Ready to Charge at MPBL: The QUEZON CITY BLACK BULLS!

I've seen and heard about the Quezon City Black Bulls at the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League because of the support of Cong. Arjo Atayde (and how proud he is of them in past games). He's not the owner as we met the real one Mr. John Christopher Tan, but he thanked Arjo for his stern support even during pre season games.

With Coach JayV Olea, they led the Quezon City Black Bulls with players Rey Publico, Clark Derige, Patrick Buena, Jake Agoncilio, Kenz Diokno, Kobe Monje, Ryan Costelo, Aeron Bagunu, Aldave Canoy, MJ Joson, Charles Dela Cruz, Jay Gadon, Joe Joven, Kai Espinosa, Bryan Rosalin, Joeben Loria, JR Lastra, Jaydee Del Rosario, Gab Salazar, Joshua Roque and Jeff Morillo. Mind you, some of them have joined the team recently because of the open try outs they held last March. Most of them are from Gardner College and a few are individually chosen because of their experience and talent on the hard court. They also played in the D1 League versus a few teams and did outstanding work with a 4-4 win loss slate. 

They're pretty much ready for what's about to happen during the MPLB regular season. Team owner John Tan and Coach JayV Olea are optimistic that they're going to perform well because they are taking the upcoming games seriously. First one in fact is with Caloocan which did good last season, so even in Holy Week they had to go back and practice early.

Here's what happened at the media conference: 

The testosterone level and height was so high during this event, but I see how much fire they have in their eyes because they're coming in as the new guys, nothing to prove, but just do their best once the games begin. 

Support them by following their FB page and the MPBL league at their games around the Philippines. Games are free to watch so go ahead and fill the gyms to the brim. Stand behind our very own Quezon City Black Bulls as they try their best in getting that Championship crown! 

GARDO VERSOZA Makes Up For Past Woes with MADDOX Wedding Rings!

A more personal interview took center stage as Gardo Verzosa graces Maddox Jewelry at their showroom at 1011 JP Rizal Street at Concepcion Uno in Marikina City. This time, taking off the Cupcake persona and telling some small details of his Las Vegas wedding, and the few instances he fooled around during his younger years. 

Talking about the wedding, he firmly admitted how it was a bit sad seeing the rings they had to use for the occasion because it felt like it was something that looked like a chicken scratched it. Now, he's taking his time to really look at design, clarity, and how he could make this wedding ring better, so he could make up for what they had in that small white chapel. 

He even divulged how he was a bit naughty during those times because he was a serial dater, putting initials of other people's names on his personal calendar which his wife found out later on about. There was just obviously a pattern. MADDOX Jewelry President and CEO Ms. Charo Cordial attributed the discovery to a woman's intuition, and felt it was just right to say the games over on her vlog. 

For those who don't know, Ms. Charo is a licensed Agricultural Engineer who has made headway in a very male dominated space. She now has this brand and continues to be successful and a trusted brand in the jewelry industry. Gardo sees this as an inspiration and which is why he's trusting only the best to make that wedding band dream, a reality with MADDOX Jewelry. 

He hopes this would become an instrument to make amends for all the wedding and relationship mishaps they experienced which story you can watch in full at the Maddox Jewelry YouTube channel or the D'Maddox Jewelry Facebook pager where they stream regularly for their pieces. See why a lot of people continue to see the shine of their diamond to this day.

Puregold Recognizes the Role of "Sari-Sari Store" in MSME Growth

It's so heartwarming to see how small businesses, MSME's get the spotlight they deserve as part of the Sari-Sari Stories that Puregold released on their socials. It mirrors what is seen in the Philippines, and realize it's role, how significant it is despite it's size, that it has direct economic significance. This follows the previous parts called "Ways", "The Sign", "The Witness" which also discussed their connection to the community, to commerce and what people need. It's not just a story, but a show of resilience, of how it affects family life, plus this new one called "Pangalan". 

This part talks about how the normal Sari-Sari Store becomes a place of convergence in a community, and get what they need, when they need it especially when they need questions answered, or just plainly hang out. It is undoubtedly Filipino, which is pretty cool to see in stories like these. 

Now don't be surprised because you'll see some pretty famous folks like Jhoanna from BINI, Stell Ajero from SB19, even Skusta Klee. They tell a story of retail, and how it becomes an integral part of a community, and this economy. 

If you haven't been to a Puregold Tindahan ni Aling Puring Sari-Sari Store Convention, one will be happening in May. It's where brands and businesses offer crazy deals, with real people who own their stores, groceries and source it from Puregold. 

Here's a glimpse of the series, enjoy! 

Make sure you sub on the Puregold Channel on YouTube, and their socials as updates about the conference and more will be posted there. See you in May!

Malaysia's CHUNK & DUNK Sweetly Lands in the Philippines

Making a sweet landing to Philippine shores is the popular Malaysia based snack brand "Chunk & Dunk". Today is their official launch at the Eastwood City Mall where they have their first branch at the mall's 3rd Floor. This is their first global outlet, something they've wanted to do since its inception in Sabah Malaysia.

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They are one of the fastest growing brands in the region, won best dessert in so many places so the Lim Family got in touch with founder Adam Shamil to bring them all here (after having it for 3 straight days in one of their branches). Adam says "Great afternoon! Mabuhay Philippines! I'd like to welcome the ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, my family from Sabah, and the Filipinos. Happy Easter to everyone! It's not about me but about Chunk and Dunk, I made my life savings start the world's best croffle  23 months ago and saw it grow to what it is today. You have no idea how we did it in 72 hours but that's what it took to make. I am eternally grateful for them making this happen, from the bottom of my heart, you have no idea on how you became a part of my dreams! I love you! We are now open in the Philippines!"

Passionate, perfection and quality, they now have a whole team in Chunk & Dunk Philippines through their brand partner Lester Lim. Lester says "Like Easter, we are bringing new life. It is my honor to welcome the ambassador and the whole Chunk & Dunk Malaysia Team who have been helping us all the way. My family, and so many other people who contributed to this and made it happen. So many things I want to do and say, but we will continue to make this all better. Let's do this! We hope you love Chunk & Dunk as much as we do!".

Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony also gave his message saying how delighted he is and the whole embassy, the country is to witness this occasion. "This is my first foray to Croffle, and I was sold when I tasted it here. You will never forget this, and will have more. This is their first branch, and we have one thing in common, we love to eat. This connection is something that makes us stronger, we might see a diner concept soon, but for the meantime we can enjoy croffle and shave ice desserts on their first branch in Eastwood. This launch also is like navigating the future together, to progress, even if there are conflicts elsewhere in the world. Congratulations Chunk & Dunk, I wish you all the best! "

Pro tip: Get a taste of Philippines exclusive Ube Macapuno flavor if choosing a topping. Either that or Bueno Bueno (for obvious reasons, my last name lol).

If you're in the hood and want a sweet end to your day, visit the Eastwood Mall during mall hours and get that croffle fix fast! Congratulations Chunk & Dunk, can't wait to have more of you soon!