 titles, including the Hello Animals books. With a focus on values and holistic development, they are designed to stimulate young minds, encourage creativity, and lay the foundations for lifelong learning.
REX also offers a broad range of resources for the K–12 program. For this year, REX introduced some of its latest titles for 2024. These include worktexts in Science, Math, and Language, aligned with the evolving needs of learners, educators, and educational institutions.
As learners progress to higher education and embark on their professional journey, REX continues its committed presence in their overall growth. REX also unveiled its latest educational resources at the event, encompassing various fields, including Business and Accountancy, Criminal Justice Education, Teacher Education, Hospitality and Tourism, and General Education programs. These newly introduced materials are expected to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and values required to excel in their chosen career paths.
REX’s participation at the 2023 CEAP National Convention goes far beyond featuring its educational resources. It symbolizes dedication to learners of all ages. It is also a testament to Rex Education’s unwavering commitment, just as with the other CEAP delegates, to journey together, with hope, toward a brighter future for Philippine education.
REX supports DepEd’s MATATAG Agenda
REX’s participation at the convention is also a resounding declaration of support for DepEd’s newly launched MATATAG Curriculum. The MATATAG Curriculum is expected to decongest the present K to 12 Curriculum by reducing the number of competencies and focusing more on the development of foundational skills, and in the process improve students’ learning outcomes.
“REX is in full support of the MATATAG agenda, particularly the initiative of making the curriculum relevant to produce job-ready, active, and responsible citizens. We believe that the implementation of the new curriculum will further enhance the quality of education in the Philippines and contribute to the holistic development of our learners.” – Don Timothy Buhain, chief executive officer of Rex Education
REX’s dedication to this agenda goes beyond words; it is reflected in its initiatives and actions. REX engages education duty-bearers, Edukampyons, and aims to build their capacities for respecting, protecting, and fulfilling every Filipino learner’s right to quality education. As such, REX continues to collaborate with curriculum development experts, respected authors, seasoned educators, subject area coordinators, and other subject matter specialists in the development of quality learning materials.
Overall, the 2023 CEAP National Convention remains a force and inspiration for the Catholic faithful in the educational sector and a symbol of resilience and hope for today’s generation and the future. Held on October 17–20, 2023, at the Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City, CEAP 2023 successfully brought together over 3,000 delegates nationwide.
Kathryn Bernardo and Heart Evangelista, two universally beloved actresses, unite for the 55th anniversary of Uratex Philippines.
As two of the brightest stars in the local constellation, they are the powerhouse endorsers of the country’s leading foam manufacturer, which has been consistently recognized by Reader’s Digest with 14 consecutive Platinum Awards in the mattress category.
Kathryn is the face of the Uratex Classic Line while Heart fronts the Premium Line.
“Kathryn is a highly influential and marketable celebrity in the Philippines, particularly among the younger generations (Gen Y and Z). She is well loved by Filipino households and commands a significant presence in the broader mass market, making her the perfect fit to endorse Uratex’s top-selling classic mattresses,” explains Stephen Cheng-Lee, the Sleep Business Unit director.
Offering products that help enrich lives and create meaningful moments such as mattresses, pillows, toppers, and so much more in its 55 years of existence, Uratex remains committed to providing comfort through its products and services.
“We are proud to only get brand ambassadors who are actual Uratex users and Kathryn has been a Uratex user since she was very young. This is also the reason why ‘It’s always been U, Uratex’ is our campaign slogan for our brand ambassadors this year,” adds Cheng-Lee,
“I have many childhood memories with Uratex. Growing up I’ve been using Uratex, and up until now. I remember when I was still a kid, we would go to our parents’ room. My siblings and I have all these foldable mattresses, and we always loved to sleep in one room,” Kathryn recalls her initial encounters with Uratex.
The box-office queen adds: “So every night, we would bring our mattress and lay them down and the next day, fold them. So that was our routine growing up when we were still in Nueva Ecija. Up until now, in our new house in Manila, and before Uratex even offered me to be their ambassadress, Uratex has always been my bed. I swear!”
So when Uratex offered her to be one of its powerhouse endorsers, Kathryn didn’t hesitate to accept it.
“I said yes, naturally. I grew up with the brand. I think with all Filipinos, no one doesn’t know Uratex. It’s a brand that we trust,” Kathryn says. “It gives us a sense of comfort that we always look forward to going home to sleep knowing that we would feel relaxed. So, yes, there’s no reason to say No to Uratex.”
On the other hand, Uratex is truly honored to have global fashion icon and Kapuso actress Heart Evangelista promoting the importance of a good night’s sleep for all.
“Our long relationship with Heart has undeniably played a pivotal role in amplifying our commitment to promoting healthy sleep habits. With our current collaboration through the #ItsAlwaysBeenU campaign, we’re hoping to influence more people to prioritize their well-being through quality sleep,” says Peachy Medina, Managing Director.
“I’ve been part of the Uratex family for a solid four years. And let me tell you, it’s been a wonderful journey. As someone who’s after classy comfort all the way, Uratex has become my go-to, the one I trust above all. It’s like my mattress soulmate, always delivering on the cozy vibes because it’s the real deal in comfort and quality,” Heart enthuses.
As a longtime ambassadress, Heart Evangelista supports Uratex in sharing the value of having a good night’s sleep for its #ItsAlwaysBeenU campaign.
“Getting good sleep is very important to me. It’s like giving my brain a beauty rest and it keeps me looking and feeling fabulous despite having a busy schedule! So for me, quality sleep is not just a necessity; it’s the secret ingredient to my daily glam routine,” says Heart.
What gives Heart the best sleep she could ever wish for is the Uratex Premium Touch Viscoluxe. It is made of Smart Reflex® pocket springs that cleverly adjust to the body’s every move. It also has Senso Memory® foam that conforms to the shape of the body, distributes weight evenly, and helps alleviate pressure points. Its Power Edge® support foam provides a supportive seating edge.
The Premium Touch Viscoluxe uses a mattress cover made from Tencel®, a natural cellulosic fiber that regulates moisture and body temperature. Its fabric is treated with Sanitized® which effectively protects against the growth of bacteria, odor, mildew, and dust mites, keeping the mattress clean and hypoallergenic.
“It’s hard to choose which Uratex product is my favorite because I love all of them. But, if I have to pick a favorite, it would be the Premium Touch Viscoluxe— it’s been my sleep companion for a while now because it keeps me super comfy at night,” Heart says.
As for future collaborations, Heart has some exciting news: “I’m currently working on some exciting stuff with Uratex and I honestly can’t wait to spill all the details with you soon.”
Uratex’s quality products for sleeping have been consistently recognized as a Trusted Brand in the mattress category by the Reader’s Digest Awards. Uratex has won this award for 14 consecutive years, including the 2023 edition.
To learn more about Uratex and its products, visit www.uratex.com.ph. You may also follow /UratexPhilippines on Facebook, and @uratex_ph on Instagram for updates and upcoming promos.
The R&B newcomer celebrates love “in all its beautiful complexities”
Multi-talented recording star Denise Julia continues to shape the trajectory of Filipino R&B with her debut mini-album, Sweet Nothings (Chapter 1), out this Friday, November 17, 2023, via Sony Music Entertainment.
Nestled between effortless cool and feminine grace, the hitmaker’s 7-track record essays the highs and lows of romantic commitment in the era of perpetual screentime and brief attention spans.
With a sweet voice that flutters gently above sonic flourishes, Denise Julia speaks her mind with wisdom beyond her years, delivering the material as if it were part of her own joy, pain, and experience.
“This album isn’t just a bunch of songs; it’s like a journey through all the different parts of love—from the exciting beginnings to the tough endings, and finally, to those sweet, lingering moments,” the NVMD artist reveals in a statement. “Sweet Nothings is like looking back at my own experiences and the stories from others that touched me. It’s like a musical trip exploring the different sides of love.”
Combining R&B sensibilities with a modern touch of jazzy soundscapes, hip-hop beats, and suave instrumentation, Denise Julia takes reign of her narrative as she deals with different facets of love: the rough parts, the reassuringly sweet edges, and the meaty center, all of which make the experience worth rummaging for. As the young music icon explains it, “Each song talks about a different part of this feeling we all know.”
Denise Julia’s new album features production from her constant and trusted collaborators, including Joel Tracks, a prolific producer based in Nigeria; J.Greg and Duaneinsane, who played pivotal roles in bringing her vision to life; and Neo Cruz, who is responsible for making “Butterflies” a sultry number with signature smooth melodies.
Norwegian-Filipina artist and multi-instrumentalist HILLARI and acclaimed alt-R&B experimentalist Jason Dhakal also join Denise Julia on “Roster” and “Bum 2 Me,” respectively, adding an interesting dimension to the album’s delicately sparse but genuinely sophisticated sound.
There’s also the inescapable crossover hit “B.A.D.,” featuring acclaimed rapper P-Lo, whose style and flow complement Julia’s incredible vocal chops. To date, the catchy R&B jam has racked up more than 2 million streams on Spotify since its release, peaking at No. 66 and still going strong.
“Working alongside these musical geniuses was a transformative experience, offering me invaluable insights and learnings,” the R&B sensation shares. ‘Their expertise and creativity elevated the project to new heights, and I am truly grateful for the collaborative synergy that shaped the outcome.”
The album’s focus track, “Lackin’,” serves as another highlight: an airy lullaby that was inspired by one of her dreams. Denise Julia told her producers about how the dream felt like a “ghost in her mind” and that she had to immediately write the track over that ringing, familiar melody.
She adds, “I remember the pressure and excitement during the studio session, especially in the intro. This track stands out as one of my best-written pieces, capturing the raw emotion of a relationship where one person was lacking, yet I expressed the belief that the tables would turn and they’d crave my presence in return.”
Check out the Sweet Nothings (Chapter 1) track list:
B.A.D. (Feat. P-Lo)
Lackin’
Sugar n’ Spice
bum 2 me (Feat. Jason Dhakal)
Roster (Feat. Hillari)
butterflies
butterflies (2 a.m. Version)
Album cover art:
Denise Julia’s debut mini album, Sweet Nothings (Chapter 1) is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
Special thanks to Denise Julia’s manager, John Vincent Salcedo and Carissa King, the creative director for all visuals assigned to the project.
(L-R) Paolo Del Rosario (Moderator), Mr. Alistair White Deputy Head of Missions – British Embassy, HE Peter Kell New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines, HE Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, German Ambassador to the Philippines
The 2nd edition of “The Business of Football” Conference, organized by MMC Sports and sanctioned by the Philippine Football Federation, concluded successfully on 10 November 2023, at Raffles Makati. The one-day conference brought together key stakeholders from the Southeast Asian football community, fostering dialogue on critical topics shaping the future of the sport.
The event aimed to stimulate discussions and transfer knowledge on topics such as Asian football sponsorship & investment trends, the use of blockchain to develop community building and fan engagement, the Impact of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Southeast Asian Football, as well as lessons learned from FIBA World Cup hosting experiences in the Philippines.
More than +30 regional and international speakers, including experts from governing bodies and rights holders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the UK, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Australia, Geneva shared insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in the football industry, while the Philippines was represented through officials of government entities such as the German, New Zealand, Spanish, and British embassies, the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, Games & Amusements Board, Philippines Football League, representatives from the respective men’s and women’s national teams, Philippines Basketball Association as well as the Philippine Football Federation.
Asia Trends in Sponsorship and Investment in Football
According to Asia Sponsorship News, football is unequivocally the most valuable platform in Asia, constituting nearly 31% of all sports sponsorship sales in 2022. The platform’s value was almost2.5 times that of its closest competitor, the ‘Olympics,’ with a remarkable +21% increase over the four-year football average. Football, topping the charts at $1.6 billion, dwarfed the Olympics at only one-third of that, with $639 million, and Cricket trailing at $529 million. This data underscores the unparalleled dominance of football over other sports sponsorship platforms in the region.
The Role of Sport in Building Bridges in Governmental Relationships In a poignant exploration of the transformative power of sports as a catalyst for unity and reconciliation, the panel on ‘The Role of Sport in Building Bridges in Governmental Relationships’ features government officials from the German, New Zealand, and British Embassies.
“Sports (football), in my view, is something that should unite people; that should unite countries. It should serve as a tool for reconciliation. Global sports should bring people together regardless of the color of their skin, regardless of age, even regardless of sex, so everybody can play football.” – HE Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, German Ambassador to the Philippines.
“Sport is a fantastic platform for building connections between governments, countries, societies, and communities.” – HE Peter Kell, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines
Addressing the Urgency for Adequate Sports Facilities Funding
During a short interview with Mr. Richard Bachmann, Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, he articulated a pressing concern regarding the funding of sports facilities: the deficiency in funding is not exclusive to football but extends across all sports. He also acknowledged that the country is currently lagging in providing the necessary financial support for sports infrastructure. His commitment is to rectify this shortfall and to collaborate with National Sports Associations (NSAs) to expedite the process of securing such funding. Looking forward, Bachmann disclosed of having requested a substantial budget allocation that aims to address the critical need for facility improvements across various sports, including football, underlining the need for the development of sports at all levels at every local government unit.
Monetizing the Fan Experience through the Power of Blockchain & Web3
‘Monetizing the Fan Experience through the Power of Blockchain & Web3, presented by Mr. Samir Ceric, Chief Operating Officer of Blocksport, unveiled an innovative and holistic solution to bridge the gap from Web2 to Web3 in the world of sports. Providing a glimpse into the transformative potential of this cutting-edge technology, he emphasized the importance of a solid foundation and community-building exercise, where Web3 technology enables a deeper connection with fans and the creation of substantial new revenues for sporting properties globally.
Obstacles in Sustainability in Professional Club & League Football \
The panel discussion of ‘Obstacles in Sustainability in Professional Club & League Football,’ provided profound insights into the challenges faced on both the buy and sell sides with brands and clubs. Mr. Paul Poole, Founder & Managing Director of Paul Poole (South-East Asia) Co., Ltd. The Sponsorship Experts, commented on the intricate dynamics surrounding the commercial rights of football clubs and the struggles they face as they often don’t understand the value of their assets while also not using agencies to package and ell the rights.
Awards and Recognitions:
The conference also honored individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the football community. Notable awardees included:
Token of Appreciation: His Excellency Dr. Andreas Pfaffernoschke for his support and contribution to The Business of Football 2023 Conference.
Token of Appreciation: Mr. Jefferson G Cheng, Team Manager of the Philippines Women’s National Football Team, for his dedication and contributions to the development of Women’s Football in the Philippines & Asia.
Token of Congratulations: Philippine Football Federation for its inaugural participation in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.
Token of Congratulations: New Zealand Football & Football Australia respectively for the successful hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
Token of Congratulations: Malaysia Football League for the successful implementation of its digital transformation process.
“The Business of Football” conference aims to become an annual event in the Philippines “as regular football discussions and knowledge transfer are essential elements for the development of the sport. And since not everyone can travel around the region, we will bring the football industry to the Philippines stakeholders”, explains Eric M. Gottschalk, CEO of MMC Sportz Asia explains the future plans of the conference. “We might add more local elements to the event and conceptualize proper football awards to become the highlight of the Conference.”
MMC Sportz extends its appreciation to its partners – LALIGA, BLOCKSPORT, Capital Block, ASN, and Raffles Makati – for their extended support in making the conference a resounding success.
The event’s official hashtag, #BOFPH2023, continues to be a platform for sharing insights and engaging discussions on social media.
Stay tuned for updates on future events and initiatives from MMC Sportz.
