NEWS
MILO champions share stories of hard work that led to their lifelong success
September 27, 2022 2:00 p.m.
MILO® Philippines has extended its partnership with Jamie Lim, Coach Rio de la Cruz, and Japoy Lizardo. Adding another chapter to their years-long relationship, the beloved nutritious beverage brand is excited to tell each Champion’s unique story of pagpupursige that will inspire the next generation of young athletes to persevere in their own Champion journeys.
Breaking stereotypes
Being the daughter of a professional basketball legend and growing up in a family of athletes, it seemed destined for Jamie to become a star karateka. However, from an early age, both her father and mother – who is also a seasoned lawyer – taught Jamie the importance of choosing her own path and instilled in her the belief that she can always be more than your stereotypical jock.
Choosing to not limit herself, Jamie decided to pursue goals in both sports and academics. The journey was not without its challenges as she had to learn how to balance the many responsibilities she had as a student while keeping up with the discipline of an athlete.
“I remember, in my preparation for the SEA Games back in 2019, I only had 5 months of real training as I was already in the last months of my senior year. On top of that, I was out of Karate for 4 years so training was twice as rigorous. Although it was difficult, I was able to power through it because I knew that the stakes were also high,” shared Jamie.
With her family’s continuous support, she was inspired to break past the mold and prove that she can indeed excel on and off the mat. Still one of her proudest achievements was winning both a gold medal in Karate during the 2019 SEA Games and graduating Summa Cum Laude in UP Diliman with a degree in BS Mathematics. Today she is focused on furthering her studies in London while awaiting for the start of training for the next SEA Games in 2023.
“Coming from being a part of MILO® AAK and now with my extended partnership with the MILO® family, I hope to inspire kids who are faced by the same barriers as mine to be brave in breaking out of those stereotypes and in paving their own paths. Their time to prove themselves will come,” added Jaime.
Running through life’s obstacles
Before Coach Rio became an international marathoner and one of the top running coaches in the country, his road to success was paved from humble beginnings. Coming from a big family that struggled in putting food on the table, Coach Rio sorely lacked the financial support that most young runners his age needed to pursue a professional career.
At times, all young Rio had was an unwavering pagpupursige and discipline – and that was enough. He never once missed training, even on the days he had no running gear or equipment, and learned early on that he needed to work thrice as hard to achieve his one clear goal: be a successful athlete to provide for his family.
“One time when I was in elementary school, there was a trial race that I really wanted to join. Ang kaso sabi ng coach ko noon, hindi ka pa ready – pero makulit ako. I still showed up during the competition day and patiently waited. Buti na lang, one athlete didn’t show up so my coach gave me a chance. I proved to him that I deserved it by winning it all,” shared Coach Rio. That win opened the doors for Coach Rio’s future success in the sport.
“Time management and determination were key for me. Even when I was young, my life was all about school and training. I knew what I wanted and I was focused on my goal despite knowing that it would come with a lot of sacrifices,” emphasized Coach Rio.
For Coach Rio, being a part of the MILO® Philippines family has played a huge part in his grit journey. From joining the MILO® Marathons and using his winnings to support himself in school, to now being the main organizer for all their events nationwide and a familiar face in the new MILO® TV commercial, it has come full circle. He continues to help pave the way for aspiring young athletes who are hoping to succeed in sports the same way he did.
Molding the next generation of athletes
Japoy started his journey in sports at a MILO® Sports Program. At just 12 years old and being known as the teenage heartthrob whose face was on every MILO® pack, Japoy recognized the responsibility he had as thousands of other kids were aspiring to be just like him. This became an important driving factor for Japoy to pursige in succeeding in Taekwondo.
Since he wasn’t as tall or built as other athletes his age, he struggled to put on the required weight for his category but he persevered and worked twice as hard in developing his techniques. He turned his height and weight into an advantage that allowed him to create his signature “Spinning Kick” move that earned him the nickname “The Spinning Kick of Asia”.
Now at 36 and a professional coach himself, Japoy uses this experience in shaping the next generation of strong-willed athletes and giving them a platform to become an inspiration for the generation after them. In this extension of his partnership with MILO®, Japoy also aims to share this with more kids nationwide. “Although not all athletes are born gifted in a sport, they are molded through the years with experience and the right pagpupursige to succeed. That’s how strong athletes are created,” said Japoy.
The MILO® Champions have come together to inspire kids as they continue on their own Champion journeys. Their unique stories of pagpupursige also show that the values learned from sports can also lead to success.
“We’re very happy to be extending this partnership with Jamie Lim, Coach Rio, and Japoy Lizardo. We believe that they each have personal stories that will serve as inspiration for many young athletes today to pursige in achieving lifelong success just like they did. As one MILO® family, we are proud to give them a platform that allows them to do just that,” said Veronica Cruz, MILO Business Executive Officer, Senior Vice President, Nestle Philippines, Inc.
Together, MILO® Philippines calls on moms to join the MILO® Champions in building pagpupursige within their children through sports. To know more about MILO® sports programs, please visit the official MILO® Philippines website.
NEWS
SCG prioritizes efficiency, sustainable growth in Q3, 9M/2024 report
1:41 p.m. December 11, 2024
SCG (Siam Cement Group) reported a slight revenue increase to 609.9 billion PHP in the first nine months of 2024.
However, EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization, including dividends received from associates) amounted to 38,768 MB, a 10% decrease from the same period last year.
The company projects a three percent revenue increase for 2024 despite global economic turbulence, petrochemical downturn, geopolitical tensions, heightened domestic competition, and currency fluctuations.
To navigate these challenges, SCG is implementing cost-cutting measures, including a $144 million reduction by 2025 and a $287 million working capital decrease by Q1/2025.
The company is also streamlining operations, discontinuing unprofitable ventures like SCG Express and OITOLABS India, and exploring potential asset divestments.
To enhance efficiency, SCG is increasing alternative fuel usage in Thai cement plants and automating tile production.
While facing headwinds, SCG remains committed to its ASEAN expansion, with Vietnam and Indonesia driving 10% sales growth in the past nine months.
In the long term, green initiatives and Inclusive Green Growth approach present business opportunities and advantages.
Therefore, SCG is accelerating its investment in the Long Son Petrochemicals ethane project, allocating $700 million to reduce costs and boost global competitiveness. This move aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to green initiatives and Inclusive Green Growth, contributing to lower carbon dioxide emissions.
Additionally, SCG is driving innovation with its Generation 2 Low Carbon Cement, which has seen an 86% replacement rate, and expanding its SCGC GREEN POLYMER™ brand.
Meanwhile, SCG Chemicals faces ongoing challenges from global economic conditions and industry headwinds.
The company is investing $700 million to upgrade its LSP plant to utilize cost-effective U.S. ethane and mitigate possible challenges. The LSP plant has temporarily halted operations due to market conditions.
“For businesses, adapting to climate-related regulations is essential. Beyond our collaboration with the Federation of Thai Industries on the Go Together project to enhance SMEs’ capabilities through eco-friendly innovation and technology, SCG has launched the NET ZERO Accelerator Program (NZAP) for small and medium enterprises, as well as young government executives. This program aims to equip participants with knowledge of public policies, trade mechanisms, and access to low-carbon business financing with the goal of reducing costs, increasing profitability, and fostering a green industry alongside a transition to a low-carbon society,” said Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG.
SCG Green Polymer™ continues to gain traction, with recent partnerships yielding eco-friendly packaging solutions.
The company is also advancing 3D printing technology in construction, collaborating with Samsung E&A to develop innovative solutions for the global market.
SCG’s cement and construction businesses are experiencing mixed results. While government infrastructure projects drive growth, the domestic market remains sluggish. The company focuses on sustainable solutions, such as low-carbon concrete and eco-friendly housing products.
For Distribution and Retail, the company aims to expand its retail footprint in Indonesia, mainly through Mitra10 stores. It also invests in digital platforms like Q-Chang to enhance home services.
SCG Smart Living is innovating in landscape decoration and promoting prefabricated solutions for efficient construction. SCG Decor is reducing costs and expanding its market in Vietnam, while SCG Cleanergy focuses on clean energy solutions and innovative grid technologies.
SCG is actively growing its consumer packaging and medical supplies businesses. The company also prioritizes cost management, operational efficiency, and sustainable practices. SCG’s ASEAN operations, particularly in Vietnam and Indonesia, drive significant growth. The company remains committed to social responsibility, supporting communities through scholarships and disaster relief initiatives.
NEWS
Atayde named Siklab’s Trailblazer of the Year awardee
3:49 p.m. December 4, 2024
FOR putting premium on grassroots sports development, Quezon City first district Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde will be honored with the Trailblazer of the Year award in the Nickel Asia Corporation Siklab Youth Sports Awards 2024 on Thursday at the Market! Market! Activity Center, Ayala Malls BGC in Taguig City.
Atayde’s efforts as a prime mover of the Youth Football League (YFL) will be recognized as well as for establishing the D1 basketball and volleyball leagues for the youth in Quezon City’s first district, where tournaments are shown live on Facebook everyday to inspire more kids to get into sports.
The QC District 1 Warriors, the team formed and supported by Atayde, crowned themselves champions of the 2024 CLS Cup in Indonesia last June after beating ACBA Tigers Sydney in the final.
The actor-lawmaker is also a staunch supporter of the QCSEP fencing team of City Councilor Joseph Juico that produced the likes of Paris Olympian Samantha Catantan, while giving life-changing opportunities through the YFL with his uncle YFL president Mike Atayde in discovering and developing 18-and-under talents through the years.
Organized by the Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Paralympic Committee-Philippine Olympic Committee Media Group, the Siklab Youth Sports Awards’ Trailblazer of the year plum is awarded to outstanding individuals who promote quality grassroots sports development that created massive impact to the sporting community.
Three more special awards will be presented to Olympic boxing medalist Nesthy Petecio as this year’s Sports Idol, longtime sports manager Agapito “Terry” Capistrano as Godfather of the Year and noted youth sports supporter Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong’’ Go as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
A total of 80 youth and junior athletes from 37 sports will be recognized in the fourth edition of the awards night supported by Nickel Asia Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MVP Sports Foundation, CEL Logistics, Go For Gold, Barley + WHEATGRASS Entrepro, Pacquiao Coffee, Milo, San Miguel Corporation, PLDT and powered by Smart.
World junior champions Tachiana Mangin of taekwondo, weightlifters Angeline Colonia and Lovely Inan headline the Young Heroes Awards together with 2024 US Junior Girls champion Rianne Mikhaela Malixi of golf and wushu’s Alexander Gabriel Delos Reyes.
Joining them are Asian junior gymnastics gold medalist Karl Eldrew Yulo, world youth champion Isabella Butler of ju-jitsu, Asian age-group swimming gold medalist Jamesray Mishael Ajido and table tennis youth champion Kheith Rhynne Cruz.
Muay thai world champions Janbrix Ramiscal and Lyre Anie Ngina, chess Olympiad gold medalist Ruelle Canino will likewise be honored in the Super Kids Award category.
Three-time jiu-jitsu world champion Aleia Aielle Aguilar, Palarong Pambansa multiple gold medalists Albert Jose Amaro II (seven golds) of swimming, Mitchloni Dinauanao and Francis Dave Sombal (five golds each) of dancesports will banner the Rising Stars Award category.
Also leading the list are world youth muay champion Royeth Rosa, fencers Yuna Canlas, Willa Galvez, Hagia Del Castillo and Nicol Amethyst Canlas along with golfers Francesca Nicole Gaisano Gan, Geoffrey Drew Ong Tan, swimmer Behrouz Mohammad Mojdeh and figure skater Dawn Jasmine Gothong.
Thirty awardees have been lined up in the Youth Heroes Award including Ana Bhianca Espenilla (athletics), John Andre Aguja (cycling), JR Pandi (badminton), Brandon Sanchez (baseball), Kieffer Alas (basketball), Marc Dylan Custodio (bowling), Nick Anjelo Payla (boxing) and Naina Dominique Tagle (archery), Gavin Moses Bangayan Ti (obstacle course racing), Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh (swimming), Jonathan Reyes (squash), Jeniva Consigna (sambo) and Joseph Godbout (modern pentathlon).
Meanwhile, Ella Olaso (wrestling), Danielle Escolano (bowling), Xian Baguhin (boxing) Elaiza Yulo (gymnastics), Sebastien Mañalac (karate), Julia Claret Bintulan (karate), Zyche Mae Cruz Jizmundo (pencak silat), Shai Nitura (volleyball), Mariam Grace Balisme (wrestling), Paul Sondrei Capinig (wrestling), Andreas Lucho Aguilar (wrestling), Johanna Jeiel Barbero (wushu), Mark John Lazo (wushu), Carlstein Jade Dulay (sailing), Josa Gonzales (sailing), Marvin Mandac (cycling) and Thirdy Mana-ay (cycling) complete the roster for the Super Kids accolade.
NEWS
Shop local at DTI’s Christmas Village Fair in SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall
3:36 p.m. December 4, 2024
Celebrate the holidays at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Bagong Pilipinas Christmas Village Fair at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls 2 and 3, happening from November 30 to December 4.
Discover unique gifts, festive treats, and handcrafted treasures created by talented local entrepreneurs. Shop local and make this Christmas truly special!
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