PAPI marks golden anniversary

by Info @Brand Zone | September 18, 2023

The Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) marks and celebrates its milestone Golden (50th) Anniversary on September 20, 2024 with a commemorative program at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Founded in 1974, following the declaration of Martial Law on September 21, 1972 which saw the closure of all private media outfits in the Philippines, except Bulletin Today and the provincial newspaper Island Observer in Oriental Mindoro, publishers met in Manila to find ways to address the problem and present their plight to the Martial Law authorities.

The media leaders, led by Bulletin Today publisher, Gen. Hans M. Menzi, then an aide of President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. shortly organized PAPI as a non-stock and non-profit corporation. Its incorporators were Raul L. Locsin (Business Juan A. Perez (Philippine Daily Express), Kerima P. Tuvera (Evening Post) and Rosario B. Olivarez (Journal Group of Companies).

PAPI’s first set of corporate officers were Menzi, president; Mariano B. Quimzon (Bulletin Today), secretary-treasurer; Sol L. Villa, overall coordinator; and Robert M. Mendoza. executive director. Included in its national board were included the association’s regional chairmen from the country’s 11 regions then: Oseo Hamada (Baguio Midland Courier), Region I; Claudio Cortez (Cagayan Star), Region 2; Benigno Razon (Tarlac Star), Region 3; Mario S. Romero (The Island Observer), Region 4; Ramon Toleram (Naga Times), Region 5; Aurelio Servando, Jr. (Weekly Scope), Region 6; Zoilo Dejaresco, Jr., (Bohol Chronicle), Regions 7 &; 8; Armando Lopez (Zamboanga Times), Region 9; Bienvenido Cruz (Mindanao Star), Region 10; and Gil Abarico (Mindanao Mail), Region 11.

PAPI is reputedly the largest media fraternity in the Philippines today. Its membership ranks include about 400 community newspaper publishers in the regions and provinces, media executives, communicators and actively practicing journalists in print, broadcast and online media platforms, as well as campus journalists as associate members.

Incumbent PAPI president Nelson Santos said they have invited President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to keynote their anniversary program, along with other key government and private sector leaders as special guests to their milestone event.

Santos said their program also includes a post dinner Fellowship Social cum Entertainment that will feature notable musical numbers and a KATHABI Fashion Show, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) that will showcase Philippine fabrics developed from native fibers.

The PAPI event has the sponsorship support of DOST-PTRI, DOST NCR, APCU, PCSO, BAUERTEK Farmaceutical Technologies, FFCCCII, EPSI, Feliz Y Prosperidad Mining Corp. Our media partners the Manila Times, net 25 Radyo Agila and Pilipinas Ngayon DWIZ.

With Santos in PAPI’s incumbent leadership, are Johnny P. Dayang, (who previously served as PAPI president for over 20 years) National Board Chairman Emeritus  ; Rebecca M. Velasquez, executive vice president/Board secretary; Alma O. Ochotorena, vice president for Luzon; Dr. Paulus L. Canete, vice president-Visayas; Angelina S. Lim, vice president-Mindanao; Leonida P. Cardona; treasurer; Francia A. Orlain, assistant  treasurer; Jimmy C. Vistar and Eduardo L. Cardona, directors-Luzon; Edalyn B, Acta and Danilo N. Silvestrece, directors-Visayas; and Anila B. Acosta and Elpedio B. Soriano, Jr., directors-Mindanao.

PhilHydro spends Php 50M for water treatment plant upgrade in Legazpi City

by Info @Brand Zone | September 17, 2024

Philippine Hydro, Inc. (PhilHydro)—wholly owned subsidiary of Maynilad Water Services, Inc.—spent Php50 million to upgrade its Legazpi City Water Treatment Plant in Albay, Bicol, which produces potable water supply for some 22,000 households in the area.

The upgrade involves the inclusion of a clarifier technology in the facility’s treatment process to enhance the removal of sediments from the raw water, making water treatment faster and more efficient.

With this upgrade, the facility can sustain its production output of 30 million liters per day (MLD) even during the rainy season when the level of turbidity in the raw water supply increases. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness of a fluid caused by the concentration of particles.

This project is in line with PhilHydro’s initiative to address the impact of climate change on the quality of the raw water supply coming from the Yawa and Pawa rivers, which serve as the supply source of Legazpi City.

“The increased turbidity of the river water—exacerbated by man-made activities upstream and soil erosion during heavy rains—necessitate this additional water treatment process. The upgraded facility will ensure consistent water quality and supply, even under these challenging conditions,” said PhilHydro General Manager, Engr. Mirla M. De Leon. “Our sustained investment in the infrastructure is proof of our commitment to provide quality service to Legazpeños.”

PhilHydro operates under a 25-year contract to supply treated water to Legazpi City Water District, which is responsible for operating and maintaining the distribution network and selling the water directly to households in the area.  

PhilHydro also owns and operates water treatment plants that supply treated bulk water to Norzagaray Water District, Santa Maria Water District, and Bocaue Water District in the province of Bulacan. It also supplies water to Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, and to Rizal, Nueva Ecija. All PhilHydro facilities are under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Contracts with the government, either directly contracting the Local Government Unit or with Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, such as water districts.

SM Supermalls kicks off 100 Days of Christmas as a Santa to their Community

by Info @Brand Zone | September 16, 2024

SM Supermalls is ringing in the holiday spirit with its 100 Days of Joy countdown, spreading cheer and generosity all over the Philippines. Every day from September 16 to December 25, SM will be giving back to the shoppers and communities that have made the malls a joyful place all year round.

With 86 malls nationwide, SM is proud to serve as community hubs and the setting of countless memories, cultural celebrations, and everyday delights. Every day until Christmas, SM will be sharing a video showcasing how each mall has found new ways to make the merriest season of all shine even brighter for  their local communities. 

Bringing Joy to Communities

To kick off 100 Days of Joy, SM Mall of Asia treated over 100 students from the Philippine National School for the Deaf to an extraordinary early Christmas experience. With the help of the SM Store, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Dairy Queen, these students were treated to an early Christmas treat like no other! 

To find out what surprises were in store, watch the video here:

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsmsupermalls%2Fvideos%2F1218626395929846%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0

Bears of Joy 2024: Huggable Gifts for Children in Need

SM will also continue its beloved Bears of Joy initiative; but this time, with a more cuddly, fluffy look! For every bear purchased, another will be donated to a child in need, spreading warmth and comfort to those craving the magic of Christmas. This year, SM is introducing Hug-A-Mood, a collection of huggable expressions that reflect the wide range of emotions children experience.

Be a Santa This Christmas

Starting September 16, SM will spread joy nationwide through a series of heartwarming surprises and festive activities. Shoppers can expect to be greeted by enchanting light projections across its malls, each displaying a cheerful “100 Days to Christmas” greeting alongside vibrant decorations. This dazzling display will set the tone for the holiday excitement, signaling that the season of joy has officially begun.

SM City Davao

SM City Cabanatuan

SM City Santa Rosa

SM City Iloilo

SM Megamall

For Filipinos, Christmas is more than just a holiday—it’s a time of bonding, celebration, and community, often centered on spending time with loved ones in the malls. Through these festive sights and sounds, SM Supermalls ensures that the Christmas spirit is felt far and wide, bringing joy to every corner and making the malls a vibrant hub for holiday memories.

As we countdown to Christmas, SM calls  on everyone to embrace their communities and spread the joy of the season. Whether through the Bears of Joy initiative, nominating communities for special recognition, or simply enjoying the holiday atmosphere at SM malls, there are countless ways to share the Christmas spirit.

Let’s make this Christmas season the most meaningful one yet by embracing the communities that make our families and lives so much bigger.

Let the countdown begin!