Business Concept Magazine November 2023

Growing up, I’ve always been fascinated with vibrant colors, palatial homes, and over-the-top fashions. When I got into the creative sphere of marketing communications, it was like a match made in lifestyle heaven. I felt right at home among the brilliantly talented, sometimes wild, and wacky creatures that inhabit the fast lanes of the advertising world. It was a dream come true to be speaking with, working alongside, and seeing the colorful personalities and hot celebrities that most people only get to read and see through the television screens and the pages of major dailies and glossy magazines. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I found out that I was going to interview and write about one of Manila’s so-called beautiful people. I immediately Googled, and lo and behold he was…

She warmly greets the first few by the door who lock eyes with her. Not long after, people from across the room come dashing while shrieking her name. What follows is an unending series of beso-besos, affectionate hugs, and countless photo ops as she jostles through the crowd–99% of whom she personally knows. And for the other one percent she’s not acquainted with, they’ll be best friends by the end of the night. Her working the room is a captivating sight. She slithers effortlessly from circle to circle; and has that uncanny ability to endear and disarm without even trying. She’s simply magnetic… extrovert extraordinaire. She smiles, “I genuinely enjoy being around people. Even when I was very young, people always fascinated me. I love hearing their stories and discovering…

It was a lazy day at the office when I received a personal message, PM to most people, asking if I knew Cid Reyes. I said the name rings a bell and I immediately rummaged through my desk, looking for a pen, and scribbled the name in my trusty notebook. I also wrote “research” next to his name to remind me to surf the net and find out details about him later. I was having lunch and leisurely browsing the internet when the screen popped and right there staring back at me were the words “painter and art critic.” Scrolling down further, it said Liberal Arts graduate at De La Salle University, studied painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome and pursued art history at the City Lit…

I grew up surrounded by people, both men and women, who are strong-willed, unabashedly frank, and who are not afraid to speak their minds. In college at UPLB, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the campus was teeming with young girls who were just as strong-willed, opinionated, and determined to make their mark in society as the women I grew up with. Throughout my professional career, most of my superiors were lady bosses who were as equally talented and career driven as the next male business hot shot. My matriarchal grandmother and my very own mother, both retired teachers, were such a strong influence growing up, that I’ve always had this idea that while there were indeed differences between the sexes, it did not, in any way, hinder one’s…

“If you ever come to San Francisco and you get stopped by a cop, ah, just tell ‘em ah, “Al’s Attire.” That line somewhat says it all. Delivering it with the friendliest chuckle, Al Ribaya shares his hilarious anecdote. One would think that an hour and a half of conversation would begin to drag over a Zoom call. No, not with Al who is across the miles in his atelier in San Francisco, wearing what looks like a Gatsby cap in an earth tone, a bright vertical-striped tailored shirt, and a shoemaker’s apron. It’s early evening on his side of the Pacific and yet he’s brimming with enthusiasm after a long day. Talking to him is like reading chapter after humorous chapter of a good ol’ light classic. The lineup…

Naomi’s Botanical Garden sprouted from the soil of pure passion and dedication by Naomi Neri Ceniza. Devoid of feasibility studies and a formal budget, Naomi shared a boundless imagination, diligence, and commitment to establish a garden that evolved into a cherished gem in Ozamiz City, Philippines drawing visitors from far and wide. After graduating from the University of the Philippines Conservatory of Music with a specialization in piano and choral conducting, Naomi became a music teacher. “My passion for gardening began to blossom after spending my afternoons at our family farm, often accompanied by her dear friend, Wiling,” she shares. Simultaneously, Naomi’s interest in baking was ignited, leading her to enroll in courses at the Philippine Women’s University, Baker’s Institute. This newfound passion prompted her to make a life-changing decision.…