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
New year, new flavors: Lusso by Margarita Forés arrives at SM Podium
4:29 p.m. March 11, 2025
SM Podium elevates its sophisticated dining experience with the launch of Lusso by Margarita Forés—the first Margarita Signature restaurant, established by the celebrated chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés, to become part of SM’s prestigious portfolio.
With the festive season in full swing, Lusso offers the perfect setting to celebrate life’s special moments, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a romantic dinner, or a quiet indulgence with loved ones.
Renowned for her world-class culinary artistry, recognized as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Forés brings her signature touch of elegance and exceptional flavors to this exciting new addition. Lusso promises an extraordinary culinary journey that combines the finest ingredients, impeccable presentation, and flavors that linger long after the last bite. Known for her innovative approach to Italian cuisine and her dedication to celebrating Filipino flavors on the global stage, Forés brings unparalleled expertise and a passion for excellence to every dish. At Lusso, dining becomes more than just a meal—it’s an experience.
Lusso is the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner with someone special, hosting a cozy family gathering, or celebrating milestones with your closest friends, the restaurant offers the perfect backdrop to celebrate the season in style.
Lusso is a natural inclusion in SM Podium, seamlessly aligning with its reputation as a haven for elevated experiences through its curated offerings, sophisticated ambiance, and dedication to world-class dining. Offering an exquisite menu designed to indulge the senses, the restaurant is an invitation to savor life’s finer moments.
Signature dishes like the Portobello Mushroom, Asparagus & Goat Cheese Mille-Feuille and the decadent Lobster Linguine highlight Lusso’s commitment to culinary artistry. From sumptuous dishes crafted with precision to an ambiance that radiates understated luxury, Lusso transforms every visit into an unforgettable affair.
Visit Lusso at SM Podium and make this festive season truly special. Whether you’re indulging in a celebratory feast or treating yourself to an unforgettable dining experience, Lusso offers more than just a meal—it’s a taste of refined luxury. Discover more reasons to celebrate, more moments to savor, and more for you at SM, where exceptional dining meets the spirit of togetherness.
SM Supermalls #HomeOfFirsts
At SM Supermalls, we take pride in being the Home of Firsts—bringing you the first-to-market brands, groundbreaking experiences, and culinary destinations you won’t find anywhere else. From world-class dining and retail exclusives to innovative spaces that inspire and connect communities, we’re redefining what it means to have it all. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sustainability, community empowerment, and delivering memorable moments that make every visit more meaningful. There’s always something new and memorable waiting for you at SM.
NEWS
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11:14 p.m. March 10, 2025
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NEWS
Web3 on Wheels: YGG Pilipinas Hits the Road with the Metaverse Filipino Worker (MFW) Caravan
3:30 p.m. March 9, 2025
YGG Pilipinas is embarking on a four-month tour with the Metaverse Filipino Worker (MFW) Caravan, a traveling roadshow bringing the future of work to six key cities across the Philippines.
From April to August 2025, the MFW Caravan will showcase how Filipinos can level up their skills and access fun new ways to earn online, all without having to leave their hometowns. The multi-stage event is part of a year-long initiative introducing more Filipinos to the rapidly growing digital economy with alternative career opportunities beyond traditional employment and overseas work.
Through hands-on workshops and expert talks hosted by YGG Pilipinas’ educational platform Metaversity, MFW Caravan attendees will learn how they can future-proof their careers with emerging technologies including Web3, AI and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN). Lessons offered by Metaversity will include resume building, optimizing work through AI, and using decentralized applications (DApps). During each Caravan stop, job boards and career orientation will also be available. Attendees can also partake in event quests to earn rewards, including AI bounties designed and offered by YGG’s Future of Work program, and learn more about how to join a community through the Metaverse Filipino Alliance.
“The MFW movement is proof that anyone can carve out a sustainable future in the global decentralized digital economy. We’ve seen former OFWs return home and find new income streams online, students turn their love for video games into careers, small business owners tap into Web3 to expand their addressable market, farmers explore digital opportunities to supplement their livelihoods, and working moms build careers from home so they never have to leave their children behind. Their stories of resilience and success show that the future of work isn’t just coming—it’s already here. And the best part is that they can do it all from home, right here in the Philippines,” said Mench Dizon, Country Head of YGG Pilipinas.
The MFW movement launched in January 2025 with the YouTube release of the short film, Metaverse Filipino Worker, showcasing real-life stories of Filipinos building digital careers in Web3. The video, available at MFW.Life, hit more than a million views in less than two weeks of its release. The stars of the film will be traveling with the MFW Caravan to meet communities in person and answer questions about their journey, including how they overcame personal challenges and discovered global opportunities.
In true YGG Pilipinas fashion, each leg of the MFW Caravan will feature Web3 game demos, showmatches, and tournaments for popular Web3 gaming titles. For many MFWs, Web3 gaming has been their entry point into the open metaverse. These games serve as a fun and rewarding introduction to blockchain and cryptocurrencies while helping players get started with the support of the YGG Pilipinas community.
“The MFW Caravan reflects a crucial shift in how Filipinos approach work—one that prioritizes digital skills, borderless opportunities, and economic empowerment without the need to go overseas to get it. At the DICT, we recognize the importance of preparing our workforce for these changes by promoting education and upskilling in emerging fields like Web3 and AI. By expanding awareness and opening more pathways to these opportunities, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient digital workforce in the Philippines,” said Emmy Lou Delfin, Director, ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB) and Regional Director, MIMAROPA at the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
As industries rapidly evolve with emerging technologies like Web3 and AI, the demand for skilled professionals is surging. According to the World Economic Forum’s whitepaper, The Rise of Global Digital Jobs, there are currently over 70 million digital jobs worldwide, with projections indicating this number could approach 100 million by 2030. At the same time, the Web3 market—valued at over USD $1 billion—is expected to grow sixfold in the next five years, according to Mordor Intelligence. YGG Pilipinas’ goal is to provide digital upskilling opportunities to all Filipinos so they can capitalize on this growth.
The MFW Caravan will launch on April 5, in Davao’s Ayala Malls Abreeza. It will then be followed by stops in Cagayan De Oro’s Ayala Malls Centrio on May 4, Iloilo’s Ayala Malls Atria Park District on June 7, Bicol’s Ayala Malls Legaspi on June 28, Palawan on July 19, and have its final leg in Manila on Aug 2. The MFW Caravan is made possible thanks to partners Ayala Malls, G!G, Coins.ph, Converge and Parallel TCG. The event is also supported by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the City Education and Development Office in CDO.
Experience a royal first: Warabimochi Kamakura opens at SM Megamall
New year, new flavors: Lusso by Margarita Forés arrives at SM Podium
Get that loan even faster with Maya
