Travel Tax and Lighthearted Talk with Mark Lapid

Got to talk to current TIEZA Head Mark Lapid and began our conversation about Travel Tax and funding. The Travel Tax on their end goes to infrastructure support for different spots in the country. He also mentioned the difference between them and the DOT. Their different mandate and roles in building hospitals, fixing airports with CAAP, terminals, wheelchair access, monitoring systems, conveyor belts, esplanade, boardwalks, lighting are just some of their duties. These are submitted by local government units and their board, in many places he mentioned in the interview.

He also talked about how his family still comes first, next is public service and showbiz. He treats showbiz as part of his passions, while politics affects so many people. The infrastructure gap in airports is huge compared to neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. They're doing a revamp and want all other domestic airports capable to land bigger airplanes and have those other airline companies to land directly in the provinces so they don't get congested in NAIA. 

He also talked to us about his relationship with his Dad becoming his number 1 critic and supporter. He also said how close they are with Coco Martin who they had the pleasure to work together in different Coco Martin led series, just to help since they have experience with it.

They've done this for several years and enjoy it. Imagine, they wanted this to be a 2 week guesting and they were there for almost a decade. He says "It's the art of "pakikipagkapwa tao". When we came back to the set, we were surprised about the big improvements, in the past you can't have a second take because of expenses. The digital era was freeing. I think I only feel better because of my wife (about his looks and health). We also want to lower taxes in cinema and encourage more creatives to release movies and make the public go back and watch in cinemas. I am against AI use, but if it's dangerous stunts, maybe we can consider but not to the detriment of production workers that can do a better job at it. We want to support it."

Mark Lapid reiterated that services their office implement to improve infrastructure needs to come from somewhere. Since the government still has no funds allocated for the TIEZA, they might ask for an extension for the Travel Tax until it gets funding somewhere else. There are people and the public that do benefit from their work, and it is essential to make sure the infrastructure gets maintained and managed well. 

HONOR Philippines Starts Selling the HONOR MAGIC V6 Today

The Miss Supranational 2027, Miss Tourism, Miss Eco Teen Philippines, and Miss Teen Universe queens dropped by the Honor Philippines store in SM North Edsa Annex in Quezon City. The ladies are here for a special occasion as Honor starts the official selling of the Honor Magic V6 5G, their lightest foldable phone. 

Honor actually has 3 stores in this venue (all are steadily earning) and people have been going here to  capture their own Honor phones. Honor is known for durability, AI, dust and waterproofing their handsets which caters to Filipinos as they've increased sales year on year, despite the huge challenge in the market. 

During the event, Eason de Guzman of Honor Philippines says "We have been together for a few months because of the Honor Magic V6, it's the most durable one, and we keep on pushing its limits every time. It can take your body weight, get along with your lifestyle and do your productivity requirements when it matters most. We partnered with Globe too to make this available nationwide. The Honor Magic V6 is now available in the Philippines!"

So don't just stand there, go visit Honor stores and partner brands to get them now!

MEGA Sardines Goes Global: US Market by September via KROGER Stores

There's no stopping MEGA Prime Foods as they take homegrown Filipino brand Mega Sardines in more territories in the US as part of their global expansion efforts, and certainly, these are exciting times!

They've been concentrating in the US market and now they're rolling out their products into 2,750 stores of Kroger and their affiliates. This also includes Mariano's, Fry's, Dillon's, Pick and Save, to hopefully have everything in place by mid September.

That means a Filipino brand is competing, growing in the world stage and that is BIG news. Kroger has #2 market share and is a 180 Billion Dollar listed company. The products they have usually are in Asian stores are n various countries but this time, they're going to be in grocery stores US wide, and worldwide. 

Marvin Tiu Lim, MEGA Prime Foods Chief Growth and Development Officer says "As we look further ahead, our dream is to become the world's number one brand of sardines!".

CEO of MEGA Prime Foods Michelle Chan says "Today is an important milestone for us. The US is the biggest consumer markets in the world. There is a demand for healthier, more affordable brands. We believe the humble sardines has a better opportunity in America. Kroger has millions of customers around the US and we came there with a dream. We met with them and learned how to place our product in their shelves. That was in Cincinnati, and Alex Eala was playing in the tournament in the same state at the same time. Filipinos can compete in one of the US biggest retailers. We can only say "Thank you Lord!". Mega Sardines is a Filipino brand , and this is just the beginning."

International Market Partner of Turnaround Artists James Michael Lafferty says "The Philippines then was great, and I told my students to not put your head down with those that have a Harvard MBA. I tell EJ to think beyond the SEA Games, like him, this is a world class company. I flew to Cincinnati and introduced them Mega Sardines. A French lead said it was great, the best he's tasted. This is a great moment, I'm glad to be able to be part of it."

Founders William and Marylou Tiu Lim adds "It's very hard to penetrate the US, usually in the ethnic aisle, but now we can have our fresh catch sardines in the shelves from here on. We are the only ones who have their own ships, and the nutrition you can get is great. With your help, this will happen. When we started, we didn't know how we will introduce the Philippine brand to the US market. Now we have a low cost, sufficient raw materials, and is going to be available in the global market. We have the supply, thanks to Jim for telling us how we can be globally known. Having good sardines and being certified by the WMA, we are the fishing company that can catch, can and distribute quality products. We are exceptional, not just ordinary food, but health benefits are good. The direction is expanding worldwide, and we are proud to represent the Philippines."

Fresh fish, lovely sauce, that's what Filipino people want on their table. Now that there's a bigger opportunity in the US, this in turn will be a good thing and will supplement the price for production in the local market. They also have assured that there will be ample supply as they follow a fishing band made by the government agency. The only way is up, so congratulations to MEGA Prime Foods and Mega Sardines! You definitely are going to get that number one spot soon!