Who will be the next 'flair idol?'

G.S.M. Blue ambassador Anne Curtis

    By Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon

Once again, everyone will witness great skills in drink mixing and throwing bar glasses and bottles up in the air as the G.S.M. Blue Flair Idol 2013 Grand Finals takes off today, March 23, 5 p.m. at the Rajah Sulayman Open Park in Malate, Manila, wherein a new idol of flairtending will be crowned.
 Flairtending, which is sometimes referred to as "extreme bartending," is said to be the practice of bartenders in entertaining their guests or audiences with the manipulation of bar tools such as cocktail shakers or liquor bottles in tricky and dazzling ways.

Now on its seventh year, G.S.M. Blue Flair Idol will gather 17 Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) students from different schools across the country, and will be competed against each other. Of the 17 finalists, 11 participants will come from Luzon areas, while the Visayas and Mindanao areas will have three contestants each.

The 17 finalists of the "G.S.M. Blue Flair Idol 2013"

Joining this flairtending competition are Arvin Philip Rallos (Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City), Frederick Shane Rubias (Lyceum of the Philippines University, Manila), Joe Mari Castillo (Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Bulacan), Joe Mari Santos (Bulacan State University, Malolos, Bulacan), Darwin de Guzman (Immaculate Conception International College, Sta. Maria, Bulacan), Katrina Jane Ramos (Wesleyan Philippines University, Cabanatuan), Raymark Linatok (System Plus Computer College, Balibago, Pampanga), Marlon Aseoche (Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Calamba, Laguna), Javy Pelegrina (Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Calamba, Laguna), Kingsley Joseph Ramos (De La Salle University, Dasmariñas, Cavite City) and Ana Luna Encailado (Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City) from Luzon; Francis Angelo Nolasco (Southwestern University, Cebu City), Ma. Fatima Villarino (University of Cebu, Cebu City) and Jonathan Villarama Jr. (VMA College, Bacolod City) from the Visayas, and; Jason Balansag (Davao Central College, Davao City), Jed Raphaiel Carpitanos (Immaculate Concepcion Archdiocesan School, Zamboanga City) and Jan Francel Chua (Holy Cross of Davao College, Davao City) from Mindanao. The "battle of the flairtenders" grand champion will take home P50,000 cash plus a mobile cart, while his school will get a bar showcase worth P30,000 that can be used by his fellow HRM students. He will also serve as an ambassador of the sport with a mission of promoting a responsible drinking.

The media participants, including the author (fourth from left),  in the cocktail-making contest

The author with his winning entry "Orange Obsession"

And for the first and second runners-up will receive P25,000 and P10,000, respectively, gimmick package plus computer showcase for each school. Third runner-up will get P10,000 gimmick pack and one-year supply of the GSM Blue line. All partici
Apart from the battle of skills in flairtending, the event will also banner performances by noted local bands such as Itchyworms, Rocksteddy and Callalily. On top of this, GSM Blue brand ambassador TV host/actress Anne Curtis will also grace this annual competition.                                                                                                                                             For the finalists, an inspirational message and some tips the last year grand winner, Gino Carlo Simbillo from Wesleyan University-Philippines in Cabanatuan City, is would like to share.
He says that like any subject in school, flairtending also entails a lot of reviewing, studying and constant practice, but, Simbillo advises, don't ever stop practicing as it keeps your skills sharp. "Becoming a good flairtender takes patience. Focus on being a good bartenter first and let the flair part progress at a natural pace," stresses the 2012 flair idol. He adds that as an entertainer, it is always good to have a friendly and positive attitude. "Build a rapport with your audience. Keep eye contact and perform with a smile. Flaring should be fun and should captivate your audience," notes Simbillo, who now works as professional bartender at TGIFriday's.

The 17 finalists with the media winners

To give the public a preview of the Saturday event, a competition for media attendees was held at the Pearl Manila hotel last Tuesday, wherein their skills were challenged in making their own tasty and unique cocktails. Fortunately, this writer, along with my partner Jerome Amoroso of Pilipino Mirror, won first place with our very own cocktail named "Orange Obsession."

For more information, check out GSM Blue's Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/bluegin.

 

Services on the go

By Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon

To man, time is the equivalent of precious gold because with every second, time passes by, and you can't go back to change it. You must treasure every second of your life.

Time management is then crucial to conserve time and effort. Unfortunately, this is not enough to solve time inadequacy.
In today's fast-paced society, time indeed is gold, particularly for a working population that has little time to spend doing household chores such as cleaning and laundry. For these time-consuming tasks, we need the assistance of others in order to do them.
That is why the Global Quality Waters and Environment Solutions Technologies Inc. (GQWEST) launched its newest franchise concept called EntrepRises at the recent 11th Filipino Franchise show at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
GQWEST is the company that brought us brands such as Laundrybest, the oxygenated alkaline water brand Oxyplus and the country's leading water franchise and the company's flagship brand, Aquabest. These three brands form a revolutionary and integrated way of looking at the water franchise industry.
Through EntrepRises, franchisees are able to select different concepts that would allow them to create their ideal franchise business. And entrepreneurs can choose well as the GQWEST has unveiled three more franchise businesses that will change the market landscape.
Apart from Aquabest, Laundrybest and Oxyplus, the company has sought to further build upon its success by giving franchisees three add-on businesses to further increase their service offerings. These are the Maid for the Day, Best Mobile Wazzers and Hemmingbird.
EntrepRises also allows people to avail of five different services with just one phone call. The concept bundles water delivery, laundry, housekeeping, alteration and carwash into one store so you can avail these services from a single provider.

'Maid for hire'

For those who have no household help, the company's Maid for the Day is a pay-per-use housekeeping service for yuppies and on-the-go professionals who are unwilling or unable to retain full-time maids. With Maid for the Day, customers can choose from different cleaning packages and have their houses cleaned at a time of their choosing.
About the issue of some pseudo-house help that dupe their clients, the company has assured that all their maids are trustworthy and have good records.
"The uniform of our maid is thin that kung ano man ang isusuot nila sa loob, siguradong magbabakat. Their uniform has no pockets, so wala silang paglalagyan. Besides, those who applied to us, we make sure that they completed their credentials, from barangay permit, NBI and police clearances, etc. so talagang kinikilatis namin silang ng husto," Kendrick Go, GQWEST communications assistant, stressed.
Go added that if the customer is very cautious or has no trust at all, he can give the maid a designated area and instruction for where she is limited.

"Customers may give a specific area to them kung saan sila maglilinis at saan bawal sila pumunta. At kung talagang maingat sila, kung may oras sila puwede naman nilang bantayan ang ating mga maid for the day," he quipped.Unlike a full-time maid, which works six or seven days a week, Maid for the Day is available any day of the week, which is ideal for those on a budget.

Sewing needs? No problem
Most professionals today, especially men, will not take a slightly imperfect article of clothing into the tailor or fix it themselves. Another one-of-its-kind company concept, the GQWEST's Hemmingbird, aims to solve this problem. The Hemmingbird is an alteration service aimed at servicing clients who would like to have alterations done to their clothes while having them cleaned.

The service complements the Laundromat built into the store. Customers can simply have their clothes picked up and altered while it is being washed. The finished clothes can then be dropped off along with finished laundry.
"This service is very nice, especially for those who are not tailors. With this concept, they have the option kung ano yung ipapaayos sa mga sira nilang damit. Example, if there's an occasion na pupuntahan pero napansin mo ‘yung gown or tuxedo mo may punit o sira, kapag pinalabhan mo na ito, you can ask to fix the problem, kung may aayusin, puputulan, lagyan ng butones, or anything what you want them to do," Go said.
Go said Hemmingbird is an ideal service partner for those who have a laundry business.

Carwash delivery

The Best Mobile Wazzer

If you have no time to go to a carwash center, don't worry, the carwash will come to you!
The country's first carwash delivery service, the Best Mobile Wazzers, will give an efficient and quick carwash service anywhere, anytime with just a single dial.
This is done using a specially outfitted motorcycle which carries proprietary technology which enables it to carry an onboard water supply and equipment like pressure washers and vacuum cleaners.
The service offers several cleaning packages depending on the needs of the client which includes an Elite package which uses imported car care products from Meguairs. Best Mobile Wazzers can wash cars up to the size of a Starex van and will eventually offer waterless car wash and other services such as detailing.
Compared to regular carwashes, Best Mobile Wazzers promises its clients added convenience since the client can dictate the time and place of the car wash. Since the service serves only one customer at a time, the client can avoid queues allowing them to go about their regular activities and saving even more time.
"With the Best Mobile Wazzers, your car can be washed at your house, at your office, or anywhere you want. It has heavy duty pressure washer that can clean the toughest grime off your car making it look brand new," Paul Tan, assistant marketing manager, said.
The prices and other services may vary depend upon the size of the vehicle, which range from small, medium, large and extra-large.
Tan also assured the clients that what the quality of service of their Best Mobile Wazzers is the same what a regular carwash can offer.

All these concepts are designed to complement each other and will address the needs of the communities they are located in. The combination of all these concepts would allow franchisees to benefit from the synergies of these complementary concepts.
According to GQWEST chief executie officer Carson Tan, the new concept was developed in response to the changing industry landscape. This shift, he said, is occurring in all industries as companies seek to differentiate their products.
"We want to change the people's attitudes about water; it doesn't have to be just another commodity. You can actually make it better by adding value by introducing additional services. By diversifying our franchisees' product line, they can increase their returns. In line with this, we would like to shift our store (concept) from merely providing clean water to also providing other services like housekeeping, carwash and alterations," concluded the top executive.

For more information call (632) 332-222 or visit Web site at www.gqwest.com/ wwwinquiry@gqwest.com. -- Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon

More than just a water bottle

The 6 Bobble colors: magenta, red, yellow, green, blue and black

By Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon

This Christmas season, a new, chic and curvy drinking bottle will hit metro markets to help resolve the problem of proliferating non-biodegradable materials such as plastic without risking your style and fashion.
Bobble is a latest innovation introduced to the Philippines by Terry SA Inc., the same company that brought in lifestyle products such as the Havaianas, David & Goliath, Dupe, Pininho and Aura Athletica.
With Bobble, taking better care of your body is now simpler and more elegant as this latest wellness product will make a bold fashion statement out of drinking water while on the go. The product's shape and curvy form make it easier to carry around during office work, exercise sessions or socializing.

"They say we need to drink eight glasses of water a day. I think most people drink more than eight. You don't really have to wait to feel thirsty before you drink because you may already be dehydrated. The Bobble is for people who love fun, are active, health- and image-conscious, who exude a youthful vibe," shared Ammiel de Leon, Terry SA Inc. brand development director.
The Bobble is made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, approved safe to use by the Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration, and designed to be reused over and over again (but make sure, it must be cleaned regularly and thoroughly). Besides from being 100-percent recyclable, Bobble's primary material, PET, is free of bisphenol, a toxic, hazardous and even carcinogenic phthalate and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substance.

This latest trend was designed by renowned and multi-award-winning industrial artist Karim Rashid, the same man behind popular product designs for Vondom, Christofle, Alessi, Umbra, Bonaldo and Hugo Boss, among others.
Aside from its multi-awarded design praised for its ultra-sleek form factor, Bobble is also lauded for its eco-friendly features. Its unique, replaceable and recyclable carbon filter purifies potable water even further by eliminating chlorine and organic contaminants for a fresher and crisper clean drinking water. Through the ingenuity of its design, consumers can help in saving the environment. From the 1:300 ratio, which means one Bobble is equivalent to 300 single-used plastic bottles, or about 150 liters, with daily use, your Bobble should last about two months.
Using this innovative bottle is very simple. First, you fill your Bobble with water and gently squeeze the water through the filter. This will remove any loose carbon and other contaminants.

The Bobble uses a carbon filter, which is proven effective at taking out chlorine and organic contaminants from potable water. However, Bobble is designed to only remove chlorine and other harmful substances from tap water and has not been tested for added mixes or flavorings. Thus, it is not recommended for use on liquids such as juice or soda.  The Bobble comes in six vibrant colors — blue, green, red, yellow, magenta and black (color for the masculine health buffs) — and is priced at P595 per 550ml container, with filter at P345. It is available at Aura Athletica, Power Plant Mall in Makati City."Bobble is just more than a water bottle. It is personalized further with a combination of arts and science. Using this bottle, we will be able to help save our environment. We have only one Mother Earth, so we preserve it by using this kind of innovation. With Bobble, we are looking good, feeling good and doing good," stressed De Leon.
That's why this eco-friendly bottle has bagged numerous industrial and environmental awards, including Green Good Design Award, Gold Edison Award, Red Dot Award, American Graphic Design Award, Good Design 2010 Award, Spark! Award, iF Packaging Award, Ambiente 2011 Award, Die Line Packaging Award, Great Idea Award 2011 and three Pentawards.

The event's hosts

Ammiel de Leon, Terry SA Inc. brand development director.

The author

 

By helping stylish users save the environment by reducing the use of plastic bottles, Bobble champions an eco-friendly lifestyle, making it a trusted and truly revolutionary product.

For more information, visit Bobble Philippines Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/bobbleph. -- Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon

Now anyone can have a 'Ferrari'

Clockwise: Ferrari F150° Italia, Ferrari 458 Italia, Scuderia Ferrari Truck,
Ferrari FXX, Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto and Ferrari F40

By Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon 

Cars are touted as "toys for the big boys," and it is a great idea if we apply this literally.Both car enthusiasts and Lego collectors will be amazed with the newest gimmick of one of the country's biggest oil companies in collaboration with a world-renowned Lego maker and a well-known luxuries car brand.
Fortunately, the Philippines is one of the first countries in the world to witness the introduction of a range of limited edition, buildable, collectible Ferrari models made from Lego bricks.
"This campaign perfectly represents the joint passion for performance and innovation that Shell and Ferrari stand for while incorporating the fun and imaginative nature of Lego products. Whether they are fans of Ferrari, motorsports or Lego bricks, we think these toys will prove an exciting reward for our customers," Vanessa Ejercito, Shell fuels brand manager, shared. 

The limited Lego Ferrari Collection includes six Lego models of Ferrari cars that are based on some of the most iconic vehicles in Ferrari's motoring history that associated with racing. 
The Ferrari models that are part of the promotion are the Ferrari F150° Italia, the winning 2011 Formula 1 car that have the options to change the livery to that of either the two of the noted car racers Felipe Massa or Fernando Alonso; Scuderia Ferrari Truck, the familiar transport truck that is a key part of the Ferrari motor racing team and usually the one that carries the Ferrari F1; Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto, the real legend of the motoring world as one of the most beautiful vehicles ever created and also the first Ferrari road car to use disc brakes; Ferrari F40, one of the most recognizable sports cars of all time; Ferrari FXX, the latest high-performance racing evolution of the Ferrari Enzo and considered as one of the most powerful cars in the world; and, Ferrari 458 Italia, the most iconic car in the current Ferrari range, making it a natural choice to be part of this promotion.

Ferrari F1

Scuderia Ferrari Truck

Ferrari F40

These limited edition Ferrari car models have a pull-back motor capable of performing a minimum of 300 pulls, propelling a 30-gram vehicle a minimum of two meters.
During the launch, everybody was surprised when the Shell unveiled a life-size Ferrari F1 racing car constructed from Lego bricks. According to Ejercito, it took 18 months to build the model that started a mall tour since last week of October. Apart from the Lego model cars, Shell has worked with the Lego Group to design three unique Lego mini figures, which consist of a Ferrari Refueling Engineer, Shell Track Scientist and Ferrari Race Mechanic.
These Lego car models and Lego mini figures are available after refueling with Shell V-Power Nitro+ or Shell FuelSave. For every P1,500 worth of single or accumulated purchase of Shell V-Power Nitro+ Racing, gasoline or diesel, customers get a chance to collect any of the six Lego model Ferrari cars or Lego Mini Figures for only P140 each, while filling up with P1,500 worth of single or accumulated purchase of Shell FuelSave unleaded or diesel gives customers a chance to purchase a model for only P180. 
Meanwhile, the Helix customers get a chance to bring home a free Lego model or Lego mini figures for every purchase of any participating Shell Helix Oil Change Package.

A life-sized Ferrari F1 made from Lego bricks

 Also, the oil company introduced its latest product in the market to enhance the performance level of your vehicle. The Shell V-Power Nitro fuels represent Shell's latest generation of premium performance fuels. They are unique premium gasoline and diesel fuels designed to improve performance and to act instantly in your engine. “We want to continue communicating that the right choice of fuel, like Shell FuelSave Unleaded and Shell FuelSave Diesel, and a few simple changes to driving behaviors can help motorists save fuel, and in doing so, reduce their fuel costs,” Stephanie Cua, marketing delivery manager for Pilipinas Shell, explained. 
The limited edition Ferrari car models will be available until Nov. 30. Even though made from Lego bricks, at least you can afford to buy them.
For more information, visit Pilipinas Shell Web site at www.shell.com.ph. -- Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon

From left: Vanessa Ejercito, fuels brand manager, Shell Philippines; Stephanie Cua, marketing manager, Shell Philippines; Roberto Kanapi, vice president for Communications, Shell Philippines; Anthony Lawrence Yam, vice president for Retail, Shell Philippines; Gino Rodriguez, lubricants category manager, Shell Philippines; and Antonio Nebrida Jr. 

Erik Spoelstra: The heart of Miami Heat

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra

By Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon

When the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma Thunder in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Championship last June, the Miami fans were the happiest people on the planet, but wait, the Filipinos had their own reason to celebrate: the man behind the team’s success has Filipino blood.
Fil-Am coach Erik Spoelstra, fondly called Coach Spo by many, has made history twice in the NBA — by becoming the first Asian-American to be a head coach of an NBA team and by winning a championship title.
Born in Evanston, Illinois on Nov. 1, 1970, Coach Spo is the son of Dutch-Irish-American Jon Spoelstra and Filipina Elisa Celino from San Pablo, Laguna. He grew up in Portland, Oregon where he graduated from a Jesuit high school in 1988 and went to college at the University of Portland in 1992.
Basketball is in his blood, for his father was an NBA executive for the Portland Trail Blazers, the Denver Nuggets, the Buffalo Braves and the New Jersey Nets and he is the grandson of the late Watson Spoelstra, a sportswriter in Detroit. 
During his college days, Erik was named the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year excelling in assists, three-points and free throws. 
Coach Spo’s NBA career began when he joined the Miami Heat staff as a video coordinator in 1995, and slowly rose from the ranks to become the head coach of the Miami Heat when he was officially named the successor to basketball coach Hall of Famer Pat Riley in April 2008.
In the continuation of celebration for clinching the NBA Championship title, this Filipino-American came to the Philippines for a series of events, which included a dinner reunion for his relatives in San Pablo, Laguna.
“My heritage is very important to me. I’m proud to be Filipino. It’s one of the main reasons why I came back,” Spoelstra said.
To share his ideas and experience in management not only in the world of basketball, he was tapped as the guest speaker for the “Executive Talks: The Champ’s Playbook,” the first in a series of lecture-forums at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas organized by First Pacific Leadership Academy, the leadership training center and the Corporate College of First Pacific Group. 

Coach Spo at the "Executive Talks"

In front of his Filipino basketball fans, fellow coaches, athletes, supporters and business executives, led by one of the most successful businessmen here in our country, Manny V. Pangilinan, he shared his insights about leadership and a short story of his life.
Going to the top of his career was not a cakewalk for Coach Spo, like to many others, he passed through the proverbial “needle’s eye” before he achieved his current stature.  
Upon being named the next head coach of the Miami Heat, he had to deal with discrimination for looking young and having Asian blood. Coach Spo’s fellow coaches and critics referred to him as “that young kid” when he was already 37 and they said he “was not ready for the job.”
“You can imagine what the speculation was by the media. They called me a young kid who got an overnight opportunity. I was 37 years old but I looked 22. It’s the Filipino genes, isn’t it?” this 47-year-old coach stated.
Furthermore, the Miami Heat at that time was allegedly the “most hated” team in the NBA after the heart-breaking loss from Dallas Mavericks last year, falling short of expectations of fans and supporters despite its having three of the best players in the league — LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, collectively known as the “Big Three.”
But Dwyane Wade trusted and respected Coach Spo very much and he ignored the accusations hurled at his coach and he even, according to Spoelstra, told his teammates: “Let’s trust him, let’s follow him.”
Spoelstra said he always maintain his ethic in coaching and telling his players where they were, proving to them even more that he was a man of integrity and to his critics that he was competent and very much “ready for the job.”
Clashing of egos among players is one of the difficult challenges that Coach Spo has encountered. Different players have different behavior. 

Coach Spo with Manny V. Pangilinan

“Managing one’s personality is a tough job,” Spoelstra said, adding “I think the No. 1 key to it is to try to be honest. The first thing the players want to see is honesty. They want to be coached, pushed and disciplined. But they do not want to be told something that’s not the truth.”
Sometimes, Coach Spo and his team have to deal with one another’s idiosyncrasies. For instance, James and his teammates teased Spoelstra with being an “old-school stuff” when he played the music of the late Tupac Shaku. But this helps in building respect between both sides and strengthened their obligations and roles that they represented to each other — players-to-coach and coach-to-players relationship.
One more secret weapon he revealed in that summit is the “power of touch.” To connect with his players, Spoelstra literally did the “power of touch” by tapping his players on the shoulder or chest during practice, a gesture common among most Filipinos, and making small talk about their cars and dogs.
“I truly believe in the physical touch every single day. I don’t allow a single day without giving a physical touch to each of my players. I ask my assistants to do the same. One touch every single day. It’s more than just a simple hello. And it’s not just with the players. I make sure I pass by the office of my boss to say hello and give a physical touch,” Spoelstra quipped.
According to him, experience is still the best teacher and learning from own mistakes — instead of blaming one another — will help one personality to know much better in determining he’s strength and limitations.
“I learned from my failures, pointed the first finger of blame at myself and apologized for my mistakes with the promise to get better,” the champion team’s coach averred.
He defined what leadership was all about in just two words and in jest: “Leadership sucks!” But it will no jest anymore as he plans to write a book with the same title.
Even though he is busy in many obligations, especially now that his team has the pressure of winning again, Spoelstra’s big heart for the Filipinos still prevail.

Coach Spo with Mon Segismundo and Al Panlilio of Meralco, Noel Lorenzana and Coach Chot Reyes of Smart

“I hope to visit here every year and try to be involved in the grassroots development of basketball here. I want to teach as many kids as I can. This will be my small contribution to Philippine basketball,” Coach Spo promised. Spoelstra, who considered as the “Heart of the Miami Heat,” has captured the hearts of his fans not only in Miami, but also, of course, ours as well. -- Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon

Baby Bueno-Coady: Woman of substance

Maria Remedios "Baby" Bueno-Coady

By Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon

Before she became one of the country's top fashion designers, feisty yet light-hearted Maria Remedios Bueno-Coady, or Baby to her friends and relatives, was once a country girl who sold fish in the market, was a balot (duck's embryo) vendor and took laundry jobs to be able to realize her dreams.

Baby is known in her circle of friends as a seasoned fashion designer, a successful entrepreneur, an environment advocate and an arts and culture patron. But before she earned this reputation, Baby had to go through rocky roads that made her independent and strong-willed.

It started with a dream

Baby has come a long way from her humble beginnings in her hometown Zambales. Second to the eldest among 12 siblings (seven girls and five boys), Baby was born and raised by her parents Panfilo Bueno and Esperanza Bueno in Santa Cruz, Zambales.

At the age of 12, Baby showed her penchant for hard work and enthusiasm in business by selling fish caught by the men employed by the Bueno family's fishing business.

"When I was young, I was able to sell fish since my father was a fisherman. I carried the container of fish with my head and sold it to my neighbors or in the market. I also did labada (laundry) and sold balut with my aunt. And take note, it was always sold out," she recalled.

By the age of 15, Baby left for Manila to model, as well as to prepare for her college education at the University of the East, where she became a scholar.

To be a model was Baby's most fervent dream.

"Since I was a little girl, I wished to be a model. I liked posing and walking like a real model. Kahit naglalaba ako noon, pose ako dito, pose ako dun with my hands on my waist, and then my mother told me, 'Baby, itigil mo yan! Mangulot ka na lang,'" Baby quipped.

But being determined to reach her dreams, she studied style and fashion and was luckily able to work with then-rookies in Filipino fashion design Pitoy Moreno and Inno Sotto, and through this she was given a chance to make her dreams to come true.

Her career began as a mannequin, working for well-known Filipino designers in Manila such as Aureo Alonzo, Ben Ferrales and Dante Ramirez. Later on, she appeared as a signature model in the "Bagong Anyo" and "Kalipayan" presentations organized by former First Lady and now Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos.

Through this opportunity, many projects came Baby's way. She had a chance to work in Sampaguita Pictures, and she even had stints playing the role of a model in former President Erap Estrada's films Dragnet and Zoom, Zoom, Superman.

"During that time, dun ko nakilala si Charo Santos (ABS-CBN president and Maalaala Mo Kaya host), when a friend approached me and asked if puwede bang maipasok 'yung bagong model na si Charo, together with her sister Millette (Edgar "Bobot" Mortiz's wife) and I said, 'Yes.' Pinasok ko na sila," revealed Baby.

After making a name as ramp model in the local scene, Baby strove to make a name for herself in the international stage. This was why when Italian designer Ken Scott invited her to join his entourage for shows in Paris and Hong Kong, she took the opportunity and gained her first international exposure. She was able to model for such haute couture names as Balestra and Fabiani of Italy, Lanvin, Christian Dior and Nina Ricci.

Baby with Aga Mulach and Pagudpod Mayor Maja Sales

Eventually, Baby shifted from being ramp model to full-time fashion designer as she got an interest in designing her own clothes. "Why pay a fashion impresario or producer a handsome sum when I can do it myself?" she reasoned.

Baby began traveling to promote her designs by staging shows in such places as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Singapore, Taipei, Kota Kinabalu and Manila. Baby did not only promote her own line, but also those of Versace, Dior, Ricci and Balenciaga in her successful fashion shows here and abroad.

One of the many accolades for her designs is her selection as designer for the wardrobe of Miss Philippines for the pageant held in London. She also designed for actresses and royal families. Through this, she got a chance to associate with the rich and famous, from presidents and prime ministers to other well-known personalities and VIPs all over the world.

Baby with Lenie Robredo

She was based in Singapore for almost 27 years and in Hong Kong for eight years. She also resided in Macau for a long time with her architect-designer husband, with whom she was blessed with a child.

Just like most stories of triumph and struggles, Baby faced one of the most difficult parts of her life when she was diagnosed with brain tumor while staying in Switzerland. But, for Baby, it was not the end of the road as she never gave up, saying prayer was her best medicine.

"I never lost hope... so wala akong ginawa kundi magdasal. (I also started) taking also Chinese herbal medicine and to be a vegetarian. Later on, a miracle happened. Parang kinain daw ng utak ko 'yung tumor o 'yung na-cover 'yung tumor ng utak ko para 'di na siya lumaki o mag-expand, then luckily nawala 'yung cancer ko. Even the doctors hardly believe the miracle," explained Baby.

With her second life, Baby vowed to be more productive and offered her second chance in servicing her countrymen in the best possible way she can.

Promoting arts and culture to the world

Since 2006, Baby has been promoting art and artists from the Philippines, proposing cultural and economic exchanges throughout the world.

While in Macau, Baby has been supporting and promoting the Filipino arts and culture there and those from other Southeast Asian countries. She did events promotions, art exhibits and fashion shows through her Baby Bueno Promotions that showcased the rich Filipino artistry and heritage.

"I have been promoting talents and their works for so many years. I helped our Filipino artists like Rafael Pacheco in their art presentations in Asian countries like Brunei. This is my own way in contributing to promote our own crafts," she said.

Baby with CHR Commissioner Etta Rosales

Now, Baby is promoting tourism in her hometown in Zambales as she collaborates with local government officials and non-government organizations in launching the Mango Festival to be held in January next year.

"Ang Mango Festival ng Zambales ay ginaganap na siya noon pa pero hindi ganun kakilala. But next year, we plan to make it a bigger and grander festival to promote the tourism and products of Zambales. It is also combined with agro-industrial fare, which will boost the handicraft and livelihood of the people," Baby stated.

According to her, Zambales is known for its big and sweet mangoes. That is why it is just fitting to celebrate the Mango Festival there and to crown Zambales as "the mango capital of the country."

"It's more fun in Zambales, because it's like heaven. So many beaches, resorts and other tourist spots you will find in Zambales. White sand ang mga beach namin doon parang sa Boracay. Celebrating Mango Festival can be a big help in promoting the tourism of Zambales," she added.

Public service like no other

Through the years, Baby never got tired writing letters soliciting help from government officials. From the President and Cabinet secretaries to local government officials and executives of private companies, she never hesitated to ask for support for her advocacy and programs.

This year, she is campaigning for the immediate implementation of Republic Act 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 for rabies-free communities so that locals and tourists alike can safely enjoy their stay in the country.

Baby at a Baguio dumpsite

"This law is needed to control the spread of rabies. Tulad niyan, we will celebrate the Mango Festival, maraming stray dogs na pakalat-kalat baka makagat pa 'yung ating mga turista. So we make sure the safety of our tourists while enjoying their stay in the country," expressed Baby.

Apart from this, Baby is also an eco-warrior as she advocates caring for and protecting our Mother Earth. She works hand-in-hand with various groups and LGUs in raising important issues such as proper segregation of solid waste materials and stressing the implementation of Republic Act 8749 or Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.

Also active in helping the poor and the needy, Baby has conducted medical and dental missions for years among indigenous peoples in the country's fur-flung communities such as the Aetas in Botolan and the Dumagat in Nueva Ecija.

Baby is also a certified graft-buster as she works closely with the Office of the President, Commission on Audit, Bureau of Internal Revenue and other government agencies to observe on graft and corruption practices among officials and employees.

For being always in public service, Baby was enticed to enter the world of politics. According to her, joining politics was not in her vocabulary as she has always been helping the poor in uplifting their lives and supporting government's programs but expecting nothing in return.

"I don't want to impress anybody, and I think I have no reasons to do such para may mapatunayan pa to myself. Tumutulong na ako noon pa and that is my attitude. But joining politics will give me a chance para mas mapalaki at mas mapabuti pa ang maibibigay kong serbisyo to my constituents in Zambales," she averred.

Baby is running for a board member position in the province of Zambales in the 2013 mid-year elections under the banner of Liberal Party. Her platforms are collectively known as the the 3Ps, which stands for "Pangkalusugan, Pangkabuhayan, Pangkalikasan."

If ever given a chance to serve as a public official, she will use this opportunity to continue what she has started.

Baby with President Noynoy Aquino

"I'm running hindi sa iba pang dahilan. I'll be there just to serve humanity. No motive to enrich myself because lahat meron na ako. Just helping the poor, nothing more, nothing less," the outspoken Baby emphasized.

Even if she doesn't engage in politics, Baby is a fulfilled woman. Her dreams have been fulfilled. She has traveled to many places. Now, she is reaping the fruits of her success as she currently serves as president and chief executive officer of her own company, the Baby Bueno Coady International Trading Co.

Asked about the difference between her past and her present life, she answered: "It's still the same! Nothing changed. Kung ano ako noon, ganun pa rin ngayon."

Baby has proven to the world that she is a woman of substance with a strong character and a passion for life. Now that she is treading a new path, she will prove another thing to herself and to her critics. -- Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon

Through the years, still a household name

By Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon

Sharp Corp. founder Tokuji Hayakawa

It seems hard to believe that one of the world’s largest and most famous electronics companies, Sharp Corp., materialized from a pencil.

 Actually, the company’s founder had developed a nickel-coated propelling pencil that was more comfortable to use than the existing mechanical pencil made of celluloid. It was renamed in 1916 as the Ever-Ready Sharp Pencil. Shortened to Sharp, it became the company name.“The humble beginnings of Sharp can be traced to a man of vision, Tokuji Hayakawa, whose passion was to invent life-changing technologies,” said Takahiro Tanaka, president and general manager of Sharp Philippines Corp. (SPC), during the twin celebrations of Sharp Corp.’s 100th anniversary in the electronics industry and SPC’s 30th year in the country at the historic Manila Hotel.Tanaka credited the Sharp’s founder’s idealism and motivation for the company’s growth, as well as for  consumer satisfaction with the company’s products that boost of quality, durability and excellence.
“Even after he had lost his premises and families in the Great Kanto earthquake of 1923, Hayakawa never stopped inventing new products. He manufactured the first crystal radio set in Japan. Sharp finally started the mass production of the first television set in 1953. Mr. Hayakawa’s vision was ‘for every family to own a television,’” the SPC head shared.

Takahiro Tanaka, president and general manager of Sharp Phils.

After 100 years in service, Sharp Corp., which has headquarters in Abeno-ku, Osaka, Japan, now offers a wide array of technologies and useful products such as televisions, washing machines, kitchen appliances, solar cells, electronic medical equipment, optical semi-conductors, computers, light emitting diode (LED) devices and a lot more. With all of these products, Sharp earned worldwide recognition and became a global household name.

Eco-positive
Incidentally, SPC is celebrating its 30th anniversary this September. The company was able to produce high-quality products that met the requirements of Philippine consumers. Locally, Sharp continues to expand its market share through its business partners nationwide, providing quality products and high standard customer service.
Sharp is known here in the country for being the producer of large-capacity washing machines and karaoke, which, according to Tanaka, was the “SPC’s answer to the Filipinos’ love for singing.”
“Our washer has gained high-market reputation here and abroad because of its innovative and user-friendly features. Meanwhile, our karaoke has evolved into a more sophisticated product,” said Tanaka.

Aware of the rapid deterioration of the environment due to the global warming, Sharp and all its affiliate companies worldwide have united to achieve its corporate vision of becoming an “eco-positive company.”
“We are continuously making and innovating products, using environmental technologies, that would help lessen, if not totally eliminate, pollutants in the air,” explained the SPC executive.
As pencils are made with erasers for the inevitable mistakes, however, so did the Sharp go through some rough sailing in its history. “Sharp has definitely survived, but not without difficulties. As you may all well know, our company is encountering difficulties again. Sharp Corp. is in the process of revitalizing its business and is exploring all options to improve its financial condition,” stressed Tanaka. He also denied reports that Sharp is negotiating the sale of its businesses such as its copier and air-conditioner manufacturers. 

Bigger and better

Sharp unveiled Aquos 80 inch LCD TV

Befitting the double celebration, Sharp Corp. unveiled its newest products for the local market like the Sharp Aquos LCD/LED TV, with its Quattron technology that brings “viewing experience much closer to life.” For, as the saying goes, “the bigger the better.”
The Sharp’s Aquos 80 inch, which is touted as the biggest LCD/LED TV in the local market, was unveiled to the press together with Aquos 70 inch and Aquos 60 inch. Aside from its color precision system, Aquos LCD/LED TV equally boasts its excellent viewing panel.
Also introduced was another one-of-its-kind company product, the Sharp Active Multi-Media or SAMM LCD Videoke, which serenaded the members of the press with brilliant sounds and sights. Replacing the traditional karaoke, SAMM LCD Videoke is by far the more highly functional multimedia system.
“We want our local output to be part of the continuous economic growth of the Philippines, with the vision that our employees must grow together with the company in achieving its financial growth in the years to come. We’d like to add LED TV on our local production portfolio,” Tanaka said.

Sharp Active Multi-Media or SAMM LCD Videoke

Caring company
As part of the company’s social corporate responsibility, SPC is actively working with charitable institutions, the private sector and non-government organizations to help people in most need, especially in times of calamity. “People in calamity-stricken areas were provided free use of washing machines to wash their soaked and mudded clothes and SPC technicians helped repair customers’ damaged appliances,” said Tanaka.
Also, the firm came up with “My Sharp, Our Future” campaign, by donating a portion of the campaign’s proceeds to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), SPC’s chosen charity. “We do realize that the world’s future is our children of today and this campaign aims to support them. We will provide vaccines to children, giving them the opportunity for better health,” averred Tanaka.

“My Sharp, Our Future” is SPC’s regional campaign in which P20 from every purchase of Sharp LCD/LED TV and PCI products were to be donated to the PGH. Its campaign period ran from June 7 to Sept. 15.
Dr. Jose Joven Cruz, MPH coordinator of PGH, received the donation at the press launch, which he said, “We are glad Sharp Corp. has chosen Outpatient Pediatrics Department (OPD) where our children patients can receive appropriate medical attention using this donation.”
The PGH-OPD houses more than 2,000 children patients who cannot afford to pay medical expenses. Most of them are suffering from common ailments such as pneumonia, genital disorder, malnutrition and physical deformities.
Other recent beneficiaries of SPC were Elsie Gaches, Tuloy Foundation and Chosen Children Foundation, which received refrigerators, washing machines and TV units. Through donation of quality home appliances, SPC affirmed to provide safer and more livable shelter for children under the care of charitable institutions in the country.
Tanaka expressed gratitude to their Filipino clients for their unwavering support to the company and he bared that the Sharp has many more in its sleeve that will awe the buying public and even its competitors, as the company always produce products inspired by the founder’s vision: “Make products that others want to imitate.”
Tanaka made this wish: “To our friends in media and business partners, thank you once again. Let’s continue working together in the next 100 years!” -- By Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon 

Sharp's innovative products: