Museum Foundation of the Philippines Set to Hold "ANG MUSEO" Awards in October

Museum Foundation of the Philippines just held a short program to announce "ANG MUSEO", an award giving body dedicated to Philippine based museums and it's workers. Present during the occasion are Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI) officers Danny C. Jacinto, Ms. Gemma Cruz Araneta, Atty. Dominador D. Buhain, Maximillan G. Ventura and . Also in the event were Board of Trustees Maximillan G. Ventura, Michael Angelo V. Liwanag, Ma. Belen Pilar M. Fernand, Roberto F. Abastillas, Ma. Rosario A. Estrada, Melvin M. Mangada, Maria Karina Garila, and Atty. Reginald Dimacuha. As a non profit and non governmental organization, they help entities preserve the country's rich artistic and cultural heritage.

Danny Jacinto who heads the foundation told us "There's a special reason for you to be here, we are celebrating our 40th anniversary. Today we are announcing something big, good afternoon!"

Misha who hosted the event adds "We are pleased to share with you about this. There is a renewed interest in culture, we see students and schools visiting museums, no structure but they go on tours, visit landmarks, and new ones are opening in the. country. We see the National Museum is expanding it's presence, in Iloilo, Davao, and Cebu. Government is pushing for stronger heritage conservation authored by Loren Legarda (5). The cultural efforts show how it is alive, but there is no recognition for these entities. They do this quietly, mostly museum workers, and we decided to take action. The Museum Foundation was in a crossroads in 1986, we feel this is the right moment to launch something meaningful for nation building. Today we are proud to introduce to you ANG MUSEO Gawad ng Museum Foundation of the Philippines. It is the first private sector award that honors excellence in museum practice in the Philippines. They are living institutions that tell our stories, a start of a movement to promote higher standards in museum practice. From large to small, from local to national, we celebrate the people behind our museums. It is who we are, and if we share our love for heritage, we strengthen our organization too."

ANG MUSEO

Ten initial awards will be given away this year

Gawad sa Pamanang Tanghal

(Permanent Exhibition of the Year)

Gawad sa Sangay ng Pambansang Museo

(NMP Satellite Museum of the Year)

Gawad sa Napapanahong Tanghal

(Temporary Exhibition of the Year)

Gawad sa Natatanging Paglilingkod ng Indibidwal 

(Individual Achievement Award)

Gawad para sa Institusyong Pang-Edukasyon

(Educational Institute Museum of the Year)

Gawad sa Tagapagtaguyod ng Sining at Kultura 

(Patron of the Arts or Special Recognition Award)

Gawad para sa Natatanging Pamana

ng Bayan: Lunsod o Munisipalidad

(Local Museum of the Year)

Gawad sa Natatanging Pamumuno ng Museo

(Museum Leadership Award)

Gawad sa Natatanging Programa ng Museo

(Program of the Year)

Gawad sa Natatanging Kawani ng Museo

(Museum Worker of the Year) 2026

There will be a registration fee of Php 3,000 for admin costs. The complete guidelines and you can send supporting documents in this portal available at museumfoundation.org. Announcement and updates will be available on their Facebook and Instagram accounts @MuseumFoundationPH.

For those who don't know, they are the same organization who helped the National Museum put up the iconic TREE OF LIFE.  Hopefully they'd be able to hold the event there on October this year. Please wait for updates about it on their social pages soon!

Your Life in Full Drive: Metrobank Launches TOYOTA Platinum Mastercard

3 brands took us to BGC this morning as they launch the new TOYOTA Platinum Card by Mastercard. This is the newest product from the folks at Metrobank. 

Ms. Gale Male the head of cards from Metrobank says "Mobility and reliability has always been something consumers consider to make everyday motoring lighter. We are proud to introduce the new Toyota Platinum Card!"

With the goal of strengthening partnerships, this new seamless and secure credit card will empower Filipino motorists. According to Head of Credit Cards Ms. Mel Santos "We started with the Filipino motorist who hails from outside Metro Manila, with their responsibility, they have to journey to Quezon City. Mobility is essential, they need to manage costs of everyday driving. Costs of fuel, this card offers fuel rebates for ALL gas stations. This also has rebates on TOLL FEES, with an almost combined savings of over 15K. You also get 10 percent off on Toyota Genuine parts and services, at 0 percent installment rates on repairs plus credits. You can also get 2x the rewards. Toyota, Mastercard and Metrobank wants to help you drive smarter."

Toyota Motors Philippines Mike Montemayor adds "We have been partners for a while now. We respond to long term needs of our customers, to create value for their everyday lives. We have a customer first policy, because we know how vehicle ownership includes responsibilities. Through this card, you can avail service and accessories. We thank Metrobank for partnering with us, congratulations! Time to live your life in Full Drive!"

Jason Castro of Mastercard Philippines says "This is a well packaged service, congratulations to our partners. Customers will benefit from what you brought here and Mastercard is there to connect people wherever they are in the world. Our strength is going to be how we can serve the Filipino public. They need simplicity, value, and this is what we all bring to the table. Today we see the culmination of that. We have far greater things to do, and they trust Toyota, Metrobank and Mastercard. This is our commitment, and make each step rewarding."

With the looming energy crisis happening this week, Metrobank does good with this card that issues rebates in any gas station you would need to fill up at. The installment on services can also help you finance if something happens to the car while you're using it. Ultimately, they think about you! That says a lot, so if you're looking for a card that would fit your lifestyle (especially for new car owners) then call them or get in touch on their social channels, don't be afraid to apply for it now!

FFCCCII Launches 2nd Short Form Video Comp for "Operation Barrio Schools"

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. or FFCCCII just recently announced their 2nd TikTok Video Competition with this year's theme: A Classroom For Every Dream (How FFCCCII Barrio Schools Have Improved Lives). 

The occasion was attended by FFCCCII President Victor Lim and his fellow FFCCCII officers Mr. Jayson Size, Mr. Peter Mangasing (Co-Chairman of Youth Integrated Committee), Mr. Reynold Sy the FFCCCII Vice President, Mr. Eddie Cobankiat (Chair Public Information and Media Committee) and Kamuning Bakery Owner and Journalist Wilson Flores. 

After the successful contest last year, they're gearing to get more people to join in this 2026 edition. For those who don't know, the organization has already built over 6,500 since 1961 and have been able to help countless students to finish their studies in different regions across the Philippines. 

This is open to Filipinos, 13 yo and above. Entries should be 1-2 minutes short, shot vertically with English Subtitles featuring FFCCCII Barrio School experience, impact or topic. You may upload this privately or through QR codes then tag @FFCCCII.official and use the hashtags #FFCCCIIBarrioSchools on May 5 - 15th this year. Total cash prize amount to 850,000 pesos and the Grand Prize is Php 120,000!

Mr. Victor Lim says "We at FFCCCII would like to encourage Filipinos especially the young ones to join our competition. Our organization's flagship project Operation Barrio Schools is part of Filipino Chinese tradition and we hope to showcase these to spark hope and see progress in communities."

The competition will be set in 2 categories #MyFFCCCIIBarrioSchoolJourney and #TheFFCCCIIBarrioSchoolsStory. Deadline for entries is on May 15th. So if you are a budding content creator or story teller, you've got to join this on the black app! Category A will be for currently enrolled students, teachers and school employees. Category B will be for content creators (pro or non pro, please scan QR for complete mechanics).

Here's the press conference on video, please enjoy!

Verde Creatives Gives Back to Payatas

February was certainly a lovely month especially for the folks from Verde Creatives. They're a public relations and creative agency who's always had a knack in combining what they could do for PR and combine it with social advocacy. I've had the pleasure of working with them in several occasions, and I could see the passion burning every time they go out for campaigns, including how they care for the media too. 

This time it's different, as they took off their gloves for work and changed into plain clothed angels together with partners at community organization Munting Hiling, all for the people of Payatas in Quezon City. 

For those who don't know, Payatas was previously a dumpsite for Metro Manila and nearby cities. For years, it has been converted into communities, but still have some who are poverty stricken. Armed with their gusto to bring LOVE, JOY and SUPPORT, Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling held an event called "Verde Gives Back for Feb-Ibig" last February 13th at Payatas B Elementary School. Taking cues from their theme "All Kinds of Love!", they prepared gift bags, ice cream and more treats for folks at the venue. They also taught the concepts of universal love, family, romantic love, having dignity and inclusivity for everyone and several groups. This "Verde Gives Back" activity is just one of the many things that Ms. Bemz Benedito (their Founding Managing Director) used to do back in college, and still continues to this day. Her immersions were done in the same area, with the same people from Munting Hiling.

For them, this is now their CSR activity, which all started from that old academic requirement. She reiterates this kind of love to reach everyone, no matter what social or economical level they're in, especially those who are often overlooked. Ms. Bemz Benedito has been the previous chair for Ladlad Partylist and still continues to support LGBTQIA+ organizations til now. 

 

She also received the Global Transgender Hero award from the True Colors Fund which 80's icon Cyndi Lauper co-founded. She plans to do this service with Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling for the poorest of the poorest sector. She hopes these gestures would create more opportunities for the townsfolk, and have them gain access to help with health, social programs, food security, love, equality and more.

This certainly has helped a lot, but seeing how their efforts continue and include more sustainable ways is like teaching them to fish. It's a good thing. You are doing awesome work Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling!