On the Spotlight!

by Grace Bondad Nicolas We live in a modern world — or at least, that’s what we like to think about this generation. But still, cruelty seems to have found a comfortable home, both online and in real life. Social media has become a battleground of opinions and egos, while in the real world, we see groups forming, excluding, and judging others as if unkindness were a badge of superiority. I belong to many groups, and yes, I’ve experienced bullying. The difference is, I can now look back at them with fierce and confident eyes. People will look at you and talk behind your back. Some will choose silence, refusing to acknowledge you even when you’re part of the same organization. Others will act entitled, as if the world owes them validation. And yes — I’m talking about you. The irony is that many of these same people are also fighting their own battles — dealing with pain, insecurities, and fears. Yet instead of healing, they project their struggles outward, hurting others with the same pa...

  On October 23, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Los Baños (PCCI-LB) hosted a farewell gathering for Mr. Martin Pandapotan , the Trade Attaché of the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila, at Danielitos Restaurant in Bay, Laguna. The intimate event was organized by PCCI-LB Board Director Dar Sosa, in honor of the Trade Attaché’s strong partnership and friendship with the local business community. For the past two years, Mr. Pandapotan has been a valuable ally and friend of PCCI Los Baños, strengthening ties between Filipino and Indonesian entrepreneurs. His close collaboration with PCCI-LB President Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas and Business Development Head Dar Sosa led to two successful Business Trade Missions to Jakarta, Indonesia, which opened doors for future joint ventures and investment opportunities.   Through these efforts, PCCI Los Baños developed a meaningful relationship with His Excellency Indonesian Ambassador Agus Wi...

At the heart of the country’s most magical destination, Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, the province’s tourism industry opened a new chapter—one marked by unity, empowerment , and shared vision . On October 22, 2025, more than a hundred leaders and entrepreneurs gathered for the first Laguna Tourism Council Meeting under the administration of Governor Sol Aragones. Among the distinguished attendees was Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas , President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Los Baños (PCCI-LB), who was personally invited by Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon , President of the Laguna Tourism Council and Chief Operating Officer of Enchanted Kingdom. For Nicolas, this gathering was more than an event but it was a reflection of the values she has long stood for: collaboration, inclusivity, and leadership with heart.   “It was my privilage to be part of this historical event with big businesses in Laguna that caters the Tourism sector. I am glad that I attended and m...

  As a member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry–Quezon City (PCCI-QC), the PCCI National organization, and the dynamic President of PCCI Los Baños, Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas continues to champion innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration across the Philippine business landscape.   Under her visionary leadership, PCCI Los Baños proudly participated in the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) held on October 20 up to 21, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, headed by the Visionary Dennis Anthony Uy of Converge, with the theme “The Future is Now: Unleash the Power of Digital Transformation.” The event gathered the country’s top policymakers, industry leaders, and business innovators to discuss how technology and digitalization are shaping the nation’s economic future. Among the distinguished speakers were Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda , Globe Telecom President & CEO Carl Cruz , ...

  In this generation of instant news, digital posts, and fleeting trends, one medium continues to define credibility and class — the print magazine. Despite predictions that print would fade away, it remains the gold standard of prestige, especially for publications like Rising Tigers Magazine, InCharge Magazine , and TopNewsAsia , all under TAG Media Group, one of the Philippines’ leading multimedia publishers. To be featured in print — in glossy pages that people hold, display, and treasure — is to be recognized as someone of influence, substance, and achievement. In a fast-paced digital landscape, that permanence and prestige are priceless.   The Power of Tangibility and Legacy Print is a tangible, timeless legacy. Unlike digital content that is easily scrolled away, a magazine is a keepsake, a collectible, and a permanent part of your story. Being featured in Rising Tigers Magazine , InCharge Magazine , or TopNewsAsia means your story of hard work, impact, and ...

Books have the power to cross borders, carrying the voices, experiences, and cultures of those who create them. This capacity to bring people together takes center stage at the Asia Stage of the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025. From October 15 to 19, illustrators, writers, publishers, and thought leaders from across Asia will gather to share their stories, celebrate their craft, and showcase the richness and diversity of Asian literature to the world. The Asia Stage is the vision of Rex Education , brought to life in partnership with Frankfurt Buchmesse and supported by the National Book Development Board. Its journey began in 2018 as the ASEAN Forum, evolved into the ASEAN Stage in 2019, and in 2024, it embraced its current identity: the Asia Stage. What began as a noble idea to highlight regional publishing has grown into a recognized platform, a stage where the depth of Asia’s literary voices can shine on the global scene. At the heart of this initiative is Atty. Dominador D. Buhain, C...

  McDonald's is celebrating the upcoming World Egg Day by giving away a golden treat: a FREE Golden Curry Fillet with Egg for breakfast!   This one-day-only promo is McDonald’s way of letting customers experience the best of McDonald’s breakfast offerings through the new Golden Curry Fillet with Egg. Topped with the new Golden Curry sauce, the beloved Crispy Chicken Fillet compliments well with a perfect blend of flavor and spices that elevates your every bite. And now, it’s made yummier and creamier with fluffy scrambled eggs. It's so good, it's chef's kiss!   Customers can get their free Golden Curry Fillet with Egg a la carte this Friday, October 10, 2025 at 7:00-8:00 AM only, via the McDonald’s App. Simply tap the voucher on the app and claim at any McDonald’s store. Available via the front counter and for dine-in only.   Not an early riser? McDonald’s extends the World Egg Day breakfast celebration by offering a Buy 1 Get 1 Golden Curry Fillet with Egg S...

    Greenhills welcomes a new sanctuary for modern self-care with the relaunch of Sheena Clinic and the grand opening of Lindra Spa , now open at 2F O-Square 2, Greenhills, San Juan. This milestone by the Sheena Group of Companies marks the first integrated destination that brings together science-based aesthetics and Nordic-inspired wellness in one luxurious space.   Guests experienced the unveiling of the Sheena Beauty Bar, a first-of-its-kind innovation where visitors can “Build Your Own Skin Ritual,” alongside Lindra Spa’s signature Nordic treatments such as the Lindra Signature, Aurora Prestige , and the Varm & Kall contrast therapy. Designed as a haven of balance and renewal, Lindra Spa offers holistic relaxation paired with Scandinavian-inspired dining through its wellness lounge, Fika.   According to Dr. Sheena Joyce A. Bautista , Founder and CEO of the Sheena Group of Companies, “Lindra Spa expands the meaning of wellness by allowing...

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), under the steadfast leadership of Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia, has once again brought pride to the Philippines by being recognized on the international stage.  At a ceremony organized by the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS) , COMELEC and its Chairman received three major awards: • The Electoral Commissioner of the Year • The International Institutional Engagement Award • The First-Time Voters Award These honors are a testament to Chairman Garcia’s unwavering dedication and commitment to democratic governance, electoral integrity, and inclusive political participation in the Philippines. Championing Electoral Integrity Since assuming the chairmanship, Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia has emphasized the importance of truth, transparency, and trust in every electoral process. His leadership has been pivotal in strengthening COMELEC’s credibility as a guardian of the people’s voice, particularly at a time ...

Rex Education proudly congratulates three of its distinguished authors—Atty. Hector M. De Leon Jr., Managing Partner of SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan; Atty. Nilo T. Divina, Managing Partner of Divina Law, and Atty. Tranquil A. Salvador, Partner at Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles—for their recognition in the Asia Business Law Journal’s Philippines Top Lawyers 2025 A-List. According to Asia Business Law Journal, A-List lawyers are “ lawyers who are currently the star performers of the Philippines’ legal profession; the lawyers who are personally undertaking the country’s top legal work, crafting the most cutting-edge legal solutions to complex problems, and setting the highest standards in terms of quality, innovation and the ability to handle complex matters.” The journal also defines Legal Icons as “lawyers who are the luminaries of the Philippines’ legal profession; the titans who command the respect of clients and juniors alike; the mentors who lead t...

Glowing skin isn’t just about looking radiant: it’s about feeling confident in your own skin. That’s the idea behind Galderma’s Journey of Glow, which has been making its way across Asia and has finally arrived in the Philippines, in partnership with The Icon Clinic. More than an event, the Journey of Glow is designed as an immersive beauty experience, one that encourages you to see skincare and treatments not just as vanity, but as self-care. “Glow isn’t just about radiant and refreshed skin; it’s having that healthy and renewed skin from inside out. Giving you the confidence to celebrate beauty” shares Michelle De Jesus , Business Unit Head of Galderma Aesthetics, at the Journey of Glow launch. At the center of the experience is the Icon Glow On treatment, a combination of Restylane Skinboosters and Sculptra, two innovations that work synergistically to deliver both instant and long-lasting results. Restylane Skinboosters works like water for the skin, delivering deep hydration ...