TGFI opens financial literacy hub in Makati, announces partnerships

The Global Filipino Investors (TGFI), a group whose advocacy is to spread financial literacy to Filipinos, opens their new office and Web Academy studio at Unit 2512 Cityland 10 Tower 1, 156 H.V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City. On the same day, August 6, 2015, TGFI and its partners sealed valuable partnerships driven by a common goal in helping Filipinos become financially literate.

TGFI was founded by Floi Wycoco—after finding himself bankrupt due to multiple credit card debts. Floi capitalized on this unfortunate experience and found inspiration to break the endless cycle of Filipinos mismanaging their wealth; preventing them from entering the wrong investments due to the lack of proper financial education programs in the country.

In 2012, Floi shared his experiences and ideas with entrepreneur Mario Jordan “Magellan” Fetalino III and Dr. Khristian Santos. United by a common advocacy, they started their own company and social media platform, TGFI, which initially had only around a thousand members.

Since then, the group has been advocating financial literacy through digital media and regular meet-ups among members in their respective country of residence. Communities have been formed in Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Brunei, Greece, Australia, Manila, and Cebu.

TGFI’s methods and advocacy gained the recognition of multiple business and financial organizations like COL Financial, different Philippine Embassies, Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc (AFFI), Money Summit, as well as media groups in the Philippines like ANC – On the Money and CNN Philippines. The group has now over 55,000 members (and growing) and has formed communities in more than ten countries.

TGFI Board and AFFI Officers

And now, TGFI and AFFI agreed to provide financial literacy to aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs. AFFI is the Philippines’ prime trade organization committed to promote responsible micro-small-medium enterprise businesses through franchising. It consists of Filipino corporate presidents, CEOs, and prominent businessmen who recognize the competitive potential of the local franchising industry in the global market.

TGFI’s Founder Floi Wycoco and 8990 Holdings, Inc.’s President JJ Atencio

TGFI also welcomes Januario Jesus "JJ" Atencio as its Board Member. JJ Atencio is the President of 8990 Housing Development Corporation, which principally aims to develop low-cost mass housing subdivisions particularly for Filipinos in the middle to lower income brackets.

Bro Bo. Sanchez during the event

The event was graced by members of the media and best-selling author and motivational speaker Bro. Bo Sanchez. “This is just the beginning for TGFI. We will stand strong until we’ve reached every Filipino in the world,” Mr. Wycoco said firmly.

For more information about TGFI, please visit:

http://tgfiph.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TGFInvestors

http://www.tgfiph.com/webacademy

Poco Deli in Kapitolyo, Pasig

About two months ago, I was able to eat at Poco Deli, one of the hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Kapitolyo, Pasig City. It’s within a neighborhood, so parking (for those who have cars) and commuting (for those who don’t have cars) is difficult. 

As its name suggests, Poco Deli is a small delicatessen serving various deli meat, pizza, wine and other dishes. The warm lighting and wooden tables and chairs (unfortunately, with no backrest) give it a homey ambiance.

For starters, we ordered the Quattro Formaggi Pizza (PhP 400). It is freshly made thin crust dough topped with four cheeses (mozzarella, pecorino, gorgonzola and grana padano). It was delicious in its simplicity.

We also tried Poco Deli’s pastas—Aglio Olio Pasta (olive oil and garlic) (PhP 270) and Pomodoro Pasta (rich, slow-cooked tomato sauce) (PhP 270). The spaghettini strands were cooked just right, the flavors not empowering.

Of course we wouldn’t leave Poco Deli without having their popular dish, the Bacon Steak (PhP 420). I was expecting the usual thin and crispy bacon but lo and behold, it was two thick chunks of bacon (hello cholesterol and calories!) that I cannot finish even if it was delectable. It comes with a sunny side up egg and steamed rice with bacon bits on top.

For dessert, we had the famous Blackout Chocolate Cake (PhP 220). It has caramel filling and topped with chocolate. It is moist and rich but not that sweet. The Red Velvet Cake (PhP 180) on the other hand was quite dry. Though Poco Deli's version is different because it is strawberry-flavored!

I also tried Poco Deli’s Blueberry Smoothie (PhP 205). I love blueberries and I’m so happy they have this!

Sorry for the quality of the photos. We were already eating when I remembered to take photos!

Poco Deli’s prices are a tad expensive but in my opinion, worth it. Service is commendable too. I’d definitely go back to try their other dishes, especially Poco Deli’s artisanal sausages (hey, it’s okay to indulge once-in-a-while!).

For more information, you can visit their website at: http://www.pocodeli.ph/

Asia E- Commerce Expo this November 2015 at SMX Aura #AECoE

Asia E- Commerce Expo 2015 (#AECoE) will be held at SMX Aura, Taguig on November 25, 2015. This is organized by TAG Media and Public Relations.

#AECoE will give you a unique opportunity to learn from, and network with senior leaders from the biggest brands in the  Asia Pacific region. At #AECoE, the leading e-commerce experts from emerging markets, award winning e-commerce players and established e-retailers in APAC gather under one roof. Industry leaders will share independent experiences and insights for delegates from different countries. You can be a part of this inspiring event and benefit from the excellent networking opportunities it offers.

It features:
- Pre-conference sessions on ePayments, eLogistics and ePrivacy
- Opening reception
- Conference programme
- Over 15 local and international high level speakers
 - 30+ sponsors
- 1 hour of networking

What you will learn:
· Market Analysis
· Digital Marketing
· CRM
· Strategy
· E Commerce
· Going Global

Why you should attend:
· To grow your business
· To meet investors
· 300 APAC Audience
· Maximizing cross border e-commerce

Speakers are leaders from different industries and engaged in momentous pursuits of significance to the ASEAN region. Attendees are senior business people, high-ranking government officials and media journalists. #AECoE is not just about learning but a potential future collaboration that’s why we allot time for networking.

Asia E Commerce Expo 2015 (#AECoE) is expecting 300 visitors and up to 30 companies to share their products and services in the expo. For more info please check www.asiadigitalmarketing.ph. For partnership/sponsorship, please contact the organizer at 09166299381 or at grace@asiadigitalmarketing.ph. Registration Fee per delegate: Php 3,000.00 (Inclusion: Snacks and Lunch, Conference and Expo.)

K-Pop Sensations Asha and Fameus invade the Philippines this September!

Great news to all K-Pop Pinoy fans! Zoomanity Group of the Yupangco Group of Companies invited two of the famous K-Pop sensations--Asha and Fameus to perform at Ynares Sports Complex, Pasig City on September 18, 2015 and at the SMX Convention Center, Davao on October 2, 2015.

Zoomanity Group, the leading company in theme park industry, thru its affiliate Yupangco Exhibits and Shows (YES) has come together with Redstone Media Production to bring you the latest sensations in Korean Pop Music.

 Dubbed as the “YES KPOP CONCERT,” it features two new rising K-Pop groups ASHA (Girl Group) and FAMEUS (Boy Group). K-Pop has thousands of followers in the Philippines and still continues to grow in number. These fans of all ages (from kids, teens, to young adults) loyally support their favorite K-Pop group and this can easily be proven by the numerous K-Pop trending topics in the social media and music scene worldwide!

For those interested to become a sponsor or to promote your product or brand during these events, contact TAG Media and Public Relations at 09166299381 or email to gracenicolas@yahoo.com.

Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015

Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015, the biggest gathering of leaders for digital marketing was successfully held last July 26, 2015 at SMX Aura, Taguig City, Philippines.

It was attended by top executives from the following companies: Adec Innovations, Air Asia Philippines, Apag Marangle, Artstream Hospitality Management Group Inc, Asian Institute of Management, Azalea Residences, Blue Dynamics Inc, Bounty Fresh, Business Process Outsourcing International, Cafelo, Chalre Associates, Commission On Elections, Compos Mentis Inc, Creative Voices Production, Department of Science and Technology, DigiMoz, Digital Club Filipino, Elabram Systems Group, EmLogis, ESCO Corp, Forward Direct Selling Company, Globe GCash, Helix Technologies, Hotel La Corona De Lipa, Infotxt, Mediacom, Megaworld, MyDocNow, NGCP, NWSteel Tehnologies, One Lightning, Orchid Cybertech, Paradigm Global, Philippine Software Industry Association, PMCM Events Management, Santuario Divino Memorial Resort, San Miguel Corporation, Smart, Subic Travelers Hotel, Summit Media, Sunlife of Canada, Tech One Global Phils, Inc., Tree Top Adventure Inc, Twitter, Victoria Court, Viber, Xremo, Xyxon Pte. Ltd, Zalora, and Zoomanity Group. Media were also on hand to cover the event.

Speakers and moderators were international & local top executives and influencers, namely: Mario Montejo (Secretary, Department of Science and Technology), Xavier Marzan (CEO and President, Globe GCash), Constantin Robertz (Managing Director, Zalora), Tina Pang (Head of Online Sales, Twitter), Dr. Donald Lim (Chief Digital Officer, ABS CBN),  Kristian Melquiades (General Manager, Viber), Earl Valencia (Head of Corporate Development/Innovation, Smart Communications), Jonathan De Luzuriaga (President, Philippine Software Industry Association), Janette Toral (E-Commerce Advocate, Digital Club Filipino), Rebecca Bustamante (President & CEO, Chalre Associates), Mikel Yaw (Managing Director, Elabram Systems Group), Chinkee Tan (Motivational Speaker, Book Author, Radio Host), Robert Yupangco (President, Yupangco Group of Companies) Tanya Llana (Business Strategist and Director of Sales & Marketing, Victoria Court), Pocholo De Leon Gonzalez (CEO, Creative Voices Productions), James Jimenez (Director and Spokesman, Philippines Commission On Election), Lewis Hong (Web Digital Marketing Specialist, Xyxon Pte. Ltd), Kim Bernardo Lokin (Managing Editor, Business+Class Magazine), Chris Kiklas (CEO, EmLogis Philippines), and Allan Donato (Brand Ambassador, Payoneer).

It was an interactive, timely and informative discussion as they talked about: (a) The future of the Philippine digital economy and positioning the Philippines as a gateway from east to west and from west to east; (b) Disrupting tradition and embracing innovation; (c) Technology and entrepreneurship driving inclusive growth; and (d) Micromultinationals-Ecommerce connecting SMEs to ASEAN and beyond, and is the Philipines ready to be a cashless society?

The whole day event also had the following sponsors and exhibitors: Air Asia Philippines, Apag Marangle, Aquabest, Azalea Residences, Bounty Fresh, Cafelo, DOST, KCs Catering, Globe GCash, Got it all Marketing, Hattendo, Infotxt, Mernels Cake, Netplay Inc, PMCM Events Management, Tree Top Adventure Inc, and  Zoomanity Group.

#AdMe is presented/organized by TAG Media & Public Relations. For more info please check www.asiadigitalmarketing.ph. For partnership/sponsorship in future events, please contact the organizer at 09166299381 or at grace@asiadigitalmarketing.ph.

BAHAY Buffet kicks off at MoCa Farm

For those who love to prepare food, host gatherings or simply are passionate about food, then this new concept in dining is for you—BAHAY Buffet. BAHAY Buffet, which stands for Buffet At Home is Always Yummy, was launched last July 18, 2015 by the same team behind BAGA Manila.

According to BAHAY Buffet’s Ms. Dawn Bolus Mawis, the idea is there will be a host who will prepare the buffet in the host’s venue of choice, with a certain number of guests. Guests who are interested will have to prepay for it. There will be various schedules with different hosts. It’s like hosting a gathering for friends, but getting paid for it at the same time. It is also a great opportunity to network with like-minded individuals who shares the same interests.

And as opening salvo, BAHAY Buffet had Gigi Morris, of MoCa Family Farm, as host and select bloggers as guests. Ka Gigi, as she is fondly called, shares the same passion in food and hosting get-togethers.

Upon arriving in their farm in Barangay Castillo, Padre Garcia, Batangas, we were served merienda consisting of Tamales, which can be partnered with Liberica Coffee (kapeng barako), Santol Juice or Bignay Cider. The Sweet Tamales is their own local version of steamed/boiled rice wrapped in banana leaves with coconut filling and served with Santan Syrup (coconut milk with panutsa). It was my first time to try Santol Juice and Bignay Cider. The Santol Juice was sweet and the Bignay Cider tasted like cranberry juice.

Truly a gracious host, Ka Gigi toured us in their small family farm. They have various plants--santol, bignay, atis, bataw, mango, duhat, and orchid. They also have farm animals such as rabbits and native pigs.

Finally, lunch was served. MoCa Farm is espousing small family farm agri-culinary tourism and farm-to-table concept.  They don’t have a preset menu as they prepare food based on seasonal availability. We had Creamy Kalabasa Soup with Malunggay Flakes, Garden Salad, Zesty Santol with Pork in Coconut Milk, Native Pig Lechon, Pinaputukang Tilapia wrapped in Galangal Leaves and Sapin-sapin Rice.

The Kalabasa Soup was really creamy while the Santol with Pork was quite spicy. I love the roasted pineapples in the Garden Salad. I pigged out on the pig (hey, it’s native swine so it has lesser fat!). The Sapin-sapin Rice is not your usual delicacy, but it is actually multi-colored steamed rice wherein they use natural coloring, such as turmeric (for the yellow color). And to cap of the lunch, we had Hubad na Lumpiang Saging.

I enjoyed this farm-to-table buffet because the menu was interesting (not the usual you see in restaurants) and I liked the “natural” setting. I also liked the BAHAY Buffet concept because it’s like having your “own private gathering.”

For future BAHAY Buffext events, check out their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/bahaybuffet

To know more about MoCa Family farm, visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MoCa-Farm/144927215529014?sk=timeline

Confirmed attendees for Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015 happening on July 26, 2015

More and more companies are excited with over 50 media to cover the event from TV, Radio, Print and Online.Kindly check the companies and agencies confirmed to attend at Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015:

1 Tech Global
24/7 International
Accenture
Adec Innovations
Air Asia Philippines
Artstream Hospitality Management Group Inc
Asian Institute of Management
Azalea Residences
Blue Dynamics Inc
Bounty Fresh
Business Process Outsourcing International
Cafelo
Celdran Tours
Chalre Associates
Commission On Election
Compos Mentis Inc
Creative Voices Production
De La Salle University
Department of Science and Technology
Digital Club Filipino
Elabram Systems Group
EmLogis
Ericsson
F1C Global
Globe GCash
Hotel La Corona De Lipa
Huawei
Infotxt
John Robert Powers
Line- X
Megaworld 
MyDocNow
Mustard Seed
NWSteel Tehnologies
One Lightning
Optel
Orchid Cybertech
Paradigm Global
PatisTito.Com
Philippine Software Industry Association
PMCM Events Management
Santuario De Vino Memorial Resort
San Miguel Corporation
Smart
Subic Grand Hoyah Hotel
Subic Travelers Hotel
Summit Media
Sunlife of Canada
Tech One Global Phils, Inc.
Telus
Tree Top Adventure Inc
Twitter
Victoria Court
Viber
Xremo
Xyxon Pte. Ltd
Zalora
Zoomanity Group
ZTE

Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015 (#AdMe) will be at SMX Aura, Taguig on July 26, 2015 with the theme: Empower, Connect, Inspire & Learn.

Different top executives will join together to share the future of online marketing in the Philippines and for the Asia Pacific Region with the following points:

• The digital economy of the Philippines
• Positioning the Philippines as a gateway from east to west and west to east
• Is the Philippines ready to be a cashless society?
• Disrupting tradition and embracing innovation
• Technology and entrepreneurship driving inclusive growth
• Micro- multinationals- e commerce connecting SMEs to ASEAN and beyond
Speakers and Moderators are from international & local scenes who are corporate leaders & influencers. Some of them are as follows;
• Mario Montejo- Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
• Xavier Marzan- CEO and President, Globe GCash
• Constantin Robertz- Managing Director, Zalora
• Tina Pang- Head of Online Sales, Twitter
• Dr. Donald Lim - Chief Digital Officer, ABS CBN.
• Kristian Melquiades - General Manager, Viber
• Earl Valencia- Head of Corporate Development/Innovation, Smart Communications
• Jonathan Luzuriaga- President, Philippine Software Industry Association
• Donald Felbaum- Managing Director, Optel
• John Upton- President, John Robert Powers
• Janette Toral – E Commerce Advocate, Digital Club Filipino.
• Rebecca Bustamante -President & CEO, Chalre Associates.
• Mikel Yaw -Managing Director, Elabram Systems Group (ESG)
• Chinkee Tan - Motivational Speaker, Book Author, Radio Host
• Carlos Celdran – Brand Ambassador, Tour Guide
• Robert Yupangco – President, Yupangco Group of Companies
• Tanya Llana - Business Strategist and Director of Sales & Marketing, Victoria Court
• Camille Montejo – CEO, NWSteel Technologies & Tree Top Adventure.
• Pocholo De Leon Gonzalez – CEO, Creative Voices Productions.
• James Jimenez - Director and Spokesman, Philippines Commission On Election (COMELEC)
• Lloyd Luna- CEO, Lloyd Luna Corporation
• Lewis Hong- Web Digital Marketing Specialist, Xyxon Pte. Ltd.
• Kim Bernardo Lokin- Managing Editor, Business+Class Magazine

#AdMe is presented/organized by TAG Media & Public Relations. For more info please check www.asiadigitalmarketing.ph & for partnership/sponsorship, please contact the organizer at 09166299381 or at grace@asiadigitalmarketing.ph Registration Regular Rate Php 2,000.00 on or before July 25, 2015. Walk Ins, Php 2,500.00.

To confirm your registration. Here are the 3 easy steps; 1. Please deposit the registration fee of Php 2,000.00 to TAG Media and Public Relations BPI Checking Account # 1680 0010 29. 2. Scan the deposit slip. 3.Send the scanned copy of the deposit slip to grace@asiadigitalmarketing.ph You will receive a confirmation email after.

Zoomanity Group to launch Zootopia Ski Resort in Japan

Zoomanity Group, the leader in producing zoo and hotel facilities in the Philippines, will soon launch Zootopia Ski Resort at Nagano, Japan.

Zoomanity Group, headed by Robert Laurel Yupangco, the theme park management guru is known for managing Zoobic Safari in Subic, Zambales, Zoocobia in Clark, Pampanga, Residence Inn in Tagaytay, Paradizoo in Mendez, Cavite and Zoocolate Thrills in Bohol.

True to its vision of expanding from 5 theme parks to 24, Zoomanity Group is preparing to launch 3-4 theme parks before 2018, including Zootopia.

Zoomanity just purchased 11 rooms for Zootopia and it plans to buy the whole facility to treat guests to an experience they will never forget with the following activities; Ski (Dragon Slider, Snow Strider, Snow Bike, Snow Tubing, Buggy and Snow Rafting) and Snow Monkeys encounter. Plus, trips to Zenkoji, Kiyomizudera and Tokyo for as low as $999.00 per head for 5 Days and 4 Nights at Dia Palace, Iiyama. 

Situated in the far north of Nagano Prefecture, Iiyama city is Japan's eternal home town, where nostalgic scenery depicted in songs like Furusato and Oborozukiyo can still be found. Amidst the region's rich natural landscape, a unique history and culture, sense of tradition, and kindness has flourished. With elegant streets lined with temples, deep forests and highlands, and specialty produce each season, the area is full of charming attractions.

In addition, the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Bullet Train) line between Nagano City and Kanazawa City will begin running in the spring of 2015, and a new train station in Iiyama will be opened. With this launch, it will be easier to get to Iiyama from anywhere in Japan.

For more information, email your inquiries to grace@asiadigitalmarketing.ph or text/call 09166299381. TAG Media and Public Relations is the Marketing & Branding arm of Zoomanity Group under the Yupangco Group of Companies.

Hotel Rembrandt: Relive the art of the master

At the heart of Quezon City, Philippines lies a unique boutique hotel that combines the essence of 17th century European grandeur with the luxuries of the modern life--Hotel Rembrandt. Hotel Rembrandt under Artsream Hospitality Management Group Incorporated (AHMGI) is just one of 5 hotels conceptualized for people to relish the zest of life.

Rooms

Hotel Rembrandt has 71 newly appointed guest rooms with contemporary furnishings and amenities. Each room is equipped with Internet access, hotel electronic key lock facility, IDD/NDD telephone facility, multilingual cable television, minibar, hot and cold shower.

According to Ritchie Lagunilla during his guesting under"Let's Talk About Career" Radio Show at DZME 1530 with host Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, " ..because of the patrons, AHMGI is hiring more staff and expanding. Our hotels are inspired by different artists and we're offering the ultimate luxury and convenience with a range of facilities to satisfy every guest's requirements."

Spa

Upon check in, guests get coupons for a complimentary 15 minute back massage and welcome drinks. This is to show the fantastic services they are offering since the hotel have "VidaVerde Spa" for dermatology, cosmetic, laser, varicose veins treatment and massages.

Dining

For a nice dining experience, Hotel Rembrandt offers a hearty buffet for miryenda (snacks), dinner and breakfast at "The Lobby" to satisfy your craving for a Filipino classic dishes. They also have a la carte choices that you can match with a wide range of drinks from cocktails to fresh juices. The Lobby is open from 6AM to 1AM. To beat the summer heat, a "Halo Halo" buffet is available for only Php 150.00.

Overall, the guests’ experience will be overwhelming, with the efficient and friendly staff, relaxing and big rooms, delicious food to therapeutic massages. 

Visit also the different hotels from AHMGI; Le Monet Hotel Baguio, Hotel Rembrandt QC, Vitalis Resort & Spa Santiago, Ilocos Sur, Hotel Luna Vigan and Stay Lite Candon, Ilocos Sur.

For more information, contact Hotel Rembrandt at their email address: sales@hotelrembrandt@ahmgi.com or telephone nos.: +6323733333 Loc 201-204 or call TAG Media and PR at 09166299381.

Hotel Rembrandt is located at 26 Tomas Morato, Quezon City, Metro Manila 1104, Philippines.

Puzzles Board Game Lounge

About two months ago, and after having dinner along Aguirre Ave in BF Paranaque, one of our friends suggested we try Puzzles Board Game Lounge. Playing board games while snacking and chatting with friends, why not?

It was late Saturday evening and Puzzles was really crowded (although the place is quite small to begin with). I wanted to sit on a really cute table on the floor with bean bags but it was already taken. Luckily, a table became vacant.

You have two options here: “stay + play” or “eat + drink”. For “stay + play”, you have to pay a gaming fee of PhP 100 per person for unlimited board games (yes! stay all you want, play all you want!). But if you just come here to “eat + drink”, then that gaming fee is waived and you just have to pay for your orders.

It’s been ages since I’ve last played a board game and I got really excited to see their almost 200 board games on the shelves (board game heaven!). There are old favorites like Monopoly and Jenga. There are are also plenty of new ones that I’m not familiar with like Cards Against Humanity, Cash and Guns and The King of Tokyo.

Our friend chose Pandemic.  Well, she’s the only one familiar with the game, but it was easy to learn.

While playing we ordered Mojo-Jojo’s Mojos, Oreo Afraid of the Dark, Callebaut Cold Brew and Strawberry Milkshake. The mojos has the right texture and has a flavourful dip. The Oreos were fried with vanilla ice cream (this one’s a winner!).  The Callebaut was good while the milkshake was creamy and too sweet. I find their menu a bit pricey because of the small servings.

And it was so much fun that we didn’t notice that we spent almost three hours playing Pandemic! If it wasn’t already past midnight, we would have tried the other games. Before we left, we were able to chat with one of the owners and some of the game coaches. They are really friendly and you could ask for their assistance for the games that you are not familiar with. They even shared that sometimes Puzzles hold special gaming events or sometimes groups would compete with each other, especially on games that require a large number of participants. How cool is that?!

My friends and I loved the experience— and we’re raring to go back!

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/PuzzlesBGL/