Knights of Rizal Hold Gala Night with The Rainmakers and World Class Acts!

We just witnessed the International Assembly Commemorating the 75th Charter Anniversary of the Knights of Rizal at the historic Manila Hotel this evening. Amidst Rizalians (members of t the civic and patriotic organization honoring the life and teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal) and dignitaries, we also witnessed the men from The Rainmakers perform on stage as they celebrate their grand GALA NIGHT, a night of music and camaraderie. The media and attendees were welcomed warmly by Dr. Emmanuel Calairo, the Supreme Commander of Knight Grand Cross of Rizal.

Jojo, Ramon and Joel sang Binibini to end the evening.

The Rainmakers hail from University of Santo Tomas' High School, a band known for the Manila sound played in the 70's and 80's (remember Binibini, Ale Ale, You and Me?). We saw them last performing their hits in TV5's Vybe weekend show in the OG portion. Chapters from Western USA, Hawaii and other international ones enjoyed their set the most as they reminisced about their time in the Philippines. It felt so nostalgic to hear them sing these songs especially for KOR guests.

PPOP group NOVA also did a couple of covers which guests enjoyed at the end of the event. They're very good singers, while still pretty new, they also did their new single "ALL IN" and folks enjoyed their performance. Former Senator Joey Lina who was part of the elders also pushed for help they provide for mothers, early childhood nutrition and other projects that target families and the elderly. He sang a very beautiful OPM song, and got a standing ovation from his brothers in Knights of Rizal.

Other performers such as Asia's Got Talent phenom Gerphil Flores, Allison Gonzalez, and the Philippine Navy's very own Lady Chatterly Alvaro Sumbeling brought world class singing to the event, all appreciated by the audience.

The organization also made arrangements to fund training for the youth, so they too can learn and inspire others to do the same. Their Western USA and Hawaii branches provided USD 5,000 to continue their efforts, together with local ones during the event. They also made sure the cause they call MILK Program will be brought to the forefront, so they can continue feeding the poor and at risk pregnant mothers, to get rid of malnutrition in the country (which they do in partnership with LGU's). 

Truly, it takes a lot for Rizalians to make sure they do their best for the organization, for others and the Philippines. Yet they do it with lots of gusto an fervor. They're a pretty incredible bunch, I'm so glad to have witnessed that. Congratulations! 

Mentor Mike Launches Books on Life, Entrepreneurship with Purpose

Mentor Mike aka Dr. Michael V. Maranan, LCB, MMLSM, DBA, DHUM just got his books released. It's a collection of his experiences in the lines of building businesses, education and mentoring. He is the man behind Windfreight Express Total Logistics Incorporated and 88 Sunfreight Express Corporation, and is its President and CEO. He wears many hats as a licensed Customs Broker, Professor, Public Speaker and Entrepreneur. He also got his DBA in Thames, and his Master's in Logistics and Supply Chain in PCU. He also got his Honorary Doctors of Humanities from United College of Brazil, plus a recognition from Lyceum Batangas as an Outstanding Alumnus. It has always been his dream to have education accessible for all which is why he wants to educate, empower and inspire others especially those who are already good at their craft (professionals and leaders). 

His Books: 

From Eight to Infinity: Secret Stories and Lessons from the life of Dr. Mike Maranan is more of a memoir, where he explains his experiences from when he started to the time he was leading corps. 

Confessions of a Licensed Customs Broker is about how to weave through the complicated world of customs brokerage. He gives practical ways if you are doing a venture like his and will show you have leadership, perseverance, discipline and faith could help you make it a successful one. 

The Business That Fits You and the Tagalog version "Ang Negosyong Swak Sayo Challenge" on the other hand will give you excellent entrepreneurship advice, and how to sustain trend driven businesses so you can make it into a long term one through building practical plans and framework. He wants it to be understood and digested easily by Filipinos and dedicate it to aspiring ones including importers, exporters, pros and students across the country. It won't be just theoretical as he made sure to include his real life experiences, tells you straight what would be profitable or not. Show you the ropes too. 

Here's some clips from the event a few days ago:

The event was also graced by some of Mentor Mike's celebrity friends who swear by the practical tips they got from the books he put out. 

The books are currently available via his website mentormikebooklaunch.com or his social media channels. You can also expect the release to be done in digital shopping apps and platforms very soon. 

(Photos and videos on this article are from Rain de Ocampo of Raincheck, covering for KUMAGCOW.COM)

Tonik Bank Introduces Payhinga

Things are still hard and getting even harder in 2026 as folks are feeling the effects of inflation, our groceries, school fees, hospital and emergency cases too. Breadwinners like most of us get really affected especially if we already have commitment to loans, missed payments, which gets our credit score down. Digital bank Tonik though got three fold increase in business as they introduced a loan payment holiday feature called Payhinga. This stops and pauses the need to pay in cases where you get hardships in life, economically, so you don't have to get your credit line affected, as it comes with Credit Life Insurance from Sun Life (Grepa Financial) which you can simply tick the option for before you take out that loan from this digital bank. 

Evidently, customers prefer this so they wouldn't get their credit health sabotaged, making more people become less susceptible to being default. But not to escape paying correctly.

This was a goal for them in their plans for financial inclusion , so they could help customers pay their loans even in dire situations. Tonik knows they need to help their clients pay off their obligations when the going gets tough. Payhinga gives folks breathing room when setbacks happen. This feature gives customers a good financial option to take when the unthinkable happens.

HONOR Awards Mercedes Benz to Lucky HONOR 600 Buyer!

HONOR just awarded the actual car they gave away for the HONOR 600 5G/PRO. The last time they gave away a Tesla Cybertruck but this time, it's a brand new spanking Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Electric SUV. Present during the occasion was Stephen Cheng, Pao Oga from Honor Philippines.

This was chosen from those who pre ordered the phones which is why you should do it without hesitation the next time they do it (I heard they'll be doing it of course!). They also celebrated the success with a concert at Mall of Asia with James Reid headlining it. 

Industry leading specs and good AI editing from the phone made this sold out phone a must have for Filipinos. They announced the winner this afternoon:

The Grand Winner is 

JOHN KENNETH GERVACIO

He's just going to have to fill in some papers and he's coming home with it within the month (I heard). I'm just envious it's all his! (Although he bought one unit of HONOR 600! First time applying too through HOME CREDIT! WOW!)

He says "I can't believe a simple guy like me could win something like this! I can't believe it! I'm just a minimum wage earner!"

Congratulations to him, and surely, if you're out to see a new phone go get it from HONOR. Who knows, you might be the next one to win one!