‘Rising Tigers Magazine’s’ People to Watch 2024
THE widely distributed business and lifestyle magazine “Rising Tigers Magazine” celebrated its 2nd anniversary alongside ambassadors, public officials, emerging leaders, and business tycoons.
The board, which includes engineer Grace Bondad Nicolas, Andrew Troy Nicolas, Andria Terese Nicolas, Brian Poe Llamanzares, lawyer Arnel Mateo, Sarah Mateo, Claudia Cui, Robert Laurel Yupangco, Tanyu III, and Dr. Elton See Tan, supported the event.
The event was exclusively held at Manila House, Bonifacio Global City. The ceremony began with opening remarks from Consul David Ackerman, who shared how the previous cover leader, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr., broke the record at National Bookstore last March. The previous issue sold out in less than a day, highlighting how Commissioner Lumagui inspired the nation with his story.
In his speech, Lumagui shared what it takes to be a nation builder. To him, it’s about protecting the welfare of the people and being fearless in serving. The magazine inspired him to continue serving the Filipinos with integrity and to honor his title, “The Face of Good Governance.”
Andria Terese Nicolas, the CMO of Rising Tigers Magazine and VP of Tag Media Group, shared the vision of the magazine.
The co-owner, Brian Poe Llamanzares, also delivered an inspiring speech.
The featured leaders for the May issue are Department of Justice Spokesperson lawyer Mico Clavano, Lumagui — who was also announced as “Person of the Year,” Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus “Gary” Domingo, Congresswoman Marlyn Alonte-Naguiat, Department of Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary David Almirol, Kenny Ladaga, John Calub, Consul David Ackerman, Anna Magkawas, Cherry Atilano, Jenny Lin-Maaño Ngai, Jade Riccio, Camille Makasiar, Ann Murphy, and Mica Teves.
Other VIPs present, who will be featured in the May and June issue, include members of the diplomatic corps and business tycoons such as Egypt Ambassador Ahmed Abdullah; Morocco Ambassador Mohammad Rida El Fassi; Hungary Ambassador Titanilla Toth and husband Arkadiusz Jan Tracz; Palau Ambassador Keith Richard Sugiyama; Turkey Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol and wife Indri Akyol; Greece Ambassador Ioannis Pediotis and wife Aliki; and Papua New Guinea Ambassador Betty Palaso.
Others include Cynthia Mamon of Enchanted Kingdom; Cory Navarro; Philip and Ching Cruz; Paco Magsaysay of Carmen’s Best; Bobby Alvares of Noble Homes; Judy Abalos; President of MerNel’s Cakes Merle Balicao; and yours truly, Hi Society and husband George Sarakinis.
“Rising Tigers Magazine” is available at National Bookstore branches and all Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounges.
Meanwhile, Guagua Rural Bank, Inc. (GRBank), celebrates 70 years of remarkable banking, resilience, and excellence in 2024. Through seven decades of economic shifts and challenges, from the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1990 to the pandemic in 2020, GRBank HAS REMAINED A PILLAR OF financial strength in countryside development, especially in Central Luzon. It has evolved to become the bank of choice with its unwavering support and commitment to MSMEs, as well as serving the underbanked and unbanked sectors in the countryside, IN SUPPORT OF THE financial inclusion program of the BSP.
Weathering every season, GRBank has thrived and is now ranked as the No. 1 rural bank in Pampanga, the No. 1 rural bank in Central Luzon, and the No. 6 rural bank nationwide in terms of total assets. It can lend up to P380 million per single borrower. Central to its enduring legacy is the visionary stewardship of its Board of Directors and the strong leadership of its Executive Committee, headed by the President & CEO, Jose Antonio Blas Carlos; the Chief Operating Officer & Senior Executive Vice President, Elizabeth Carlos-Timbol; and the Senior Vice President, Grace Carlos-Glorioso. Together, they have upheld the founding principles of prudence and integrity, anchoring the bank’s operations to excellence and sustainable growth.
Beyond financial success, GRBank is a bank of value and has established itself as a force of positive growth by sponsoring financial LITERACY PROGRAMS, Medical missions, feeding programs, scholarship programs, donation drives during calamities, support for tree planting activities, health AND fitness PROGRAMS, AND GREEN energy programs, among others, for its corporate social responsibility. Its steadfast dedication to fostering economic empowerment AND financial INCLUSION IN underserved communities underscores its broader mission as a catalyst for societal progress.
As Guagua Rural Bank, Inc. marks seven decades of service to the community, its vision extends far beyond longevity. It aspires to be a key player in the ever-evolving financial landscape of modernization and digitalization. Each milestone achieved is a testament to the enduring power of its core values, living up to its tagline, “GRBank. Icon of Stability. Legacy of Strength.”